Vehicle and method for changing environment in vehicle interior

Abstract

To set a vehicle interior environment matching a purpose of a user in a vehicle interior.SOLUTION: A vehicle 1 includes a seat 2 having a seat cushion 21 and a seat back 22 rotatably supported by the seat cushion 21, and capable of setting a plurality of modes by rotating one or both of the seat cushion 21 and the seat back 22, and a controller 3 for changing a cabin environment on the basis of the set mode. The modes include a drive mode based on the driving posture of the occupant, a rest mode in which the seat back 22 is tilted rearward, and a nap mode in which the seat back 22 is further tilted rearward, and when the rest mode or the nap mode is set, the controller 3 lowers the transmittance of the window 14 in the vehicle cabin 10 to make the vehicle cabin 10 less visible from the outside of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle capable of changing the interior environment and a method for changing the environment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles such as automobiles are not only used simply as a means of transportation to reach a destination, but may also be widely used as a place for eating, resting, or working. In particular, in recently developed self-driving vehicles, the interior of the vehicle during movement can also become a private space for passengers. Therefore, various devices have been disclosed to protect the privacy of passengers in the vehicle interior (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The device described in Patent Document 1 ensures the privacy of passengers in the vehicle interior by covering the window with a shade. In addition, recently, vehicle seats have also been disclosed that are configured to be changeable in various modes (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the device described in Patent Document 1 is simply configured to darken the vehicle interior by covering the window with a shade, it is not always set to a vehicle interior environment that meets the purpose.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes a seat cushion and a seat back rotatably supported by the seat cushion, and a seat that can be set to a plurality of modes by rotating at least the seat back, and an environment changing unit that changes the vehicle interior environment based on the set mode. The modes include a drive mode based on the driving posture of the occupant and a relaxation mode in which the seat back is tilted backward. When the relaxation mode is detected, the environment changing unit changes the transmittance of the window in the vehicle interior to make the vehicle interior difficult to see from the outside.

[0006] A vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention includes a seat cushion and a seat back rotatably supported by the seat cushion, and a seat that can be set to a plurality of modes by rotating at least the seat back, and an environment changing unit that changes the vehicle interior environment based on the set mode. The modes include a drive mode based on the driving posture of the occupant and a work mode in which the seat back is erected. When the work mode is detected, the environment changing unit changes the transmittance of the window in the vehicle interior to make the vehicle interior difficult to see from the outside.

[0007] An environment changing method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method for changing the vehicle interior environment of a vehicle including a seat cushion and a seat back rotatably supported by the seat cushion, and a seat that can be set to a plurality of modes by rotating at least the seat back, based on the set mode. The modes include a first mode based on the driving posture of the occupant and a second mode in which the seat back is rotated backward or forward. The environment changing method includes a mode changing step of setting the second mode and a dimming step of changing the transmittance of the window in the vehicle interior to make the vehicle interior difficult to see from the outside.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to set the vehicle interior environment that matches the purpose of the user in the vehicle interior.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 3D

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle equipped with a seat whose mode can be deformed, for example, a drive mode based on the driving posture of the occupant, a relaxation mode in which the seat back is tilted backward, and a work mode in which the seat back is erected. It is applicable to vehicles equipped with seats that can be changed to a plurality of modes such as the above. Hereinafter, a vehicle having a seat that can be deformed into a drive mode, a relaxation mode, and a work mode will be used for explanation.

[0011] In addition, the vehicle having the above configuration is a vehicle having an automatic driving function, that is, it is preferably used for an autonomous vehicle. In the case of an autonomous vehicle, the interior of the vehicle can be used as a private space for the occupant not only while parking but also during automatic driving, which is important from the viewpoint of privacy protection. The vehicle may be any of an engine vehicle having an internal combustion engine (engine) as a driving source, an electric vehicle having a driving motor as a driving source, and a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a driving motor as driving sources. However, in the case of an autonomous vehicle, it is preferably an electric vehicle.

[0012] Figure 1 is a side view showing the main configuration of the passenger compartment 10 of the vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, for convenience, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined as shown in the figure, and the configuration of each part will be described according to this definition.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 includes a front seat 11 and a rear seat 12 disposed behind the front seat 11. The front seat 11 shown in Figure 1 constitutes the driver's seat facing the steering wheel 13 for steering the vehicle 1, and a passenger seat (not shown) is provided adjacent thereto. Further, in the passenger compartment 10 of the vehicle 1, a plurality of windows 14, a plurality of lighting devices 15 for illuminating the passenger compartment 10, an imaging device 16 for imaging the passenger compartment 10 and the outside of the vehicle, a ventilation device 17 for ventilating the passenger compartment 10, a speaker 18 for outputting sound, and a controller (environment changing unit) 3 for controlling these are provided. In the present embodiment, the front seat 11 is configured to be changeable to a plurality of modes (drive mode, relax mode, and work mode), and hereinafter, the front seat 11 will be described as the seat 2.

[0014] Figure 2 is a side view showing the main configuration of the seat 2 mounted on the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the seat 2 includes a seat cushion 21 for supporting the buttocks of the occupant, a seat back 22 for supporting the upper body (waist and back) of the occupant, and a headrest 23 for supporting the head of the occupant.

[0015] The seat cushion 21 is formed by attaching a cushion pad 21b made of a cushion material such as urethane foam to a seat cushion frame 21a forming the skeleton of the seat cushion 21 and covering this with a skin material 21c made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like. The seat cushion 21 is supported by a slide device 19 provided on the floor of the passenger compartment 10 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0016] The seat back 22 is formed by attaching a cushion pad 22b to a seat back frame 22a that forms the skeleton of the seat back 22 and covering this with a skin material 22c, and is rotatably supported at the rear end portion of the seat cushion 21.

[0017] The headrest 23 is formed by attaching a cushion pad 23b to a headrest frame 23a that forms the skeleton of the headrest 23 and covering this with a skin material 23c, and is rotatably supported by the seat back 22 at the upper end portion of the seat back 22.

[0018] The seat 2 also includes a first rotation device 24 that is interposed between the slide device 19 and the seat cushion 21 and rotatably configures the seat cushion 21, a second rotation device 25 that is interposed between the seat cushion 21 and the seat back 22 and rotatably configures the seat back 22, and a third rotation device 26 that is interposed between the seat back 22 and the headrest 23 and rotatably configures the headrest 23.

[0019] The first rotation device 24 is configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction in front of the seat cushion 21 about the rear end portion of the seat cushion 21. Specifically, the first rotation device 24 includes a first rotation support portion 24a that rotatably supports the seat cushion 21, a first actuator 24b that rotates the seat cushion 21, and a first sensor 24c that detects the rotation angle of the seat cushion 21. The first rotation support portion 24a includes a first rotation shaft 24a1 that extends in the left - right direction and is connected to the seat cushion frame 21a, and a cushion bracket 24a2 that is attached to the slide device 19 and rotatably supports the first rotation shaft 24a1. The first actuator 24b is attached to the seat cushion frame 21a and is connected to the first rotation shaft 24a1 via a gear train to rotate the first rotation shaft 24a1. The first sensor 24c detects the angle of the support surface of the seat cushion 21 with respect to the horizontal line (hereinafter referred to as the first rotation angle θ1) (see FIGS. 3A to 3D described later).

[0020] The second rotation device 25 is configured to rotatably move the seat back 22 in the front-rear direction about the lower end of the seat back 22. Specifically, the second rotation device 25 includes a second rotation support portion 25a that rotatably supports the seat back 22, a second actuator 25b that rotates the seat back 22, and a second sensor 25c that detects the rotation angle of the seat back 22. The second rotation support portion 25a includes a second rotation shaft 25a1 that extends in the left-right direction and is connected to the seat back frame 22a, and a back bracket 25a2 that is attached to the seat cushion frame 21a and rotatably supports the second rotation shaft 25a1. The second actuator 25b is attached to the back bracket 25a2 and is connected to the second rotation shaft 25a1 via a gear train, and rotates the second rotation shaft 25a1. The second sensor 25c detects the angle of the support surface of the seat back 22 with respect to the horizontal line (hereinafter referred to as the second rotation angle θ2) (see FIGS. 3A to 3D described later).

[0021] The third rotation device 26 is configured to rotatably move the headrest 23 in the front-rear direction about the lower end of the headrest 23. Specifically, the third rotation device 26 includes a third rotation support portion 26a that rotatably supports the headrest 23, a third actuator 26b that rotates the headrest 23, and a third sensor 26c that detects the rotation angle of the headrest 23. The third rotation support portion 26a includes a third rotation shaft 26a1 that extends in the left-right direction and is connected to the headrest frame 23a, and a head bracket 26a2 that is attached to the seat back frame 22a and rotatably supports the third rotation shaft 26a1. The third actuator 26b is attached to the head bracket 26a2 and is connected to the third rotation shaft 26a1 via a gear train, and rotates the third rotation shaft 26a1. The third sensor 26c detects the angle of the support surface of the headrest 23 with respect to the horizontal line (hereinafter referred to as the third rotation angle θ3) (see FIGS. 3A to 3D described later).

[0022] The seat 2 having the first to third rotating devices 24, 25, 26 is configured to be set to a drive mode (first mode), a relaxation mode (second mode), and a work mode (second mode) by driving the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b based on the first to third rotation angles θ1, θ2, θ3 detected by the first to third sensors 24c, 25c, 26c. In the present embodiment, the relaxation mode includes a rest mode and a doze mode. Hereinafter, each mode will be described. FIG. 3A is a side view of the seat 2 set to the drive mode, FIG. 3B is a side view of the seat 2 set to the rest mode, FIG. 3C is a side view of the seat 2 set to the doze mode, and FIG. 3D is a side view of the seat 2 set to the work mode.

[0023] The drive mode of the seat 2 is an aspect of the seat 2 corresponding to the driving posture of the occupant. As shown in FIG. 3A, in the drive mode, the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b are driven so that the first rotation angle θ1 detected by the first sensor 24c is about 0°, the second rotation angle θ2 detected by the second sensor 25c is about 100°, and the third rotation angle θ3 detected by the third sensor 26c is about 70°. By driving the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b in this way, the seat 2 is set in an aspect in which the support surface of the seat cushion 21 is substantially horizontal, the seat back 22 is slightly inclined rearward, and the upper part of the headrest 23 is slightly bent forward along the seating posture of the occupant, so that the seated occupant can hold the steering wheel 13 and face forward.

[0024] The rest mode of seat 2 is a mode in which the seatback 22 is tilted backward for the occupant to rest on seat 2. As shown in Fig. 3B, in the rest mode, the first rotation angle θ1 detected by the first sensor 24c is about 0°, the second rotation angle θ2 detected by the second sensor 25c is about 130°, and the third rotation angle θ3 detected by the third sensor 26c is about 80°. The first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b are driven so that. By driving the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b in this way, seat 2 is set in a mode in which the support surface of seat cushion 21 is substantially horizontal, and seatback 22 and headrest 23 are tilted backward, and the seated occupant can release their hands from the steering wheel 13 and assume a posture facing obliquely upward.

[0025] The doze mode of seat 2 is a mode in which the seatback 22 is tilted further backward than in the rest mode for the occupant to take a doze on seat 2. As shown in Fig. 3C, in the doze mode, the first rotation angle θ1 detected by the first sensor 24c is about 30°, the second rotation angle θ2 detected by the second sensor 25c is about 170°, and the third rotation angle θ3 detected by the third sensor 26c is about 170°. The first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b are driven so that. By driving the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b in this way, seat 2 is set in a mode in which the front of seat cushion 21 rises slightly, seatback 22 tilts backward greatly, and the support surface of headrest 23 becomes substantially parallel to the support surface of seatback 22, and the seated occupant can lie on seat 2 facing upward. At this time, seat 2 is slid backward by the slide device 19 so that the occupant's legs do not interfere with the steering wheel 13.

[0026] The work mode of seat 2 is a mode in which the seat back 22 is erected or tilted forward so that the occupant can perform work (such as work, meals, games, etc.) on seat 2. As shown in FIG. 3D, in the work mode, the first tilting angle θ1 detected by the first sensor 24c is about -20°, the second tilting angle θ2 detected by the second sensor 25c is about 90°, and the third tilting angle θ3 detected by the third sensor 26c is about 70°. The first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b are driven so that. By driving the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b in this way, seat 2 is set in a mode in which the front of the seat cushion 21 is slightly lowered and the seat back 22 is erected, and the seated occupant can work, have meals, or concentrate on games, etc. on seat 2.

[0027] The window 14 in the vehicle interior 10 includes a front window 14a located at the front, side windows 14b located on the sides of the front seats 11 and rear seats 12, and a rear window 14c located at the rear. The front window 14a, side windows 14b, and rear window 14c are all composed of dimming glass. The dimming glass is glass configured such that the light transmittance (or the amount of transmitted light) is variable according to the applied voltage. By using dimming glass for the front window 14a, side windows 14b, and rear window 14c, the light entering the vehicle interior 10 from the outside of the vehicle 1 through these can be suppressed, making it difficult to see into the vehicle interior 10. For example, the smaller the light transmittance of the dimming glass, the more the light entering the vehicle interior 10 through the front window 14a, side windows 14b, and rear window 14c is restricted (the higher the light-shielding property), and the more difficult it is to see into the vehicle interior 10.

[0028] The lighting device 15 includes a first lighting device 15a disposed above the front windshield 14a, a second lighting device 15b disposed on the ceiling between the front seat 11 and the rear seat 12, and a third lighting device 15c disposed above the rear windshield 14c. The first lighting device 15a is configured to mainly irradiate the front part of the interior 10 of the vehicle, and is also configured to be able to irradiate pinpoint the position (working area) corresponding to the hands of the occupant sitting on the seat 2 in the work mode. The second lighting device 15b is configured to mainly irradiate the entire interior 10 of the vehicle, and the third lighting device 15c is configured to mainly irradiate the rear part of the interior 10 of the vehicle.

[0029] The imaging device 16 is attached to the upper part on the driver's seat side of the front windshield 14a, and includes a first imaging unit (first imaging device) 16a capable of imaging the interior 10 of the vehicle and a second imaging unit (second imaging device) 16b capable of imaging the outside of the vehicle. The first imaging unit 16a images the interior environment of the vehicle from the front, and the second imaging unit 16b images the outside environment around the vehicle 1 in the front, rear, left, and right directions. Note that the imaging device 16 may be configured to provide the first imaging unit 16a and the second imaging unit 16b separately, or may be configured to provide a plurality of second imaging units 16b.

[0030] The ventilation device 17 is provided on the instrument panel of the interior 10 of the vehicle, and when operated, is configured such that the interior 10 of the vehicle is set to outside air circulation and air is blown. Note that the ventilation device 17 may be configured to suck the air in the interior 10 of the vehicle using, for example, a fan and discharge it outside the vehicle. The speakers 18 are provided on each of the front doors and rear doors of the vehicle 1, and are used when outputting the effect sounds and music set in each mode. The speakers 18 can use the speakers of the audio device pre-equipped in the vehicle 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the controller 3 that changes the interior environment of the vehicle based on each mode of the seat 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 3 includes a computer having an arithmetic unit 31 such as a CPU, a storage unit 32 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk, and other peripheral circuits (not shown).

[0032] As a functional configuration, the calculation unit 31 includes an information reception unit 311, a determination unit 312, and an information output unit 313.

[0033] The information reception unit 311 receives various types of information and various commands. For example, the information reception unit 311 receives various information such as the first rotation angle θ1 detected by the first sensor 24c, the second rotation angle θ2 detected by the second sensor 25c, the third rotation angle θ3 detected by the third sensor 26c, an image of the interior 10 of the vehicle captured by the first imaging unit 16a, and an image of the outside of the vehicle captured by the second imaging unit 16b.

[0034] In addition, the information reception unit 311 receives various commands such as a drive mode signal output when an occupant presses a drive mode switch SW1 for setting the state of the seat 2 to the drive mode, a rest mode signal output when the occupant presses a rest mode switch SW2 for setting the rest mode, a doze mode signal output when the occupant presses a doze mode switch SW3 for setting the doze mode, and a work mode signal output when the occupant presses a work mode switch SW4 for setting the work mode.

[0035] The determination unit 312 determines whether the user is eating or working based on the image of the interior of the vehicle 10 received by the information receiving unit 311. For example, if the image of the interior of the vehicle 10 includes the user's meal, it is determined that the user is eating, and if it includes work tools or the like, it is determined that the user is working. Further, the determination unit 312 determines the presence or absence of a light source of the light incident from outside the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle 10 in the image of the outside of the vehicle received by the information receiving unit 311. When the light source exists, the window 14 located between the light source and the occupant is determined. For example, when the sun is in front of the parked vehicle 1, the determination unit 312 determines that the front windshield 14a is the corresponding window 14. At this time, when the sun moves to the side over time, the determination unit 312 determines that the side window 14b is the corresponding window 14. Also, for example, when another vehicle with its headlights on approaches from the side toward the parked vehicle 1, the determination unit 312 determines that the side window 14b is the corresponding window 14.

[0036] The information output unit 313 outputs a control signal to various devices based on various information and various commands received by the information receiving unit 311, the meal and work determined by the determination unit 312, and various information such as the corresponding window 14.

[0037] For example, when the information receiving unit 311 receives a drive signal, the information output unit 313 outputs a control signal to the first to third rotating devices 24, 25, 26 so that the seat 2 is in the drive mode aspect, and drives the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b based on the first to third rotation angles θ1, θ2, θ3. That is, when the occupant presses the drive mode switch SW1, the aspect of the seat 2 is changed to the drive mode. At this time, the information output unit 313 also outputs a control signal to various devices and the like so that the interior of the vehicle 10 is in the aspect of the drive mode stored in the storage unit 32.

[0038] For example, when the information receiving unit 311 receives a rest signal, the information output unit 313 outputs a control signal to the first to third rotating devices 24, 25, 26 so that the seat 2 assumes a rest mode state, and drives the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b based on the first to third rotation angles θ1, θ2, θ3 (mode setting step). That is, when the occupant presses the rest mode switch SW2, the state of the seat 2 is changed to the rest mode. At this time, the information output unit 313 also outputs a control signal to various devices and the like so that the interior of the vehicle 10 assumes the state of the rest mode stored in the storage unit 32, and when there is information on the corresponding window 14 determined by the determination unit 312, a control signal is output to the corresponding window 14 to reduce the transmittance of the corresponding window 14 and reduce glare (dimming step).

[0039] For example, when the information receiving unit 311 receives a doze signal, the information output unit 313 outputs a control signal to the first to third rotating devices 24, 25, 26 so that the seat 2 assumes a doze mode state, drives the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b based on the first to third rotation angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and outputs a control signal to the slide device 19 to drive the slide device 19 (mode setting step). That is, when the occupant presses the doze mode switch SW3, the seat 2 slides backward and the state of the seat 2 is changed to the doze mode. At this time, the information output unit 313 also outputs a control signal to various devices and the like so that the interior of the vehicle 10 assumes the state of the doze mode stored in the storage unit 32, and when there is information on the corresponding window 14 determined by the determination unit 312, a control signal is output to the corresponding window 14 to reduce the transmittance of the corresponding window 14 and reduce glare (dimming step).

[0040] For example, when the information receiving unit 311 receives a work signal, the information output unit 313 outputs a control signal to the first to third rotating devices 24, 25, 26 so that the seat 2 assumes a work mode state, and drives the first to third actuators 24b, 25b, 26b based on the first to third rotation angles θ1, θ2, θ3 (mode setting step). That is, when the occupant presses the work mode switch SW4, the state of the seat 2 is changed to the work mode. At this time, the information output unit 313 also outputs a control signal to various devices and the like so that the interior of the vehicle 10 assumes the state of the work mode stored in the storage unit 32. When there is information on the corresponding window 14 determined by the determination unit 312, a control signal is output to the corresponding window 14 to reduce the transmittance of the corresponding window 14 and reduce glare (dimming step).

[0041] The storage unit 32 stores various programs executed by the arithmetic unit 31, various data, and the like. The storage unit 32 includes a mode storage unit 321 that stores the state of the seat 2 in various modes, an environment storage unit 322 that stores the environment of the interior of the vehicle 10 in various modes, and an effect sound database 323 that stores effect sounds output as needed in various modes.

[0042] The mode storage unit 321 stores the state of the seat 2 set in the drive mode shown in FIG. 3A, the state of the seat 2 set in the rest mode shown in FIG. 3B, the state of the seat 2 set in the doze mode shown in FIG. 3C, the state of the seat 2 set in the work mode shown in FIG. 3D, and the like.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state of the interior environment of the vehicle in each mode stored in the environment storage unit 322. As shown in FIG. 5, in the drive mode, dimming, lighting, ventilation, and effect sound are each turned off so that the vehicle 1 can be normally driven. Thus, in the drive mode, the transmittance of the window 14 is not adjusted, and unnecessary lighting, ventilation, effect sound, etc. are set not to function.

[0044] In the rest mode, the light transmittance of the window 14 is reduced (dimming is turned on) so that the occupant can rest in the vehicle interior 10. At this time, it is preferable to adjust the transmittance so that the vehicle interior 10 does not become too dark and is difficult to see from the outside. For example, in the rest mode, the dimming is set to "weak". Also, for example, when an occupant is seated in the front seat 11, the dimming of the front windshield 14a and the side window 14b is set to weak, and when occupants are seated in the front seat 11 and the rear seat 12, the dimming of all the windows 14 (front windshield 14a, side window 14b, and rear windshield 14c) may be set to weak. The presence or absence of occupants seated in the front seat 11 and the rear seat 12 can be determined by the determination unit 312 using the image of the vehicle interior environment captured by the first imaging unit 16a.

[0045] In the doze mode, the light transmittance of the window 14 is reduced (dimming is turned on) so that the occupant can doze in the vehicle interior 10. In the doze mode, the dimming is set to "strong" so that the light transmittance is even smaller than in the rest mode, and the transmittance of all the windows 14 is reduced. Also, in the doze mode, the ambient sound is turned on, and for example, healing music or the like stored in the ambient sound database 323 of the storage unit 32 is output from the speaker 18 so that both the mind and body can relax.

[0046] In the work mode, when a passenger sitting on the seat 2 works in the vehicle interior 10, the light transmittance of the window 14 is reduced (dimming is turned on) so as to be difficult to see from outside the vehicle. Also in the work mode, similar to the rest mode, it is preferable to set the dimming weakly so that the vehicle interior 10 does not become too dark and is difficult to see from outside the vehicle. Further, in the work mode, when the determination unit 312 determines that the user is working or eating, the first lighting device 15a is turned on, and the position corresponding to the hands of the passenger sitting on the seat 2 (the working area) is irradiated with the first lighting device 15a. The irradiation by the first lighting device 15a may be configured to irradiate not only the working area but also the area including the passenger. Also in the work mode, after reducing the light transmittance of the window 14, the first lighting device 15a may be turned on, or the first lighting device 15a may be turned on simultaneously with reducing the light transmittance of the window 14.

[0047] Furthermore, in the work mode, when the determination unit 312 determines that the user is working, a sound effect is turned on, and for example, work-related BGM or the like stored in the sound effect database 323 of the storage unit 32 is played so that the user can concentrate on work. Additionally, when the determination unit 312 determines that the user is eating, the ventilation device 17 is turned on to ventilate odors generated by eating without opening the window 14.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the following operational effects can be achieved. (1) The vehicle 1 according to this embodiment includes a seat cushion 21 and a seat back 22 rotatably supported by the seat cushion 21, and a seat 2 capable of rotating one or both of the seat cushion 21 and the seat back 22 to set a plurality of modes, and a controller 3 for changing the vehicle interior environment based on the set mode. The modes include a drive mode based on the driving posture of the occupant, a rest mode (relaxation mode) in which the seat back 22 is tilted backward, and a doze mode (relaxation mode) in which the seat back 22 is tilted further backward. When the rest mode or the doze mode is set, the controller 3 lowers the transmittance of the window 14 in the vehicle interior 10 to make the vehicle interior 10 difficult to see from the outside.

[0049] With this configuration, the environment in the vehicle interior 10 can be changed based on the modes of the seat 2 that differ for each purpose. That is, it is possible to set the vehicle interior environment according to the user's purpose. For example, when taking a short rest or a doze in the vehicle interior 10, it is preferable that it cannot be seen from the outside as much as possible. In such a case, by simply setting the seat 2 to the rest mode or the doze mode, it is possible to take a rest or a doze in the vehicle interior 10 without being seen from the outside.

[0050] (2) Further, the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment includes a seat cushion 21 and a seat back 22 rotatably supported by the seat cushion 21, and a seat 2 capable of rotating one or both of the seat cushion 21 and the seat back 22 to set a plurality of modes, and a controller 3 for changing the vehicle interior environment based on the set mode. The modes include a drive mode based on the driving posture of the occupant and a work mode in which the seat back 22 is erected. When the work mode is set, the controller 3 lowers the transmittance of the window 14 in the vehicle interior 10 to make the vehicle interior 10 difficult to see from the outside.

[0051] With this configuration, the environment inside the vehicle cabin 10 can be changed based on the modes of the seat 2 that differ for each purpose. That is, it can be set to the in-vehicle environment that matches the user's purpose. For example, when working or eating inside the vehicle cabin 10, it is preferable that it cannot be seen from outside the vehicle as much as possible. In such a case, by simply setting the seat 2 to the work mode, the posture of working or eating inside the vehicle cabin 10 can be made invisible from outside the vehicle.

[0052] (3)(2) In the vehicle 1 described above, it further includes a first imaging unit 16a that images the interior of the vehicle cabin 10 and a first lighting device 15a that can irradiate the interior of the vehicle cabin 10. When the work mode is set and the determination unit 312 determines from the image captured by the first imaging unit 16a that the occupant is eating or working, the controller 3 changes the transmittance of the window 14 to make the interior of the vehicle cabin 10 difficult to see from outside the vehicle, and irradiates the working area where eating, working, etc. are performed with the first lighting device 15a.

[0053] With this configuration, when the seat 2 is set to the work mode, the working area where eating, working, etc. are performed is irradiated with the first lighting device 15a. Therefore, even when the transmittance of the window 14 is reduced to make it difficult to be seen from outside the vehicle, it is possible to prevent it from being difficult to eat or work. In this way, by setting the mode of the seat 2, the in-vehicle environment that matches the user's purpose can be achieved.

[0054] (4)(3) In the vehicle 1 described above, after the controller 3 changes the transmittance of the window 14 to make the interior of the vehicle cabin 10 difficult to see from outside the vehicle, it irradiates the working area with the first lighting device 15a. With this configuration, for example, even when the occupant also has difficulty seeing the interior of the vehicle cabin 10 by changing the transmittance of the window 14, the first lighting device 15a is automatically lit thereafter, so that the occupant can immediately shift to work or eating. At this time, it is preferable that the controller 3 irradiates the working area including the occupant with the first lighting device 15a.

[0055] In the vehicle 1 described in (5)(3), a ventilation device 17 for ventilating the vehicle interior 10 is further provided. When it is detected that an occupant is having a meal at the work location and the determination unit 312 determines that the occupant is having a meal, the controller 3 further causes the ventilation device 17 to ventilate the vehicle interior 10. With this configuration, even when the seat 2 is set to the work mode and a meal is taken in the vehicle interior 10, it is possible to prevent the smell of the meal from lingering in the vehicle interior 10 and the like. Thus, by setting the mode of the seat 2, it is possible to create a vehicle interior environment that matches the user's purpose.

[0056] In the vehicle 1 described in (6)(1) or (2), a second imaging unit 16b for imaging the outside of the vehicle is further provided. When the work mode, rest mode, or doze mode is set and the controller 3 detects a light source existing outside the vehicle from an image captured by the second imaging unit 16b, at least the transmittance of the window 14 through which external light from the light source is incident is changed. For example, the transmittance of the window 14 through which external light from the light source is incident is decreased.

[0057] With this configuration, for example, even when the position of the sun changes during rest or doze, since the transmittance of the window 14 is changed based on the position of the sun, it is possible to rest or doze with peace of mind. Also, for example, even when another vehicle with its headlights on approaches the parked vehicle 1 during work in the vehicle interior 10, since the transmittance of the window 14 is changed based on the position of the headlights, glare is reduced and it is possible to concentrate on work. (7) The environmental change method according to this embodiment has a seat cushion 21 and a seat back 22 rotatably supported by the seat cushion 21, and is a method for changing the vehicle interior environment based on the set mode in a vehicle 1 equipped with a seat 2 capable of rotating one or both of the seat cushion 21 and the seat back 22 to set a plurality of modes. The modes include a drive mode (first mode) based on the driving posture of the occupant, a rest mode (second mode) in which the seat back 22 is tilted backward, a doze mode (second mode) in which the seat back 22 is tilted further backward, and a work mode (second mode) in which the seat back 22 is erected. The environmental change method includes a mode setting step in which the rest mode, the doze mode, or the work mode is set, and a dimming step in which the transmittance of the window 14 in the vehicle interior 10 is lowered to make it difficult to see the vehicle interior 10 from the outside, and these are executed by the controller 3.

[0058] By this method, the environment in the vehicle interior 10 can be changed based on the modes of the seat 2 that differ for each purpose. That is, it is possible to set the vehicle interior environment to match the user's purpose. For example, when working or eating in the vehicle interior 10, it is preferably not visible from the outside as much as possible. In such a case, by simply setting the seat 2 to the work mode, the posture of working or eating in the vehicle interior 10 can be made invisible from the outside. Similarly, when taking a short rest or dozing in the vehicle interior 10, by simply setting the seat 2 to the rest mode or the doze mode, it is possible to rest or doze in the vehicle interior 10 without being seen from the outside.

[0059] The above-described embodiment can be modified into various forms. Hereinafter, modification examples will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 1 equipped with the seat 2 including the seat cushion 21, the seat back 22, and the headrest 23 has been described. However, a configuration including an ottoman that supports the occupant's legs may be provided at the feet of the occupant sitting on the seat 2. The ottoman may be configured to be rotatably provided at the tip of the seat cushion 21 of the seat 2, for example, or may be configured to be able to emerge from the floor at the feet of the occupant. The ottoman is preferably controlled by the controller 3 so that it appears at the feet of the occupant when the seat 2 is set to the relaxation mode (the doze mode or the rest mode) and is stored when set to the drive mode or the work mode. By causing the ottoman to appear at the feet of the occupant in the relaxation mode, the occupant can be made even more relaxed. The ottoman is particularly preferably used in an autonomous driving vehicle that makes the interior 10 of the vehicle a private space for the occupant even during driving.

[0060] In addition to the normal mode change switches (the drive mode switch SW1, the rest mode switch SW2, the doze mode switch SW3, and the work mode switch SW4), the vehicle 1 preferably includes a second mode change switch (operation unit) that can change the mode of the seat 2 only when the relaxation mode is set. The second mode change switch is preferably arranged on the side of the seat back 22 of the seat 2 set to the relaxation mode (particularly the doze mode), for example, on the door lining or the center console located on the side of the reclined seat back 22, and is preferably arranged on the ceiling part (roof) located above the seat back 22 of the seat 2 set to the relaxation mode.

[0061] By arranging the second mode change switch on the door lining or center console located on the side of the seatback 22, the mode can be changed without the occupant having to sit up. By arranging the second mode change switch on the ceiling located above the seatback 22, the mode can be changed with minimal movement. In particular, when the normal mode change switch is provided in front of the vehicle interior 10 such as on the instrument panel, the occupant has to sit up before operating the mode change switch, so this configuration is effective in such cases. Also, by making the second mode change switch effective only when the relaxation mode is set and making it a switch specialized for the relaxation mode, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to the occupant touching it in modes other than the relaxation mode.

[0062] Also, the second mode change switch may be a switch other than the doze mode switch SW3, for example, the drive mode switch SW1, the rest mode switch SW2, and the work mode switch SW4. However, when the drive mode is initially set for the seat 2, it may also be used as a mode cancel switch. By configuring it in this way, even in the doze mode, the seat 2 can be changed to the drive mode simply by pressing the mode cancel switch, making it easier to perform the next operation.

[0063] In the above embodiment, when the doze mode of the seat 2 is set, the dimming of the window 14 is increased and the healing music is output from the speaker 18. In addition to these, for example, it may be configured to emit a scent such as aromatherapy oil that induces drowsiness, or the brightness of the vehicle interior 10 may be adjustable to an optimum brightness for dozing.

[0064] Similarly, when the work mode of the seat 2 is set and it is determined that the occupant is working, it may be configured to emit a fragrance such as aromatherapy oil that enhances concentration. When it is determined that the occupant is eating, it may be configured to play positive music. Also, it may be configured such that a work tool or a table for placing food appears. For example, an armrest may be provided on the side of the seat, and a table may be made to appear from the armrest.

[0065] The above description is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications as long as the features of the present invention are not impaired. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine one or more of the above embodiments and modifications, and it is also possible to combine the modifications with each other.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0066] 1 Vehicle, 2 Seat, 3 Controller (Environment Changing Unit), 10 Interior of Vehicle, 14 Window, 15 Lighting Device, 16a First Imaging Unit (Imaging Device), 16b Second Imaging Unit (Imaging Device), 17 Ventilation Device, 18 Speaker, 22 Seat Cushion, 22 Seat Back, 23 Headrest

Claims

1. A seat having a seat cushion and a seat back rotatably supported by the seat cushion, the seat being settable to a plurality of modes by rotating at least the seat back; an environment changing unit that changes an environment inside the vehicle cabin based on the set mode, The modes include a drive mode based on the driving posture of the occupant and a relax mode in which the seat back is tilted backward, The vehicle, wherein the environment changing unit changes a transmittance of a window in the vehicle interior to make it difficult to see inside the vehicle interior from outside the vehicle when the relaxation mode is set.

2. A seat having a seat cushion and a seat back rotatably supported by the seat cushion, the seat being settable to a plurality of modes by rotating at least the seat back; an environment changing unit that changes an environment inside the vehicle cabin based on the set mode, The modes include a drive mode based on the driving posture of the occupant and a work mode in which the seat back is raised, The vehicle is characterized in that, when the work mode is set, the environment changing unit changes the transmittance of windows in the vehicle interior to make it difficult to see inside the vehicle interior from outside the vehicle.

3. 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, The vehicle interior vehicle vehicle further includes a first imaging device that images the interior of the vehicle interior, and a lighting device that can illuminate the interior of the vehicle interior, The vehicle is characterized in that, when the work mode is set and a work area is detected from an image captured by the first imaging device, the environment change unit changes the transmittance of the windows to make it difficult to see inside the vehicle cabin from outside the vehicle, and causes the lighting device to illuminate at least the work area.

4. 4. The vehicle according to claim 3, The vehicle is characterized in that the environment changing unit changes the transmittance of windows to make it difficult to see inside the vehicle cabin from outside the vehicle, and then causes the lighting device to illuminate at least the work area.

5. 4. The vehicle according to claim 3, Further comprising a ventilation device for ventilating the interior of the vehicle, The vehicle, wherein the environment changing unit, when detecting a passenger eating as the work location, further causes the ventilation device to ventilate the passenger compartment.

6. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, Further, a second imaging device is provided for imaging the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle is characterized in that, when the relaxation mode is set and a light source outside the vehicle is detected from an image captured by the second imaging device, the environment change unit changes at least the transmittance of a window through which external light from the light source enters.

7. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, The seat further includes an ottoman for supporting the legs of an occupant seated on the seat, The vehicle, wherein the environment changing unit makes the ottoman appear when the seat is set to the relaxation mode.

8. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, an operating unit configured to change the mode of the seat only when the relaxation mode is set, The vehicle is characterized in that the operating unit is disposed to the side of the seat back that is tilted by being set in the relaxation mode.

9. 9. The vehicle according to claim 8, The vehicle is characterized in that the operating portion is disposed on a door lining located to the side of the reclined seat back.

10. 9. The vehicle according to claim 8, The vehicle is characterized in that the operating unit is disposed in a center console located to the side of the reclined seat back.

11. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, an operating unit configured to change the mode of the seat only when the relaxation mode is set, The vehicle is characterized in that the operating unit is disposed on a roof located above the reclined seat back.

12. 1. A method for changing an environment inside a vehicle, the method comprising: changing an interior environment of the vehicle based on a set mode in a vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a seat back rotatably supported by the seat cushion, the seat back being set to a plurality of modes by rotating at least the seat back; The modes include a first mode based on the driving posture of the occupant and a second mode in which the seat back is rotated backward or forward, a mode setting step of setting the second mode; and a dimming step of changing the transmittance of a window in the vehicle interior to make it difficult to see inside the vehicle interior from outside the vehicle.

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