Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle interior system which can notify an occupant of a wearing state of a seat belt in a more reliable manner.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior system 1 is mounted on a vehicle and includes: an interior member 2; a first seat S2 having a first seat belt 24; a vibration part 7 provided at the interior member 2; a seat belt detection part 60 configured to detect a wearing state of the first seat belt 24; and a control unit 50 configured to control the vibration part 7 and the seat belt detection part 60. The control unit 50 operates the vibration part 7 based on detection information obtained from the seat belt detection part 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior system, and more particularly to a vehicle interior system including a seat having a seat belt.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining whether a seat belt is correctly worn based on information acquired by an imaging unit. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for detecting whether a child seat fixing function of a seat belt is in use, thereby detecting the presence or absence of a child seat mounted, and clearly distinguishing between the case where an adult is seated and the case where a child seat is mounted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As shown in Patent Document 1, it is possible to determine whether a seat belt is correctly worn based on information acquired by an imaging unit, or as shown in Patent Document 2, to determine whether a child seat is mounted. However, regarding the notification of an abnormality in the wearing state of the seat belt, it has been performed by display using voice or a monitor. However, in cases where the outside noise of the vehicle is large or the occupant's line of sight is away from the monitor, there is a risk that the occupant may not notice the abnormality in the wearing state of the seat belt by the notification by display or voice, and it has been desired to more reliably notify the occupant of the wearing state of the seat belt.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an in-vehicle interior system capable of more reliably notifying a passenger of, for example, the wearing state of a seat belt.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the in-vehicle interior system of the present invention, the problem is solved by an in-vehicle interior system mounted on a vehicle, the in-vehicle interior system including an interior member, a first seat having a first seat belt, a vibration unit provided on the interior member, a seat belt detection unit that detects the wearing state of the first seat belt, and a control unit that controls the vibration unit and the seat belt detection unit. The control unit operates the vibration unit based on the detection information acquired from the seat belt detection unit. By operating the vibration unit provided on the interior member (for example, a vehicle seat) based on the detection information indicating the wearing state of the first seat belt, it is possible to notify the wearing state of the first seat belt through the sense of touch. Therefore, it is possible to provide an in-vehicle interior system capable of more reliably notifying a passenger of the wearing state of the seat belt.

[0007] In the above configuration, the seat belt detection unit can detect whether a child seat is attached to the first seat. The child seat is provided with a seat belt for the child seat. The seat belt detection unit detects the wearing state of the seat belt for the child seat as the detection information. When the control unit determines that the seat belt for the child seat is not properly worn on the child seat based on the detection information when the child seat is attached to the first seat, the control unit may operate the vibration unit. It is possible to detect whether a passenger sitting on the child seat, i.e., a child, has removed the seat belt for the child seat, and based on the detection information, to vibrate, so that false detection has the effect of suppressing malfunction. Further, even when the seat belt for the child seat has come off the child, not only sound and light but also vibration can be used to notify that it has come off, so that the wearing state can be notified more reliably.

[0008] In the above configuration, a plurality of the interior members are provided, the vibration units are provided on each of the plurality of the interior members, the control unit may select any one of the plurality of the vibration units, and vibrate the selected vibration unit based on the detection information. By the control unit selecting a vibration unit to vibrate based on the detection information from among a plurality of vibration units, it becomes easier to convey to the passenger that the vibration is based on the wearing state of the seat belt.

[0009] In the above configuration, the interior member is a second seat having a second seat belt, the vibration unit is provided on the second seat belt of the second seat, and the control unit may vibrate the second seat belt based on the detection information. By notifying by vibration of the seat belt, the passenger can intuitively understand that the notification by vibration is related to the seat belt.

[0010] In the above configuration, the second seat may be the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the first seat may be a seat other than the driver's seat. It is possible to more reliably convey the wearing state of the seat belt of a seat other than the driver's seat to the driver.

[0011] In the above configuration, the vibration unit may be provided at a fixing portion that fixes the second seat belt to the second seat. By providing the vibration unit at the fixing portion, vibration is easily transmitted, and the passenger can easily notice the notification.

[0012] In the above configuration, it is preferable that the vibration unit is provided in a seat belt retractor that winds up the second seat belt. Since the vibration unit is provided in the seat belt retractor, vibration is easily transmitted, and the occupant can easily notice the notification.

[0013] In the above configuration, the interior member is a second seat having a second seat belt, and the vibration unit includes a first vibration unit provided in a seat back or a seat cushion of the second seat, and a second vibration unit provided in a seat belt retractor that winds up the second seat belt. When the control unit determines that the first seat belt is not properly attached to the child seat based on the detection information, it is preferable to operate the second vibration unit. By transmitting vibration using the second vibration unit provided in the second seat belt, the occupant can intuitively understand that the notification is related to the seat belt.

[0014] In the above configuration, it further includes a collision prediction unit that predicts a collision of the vehicle, and when the collision prediction unit predicts a collision of the vehicle, it is preferable that the control unit operates the vibration unit. By operating the vibration unit when a collision is predicted, it is possible to more reliably notify the occupant that a collision has been predicted.

[0015] In the above configuration, it further includes a collision detection unit that detects whether the vehicle has collided, and when the collision detection unit detects a collision of the vehicle, it is preferable that the control unit prohibits the vibration unit from operating. By prohibiting the vibration unit from operating after a collision, it is possible to prevent the vibration unit from operating erroneously and improve safety.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, it is possible to provide an in-vehicle interior system that can more reliably notify an occupant of the wearing state of a seat belt. Also, according to the present invention, since it detects whether or not a passenger sitting on the child seat, i.e., a child, has removed the seat belt and vibrates based on the detection information, there is an effect of suppressing false detection and misdiagnosis. Further, for example, even when the seat belt comes off from the child during movement, not only sound and light but also vibration can be used to notify that it has come off, so that the wearing state can be notified more reliably. Also, according to the present invention, by the control unit selecting a vibrating unit to vibrate based on the detection information from a plurality of vibrating units, it becomes easier to convey to the passenger that the vibration is based on the wearing state of the seat belt. Also, according to the present invention, by notifying by vibrating the seat belt, the passenger can intuitively understand that the notification by vibration is related to the seat belt. Also, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to reliably convey the wearing state of the seat belt other than the driver's seat to the driver by vibration. Also, according to the present invention, by providing the vibrating unit on the fixing part, vibration can be transmitted to the second seat belt, and the state can be conveyed more reliably. Also, according to the present invention, by providing the vibrating unit on the seat belt retractor, the seat belt can be vibrated from above the seat belt, and the passenger is more likely to notice the vibration. Also, according to the present invention, by transmitting vibration using a second vibrating unit provided on the second seat belt, the passenger can intuitively understand that the first seat belt has come off. It is preferable that other information is transmitted by the vibrating unit provided on the seat back or the seat cushion. Also, according to the present invention, when a collision is predicted, by operating the vibrating unit, it is possible to more reliably notify the passenger that a collision has been predicted. Also, according to the present invention, by prohibiting the vibrating unit from operating after a collision, the vibrating unit will not operate erroneously, and the safety can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the configuration of the vehicle interior system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and it goes without saying that equivalents of the present invention are included therein. In the following description, the content regarding the material, shape, and size of the components such as seats constituting the vehicle interior system is merely one specific example and does not limit the present invention.

[0019] Hereinafter, as an example of a vehicle interior system, a vehicle interior system 1 mounted on a passenger car such as a minivan will be cited, and its configuration example will be described. In the following description, the vehicle interior system 1 is provided with a plurality of vehicle seats (front seat S1, rear seat S2, etc.). The "front-rear direction of the vehicle" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle on which it is mounted, and coincides with the traveling direction of the vehicle when it is running. In the vehicle seat, the "front-rear direction of the seat" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat, and coincides with the traveling direction of the vehicle when it is running. The "width direction of the vehicle" is the width direction of the vehicle, and coincides with the left-right direction as seen from the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. The "vertical direction" refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle and the vehicle seat, and coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is running on a horizontal plane.

[0020] In the following description, when described with "vehicle" such as "inside the vehicle" and "outside the vehicle", it indicates the direction with respect to the vehicle. When described with "seat" for various directions such as "width direction of the seat" and "height direction of the seat", it indicates the direction with respect to the vehicle seat mounted on the vehicle. In the case of a vehicle seat, the inside and outside may be defined based on the occupant. That is, the direction approaching the center in the width direction of the seat is the inner direction, and the direction moving away is the outer direction. For a configuration provided in a pair on the left and right, a common number is assigned. Regarding the shape, position, posture, etc. of each part of the vehicle seat, unless otherwise specified, the case where the vehicle seat is in the seated state will be assumed for the description.

[0021] <<First Embodiment>> The vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle V equipped with the vehicle interior system 1, which is a view of the vehicle V seen from the side. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle interior system 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the driver's seat S1R provided with the vibration device 7. In FIG. 3, for convenience of illustration, a part of the driver's seat S1R is shown with the skin T removed and the pad P exposed. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the notification process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process when a collision is predicted, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process when a collision is detected.

[0022] The vehicle V on which the vehicle interior system 1 is mounted is a four-wheel automobile, and as shown in FIG. 1, it includes an interior space R in which passengers H1 and H2 board. The interior space R is formed surrounded by wall portions such as a vehicle floor F, a ceiling C, doors D, and a back door BD. An engine room is provided in front of the interior space R, and the vehicle V is configured to be able to travel by a driving device arranged in the engine room.

[0023] The vehicle interior system 1 mounted on the vehicle V includes a front seat S1 (an example of an interior member) provided in the interior space R, a rear seat S2 (a first seat) having a rear seat seat belt 24, a vibration device 7 (vibration portion) provided on the front seat S1, a seat belt detection unit 60 that detects the wearing state of the rear seat seat belt 24 of the rear seat S2, and an ECU 50 (control unit) that controls the vibration device 7 and the seat belt detection unit 60. The ECU 50 of the vehicle interior system 1 operates the vibration device 7 provided on the front seat S1 based on the detection information acquired from the seat belt detection unit 60. By operating the vibration device 7 provided on the front seat S1 based on the detection information indicating the wearing state of the rear seat seat belt 24, it is possible to notify the passenger H1 sitting on the front seat S1 of the wearing state of the rear seat seat belt 24 through the sense of touch. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle interior system 1 that can more reliably notify the passenger H1 of the wearing state of the rear seat seat belt 24.

[0024] <ecu50> As described above, the in-vehicle interior system 1 is provided with an ECU 50. The ECU 50 incorporates a control circuit for controlling various devices and sensors provided in the vehicle V, such as the vibration device 7 and the seat belt detection unit 60. The ECU 50 is a computer and, as shown in FIG. 2, has a CPU 51 as a data calculation and control processing device and a ROM / RAM 52 as a storage device. An SSD or HDD may be provided as the storage device. The ECU 50 also includes a communication interface 53 for receiving information and signals from an in-vehicle camera 62, a seat belt sensor 61, etc., and transmitting signals for operation. Each component is connected to be communicable with each other via a bus. The ECU 50 corresponds to the control unit of the present invention. The ECU 50 is provided inside the instrument panel IP of the vehicle V. The location where the ECU 50 is arranged is not limited to this and may be provided inside the vehicle seat S.

[0025] <Vehicle seat S> In the interior space R, a vehicle seat S on which passengers H1 and H2 are seated is provided. The vehicle seat S is composed of a front seat S1 arranged on the front side of the interior space R and a rear seat S2 arranged behind the front seat S1.

[0026] <Front seat S1> The front seat S1 is a first-row seat and is composed of a driver's seat S1R and a passenger seat (not shown) arranged side by side left and right. The passenger H1, who is the driver, sits on the driver's seat S1R of the front seat S1, and the vehicle V can be driven by the passenger H1 operating the steering wheel 3, the foot pedal 5, etc. The front seat S1 corresponds to the interior member and the second seat of the present invention.

[0027] The front seat S1 includes a seat cushion 11 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant H1, a seat back 12 that supports the back of the occupant H1, and a headrest 13 that supports the head of the occupant H1. The seat cushion 11 of the front seat S1 is composed of a pad P for the seat cushion and a skin T that covers the outer surface of the pad P. Also, the seat back 12 is composed of a pad P for the seat back and a skin T that covers the outer surface of the pad P for the seat back. The pad P is a urethane base material formed by foam molding using a urethane foaming agent. Further, the skin material is composed of cloth, film, leather, etc.

[0028] The front seat S1 is provided with a front seat belt 14 for fixing the seated occupant H1. The front seat belt 14 is provided with a fixing portion 15 for fixing the front seat belt 14. The fixing portion 15 is composed of an anchor 15b and a buckle 15a to which the anchor 15b is fixed. The buckle 15a is attached to the seat cushion 11. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a seat belt retractor 16 for winding up the front seat belt 14 is provided on the shoulder of the seat back 12. Note that the front seat belt 14 corresponds to the second seat belt of the present invention. The fixing portion 15 is provided with a seat belt sensor 61 for detecting whether or not the front seat belt 14 is fixed. Also, a seating sensor 66 for detecting whether or not the occupant H1 is seated is provided on the seat cushion 11 of the front seat S1.

[0029] A plurality of vibration devices 7 are arranged on the front seat S1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, four cushion vibration devices 71 are arranged at left, right, front, and rear positions on the seating surface of the seat cushion 11. Also, four back vibration devices 72 are arranged at upper, lower, left, and right positions on the seating surface of the seat back 12. The cushion vibration devices 71 and the back vibration devices 72 are embedded in recesses formed in the pad P and are attached in a state covered by the skin T.

[0030] The vibration device 71 for the cushion and the vibration device 72 for the backrest are connected to the ECU 50 via a harness or the like and are controlled by the ECU 50. That is, the vibration device 71 for the cushion and the vibration device 72 for the backrest are configured to receive a control signal from the ECU 50 and vibrate based on the control signal. By providing the vibration device 71 for the cushion and the vibration device 72 for the backrest, it is possible to notify a warning or the like by transmitting vibration to the occupant H1 from below or behind. Note that the vibration device 71 for the cushion and the vibration device 72 for the backrest correspond to the first vibration part of the present invention.

[0031] Also, a vibration device 7 is disposed on the front seat belt 14 for the front seat S1. Specifically, a belt vibration device 73 is provided at the center of the front seat belt 14. The belt vibration device 73 is connected to the ECU 50 via a harness and is controlled by the ECU 50. That is, the belt vibration device 73 is configured to receive a control signal from the ECU 50 and vibrate based on the control signal. By providing the belt vibration device 73, it is possible to transmit vibration to the occupant H1 wearing the front seat belt 14 from the front and notify a warning or the like. Note that the belt vibration device 73 corresponds to the second vibration part of the present invention.

[0032] The position where the belt vibration device 73 attached to the front seat belt 14 is attached is not limited to the center of the belt and may be provided on the seat belt retractor 16. By vibrating the vibration device provided on the seat belt retractor 16, it is possible to notify a warning or the like to the occupant H1 via the belt. The vibration is more likely to be transmitted, and the occupant H1 can easily notice the notification.

[0033] In addition, the belt vibration device 73 may be provided at the fixing portion 15 that fixes the front seat belt 14. More specifically, the belt vibration device 73 may be provided at either the buckle 15a or the anchor 15b. By vibrating the vibration device provided at the fixing portion 15, a warning or the like can be notified to the occupant H1 via the belt. The vibration is more likely to be transmitted, and the occupant H1 can easily notice the notification.

[0034] Note that the vibration device 7 may be a steering vibration device 74 that vibrates the steering wheel 3 of the vehicle V. The steering vibration device 74 is provided on the steering wheel 3 as shown in FIG. 1. By vibrating the steering wheel 3, a warning or the like can be notified from the hand holding the steering wheel 3.

[0035] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the vibration device 7 may be provided as a door armrest vibration device 75 on the door armrest 6 of the door D. By vibrating the door armrest 6, a warning or the like can be notified from the arm of the occupant H1 placed on the door armrest 6. In addition, when a center console (not shown) is provided between the driver's seat S1R and the passenger seat, the vibration device 7 may be provided on the center console. In addition, when an armrest is provided on the front seat S1, the vibration device 7 may be provided on the armrest. Similar to the case where the arm of the occupant H1 is placed on the door armrest 6 or the like, a warning or the like can be notified from the arm of the occupant H1. Note that the steering wheel 3, the door armrest 6, the center console, and the seat armrest are included in the vehicle interior member 2 and correspond to the interior member of the present invention.

[0036] <Rear seat S2> The rear seat S2 will be described. The rear seat S2 is a second-row seat located behind the front seat S1. When the occupant H2 sits on the rear seat S2, the occupant H2 can move to the destination together with the occupant H1 sitting on the driver's seat S1R. The rear seat S2 corresponds to the first seat of the present invention.

[0037] The rear seat S2, similar to the front seat S1, includes a seat cushion 21 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant H2, a seat back 22 that supports the back of the occupant H2, and a headrest 23 that supports the head of the occupant H2. The rear seat S2 has a configuration in which two seat seats are arranged side by side, but is not limited to this. For example, the rear seat S2 may be a bench seat. When the rear seat S2 is a bench seat, the rear seat S2 will have a single seat cushion 21 that is continuous in the seat width direction.

[0038] The seat cushion 21 of the rear seat S2, similar to the seat cushion 11 of the front seat S1, is composed of a pad P for the seat cushion and a skin T that covers the outer surface of the pad P. Also, the seat back 22 is composed of a pad P for the seat back and a skin T that covers the outer surface of the pad P. The pad P is a urethane base material formed by foam molding using a urethane foaming agent, similar to the pad P of the front seat S1. Also, the skin T is composed of cloth, film, leather, etc.

[0039] Similar to the front seat S1, a rear seat seat belt 24 for fixing the seated occupant H2 is also provided on the rear seat S2. The rear seat seat belt 24 is provided with a fixing portion 25 for fixing the rear seat seat belt 24. The fixing portion 25 is composed of an anchor 25b and a buckle 25a to which the anchor 15b is fixed. The buckle 15a is attached to the seat cushion 21. Also, the rear seat seat belt 24 is configured to be wound up by a seat belt retractor (not shown). Note that the rear seat seat belt 24 corresponds to the first seat belt of the present invention.

[0040] Also, the fixing portion 25 is provided with a seat belt sensor 61 for detecting whether or not the rear seat seat belt 24 is fixed. Also, a seating sensor 66 for detecting whether or not the occupant H2 is seated is provided on the seat cushion 21 of the rear seat S2.

[0041] <Seat Belt Detection Unit 60> The vehicle V is provided with a seat belt detection unit 60 that detects the wearing state of the rear seat seat belt 24. In the present embodiment, the seat belt detection unit 60 is realized by a seat belt sensor 61 provided at the fixing portion 25 of the rear seat seat belt 24. When the occupant H2 sitting on the rear seat S2 attaches the anchor 25b of the rear seat seat belt 24 to the buckle 25a, a detection signal is transmitted from the seat belt sensor 61 to the ECU 50, and the ECU 50 determines that the rear seat seat belt 24 is worn based on the received detection signal.

[0042] Also, the wearing state of the rear seat seat belt 24 may be detected using an in-vehicle camera 62 provided on the seat back 22 of the front seat S1. The in-vehicle camera 62 is attached so as to photograph the occupant H2 sitting on the rear seat S2. The image information and video information captured by the in-vehicle camera 62 are transmitted to the ECU 50. The ECU 50 analyzes the received image information and video information and determines the wearing state of the rear seat seat belt 24. For example, if the image information records a state where the rear seat seat belt 24 is hidden by the occupant H2's arm and not shown, or the rear seat seat belt 24 is extremely bent, the ECU 50 determines that the rear seat seat belt 24 is not properly worn.

[0043] When the ECU 50 determines based on the received image information that the rear seat seat belt 24 is not properly worn, it operates a vibration device 7 provided on the vehicle interior member 2. By vibrating the vibration device 7, it is possible to notify the occupant H1 sitting on the driver's seat S1R that the rear seat seat belt 24 of the rear seat S2 is not properly worn. At this time, it may be notified by emitting a warning sound or the like simultaneously with the vibration. A warning message may be displayed on a monitor or the like provided on the instrument panel IP. There may be cases where the warning sound and display are overlooked during driving. By transmitting the fact that the rear seat seat belt 24 is not properly worn through the vibration of the vibration device 7, it is possible to more reliably notify the occupant H1, that is, the driver.

[0044] At this time, all of the plurality of vibration devices 7 provided in the vehicle interior member 2 of the vehicle V may be operated. Further, among the plurality of vibration devices 7, a selected part of the vibration devices 7 may be operated. For example, when it is determined by the ECU 50 that the rear seat seat belt 24 is not properly worn, the ECU 50 simultaneously operates the cushion vibration device 71 and the backrest vibration device 72 provided in the front seat S1 and the seat belt vibration device 73. As a result, the occupant H1 receives vibration not only from the rear and below of the body but also from the front, so that it is surely understood that the rear seat seat belt 24 of the rear seat S2 is not properly worn. It is preferable that a monitor 65 is provided below the in-vehicle camera 62. The situation where the rear seat seat belt 24 is not worn by the occupant H2 sitting on the rear seat S2 can be displayed.

[0045] Also, it may be set so that only the seat belt vibration device 73 vibrates. By only the seat belt vibration device 73 vibrating, the occupant H1 can intuitively understand that the notified warning is related to the seat belt. The vibration device 7 to be operated is preferably registered in advance in the storage device of the ECU 50. Further, the ECU 50 may operate the vibration device 7 according to the vehicle interior member 2 in which a malfunction has occurred. For example, when the rear seat seat belt 24 of the rear seat S2 is not properly worn, it is preferable to operate the vibration device 7 (seat belt vibration device 73) provided in the front seat belt 14 of the front seat S1. When there is a malfunction in the steering 3, it is preferable to operate the vibration device 7 provided in the steering 3.

[0046] <Collision prediction sensor 63> The vehicle V is provided with a collision prediction sensor 63 that predicts a collision of the vehicle V. The collision prediction sensor 63 is a sensor that detects a precursor of a collision of the vehicle V. The collision prediction sensor 63 corresponds to the collision prediction unit of the present invention. The collision prediction sensor 63 is composed of, for example, a camera that captures the surroundings of the vehicle V and a radar that measures the distance to the target vehicle, and measures the distance between the host vehicle and surrounding vehicles and obstacles. The collision prediction sensor 63 is connected to the ECU 50 via a harness, and when a collision is predicted, it transmits collision prediction information to the ECU 50.

[0047] The ECU 50 receives, as collision prediction information, for example, distance information to other vehicles or obstacles. When a collision is predicted from the distance information, it operates the vibration device 7 to notify the driver, the occupant H1, that there is a possibility of a collision. At this time, the ECU 50 operates the vibration device 7 provided in the vehicle interior member 2. As the vibration device 7, it is preferable to operate the cushion vibration device 71, the back vibration device 72, and the belt vibration device 73 provided in the driver's seat S1R. The belt vibration device 73 is preferably provided in the seat belt retractor 16. Since vibration can be transmitted to the occupant H1 from both the rear and the front, the prediction of a collision can be notified more reliably.

[0048] <Collision detection sensor 64> The vehicle V is provided with a collision detection sensor 64 that detects a collision of the vehicle V. The collision detection sensor 64 is a device that detects that the vehicle V has collided with other vehicles, obstacles, etc. The collision detection sensor 64 corresponds to the collision detection unit of the present invention. The collision detection sensor 64 is composed of, for example, an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration of the vehicle V and a shock detection sensor that detects a shock. The collision detection sensor 64 is connected to the ECU 50 via a harness, and when a collision is detected, it transmits collision information to the ECU 50.

[0049] The ECU 50 receives acceleration information as collision information, and when it is detected that a collision has occurred based on the acceleration information, it prohibits the vibration device 7 from operating. After the vehicle V has collided, by stopping or prohibiting the operation of the vibration device 7 by the ECU 50, it is possible to suppress the vibration device 7 from operating erroneously after the collision, thereby improving safety. In particular, by stopping or prohibiting the operation of the belt vibration device 73 provided in the front seat seat belt 14, it is possible to suppress the front seat seat belt 14 from vibrating erroneously.

[0050] The notification process will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The ECU 50 constantly monitors whether or not the occupant H2 is seated in the rear seat S2 (step S101). Whether or not the occupant H2 is seated in the rear seat S2 is determined using, for example, a seating sensor 66 provided in the rear seat S2. When the ECU 50 receives a signal (hereinafter referred to as a seating signal) indicating that a load greater than a predetermined load has been applied from the seating sensor 66 (step S101: Yes), it determines that the occupant H2 is seated in the rear seat S2. When this seating signal has not been received (step S101: No), the ECU 50 continues to monitor.

[0051] The ECU 50 determines whether or not the rear seat belt 24 of the rear seat S2 is properly worn (step S102). Whether or not the rear seat belt 24 is properly worn is determined using a seat belt sensor 61. When the occupant H2 attaches the anchor 25b of the rear seat belt 24 to the buckle 25a, a signal (hereinafter referred to as a wearing signal) indicating that the rear seat belt 24 has been worn is transmitted from the seat belt sensor 61 to the ECU 50. When the ECU 50 receives the wearing signal from the seat belt sensor 61 (step S102: Yes), it determines that the rear seat belt 24 has been worn by the occupant H2.

[0052] After receiving the wearing signal from the seat belt sensor 61, the ECU 50 may photograph the occupant H2 sitting by the in-vehicle camera 62 and determine the wearing state of the rear seat belt 24 (step S103). That is, the ECU 50 analyzes the image information (detection information) received from the in-vehicle camera 62 and determines whether the rear seat belt 24 is properly worn. If the ECU 50 determines that the rear seat belt 24 is properly worn (step S103: Yes), the notification process ends. When analyzing the image information and determining that the rear seat belt 24 is not properly worn (step S103: No), the ECU 50 operates the vibration device 7 provided in the vehicle interior member 2 to notify the occupant H1 sitting in the driver's seat S1R that the rear seat belt 24 is not properly worn (step S104).

[0053] In step S102, if the ECU 50 has not received the wearing signal from the seat belt sensor 61, the ECU 50 determines that the occupant H2 is not properly wearing the rear seat belt 24 (step S102: No). For example, if the ECU 50 has received the seating signal but has not received the wearing signal from the seat belt sensor 61, the ECU 50 determines that the rear seat belt 24 is not properly worn. The ECU 50 operates the vibration device 7 provided in the vehicle interior member 2 to notify the occupant H1 sitting in the driver's seat S1R that the rear seat belt 24 is not properly worn (step S104).

[0054] <Processing in case of predicted collision> The processing when a collision is predicted will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The vehicle interior system 1 monitors the surroundings of the vehicle V using a collision prediction sensor 63 mounted on the vehicle V (step S201). If no collision is predicted (step S202: No), the process returns to step S201, and the surroundings of the vehicle V are continuously monitored. If a collision is predicted (step S202: Yes), the ECU 50 operates the vibration device 7 provided in the vehicle interior member 2. At this time, it is preferable to operate the cushion vibration device 71, the back vibration device 72, and the belt vibration device 73 provided in the driver's seat S1R.

[0055] <Processing when a collision is detected> The processing when a collision is detected will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The vehicle interior system 1 monitors the state of the vehicle V using a collision detection sensor 64 (step S301). If no collision is detected (step S302: No), the process returns to step S301, and the state of the vehicle V is continuously monitored. When a collision is detected by the collision detection sensor 64 (step S302: Yes), the ECU 50 stops the vibration of the vibration device 7 of the vehicle interior member 2 mounted on the vehicle V or prohibits its operation (S303). By prohibiting the operation of the vibration device 7, the safety can be improved. In particular, by prohibiting the operation of the belt vibration device 73 provided in the front seat seat belt 14, it is possible to suppress the front seat seat belt 14 from vibrating erroneously.

[0056] <<Second Embodiment>> The vehicle interior system 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10B. The vehicle interior system 1A of the second embodiment is different from the vehicle interior system 1 of the first embodiment in that a child seat S3 is attached to the rear seat S2. For other configurations, since they are the same as those of the vehicle interior system 1 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle V equipped with a vehicle interior system 1A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view showing another example of a child seat S3 attached to the rear seat S2. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a notification process when the child seat S3 is attached. FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory views showing a state where the child seat belt 34 of the child seat S3 is detached.

[0058] In the vehicle interior system 1A, as shown in FIG. 7, a child seat S3 is attached to the rear seat S2. The rear seat S2 is provided with a child seat fixing mechanism for fixing the child seat S3 using the rear seat belt 24. Further, the child seat S3 is fixed to the rear seat S2 so that the passenger HC sitting on it faces the front of the seat. The child seat S3 includes a seat cushion 31 that supports the buttocks of the child passenger HC, a seat back 32 that supports the back of the passenger HC, and a headrest 33 that supports the head of the passenger HC. The child seat S3 is also provided with a child seat belt 34 for fixing the passenger HC to the seat cushion 31 and the seat back 32.

[0059] The child seat S3 may be fixed to the rear seat S2 in the ISOFIX format. In the ISOFIX format, a locking device extending rearward from the lower part of the child seat S3 is hooked onto a striker provided on the seat back 22 of the rear seat S2, and a top tether belt extending from the upper part of the back surface of the child seat S3 is extended from the upper part of the seat back 22 of the rear seat S2 to the back side. Then, a fitting provided at the tip of the top tether belt is locked to a tether anchor provided on the back side of the seat back 22, thereby fixing the child seat S3 to the rear seat S2.

[0060] In the vehicle interior system 1A, the ECU 50 determines whether or not the child seat S3 is attached to the rear seat S2 using the seat belt detector 60. For example, when the child seat fixing mechanism of the rear seat S2 is in use, the ECU 50 determines that the child seat S3 is attached to the rear seat S2. When the child seat fixing mechanism is not in use, the ECU 50 determines that the child seat S3 is not attached.

[0061] Also, the presence or absence of the child seat S3 may be determined using the in-vehicle camera 62. When the child seat S3 is included in the image information received from the in-vehicle camera 62, the ECU 50 determines that the child seat S3 is attached to the rear seat S2.

[0062] <In-vehicle camera 62> The in-vehicle camera 62 is disposed between the upper end of the seat back 12 of the front seat S1 and the lower end of the headrest 13 as shown in FIG. 7, similar to the in-vehicle camera 62 of the first embodiment. Further, the lens of the in-vehicle camera 62 is installed facing the rear of the seat. By disposing the in-vehicle camera 62 in this manner, the child seat S3 attached to the rear seat S2 and the occupant HC seated on the child seat S3 can be photographed.

[0063] Note that the position of the in-vehicle camera 62 is not limited to between the upper end of the seat back 12 of the front seat S1 and the lower end of the headrest 13, and may be provided on the ceiling C of the vehicle V as long as it is possible to photograph the child seat S3 and the occupant HC seated thereon.

[0064] In addition, like the child seat S3A shown in FIG. 8, the child seat S3A may be attached to the rear seat S2 such that the seated occupant HC faces the rear of the seat. In such a case, the in-vehicle camera 62 may be disposed between the headrest 23 of the rear seat S2 and the upper end of the seat back 22. In this case, by arranging the lens of the in-vehicle camera 62 to face the child seat S3A, it is possible to photograph the child seat S3A and the occupant HC seated on the child seat S3A.

[0065] Since the occupant HC seated on the child seat S3 or the child seat S3A is a child or an infant, as shown in FIG. 10A, even when the anchor 35b of the child seat belt 34 for the child seat of the child seat S3 is fixed to the buckle 35a, the child's arm may be out of the child seat belt 34. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, there may be a case where the child's arm has pushed the child seat belt 34 outward. In such a case, since it cannot be said that the child seat belt 34 is properly worn by the occupant HC, it is necessary to notify the occupant H1 seated in the driver's seat S1R that the child seat belt 34 is not properly worn.

[0066] Regarding whether the child seat belt 34 is properly worn or not, as in the first embodiment, the ECU 50 analyzes the image information captured by the in-vehicle camera 62. For example, when the child seat belt 34 is in the state shown in FIG. 10A, the analysis by the ECU 50 is performed by comparing with the image information when the child seat belt 34 is properly worn. That is, it is determined whether a part of the child seat belt 34 is hidden by the child's arm, and if a part is not displayed, the ECU 50 determines that the child seat belt 34 is not properly worn.

[0067] In addition, to determine whether the child seat seat belt 34 is correctly determined, a line is extracted from the image information from the upper attachment position of the child seat seat belt 34 toward the lower buckle 35a. When the bending angle αL becomes an acute angle as compared with the angle in a normal state (for example, the angle αR in FIG. 10B), that is, when the value of the angle αL is small, the ECU 50 determines that the child seat seat belt 34 is not properly installed.

[0068] Alternatively, it may be determined by a seat belt sensor 61 provided on the buckle 35a of the child seat S3. When the seat belt sensor 61 detects that the anchor 35b for fixing the child seat seat belt 34 has come off from the buckle 35a, the ECU 50 determines that the child seat seat belt 34 is not properly installed.

[0069] When the child seat S3 is attached to the rear seat S2 (the first seat), the ECU 50 operates the vibration device 7 of the vehicle interior member 2 based on the detection signal received from the seat belt sensor 61, the image information received from the in-vehicle camera 62, that is, the detection information received from the seat belt detection unit 60, when it is determined that the child seat seat belt 34 is not properly installed. By vibrating the vibration device 7, it is possible to notify the occupant H1 seated on the driver's seat S1R that the child seat seat belt 34 of the child seat S3 is not properly installed.

[0070] When notifying that it is not properly installed, some of the plurality of vibration devices 7 that are selected may be operated. For example, the cushion vibration device 71 and the back vibration device 72 provided on the driver's seat S1R and the belt vibration device 73 may vibrate simultaneously. Since the occupant H1 receives vibrations from the rear and front of the body, it becomes possible to know that the child seat seat belt 34 of the child seat S3 is not properly installed. Alternatively, it may be set so that only the belt vibration device 73 vibrates. By having only the belt vibration device 73 vibrate, the occupant H1 can intuitively understand that the notified warning is related to the seat belt. In this case, the belt vibration device 73 may be provided in the seat belt retractor 16.

[0071] The notification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The ECU 50 constantly monitors whether a child seat S3 is present in the rear seat S2 (step S401). Whether or not the child seat S3 is attached to the rear seat S2 is determined, for example, based on whether the child seat S3 is fixed by a child seat fixing mechanism. Alternatively, the presence or absence of the child seat S3 may be determined based on the image information captured by the in-vehicle camera 62. When the ECU 50 determines that the child seat S3 is not attached (step S401: No), normal notification processing, for example, the notification processing shown in FIG. 4, is performed (step S303).

[0072] When it is determined that the child seat S3 is attached (step S401: Yes), the ECU 50 enters the child seat monitoring mode for monitoring the child seat S3 (step S402).

[0073] In the child seat monitoring mode, the state of the child seat S3 is acquired (step S404). The ECU 50 acquires the image information of the child seat S3 captured by the in-vehicle camera 62. This image information corresponds to the detection information of the present invention. When the ECU 50 determines that the child seat belt 34 of the child seat S3 is properly worn (step S405: Yes), the process returns to step S404, and the state of the child seat S3 is continuously acquired to monitor the child seat S3.

[0074] When the ECU 50 determines that the seat belt 34 for the child seat is not properly fastened (step S405: No), the ECU 50 operates the vibration device 7 provided in the vehicle interior member 2 to notify the occupant H1 sitting on the driver's seat S1R that the seat belt 34 for the child seat is not properly fastened (step S406). In step S406, although the ECU 50 operates the vibration device 7 provided in the vehicle interior member 2, as the vibration device 7 to be operated, it is preferable to operate the vibration device 71 for the cushion, the vibration device 72 for the backrest, and the vibration device 73 for the belt provided on the driver's seat S1R. Since vibration can be transmitted to the occupant H1 from both the rear and the front, the prediction of the collision can be more reliably notified. Also, at this time, only the vibration device 73 for the belt may be vibrated. By only the vibration device 73 for the belt vibrating, the occupant H1 can intuitively understand that the notified warning is related to the seat belt.

[0075] The vehicle interior system 1A in the second embodiment is also provided with a collision prediction sensor 63 and a collision detection sensor 64. Similar to the vehicle interior system 1 of the first embodiment, when a collision is predicted by the collision prediction sensor 63, the ECU 50 may vibrate the vibration device 7. Also, when a collision is detected by the collision detection sensor 64, the ECU 50 may stop or prohibit the operation of the vibration device 7.

[0076] As embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle interior systems 1 and 1A mounted on the vehicle V have been described with reference to the drawings for their configuration examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the vehicle interior system mounted on a ground vehicle having wheels such as an automobile or a railway vehicle, and may be applied to, for example, a vehicle interior system mounted on an aircraft or a ship that moves other than on the ground.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] V Vehicle (Vehicle) R Interior Space F Vehicle Floor C Ceiling D Door BD Back Door P Pad T Skin H1, H2, HC Occupants 1 Vehicle Interior System (Automobile Interior System) 2 Interior Components for Vehicles (Interior Components) S Vehicle Seat S1 Front Seat (Interior Component, Second Seat) S1R Driver's Seat 11 Seat Cushion 12 Seat Back 13 Headrest 14 Seat Belt for Front Seat (Second Seat Belt) 15 Fixing Part 15a Buckle 15b Anchor 16 Seat Belt Retractor S2 Rear Seat (First Seat) 21 Seat Cushion 22 Seat Back 23 Headrest 24 Seat Belt for Rear Seat (First Seat Belt) 25 Fixing Part S3 Child Seat 31 Seat Cushion 32 Seat Back 33 Headrest 34 Seat Belt for Child Seat 3 Steering Wheel (Interior Component) 5 Foot Pedal 6 Door Armrest 7 Vibration Device 71 Vibration Device for Cushion (First Vibration Part) 72 Vibration Device for Back (First Vibration Part) 73 Vibration Device for Belt (Second Vibration Part) 74 Vibration Device for Steering Wheel 75 Vibration Device for Door Armrest 50 ECU 51 CPU 52 ROM·RAM 53 Communication Interface 60 Seat Belt Detection Unit 61 Seat Belt Sensor 62 In-vehicle Camera 63 Collision Prediction Sensor 64 Collision Detection Sensor 65 Monitor 66 Occupancy Sensor

Claims

1. A vehicle interior system to be installed in a vehicle, comprising: Interior materials, a first seat having a first seat belt; A vibration part provided in the interior member; a seat belt detection unit that detects a wearing state of the first seat belt; a control unit that controls the vibration unit and the seat belt detection unit, The vehicle interior system is characterized in that the control unit operates the vibration unit based on detection information obtained from the seat belt detection unit.

2. The seat belt detection unit is capable of detecting whether or not a child seat is attached to the first seat, The child seat is provided with a child seat seat belt, The seat belt detection unit detects a fastening state of the child seat seat belt as the detection information, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the child seat is attached to the first seat, the control unit operates the vibration unit when it determines based on the detection information that the child seat seat belt is not properly fastened to the child seat.

3. The interior member is provided in plurality, The vibration unit is provided in each of the plurality of interior members, The vehicle interior system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit selects one of the plurality of vibration units and vibrates the selected vibration unit based on the detection information.

4. the interior member is a second seat having a second seat belt, The vibration portion is provided in the second seat belt of the second seat, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit vibrates the second seat belt based on the detection information.

5. 5. The vehicle interior system of claim 4, wherein the second seat is a driver's seat of the vehicle, and the first seat is a seat other than the driver's seat.

6. 5. The vehicle interior system according to claim 4, wherein the vibration portion is provided on a fixing portion that fixes the second seat belt to the second seat.

7. 5. The vehicle interior system according to claim 4, wherein the vibration portion is provided in a seat belt retractor that retracts the second seat belt.

8. the interior member is a second seat having a second seat belt, the vibration unit includes a first vibration unit provided on a seat back or a seat cushion of the second seat, and a second vibration unit provided on a seat belt retractor that retracts the second seat belt, 3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit operates the second vibration unit when it determines based on the detection information that the first seat belt is not properly fastened to the child seat.

9. A collision prediction unit that predicts a collision of the vehicle is further provided, 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit activates the vibration unit when the collision prediction unit predicts a collision of the vehicle.

10. A collision detection unit is further provided to detect whether the vehicle has collided, 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit inhibits the vibration unit from operating when the collision detection unit detects a collision of the vehicle.

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