Vehicle seat

Abstract

To increase an entertainment property of a vehicle seat.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat (seat 10) includes: a frame FL; a pad P supported by the frame FL; and skin SK covering the pad P. The vehicle seat includes: a first portion P1; a second portion P2 capable of sandwiching an object with the first portion P1; and an electrically-driven device (air cells 21, 22) that presses at least one of the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 against the other. A groove G is formed between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. The skin SK is arranged along an inner surface of the groove G.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a device that estimates the seating posture of a seated person by mounting a pressure sensor or the like on a seat, which is an interior member of a vehicle (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-064131 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional seats have a problem in that they are only used to evaluate the driver's seated posture, and therefore lack entertainment value.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the entertainment value of vehicle seats. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the vehicle seat according to the present invention includes a frame, a pad supported by the frame, and a cover covering the pad. The vehicle seat has a first portion, a second portion capable of sandwiching an object between the first portion and the second portion, and an electric device that presses at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other. A groove is formed between the first portion and the second portion. A skin is disposed along the inner surface of the groove. The interior system also includes an interior member and a control unit. The interior member has a first portion, a second portion capable of sandwiching an object between the first portion and the second portion, an electric device that presses at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other, and a sensor that detects an object between the first portion and the second portion. The control unit controls the electric device based on information from the sensor. When the control unit determines that an object is present between the first portion and the second portion based on information from the sensor while the electric device is not operating, the control unit operates the electric device to press at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

[0007] According to this configuration, an object can be sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion of the vehicle seat, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the vehicle seat. Furthermore, in the interior system, when an object is placed between the first and second parts, the control unit activates the electric device to compress the object between the first and second parts, so that, for example, if a user places their finger between the first and second parts, the user can feel as if someone has bitten their finger, or the user's belongings, such as a smartphone, can be held between the first and second parts, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the interior components.

[0008] The interior system may further include a display unit capable of displaying an animal character, and the control unit may operate the electric device in accordance with the mouth movement of the character displayed on the display unit.

[0009] According to this configuration, for example, a user can place a finger between the first and second parts while looking at a character displayed on the display unit, thereby making the user feel as if the character is biting their finger.

[0010] The sensor may be a pressure sensor that detects pressure between the first portion and the second portion, and the control unit may change the operation pattern of the electrically driven device depending on the magnitude of the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor.

[0011] According to this configuration, for example, when the pressure changes according to the movement of the user's finger placed between the first and second parts, the operation pattern of the electric device changes according to the magnitude of the pressure, thereby enhancing the entertainment value.

[0012] The sensor may be a biological information detection sensor that detects biological information, and the control unit may change the operation pattern of the electric device in accordance with the biological information acquired from the biological information detection sensor.

[0013] According to this configuration, the operation pattern of the electric device is changed in response to biological information such as pulse rate and body temperature, thereby enhancing the entertainment value.

[0014] The seat according to the present invention also includes a pad and a skin covering the pad. The pad has a first portion, a second portion adjacent to the first portion, and a groove formed between the first portion and the second portion for suspending the epidermis. The seat further includes an electromotive device that urges at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

[0015] With this configuration, for example, when a user places a finger in the hanging groove of the seat, the electric device is activated, making the user feel as if someone has bitten their finger, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the seat as an interior component.

[0016] The seat according to the present invention includes a seat cushion and a seat back. The seat cushion has a first portion. The seat back has a second portion opposite the first portion. The seat further includes an electromotive device that urges at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

[0017] According to this configuration, for example, when a user places a finger between the first part of the seat cushion and the second part of the seat back, the electric device can be activated, making the user feel as if someone has bitten their finger, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the seat as an interior component.

[0018] The seat according to the present invention includes a headrest and a seat back. The headrest has a first portion. The seat back has a second portion opposite the first portion. The seat further includes an electromotive device that urges at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

[0019] According to this configuration, for example, when a user places a finger between the first part of the headrest and the second part of the seat back, the electric device can be activated, making the user feel as if someone has bitten their finger, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the seat as an interior component.

[0020] In addition, the vehicle interior member of the present invention includes a first portion, a second portion capable of sandwiching an object between the first portion and the second portion, and an electric device that presses at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

[0021] With this configuration, for example, when a user places a finger between the first and second parts, the electric device can be activated, making the user feel as if someone has bitten their finger, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the vehicle interior component.

[0022] At least one of the first portion and the second portion may have a sensor that detects an object between the first portion and the second portion when the electric device is not operating.

[0023] According to this configuration, the electric device can be activated, for example, when the sensor detects an object, so that the electric device can be activated or stopped depending on whether an object is moved in or out between the first and second parts.

[0024] The sensor may also be a pressure sensor that detects pressure between the first and second locations.

[0025] The sensor may also be a capacitance sensor that detects an object by a change in capacitance when the object enters an electric field.

[0026] The sensor may also be a resistive touch sensor.

[0027] At least one of the first portion and the second portion may have a heater.

[0028] According to this configuration, for example, by setting the heater temperature to a temperature equivalent to the body temperature of an animal, the user can feel as if the animal has bitten his finger.

[0029] The vehicle interior member may also include a unit having the first portion, the second portion, and the electric device, and a base portion to which the unit is detachable.

[0030] This configuration makes it possible to easily replace the unit for clamping an object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, the entertainment value of a vehicle seat can be improved. In addition, with the interior system, when an object is placed between the first and second parts, the control unit activates the electric device to compress the object between the first and second parts, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the interior components.

[0032] In addition, the control unit can operate the electric device in accordance with the mouth movements of the character displayed on the display unit, so that when the user places a finger between the first and second parts, the user can feel as if the character is biting the finger.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit can change the operation pattern of the electric device depending on the magnitude of the pressure between the first portion and the second portion, thereby enhancing the entertainment value.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit can change the operation pattern of the electric device in response to biological information such as pulse rate and body temperature, thereby enhancing the entertainment value.

[0035] Furthermore, by having at least one of the first and second parts have a sensor that detects a finger between the first and second parts, the electric device can be activated and stopped depending on whether an object is inserted or removed between the first and second parts.

[0036] Furthermore, by having at least one of the first and second parts have a heater, for example, by setting the temperature of the heater to a temperature equivalent to the body temperature of an animal, the user can feel as if the animal has bitten their finger.

[0037] Furthermore, by making the unit having the first section, the second section, and the electric device detachable from the base, the unit can be easily replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a seat system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing the movement of an air cell disposed in a seat cushion. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship between a control unit, an air cell, etc. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a home screen in a gentle bite mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a video of a dog biting a finger on a screen. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the arrangement of units for clamping an object is changed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which an image of a dog is projected onto the back of a seat. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the placement location of a unit for clamping an object. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the first portion and the second portion have plate members. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the arrangement of units for clamping an object is changed. [Figure 12] 12(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the second portion has a plurality of sensors, and FIG. 12(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 12(a). [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a unit for clamping an object is detachable from a sheet or the like. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a seat system as an example of an interior system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the seat system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 form a seat body on which a user can sit. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each have a seating surface F that comes into contact with a seated user.

[0040] The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 11B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A contacts and supports the user's buttocks and thighs from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the base portion 11A toward the user to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

[0041] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the center of the seat back and overhanging portions 12B located on both the left and right sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A contacts the back of the user to support the back from behind. The overhanging portions 12B overhang toward the user to support the sides of the user's upper body.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the seat cushion 11 includes a frame FL, a pad P, and a cover SK. The frame FL is made of metal or the like and supports the pad P. The pad P is made of a cushioning material such as urethane foam. The cover SK is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like and covers the pad P. Similarly, the seat back 12 and the headrest 13 also include a frame, a pad, and a cover.

[0043] The pad P of the seat cushion 11 has a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 is located at the left-right end of the base portion 11A.

[0044] The second portion P2 is located at the inner end of the protruding portion 11B in the left-right direction. The second portion P2 is adjacent to the first portion P1 in the left-right direction.

[0045] A groove G for hanging the skin SK is formed between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. The second portion P2 can sandwich an object between itself and the first portion P1.

[0046] The seat cushion 11 further includes a first air cell 21 and a second air cell 22 as examples of electric devices, a first pressure sensor 31 and a second pressure sensor 32 as examples of sensors, and a first heater 41 and a second heater 42.

[0047] The first air cell 21 includes an inflatable / deflateable bag 21A, a pump, and a tube (not shown). The pump has the function of sending air into the bag 21A and sucking air out of the bag 21A, and is activated by passing electricity. The tube connects the bag 21A and the pump.

[0048] The bag 21A is embedded in the pad P. The pump is fixed to the frame of the seat 10, for example.

[0049] The second air cell 22 has substantially the same structure as the first air cell 21, and includes a bag 22A, a pump, and a tube.

[0050] The bag 21A of the first air cell 21 is located within the base portion 11A. The bag 21A of the first air cell 21 is located inside the first portion P1 in the left-right direction. In other words, the first portion P1 is located between the bag 21A of the first air cell 21 and the second portion P2. This allows the first air cell 21 to press the first portion P1 toward the second portion P2 (see FIG. 2(b)).

[0051] The bag 22A of the second air cell 22 is located within the protruding portion 11B. The bag 22A of the second air cell 22 is located outside the second portion P2 in the left-right direction. In other words, the second portion P2 is located between the first portion P1 and the bag 22A of the second air cell 22. This allows the second air cell 22 to press the second portion P2 toward the first portion P1 (see FIG. 2(b)).

[0052] The first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 32 are sensors that detect an object between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 32 detect the pressure between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0053] The first pressure sensor 31 is located in the first portion P1, and the second pressure sensor 32 is located in the second portion P2. In other words, the first portion P1 includes the first pressure sensor 31, and the second portion P2 includes the second pressure sensor 32.

[0054] The first heater 41 and the second heater 42 are heaters that heat the area between the first region P1 and the second region P2. The first heater 41 is located in the first region P1, and the second heater 42 is located in the second region P2. In other words, the first region P1 has the first heater 41, and the second region P2 has the second heater 42.

[0055] More specifically, the first heater 41 is located between the bag 21A of the first air cell 21 and the first pressure sensor 31. The second heater 42 is located between the bag 22A of the second air cell 22 and the second pressure sensor 32.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 1, the seat 10 further includes a mode changeover switch SW. The mode selector switch SW is a switch for switching the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. The mode selector switch SW is, for example, a push-button switch. Each time the mode selector switch SW is pressed by the user, it alternates between an ON state and an OFF state.

[0057] The control unit 100 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output circuits, etc. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat 10.

[0058] 3, the control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, the pressure sensors 31 and 32, the mode selector switch SW, the air cells 21 and 22, and the heaters 41 and 42. The monitor M can display a dog character as shown in FIG.

[0059] The control unit 100 controls the air cells 21, 22 based on information from the pressure sensors 31, 32. More specifically, when the control unit 100 determines that an object is present between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 based on information from the pressure sensors 31, 32 while the air cells 21, 22 are not activated, the control unit 100 activates the air cells 21, 22 to press the first portion P1 toward the second portion P2 and press the second portion P2 toward the first portion P1.

[0060] The control unit 100 can switch between a first mode and a second mode using a mode selector switch SW. In the first mode, the air cells 21, 22 do not operate even when a user places a finger between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. In the following description, the first mode is also referred to as the "normal mode."

[0061] The second mode is a mode in which, when a user places a finger between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2, the air cells 21 and 22 are activated in accordance with a video of a dog biting a user's finger displayed on the screen M1 of the monitor M shown in FIG. 6, thereby making the user feel as if the dog is gently biting the finger. In the following description, the second mode is also referred to as the "gentle bite mode." In the gentle bite mode, the control unit 100 activates the air cells 21 and 22 in accordance with the movement of the mouth of the character displayed on the monitor M.

[0062] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 4. In the process shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode changeover switch SW is ON (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the mode changeover switch SW is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode, i.e., the normal mode (S2), and ends this process.

[0063] If it is determined in step S1 that the mode changeover switch SW is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode, i.e., the gentle bite mode (S3), and displays the home screen shown in Fig. 5 on the screen M1 (S4). After step S4, the control unit 100 determines whether the mode changeover switch SW is ON (S5).

[0064] If it is determined in step S5 that the mode selector switch SW is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether at least one of the two pressure sensors 31, 32 has turned ON (S6). Here, turning ON a pressure sensor means that the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor has become equal to or greater than the first threshold value. If it is determined in step S5 that the mode selector switch SW is not ON (No), the control unit 100 proceeds to the processing of step S2.

[0065] If it is determined in step S6 that at least one of the pressure sensors 31, 32 has been turned ON (Yes), the control unit 100 displays an image of a dog biting a finger on the screen M1 (S7), as shown in FIG. 6. After step S7, the control unit 100 turns on the heaters 41, 42 (S8). Specifically, in step S8, the control unit 100 may control the heaters 41, 42 so that the temperature between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 becomes a temperature close to the body temperature of the dog. In this case, for example, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may be provided in the seat 10, and the control unit 100 may control the heaters 41, 42 so that the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor becomes the target temperature.

[0066] After step S8, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of the dog moving its mouth as if gently biting a finger (S9). After step S9, the control unit 100 activates the air cells 21 and 22 in accordance with the movement of the dog's mouth on the screen M1 (S10). In detail, the control unit 100 controls the pumps of the air cells 21 and 22 so that the bags 21A and 22A expand when the dog's mouth on the screen M1 moves in a closing direction, and so that the bags 21A and 22A deflate when the dog's mouth on the screen M1 moves in an opening direction.

[0067] After step S10, the control unit 100 determines whether the mode changeover switch SW is ON (S11). If it is determined in step S11 that the mode changeover switch SW is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S6.

[0068] If it is determined in step S11 that the mode selector switch SW is not ON (No), the control unit 100 stops the heaters 41, 42 and the air cells 21, 22 (S12) and proceeds to the processing of step S2. If it is determined in step S6 that neither of the pressure sensors 31, 32 is ON (No), the control unit 100 stops the heaters 41, 42 and the air cells 21, 22 (S13) and returns to the processing of step S4. When stopping the air cells 21, 22 in steps S12 and S13, the control unit 100 stops driving the pump after deflatting the bags 21A, 22A to the maximum.

[0069] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, when a user seated on the seat 10 turns on the mode changeover switch SW, the control unit 100 starts the gentle biting mode and displays the home screen shown in Fig. 5 on the screen M1 of the monitor M (S1: Yes → S3 → S4). Note that the home screen may display a message or image prompting the user to take an action, such as "Put your finger in the hanging groove on the right side."

[0070] 2(b), when the user places a finger in the groove G during the gentle bite mode, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are pushed outward to the left and right, turning on the pressure sensors 31 and 32. Note that when the finger is inserted into the groove G, the air cells 21 and 22 are not yet activated, and therefore the pressure sensors 31 and 32 detect the finger between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 while the air cells 21 and 22 are not activated.

[0071] When the control unit 100 determines that the finger has entered the groove due to the pressure sensors 31, 32 being turned ON, it turns ON the heaters 41, 42 and displays a video of a dog gently biting the finger on the screen M1 of the monitor M as shown in Figure 6, and activates the air cells 21, 22 in accordance with the movement of the dog's mouth on the screen M1 (S6: Yes → S7 to S10).

[0072] When the user removes their fingers from the grooves, the pressure sensors 31 and 32 turn OFF (the pressure value becomes less than the first threshold), so the control unit 100 stops the heaters 41 and 42 and the air cells 21 and 22 and returns the display of the screen M1 to the home screen (S6: No → S13 → S4).

[0073] When the user turns off the mode changeover switch SW during the gentle bite mode, the control unit 100 determines No in step S5 or step S11 and returns the mode to the normal mode (S2).

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. When a finger is inserted between the first part P1 and the second part P2, the control unit 100 activates the air cells 21, 22 to compress the finger between the first part P1 and the second part P2, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the seat 10.

[0075] The air cells 21 and 22 are activated in accordance with the movement of the dog's mouth displayed on the monitor M, so that the user can feel as if the dog is biting his finger, which can provide relief to the user.

[0076] Since the air cells 21 and 22 are activated on the condition that the pressure sensors 31 and 32 detect a finger, the air cells 21 and 22 can be activated or deactivated depending on whether the finger is inserted or removed between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2.

[0077] The heaters 41 and 42 can make the temperature inside the groove G equal to the body temperature of the dog, allowing the user to realistically feel that the dog is biting his finger.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below. In the following description, members having substantially the same structure as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0079] The first and second portions capable of holding an object are not limited to portions forming a hanging groove as in the above embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the first portion P11 may be a portion of the pad P of the seat cushion 11, and the second portion P12 facing the first portion P11 may be a portion of the pad P of the seat back 12. In this case, the seat cushion 11 may have the first portion P11 as well as the first air cell 21, the first pressure sensor 31, and the first heater 41 described above. Furthermore, the seat back 12 may have the second portion P12 as well as the second air cell 22, the second pressure sensor 32, and the second heater 42 described above.

[0080] Even in this form, when a user places a finger between the first portion P11 of the seat cushion 11 and the second portion P12 of the seat back 12, the air cells 21, 22 are activated, making the user feel as if the dog has bitten their finger, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the seat 10.

[0081] Also, for example, the first portion P21 may be part of the pad P of the headrest 13, and the second portion P22 facing the first portion P21 may be part of the pad P of the seat back 12. In this case, the headrest 13 may have the first portion P21, as well as the first air cell 21, the first pressure sensor 31, and the first heater 41 described above. Furthermore, the seat back 12 may have the second portion P22, as well as the second air cell 22, the second pressure sensor 32, and the second heater 42 described above.

[0082] Even in this configuration, when a user places a finger between the first portion P21 of the headrest 13 and the second portion P22 of the seat back 12, the air cells 21, 22 are activated, making the user feel as if the dog has bitten their finger, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the seat 10.

[0083] The display unit is not limited to a monitor M, and may be, for example, a projection device 50 as shown in Fig. 7. The projection device 50 projects an image of a dog character onto the surface of the seat 10 as shown in Fig. 8. In this case, it is preferable to project the image of the dog's face across the headrest 13 and the seat back 12 so that the dog's mouth projected onto the surface of the seat 10 from the projection device 50 is positioned between the first portion P21 and the second portion P22. In this embodiment, as in the previous embodiment, by activating the air cells 21 and 22 in accordance with the movement of the dog's mouth projected onto the surface of the seat 10, the user can feel more realistically that the dog is gently biting their finger.

[0084] The unit for clamping an object may have at least the first part, the second part, and the electric device, and may not have a sensor or a heater. If there is no sensor, the electric device may be activated by a user operating an operating member (for example, a start switch of the electric device).

[0085] The seat having the unit may be an interior component for a vehicle that constitutes the interior of a vehicle, as shown in Fig. 9. In this case, the seat having the unit may be a first-row seat 10A, a second-row seat 10B, or a third-row seat 10C. The groove between the first and second portions may be arranged, for example, on the seating surfaces indicated by dots on the seats 10A to 10C.

[0086] The unit may be provided in a vehicle interior member other than a seat. Examples of vehicle interior members to which the unit may be provided include a vehicle floor 61, a dashboard 62, an inner panel 63 of a door or vehicle side wall, a roof 64, and a lid 65 for opening and closing a sunroof. The groove between the first and second portions may be located on the surface indicated by dots in the figure, for example. The vehicle interior member may also be a steering wheel, a console, an instrument panel, etc.

[0087] 10, the first portion P1 may have a first plate member 71 that is harder than the skin SK, and the second portion P2 may have a second plate member 72 that is harder than the skin SK.

[0088] The first plate member 71 is located between the groove G and the first pressure sensor 31. The second plate member 72 is located between the groove G and the second pressure sensor 32. Each of the plate members 71, 72 has a surface facing the groove G, and each of the upper and lower ends is bent in a direction away from the groove G.

[0089] The first and second portions are not limited to portions of the pad, but may be, for example, portions of the aforementioned plate members 71 and 72 or air cell bags. If the first and second portions are portions of plate members or air cell bags, they are harder than the seat cover, making it easier for the user to feel the pressure. The hard member harder than the seat cover may be curved or may be a flat plate member.

[0090] The first or second portion may have an anti-static pad that comes into contact with an object placed between the first and second portions. In this case, for example, when a finger is placed between the first and second portions, static electricity can be removed from the finger. Alternatively, the first or second portion may have an abrasive material that comes into contact with an object placed between the first and second portions. In this case, for example, when a finger is placed between the first and second portions, the abrasive material can be used to polish nails.

[0091] 11 , the unit U for holding an object may be provided in the headrest 13 or in the seat back 12. When the unit U is provided in the headrest 13, the groove G may open from, for example, the left and right side surfaces of the headrest 13. When the unit U is provided in the seat back 12, the groove G may open from, for example, the back surface of the seat back 12.

[0092] The unit may be provided on the front end, underside, or side of the front end of the seat or door armrest.The unit may also be provided on the protruding portion of the seat, the groove of the seat back, or the back of the headrest.

[0093] 12(a) and 12(b), one portion (for example, the second portion P2) may be provided with a plurality of sensors 81 to 84. The sensors 81 to 84 are sensors that detect an object that has entered the groove G, and are, for example, pressure sensors.

[0094] In this case, the control unit may change the operation pattern of the air cell 22 based on information from each of the sensors 81 to 84. Specifically, for example, the first threshold for determining whether an object has entered between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may be set to a different value for each of the sensors 81 to 84. The control unit may determine whether the pressure value has reached or exceeded the first threshold for each of the sensors 81 to 84, and may change the number of times the object is trapped between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 or the trapping time from when the pressure on the object reaches its maximum to when it reaches its minimum, depending on the number and locations of the sensors whose pressure values ​​have reached or exceeded the first threshold.

[0095] For example, when the control unit determines that the pressure values ​​at first sensor 81 and third sensor 83 are equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit sets the number of times of nipping to a predetermined number and makes the nipping time longer than in other cases. In this control, the control unit may slow the nipping speed compared to other cases. Furthermore, when the control unit determines that the pressure values ​​at second sensor 82 and third sensor 83 are equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit may alternate between strong nip control, in which the maximum value of the pressure applied to the object is a first maximum value, and weak nip control, in which the maximum value of the pressure applied to the object is a second maximum value that is smaller than the first maximum value.

[0096] 13, the seat cushion 11 may include a unit U having a first region P1, a second region P2, and air cells 21, 22 (bags 21A, 22A), and a base portion B1 to which the unit U can be detached. In this case, for example, the inner panel IP of the door D may include a base portion B2 to which the unit U can be detached. The base portions B1, B2 may include recesses B11, B21, respectively, into which the unit U can be fitted.

[0097] In this structure, the tubes of the air cells 21, 22 are disposed in the unit U and the bases B1, B2, and the tubes on the unit U side and the tubes on the bases B1, B2 side are detachable via joints. Also, if the unit U has a sensor, the wiring connecting the sensor and the control unit is disposed in the unit U and the bases B1, B2, and the wiring on the unit U side and the wiring on the bases B1, B2 side are detachable via connectors. Also, the unit U may or may not have a skin SK.

[0098] According to this configuration, the unit U can be attached interchangeably to the seat 10 and the door D. For example, when the unit U holds a user's belongings such as a smartphone SP, the user can move the belongings together with the unit U and place them in a desired position. The user can also place the unit U in a desired position and enjoy the gentle bite mode. Furthermore, because the unit U is detachable from the base portions B1 and B2, the unit can be easily replaced.

[0099] The unit that can be detached from the base may include a first section, a second section, a sensor, an electric device, a control unit, and a battery. This configuration allows the unit to be detached from the base and used independently. In this case, the base may be provided with a contact or non-contact charger for charging the battery of the unit.

[0100] The electric device may be any device that can press one of the first part and the second part toward the other, and may be, for example, a link mechanism, a cylinder, a solenoid, a cam that is rotated by a motor, etc. The electric device may also have a structure that includes a vice-like mechanism that clamps both the first part and the second part.

[0101] The display unit may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a head-mounted display used for virtual reality, a monitor for a car navigation system, etc. The display unit may also be a panel that displays an image of a speedometer or the like, a device that displays an image on a window such as a windshield, or a projection device that is incorporated into a headlight and displays an image on the road surface.

[0102] The control unit may change the operation pattern of the electric device depending on the magnitude of the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor. For example, when the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor is smaller than a second threshold, the control unit may set the maximum pressure applied by the electric device to the object as a first pressure value, and when the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit may set the maximum pressure applied by the electric device to a second pressure value greater than the first pressure value. Here, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold for determining that the object has entered between the first portion and the second portion. Note that the second pressure value may be a value smaller than the first pressure value.

[0103] With this configuration, when the pressure changes according to the movement of the user's finger placed between the first and second parts, the operating pattern of the electric device changes according to the magnitude of the pressure, thereby enhancing the entertainment value.

[0104] The sensor may be a capacitance sensor that detects an object based on a change in capacitance when the object enters an electric field, or may be a resistive touch sensor.

[0105] The sensor may be a biological information detection sensor that detects biological information. In this case, the control unit may change the operation pattern of the electrically driven device in accordance with the biological information acquired from the biological information detection sensor.

[0106] Examples of biological information include pulse wave, blood oxygen concentration, heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar level, pulse, body temperature, sweat, etc. For example, the control unit may acquire the pulse rate from the biological information detection sensor, and the higher the acquired pulse rate, the smaller the maximum pressure that the electrically-driven device applies to the object, or conversely, the larger the maximum pressure.

[0107] According to this configuration, the operation pattern of the electric device is changed in response to biological information such as pulse rate and body temperature, thereby enhancing the entertainment value.

[0108] The interior member is not limited to an interior member for a vehicle that constitutes the interior of a vehicle, but may be, for example, an interior member for a room. The interior member for a vehicle is not limited to an interior member for a car, but may be, for example, an interior member for other vehicles such as a ship or an aircraft.

[0109] The determination of whether or not an object is present between the first and second parts may be made by determining that an object is present between the first and second parts when the conditions for detecting an object by a sensor and for the electric device to be OFF are met.

[0110] The characters may be non-animal characters, humans, fantasy creatures, cartoon characters, etc.

[0111] In the above embodiment, one electric device, one sensor, and one heater are provided for each of the first and second sections, but an electric device, a sensor, and a heater may be provided for only one of the first and second sections. Furthermore, the electric devices, sensors, and heaters may be arbitrarily allocated and installed between the first and second sections. For example, an electric device may be installed in the first section, and a sensor and a heater may be installed in the second section.

[0112] The projection device may be mounted on the vehicle's ceiling, door, center console, or seat. The operation pattern of the electric device may be changed depending on the intimacy between the vehicle occupant and the character displayed on the display unit, the carefulness of driving, etc. For example, the operation pattern may be changed so that the pressure on the first and second parts decreases as the intimacy increases. Also, the operation pattern may be changed so that the pressure on the first and second parts decreases as the driving is more careful. The intimacy may be set to be higher the more times the gentle biting mode is executed. The carefulness of driving may be set to be higher the slower the operating speed of at least one of the accelerator operation, brake operation, and steering operation.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the sides of the groove between the first and second sections, through which an object can fit, are in close contact with each other. However, the sides of the groove between the first and second sections may be spaced apart. That is, there may be a gap between the two surfaces for sandwiching the object. In this case, the maximum distance between the two surfaces is preferably 2 cm or less. This allows small objects, such as a smartphone or a finger, to be appropriately sandwiched between the two surfaces.

[0114] The depth of the groove between the first and second portions may be large enough to accommodate up to the first or second joint of a finger.

[0115] The sensor may function as an operation input unit for operating the device. That is, the control unit may operate the device based on information from the sensor. The device may be an electric reclining mechanism that tilts the seat back, an electric sliding mechanism that moves the seat forward / backward or left / right, a display unit, etc.

[0116] The control unit may activate an audio output unit (such as a headrest speaker or in-car audio) in synchronization with the operation of the electric device. For example, a sound such as "bite bite" may be output in synchronization with the action of pinching the finger between the first and second parts.

[0117] The interior system or the interior member may include a fingerprint authentication unit. In this case, for example, the control unit may determine whether the user has a fingerprint registered based on information from the fingerprint authentication unit, and if it determines that the user is a registered user, permit pinch control for pinching an object between the first part and the second part, and if it determines that the user is not a registered user, prohibit pinch control. Note that fingerprint registration may be performed, for example, from a navigation system screen or a smartphone.

[0118] The number of times the pinch control is performed (for example, the number of times the pressure between the first and second parts is increased and then decreased) may be stored, and the action of the character displayed on the display unit may be changed depending on the number of times. For example, as the number of times increases, the cat's stomach may be displayed as being full, and the pressure between the first and second parts may become stronger.

[0119] Examples of manufacturing methods for the interior system include the following methods. a control unit that controls the electric device based on information from the sensor, wherein the control unit operates the electric device to press at least one of the first and second parts toward the other when the control unit determines that an object is present between the first and second parts based on information from the sensor while the electric device is not operating. A method for manufacturing an interior system comprising the steps of: attaching the electric device to at least one of the first and second parts; attaching the sensor in a position where the object can be detected; and connecting the electric device and the sensor to the control unit.

[0120] Examples of the method for producing the sheet include the following method. A method for manufacturing a seat comprising a pad and a cover covering the pad, wherein the pad has a first portion, a second portion adjacent to the first portion, and a groove formed between the first portion and the second portion for suspending the cover, and further comprising an electric device that presses at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other, the method comprising a step of arranging the electric device within the pad so that the electric device is positioned at a position corresponding to at least one of the first portion and the second portion.

[0121] If the hanging groove is formed between a base portion located in the center in the left-right direction and an extension portion located on the left-right outer side of the base portion, with the extension portion extending further toward the user than the base portion, in the method for manufacturing the seat, the electric device may be placed within the base portion or the extension portion.

[0122] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1 seat system 10 sheets 21 No. 1 Air Cell 22 Second Air Cell 31 First pressure sensor 32 Second pressure sensor 100 control section P1 1st part P2 2nd part

Claims

1. A vehicle seat comprising a frame, a pad supported by the frame, and a cover covering the pad, a first portion, a second portion capable of pinching an object between the first portion and the second portion, and an electric device that presses at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other, A groove is formed between the first portion and the second portion, A vehicle seat, wherein the skin is disposed along the inner surface of the groove.

2. the electrically powered device includes a first air cell having an inflatable / deflateable bag that presses the first portion toward the second portion; The first portion includes: a first sensor for detecting an object entering the groove; a first plate member harder than the skin; 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first plate member is positioned between the groove and the first sensor.

3. 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the first plate member has a surface facing the groove, and an end portion on an opening side of the groove is bent in a direction away from the groove.

4. a first heater provided in the first portion and configured to heat a region between the first portion and the second portion; 4. The vehicle seat of claim 3, wherein the first heater is located between the bladder and the first sensor.

5. The seat cushion or seat back has a base portion disposed in the left-right center and protruding portions disposed on both left and right outer sides of the base portion, the electrically powered device further includes a second air cell having an inflatable and deflated bag that presses the second portion toward the first portion; the first portion is located at a left-right end of the base portion, the second portion is located at an inner end of the protruding portion in the left-right direction, the bladder of the first air cell is located in the base portion; 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the bag of the second air cell is located in the protruding portion.

6. the first portion and the second portion are provided on a seat cushion, 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the bag of the first air cell is positioned between an upper end and a lower end of the first plate member in the up-down direction.

7. the first portion and the second portion are provided on a seat cushion, 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the vertical length of the first sensor is smaller than the vertical length of the first heater.

8. A plurality of the first sensors are provided in the first portion, 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the first sensors are located inside an edge of the bag of the first air cell when viewed from a direction in which the first air cell presses the first portion.

9. a unit having the first portion, the second portion, and the electrically powered device; 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the unit comprises a detachable base portion.

10. The electrically powered device has an air cell having an inflatable / deflateable bag provided in the unit, a tube of the air cell disposed between the unit and the base; 10. The vehicle seat according to claim 9, wherein the unit-side tube and the base-side tube are detachable via a connecting portion.

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