Seat control device, and seat control method

Abstract

To prevent an occupant from being surprised by unexpected movement of a seat when the occupant sits thereon, and quickly moves the seat when the occupant does not sit thereon.SOLUTION: A seat control device 2 includes a control part 21 for controlling movement of a seat 40 of a rear seat, on the basis of a remote operation signal input from a remote operation part 1a of a driving seat. The control part 21 determines presence / absence of sitting of the occupant in the seat 40, on the basis of a signal from a seating sensor 27 for detecting that the occupant sits on the seat 40. When the remote operation signal is input, and the occupant sits thereon, the control part 21 moves the seat 40 after the lapse of a predetermined time. On the other hand, when the remote operation signal is input, and the occupant does not sit thereon, the control part 21 moves the seat 40 before the lapse of the predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for controlling the operation of an electric seat installed in a vehicle or the like, and more particularly to a seat control device having the function of adjusting the position of the seat bottom and backrest based on remote control. [Background technology]

[0002] Some vehicles, such as four-wheeled automobiles, are equipped with power seats in which the seat and backrest move forward and backward by the rotation of a motor. Patent Documents 1 to 5 disclose seat control devices that control the operation of such power seats. In the seat control devices of Patent Documents 1, 3, and 4, the seat moves at a low speed when an occupant is seated in the seat, and moves at a high speed when no occupant is seated in the seat. Patent Documents 3 and 5 disclose technology for moving rear seats by remote control from the driver's seat. Patent Documents 1, 2, and 5 disclose technology for sounding a warning sound when the seat is moved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-108216 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-109262 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-6846 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-161010 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-234981 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a seat is moved by remote control, if a passenger is sitting in the seat, the seat moves unexpectedly as soon as the remote control is initiated, which can be a surprise to the passenger. On the other hand, if no passenger is sitting in the seat, it is more convenient to move the seat quickly. The present invention solves these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The seat control device according to the present invention is a device for controlling the operation of an electric seat that moves by driving a motor, and includes a control unit that controls the movement of the seat based on a seat operation signal input from a seat operation unit for moving the seat or a remote operation signal input from a remote operation unit provided in a seat other than the seat. The control unit determines whether or not an occupant is seated in the seat based on a signal from a seating sensor that detects whether or not an occupant is seated in the seat. If the remote operation signal is input and it is determined that an occupant is seated, the control unit moves the seat after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the remote operation signal is input and it is determined that no occupant is seated, the control unit moves the seat before the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0006] In this invention, if an occupant is seated in the seat, the seat moves after a predetermined time has elapsed, giving the occupant ample time before the seat moves, and preventing the occupant from being surprised by an unexpected movement. Also, if an occupant is not seated in the seat, the seat moves before the predetermined time has elapsed, so the seat moves quickly, improving convenience.

[0007] The seat control device of the present invention preferably includes a warning output unit that outputs a warning signal. When a remote control signal is input and it is determined that an occupant is seated in the seat, the warning output unit outputs the warning signal for a predetermined time. The warning signal is provided to, for example, a buzzer. By sounding the buzzer, the occupant in the seat can prepare for the seat movement in advance.

[0008] In the present invention, the control unit may move the seat immediately when a remote control signal is input and it is determined that no occupant is seated. Alternatively, the control unit may move the seat after a first predetermined time has elapsed when a remote control signal is input and it is determined that no occupant is seated, and may move the seat after a second predetermined time that is shorter than the first predetermined time has elapsed when a remote control signal is input and it is determined that no occupant is seated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when an occupant is sitting in the seat, it is possible to avoid startling the occupant due to an unexpected movement of the seat, and when no occupant is sitting in the seat, it is possible to quickly move the seat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a seat control device and an electric seat system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of a sheet in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of a sheet in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of a sheet in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of a sheet in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of a sheet in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of a sheet in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the seat control device. [Figure 9] 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the seat control device. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure performed by the seat control device. [Figure 11] 10 is a time chart showing another example of the operation of the seat control device. [Figure 12] 10 is a time chart showing another example of the operation of the seat control device. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of a control procedure performed by the seat control device. [Figure 14] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a seat control device and an electric seat system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating movement of a sheet in a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating movement of a sheet in a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating movement of a sheet in a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating movement of a sheet in a second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating movement of a sheet in a second embodiment. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating movement of a sheet in a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. In the following, a seat control device mounted on a vehicle will be taken as an example.

[0012] 1 shows a seat control device 2 according to a first embodiment and an electric seat system 100 using the same. The electric seat system 100 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The electric seat system 100 includes a remote control unit 1a, a seat control unit 1b, a seat control device 2, a first motor drive circuit 3a, a second motor drive circuit 3b, a first motor current detection unit 4a, a second motor current detection unit 4b, a first motor rotation speed detection unit 5a, a second motor rotation speed detection unit 5b, a first motor 6a, a second motor 6b, a slide mechanism 7, a reclining mechanism 8, a seat 40, a seat occupancy sensor 27, and a buzzer 28.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2 etc., seat 40 is an electrically operated seat provided in the rear seat behind the driver's seat of the vehicle, and includes a seat portion 41 and a backrest 42 driven by motors 6a, 6b. Seat 30 provided in the driver's seat is also an electrically operated seat that includes a seat portion 31 and a backrest 32. Seating sensor 27 is provided in seat portion 41 of rear seat 40. Buzzer 28 is provided in backrest 42 of seat 40.

[0014] 1, the movement of the seat portion 41 of the seat 40 in the straight line in the direction P will be referred to as the "sliding movement," and the movement of the backrest portion 42 of the seat 40 in the direction Q will be referred to as the "reclining movement." In the present invention, the "movement" of the seat is a concept that includes both the sliding movement and the reclining movement.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 etc., the remote control unit 1a is provided at the driver's seat of the vehicle. This remote control unit 1a is an operation unit for moving a rear seat 40 behind the driver's seat by remote operation from a driver 50 seated in the driver's seat. The remote control unit 1a is equipped with two switches 11a and 12a shown in FIG. 1. The slide operation switch 11a is operated to slide the rear seat 40. The reclining operation switch 12a is operated to recline the rear seat 40. The output of the remote control unit 1a is input to the seat control device 2 as a remote operation signal.

[0016] Although not shown in Figure 2 etc., the own seat operation unit 1b is provided in the rear seat of the vehicle. This own seat operation unit 1b is an operation unit for moving the own seat, i.e., the rear seat seat 40, by operation of a rear seat occupant. The own seat operation unit 1b is equipped with two switches 11b and 12b shown in Figure 1. The slide operation switch 11b is operated to slide the seat 40. The reclining operation switch 12b is operated to recline the seat 40. The output of the own seat operation unit 1b is input to the seat control device 2 as an own seat operation signal.

[0017] The seat control device 2 includes a control unit 21, an entrapment detection unit 22, a seat movement amount calculation unit 23, a target position storage unit 24, and a warning output unit 25.

[0018] The control unit 21 outputs a control signal to the first motor drive circuit 3a to control the rotation of the first motor 6a based on the operation states of the switches 11a and 12a of the remote control unit 1a, the operation states of the switches 11b and 12b of the seat operation unit 1b, the detection results of the pinch detection unit 22, and the movement amount of the seat portion 41 of the seat 40 calculated by the seat movement amount calculation unit 23.

[0019] In addition, the control unit 21 outputs a control signal to the second motor drive circuit 3b to control the rotation of the second motor 6b based on the operation states of the switches 11a and 12a of the remote control unit 1a, the operation states of the switches 11b and 12b of the seat operation unit 1b, the detection results of the pinch detection unit 22, and the movement amount of the backrest 42 of the seat 40 calculated by the seat movement amount calculation unit 23.

[0020] The pinch detection unit 22 detects pinch of an object due to the movement of the seat 40 based on the currents of the motors 6a and 6b detected by the current detection units 4a and 4b, respectively. Details of pinch detection are well known and will not be described here.

[0021] Seat movement amount calculation unit 23 calculates the amount of movement of seat 41 and backrest 42 based on the rotation speeds of motors 6a and 6b detected by motor rotation speed detection units 5a and 5b, respectively. The amount of movement of seat 41 is a distance, and the amount of movement of backrest 42 is an angle. Motor rotation speed detection units 5a and 5b are composed of, for example, rotation sensors that output pulse signals in synchronization with the rotation of motors 6a and 6b.

[0022] A target position for when the seat 40 is automatically driven by operating the operation units 1a and 1b is set in the target position memory unit 24. After operating the operation units 1a and 1b to adjust the positions of the seat portion 41 and the backrest portion 42 of the seat 40 to a desired position, the position is stored in the target position memory unit 24 as the target position by operating a setting switch (not shown).

[0023] The seat control device 2 is configured with a microcomputer. The functions of the control unit 21, entrapment detection unit 22, seat movement amount calculation unit 23, and warning output unit 25 are actually realized by software, but are illustrated here as hardware blocks for convenience.

[0024] The first motor drive circuit 3a generates a drive voltage for rotating the first motor 6a and supplies this to the first motor 6a. The first motor 6a rotates by this drive voltage, causing the bottom portion 41 of the seat 40 to slide in the P direction via the slide mechanism 7. The slide mechanism 7 is connected to the first motor 6a and the bottom portion 41, and converts the rotational motion of the first motor 6a into linear motion.

[0025] The second motor drive circuit 3b generates a drive voltage for rotating the second motor 6b and supplies this to the second motor 6b. The second motor 6b rotates using this drive voltage, causing the backrest 42 of the seat 40 to recline in the Q direction via the reclining mechanism 8. The reclining mechanism 8 is connected to the second motor 6b and the backrest 42, and transmits the rotation of the second motor 6b to the backrest 42 via gears and the like.

[0026] Although only the rear seat 40 is shown in Fig. 1, the power seat system 100 also includes a driver's seat 30 and other seats as shown in Fig. 2. The power seat system 100 also includes motors and motor drive circuits for driving these seats.

[0027] Next, the basic operation of the seat control device 2 and the power seat system 100 having the above configuration will be described.

[0028] 2 and 3 show how the rear seat 40 slides by remote control. Fig. 2 shows the operation when there is no passenger in the rear seat, and Fig. 3 shows the operation when there is a passenger 60 in the rear seat.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2(a), when there is no passenger in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 2(b), when the driver 50 turns on the slide operation switch 11a (see FIG. 1) of the remote control unit 1a, a motor drive control signal is output from the control unit 21 of the seat control device 2 to the first motor drive circuit 3a. This causes the first motor drive circuit 3a to drive the first motor 6a, which rotates and activates the slide mechanism 7. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the cushion 41 of the seat 40 moves in the P1 direction. In other words, when there is no passenger in the rear seat, the slide operation of the seat 40 starts simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a.

[0030] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(a), when there is an occupant 60 in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when the driver 50 turns on the slide operation switch 11a of the remote control unit 1a, the seat 40 does not start moving at this time, but the buzzer 28 provided on the seat 40 sounds. This sound continues for, for example, one second. Then, after one second has elapsed, the bottom part 41 of the seat 40 starts moving in the P1 direction, as shown in FIG. 3(c). The buzzer 28 may continue to sound during this movement, or the buzzer 28 may stop sounding when the movement starts. In other words, when there is an occupant 60 in the rear seat, the sliding movement of the seat 40 does not start simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a, but the buzzer 28 sounds first. Then, after a predetermined time (here, one second) has elapsed, the sliding movement of the seat 40 starts.

[0031] 4 and 5 show rear seat 40 reclining by remote control. Fig. 4 shows the operation when there is no passenger in the rear seat, and Fig. 5 shows the operation when there is a passenger 60 in the rear seat.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4(a), when there is no passenger in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 4(b), when the driver 50 turns on the reclining operation switch 12a (see FIG. 1) of the remote control unit 1a, a motor drive control signal is output from the control unit 21 of the seat control device 2 to the second motor drive circuit 3b. This causes the second motor drive circuit 3b to drive the second motor 6b, which rotates and activates the reclining mechanism 8. As a result, the backrest 42 of the seat 40 moves in the Q1 direction, as shown in FIG. 4(b). In other words, when there is no passenger in the rear seat, the reclining operation of the seat 40 starts simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a.

[0033] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(a), when there is an occupant 60 in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the driver 50 turns on the reclining operation switch 12a of the remote control unit 1a, the seat 40 does not start moving at this time, and the buzzer 28 provided on the seat 40 sounds. This sound continues for, for example, one second. Then, after one second has elapsed, the backrest 42 of the seat 40 starts moving in the Q1 direction, as shown in FIG. 5(c). The buzzer 28 may continue to sound during this movement, or the buzzer 28 may stop sounding when the movement starts. In other words, when there is an occupant 60 in the rear seat, the reclining operation of the seat 40 does not start simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a, but the buzzer 28 sounds first. Then, after a predetermined time (here, one second) has elapsed, the reclining operation of the seat 40 starts.

[0034] 6 and 7 show rear seat 40 sliding and reclining by remote control. Fig. 6 shows the operation when there is no passenger in the rear seat, and Fig. 7 shows the operation when there is a passenger 60 in the rear seat.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when there is no passenger in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when the driver 50 turns on the slide operation switch 11a (see FIG. 1) and the reclining operation switch 12a (see FIG. 1) of the remote control unit 1a, the seat bottom 41 of the seat 40 moves in the P1 direction and the backrest 42 of the seat 40 moves in the Q1 direction in the same manner as in FIGS. 2 and 4. That is, when there is no passenger in the rear seat, the sliding and reclining operations of the seat 40 are initiated simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a. The sliding and reclining operations may be performed simultaneously or separately. For example, the reclining operation may be performed after the sliding operation is completed.

[0036] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(a), when there is a passenger 60 in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when the driver 50 turns on the slide operation switch 11a and the reclining operation switch 12a of the remote control unit 1a, the seat 40 does not start moving at this time, and the buzzer 28 provided on the seat 40 sounds. This sound continues for, for example, one second. Then, after one second has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the bottom portion 41 of the seat 40 starts moving in the P1 direction, and the backrest 42 of the seat 40 starts moving in the Q1 direction. The buzzer 28 may continue to sound during this movement, or it may stop sounding when the movement starts. In other words, when there is a passenger 60 in the rear seat, the sliding and reclining movements of the seat 40 do not start simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a, and the buzzer 28 first sounds. Then, after a predetermined time (here, one second) has elapsed, the sliding and reclining movements of the seat 40 are started.

[0037] As described above, if the occupant 60 is seated in the seat 40, the seat 40 moves after a predetermined time has elapsed, which gives the occupant 60 ample time before the seat 40 moves, and prevents the occupant 60 from being surprised by an unexpected movement. Furthermore, if the occupant 60 is not seated in the seat 40, the seat 40 moves simultaneously with the remote control, so the seat 40 moves quickly, improving convenience.

[0038] The operation of the seat control device 2 described above is shown in time charts in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a time chart when no passenger 60 is seated in the rear seat 40, and Figure 9 is a time chart when the passenger 60 is seated in the rear seat 40.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8(a), when no passenger 60 is seated in the rear seat, the output of the seating sensor 27 is OFF. In this state, when either (or both) of the switches 11a and 12a of the remote control unit 1a is operated, the remote control signal output from the remote control unit 1a to the seat control device 2 is turned ON, as shown in FIG. 8(b). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(c), no warning signal is output from the warning output unit 25 to the buzzer 28. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(d), when the motor drive control signal output from the seat control device 2 to the motor drive circuits 3a and 3b is turned ON, one or both of the sliding movement and the reclining movement of the seat 40 are performed.

[0040] 9(a), when an occupant 60 is seated in the rear seat, the output of the seating sensor 27 is ON. In this state, when either (or both) of the switches 11a and 12a of the remote control unit 1a is operated, the signal output from the remote control unit 1a to the seat control device 2 is turned ON, as shown in FIG. 9(b). At the same time, as shown in FIG. 9(c), a warning signal is output from the warning output unit 25 to the buzzer 28 for a predetermined time t1 (here, t1 = 1 second), causing the buzzer 28 to sound. Then, when the warning signal is turned OFF, that is, when the predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the operation of the remote control unit 1a, the control signal for driving the motor is turned ON, as shown in FIG. 9(d), and one or both of the sliding movement and the reclining movement of the seat 40 are performed.

[0041] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure performed by the seat control device 2. Each step of this flowchart is executed by the control unit 21. It is assumed here that the operation switches 11a and 12a of the remote control unit 1a are manually operated. In manual operation, an ON signal is output from each of the operation switches 11a and 12a only while they are being operated.

[0042] When the control unit 21 confirms in step S1 that the output signal of the remote control unit 1a has been turned ON, it determines that a remote operation has been performed, and in step S2, it determines whether or not a passenger is seated in the rear seat. If a passenger is seated, the determination in step S2 becomes YES, and the control unit 21 causes the warning output unit 25 to output a warning signal. This warning signal causes the buzzer 28 to sound for one second in step S3. Then, after one second has elapsed, the control unit 21 outputs a control signal for driving the motor to start moving the rear seat 40 in step S4.

[0043] Thereafter, in step S5, the control unit 21 determines whether the output signal of the remote control unit 1a has been turned OFF. As long as the output signal is not turned OFF, the determination in step S5 is NO, and the movement of the seat 40 continues. Then, when the output signal is turned OFF, the determination in step S5 is YES, and in step S6, the control unit 21 stops outputting the control signal and stops the movement of the rear seat 40.

[0044] Furthermore, if no passenger is seated in step S2, the determination in step S2 becomes NO, and the control unit 21 outputs a control signal for driving the motor in step S7 to start moving the rear seat 40. In this case, the warning output unit 25 does not output a warning signal, and the buzzer 28 does not sound.

[0045] 11 and 12 are time charts showing another embodiment of the buzzer sounding. Fig. 11 is a time chart when no passenger is seated in the rear seat 40, and Fig. 12 is a time chart when a passenger is seated in the rear seat 40.

[0046] The differences between Figure 11 and Figure 8 are as follows: In the case of Figure 8, when the remote control unit 1a is operated, a control signal for driving the motor is immediately output, and the seat 40 starts to move (see Figures 8(b) and (d)). In contrast, in the case of Figure 11, when the remote control unit 1a is operated, a control signal for driving the motor is not output, and when a certain time t2 (here, t2 = 1 second) has elapsed since the start of the remote operation, a control signal for driving the motor is output, and the seat 40 starts to move (see Figures 11(b) and (d)).

[0047] The time chart in Fig. 12 is basically the same as the time chart in Fig. 9. However, while the time t1 during which the buzzer 28 sounds is set to one second in Fig. 9, the time t3 during which the buzzer 28 sounds is set to two seconds, which is longer than one second, in Fig. 12, and the movement of the seat 40 begins two seconds after the buzzer 28 sounds (see Figs. 12(c) and (d)).

[0048] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the control procedure by the seat control device 2. Each step of this flowchart is executed by the control unit 21. Note that here, it is assumed that the operation switches 11a and 12a of the remote control unit 1a are automatically operated. In automatic operation, after the operation switches 11a and 12a are operated and an ON signal is output from each switch, the output of the ON signal continues even if the operation is stopped, and the seat 40 automatically moves a preset movement amount.

[0049] When the control unit 21 confirms in step S11 that the output signal from the remote control unit 1a has turned ON, it determines that a remote operation has been performed, and in step S12, it determines whether or not a passenger is seated in the rear seat. If a passenger is seated, the determination in step S12 becomes YES, and the control unit 21 causes the warning output unit 25 to output a warning signal. In response to this warning signal, the buzzer 28 starts sounding in step S13. Next, in step S14, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the buzzer 28 is sounding and the output signal from the remote control unit 1a continues to be ON. The buzzer 28 sounds for one second, as in the case of FIG. 10.

[0050] If the result of the judgment in step S14 is that the buzzer 28 is no longer sounding or the output signal of the remote control unit 1a no longer remains ON, the judgment in step S14 will be NO, and the control unit 21 will end the processing without executing steps S15 to S17.

[0051] On the other hand, if the buzzer 28 is sounding and the output signal of the remote control unit 1a is also continuing to be ON, the judgment in step S14 is YES, and the control unit 21 outputs a control signal for driving the motor in step S15 to start moving the rear seat 40.

[0052] Thereafter, in step S16, the control unit 21 determines whether the movement amount of the seat 40 has reached a specified movement amount. Until the movement amount reaches the specified movement amount, the determination in step S16 is NO, and the movement of the seat 40 continues. Then, when the movement amount reaches the specified movement amount, the determination in step S16 is YES, and in step S17, the control unit 21 stops outputting the control signal and stops the movement of the rear seat 40.

[0053] Furthermore, if no passenger is seated in step S12, the determination in step S12 becomes NO, and in step S18, the control unit 21 outputs a control signal for driving the motor to start moving the rear seat 40. In this case, the warning output unit 25 does not output a warning signal, and the buzzer 28 does not sound.

[0054] Figure 14 shows an example of a seat control device 2 according to the second embodiment and an electric seat system 200 using the same. In Figure 14, the slide operation switch 11a and the reclining operation switch 12a provided on the remote control unit 1a in Figure 1 are replaced with a neutral position switch 13a. Other configurations are the same as in Figure 1, so explanations of parts that overlap with Figure 1 will be omitted.

[0055] The neutral position switch 13a is a switch for automatically returning the seat portion 41 and the backrest portion 42 of the rear seat 40, which have been moved by operating the operation switches 11b and 12b of the driver's seat operation unit 1b, to their original neutral positions. The function of this neutral position switch 13a is equivalent to the automatic operation function of the operation switches 11b and 12b of the driver's seat operation unit 1b. Therefore, the flowchart shown in Figure 13 also applies when the neutral position switch 13a is operated.

[0056] Even if the neutral position switch 13a is operated, if an occupant is seated in the seat 40, the unexpected movement may startle the occupant. On the other hand, if no occupant is seated, it is preferable from the viewpoint of convenience to quickly return the seat to the neutral position. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the following operation is performed.

[0057] 15 and 16 show how the rear seat 40 slides and returns to the neutral position by operating the neutral position switch 13a. Fig. 15 shows the operation when there is no passenger in the rear seat, and Fig. 16 shows the operation when there is a passenger 60 in the rear seat.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 15(a), when there is no passenger in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when the driver 50 turns on the neutral position switch 13a (see FIG. 14) of the remote control unit 1a, a motor drive control signal is output from the control unit 21 of the seat control device 2 to the first motor drive circuit 3a. This causes the first motor drive circuit 3a to drive the first motor 6a, which rotates and activates the slide mechanism 7. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the cushion 41 of the seat 40 moves in the P2 direction and automatically stops at the neutral position. In other words, when there is no passenger in the rear seat, the return of the seat 40 to the neutral position begins simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a.

[0059] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16(a), when there is an occupant 60 in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 16(b), when the driver 50 turns on the neutral position switch 13a of the remote control unit 1a, the seat 40 does not start moving at this time, and the buzzer 28 provided on the seat 40 sounds for one second. Then, after one second has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 16(c), the bottom portion 41 of the seat 40 moves in the P2 direction and stops at the neutral position. The buzzer 28 may continue to sound during this movement, or the buzzer 28 may stop sounding when the movement starts. In other words, when there is an occupant 60 in the rear seat, the return of the seat 40 to the neutral position does not start simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a, but the buzzer 28 sounds first. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the seat 40 starts returning to the neutral position.

[0060] 17 and 18 show how the rear seat 40 reclines and returns to the neutral position by operating the neutral position switch 13a. Fig. 17 shows the operation when there is no passenger in the rear seat, and Fig. 18 shows the operation when there is a passenger 60 in the rear seat.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 17(a), when there is no passenger in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 17(b), when the driver 50 turns on the neutral position switch 13a (see FIG. 14) of the remote control unit 1a, a motor drive control signal is output from the control unit 21 of the seat control device 2 to the second motor drive circuit 3b. This causes the second motor drive circuit 3b to drive the second motor 6b, causing the second motor 6b to rotate and operate the reclining mechanism 8. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the backrest 42 of the seat 40 moves in the Q2 direction and automatically stops at the neutral position. In other words, when there is no passenger in the rear seat, the return of the seat 40 to the neutral position begins simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a.

[0062] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18(a), when there is an occupant 60 in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 18(b), when the driver 50 turns on the neutral position switch 13a of the remote control unit 1a, the seat 40 does not start moving at this time, and the buzzer 28 provided on the seat 40 sounds for one second. Then, after one second has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 18(c), the backrest 42 of the seat 40 moves in the Q2 direction and stops at the neutral position. The buzzer 28 may continue to sound during this movement, or the buzzer 28 may stop sounding when the movement starts. In other words, when there is an occupant 60 in the rear seat, the return of the seat 40 to the neutral position does not start simultaneously with the operation of the remote control unit 1a, but the buzzer 28 sounds first. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the seat 40 starts returning to the neutral position.

[0063] 19 and 20 show how the rear seat 40 slides and reclines to return to the neutral position by operating the neutral position switch 13a. Fig. 19 shows the operation when there is no passenger in the rear seat, and Fig. 20 shows the operation when there is a passenger 60 in the rear seat. These operations can be easily inferred from the operations shown in Figs. 15 to 18 above, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0064] In addition to the above-described embodiment, the present invention can employ various other embodiments as follows.

[0065] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the remote control unit 1a is provided with the slide operation switch 11a and the reclining operation switch 12a in Fig. 1 and the remote control unit 1a is provided with the neutral position switch 13a in Fig. 14, but the remote control unit 1a may be provided with the above three switches 11a, 12a, and 13a. Furthermore, these switches 11a, 12a, and 13a may be mechanical switches or may be switches displayed on the screen of a car navigation device provided at the driver's seat.

[0066] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the remote control unit 1a of the driver's seat is operated to move the rear seat 40 behind the driver's seat, but the present invention can also be applied to cases in which the remote control unit 1a of the driver's seat is operated to move the passenger seat or the rear seat behind the passenger seat.

[0067] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to vehicles with four seats, namely, a driver's seat, a passenger seat, a right rear seat, and a left rear seat, but also to vehicles with six seats, for example, a driver's seat, a passenger seat, a first right rear seat, a first left rear seat, a second right rear seat, and a second left rear seat, or to vehicles with a central rear seat between the right rear seat and the left rear seat.

[0068] In the above embodiment, when the slide operation switch 11a, the reclining operation switch 12a, or the neutral position switch 13a is operated, the buzzer 28 does not sound if there is no passenger seated in the rear seat, but the buzzer 28 may also sound when there is no passenger seated.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the seating sensor 27 that detects whether an occupant is seated is provided on the seat portion 41 of the rear seat 40, but instead, a camera installed inside the vehicle cabin may be used as the seating sensor, and the presence or absence of an occupant sitting in the rear seat may be detected based on images captured by the camera.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the buzzer 28 sounds based on the warning signal output from the warning output unit 25, but instead of sounding the buzzer, a voice guide may be given through a speaker. The manner of warning is not limited to these, and other means such as display by an indicator or vibration of the seat 40 may also be used.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which buzzer 28 was provided in backrest 42 of seat 40, but buzzer 28 may be provided anywhere in the vehicle cabin as long as it can warn occupant 60 seated in seat 40. It is preferable that buzzer 28 be installed near the seat to be operated. Examples of installation locations near the seat include the ceiling facing seat 40, the back of the seat backrest of the seat in front of seat 40 (driver's seat or passenger seat), and a door facing seat 40.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the buzzer sounding times t1 and t3 are set to 1 second and 2 seconds, respectively, but these are merely examples, and the buzzer sounding times t1 and t3 can be set to any desired times.

[0073] In the above embodiment, a seat control device mounted on a vehicle is taken as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to seat control devices used in fields other than vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1a Remote control unit 11a Slide operation switch 12a Reclining operation switch 13a Neutral position switch 1b Operation panel at your seat 2 Seat control device 21 Control section 25 Warning output section 27 Seat sensor 28 Buzzer 40 sheets 60 crew members t1 specified time t2 Second predetermined time t3 First predetermined time

Claims

1. A seat control device that controls the operation of an electric seat that moves by driving a motor, a control unit that controls movement of the seat based on a seat operation signal input from a seat operation unit for moving the seat or a remote operation signal input from a remote operation unit provided at a seat other than the seat; The control unit determining whether an occupant is seated on the seat based on a signal from a seating sensor that detects whether an occupant is seated on the seat; When the remote control signal is input and it is determined that an occupant is seated, the seat is moved after a predetermined time has elapsed, a seat control device that moves the seat before the predetermined time has elapsed when the remote control signal is input and it is determined that no passenger is seated in the seat;

2. The seat control device according to claim 1, a warning output unit that outputs a warning signal; a remote control signal input to the seat control device, the remote control signal being input to the seat control device, and the remote control signal being output from the warning output unit until the predetermined time has elapsed when it is determined that an occupant is seated in the seat;

3. The seat control device according to claim 1, The control unit The seat control device is characterized in that, when the remote control signal is input and it is determined that no passenger is seated, the seat is immediately moved.

4. The seat control device according to claim 1, The control unit When the remote control signal is input and it is determined that an occupant is seated, the seat is moved after a first predetermined time has elapsed; A seat control device characterized in that, when the remote control signal is input and it is determined that no occupant is seated, the seat is moved after a second predetermined time period that is shorter than the first predetermined time period has elapsed.

5. A method for controlling the operation of a power seat that moves by driving a motor, comprising: A seat control method in which a control unit controls movement of a seat based on a user's own seat operation signal input from a user's own seat operation unit for moving the user's own seat or a remote operation signal input from a remote operation unit provided at a seat other than the user's own seat, a step in which the control unit determines whether or not an occupant is seated on the seat based on a signal from a seating sensor that detects whether or not an occupant is seated on the seat; a step of moving the seat by the control unit after a predetermined time has elapsed when the remote operation signal is input and it is determined that an occupant is seated; and if the remote control signal is input and it is determined that no occupant is seated, the control unit moves the seat before the predetermined time has elapsed.

6. 6. The seat control method according to claim 5, a step of outputting a warning signal by a warning output unit until the predetermined time has elapsed when the remote control signal is input and it is determined that an occupant is seated.

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