Vehicle interior member

Abstract

To provide a vehicle interior member that can change texture of a skin.SOLUTION: A seat S as one example of a vehicle interior member comprises: a pad 50; a frame F which supports the pad 50; a skin 20 which covers the pad 50, and constitutes an external surface of the seat S; a tensile force change mechanism 40 which changes tensile force of the skin 20; and a cloth member 30 which is located between at least a part of the skin, of which tensile force is changed by the tensile force change mechanism 40, and the pad 50, and of which an end 31 is fixed to the pad 50 or the frame F.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior member that is capable of changing the texture of the surface. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there are known seats in which a link mechanism is provided inside the seat cushion, and the shape of the seating surface can be changed by operating the link mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-149166 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-116390 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The conventional seats described above have difficulty maintaining the seat shape because they do not have a pad under the skin. Furthermore, while the shape of the seating surface can be significantly altered by changing the way the skin is stretched, the texture of the skin cannot be changed. Therefore, there is a demand for vehicle interior components that allow the texture of the skin to be changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a vehicle interior member includes a pad, a frame supporting the pad, a skin covering the pad and constituting the outer surface of the seat, a tension change mechanism for changing the tension of the skin, and a cloth member disposed between the pad and at least a portion of the skin whose tension is changed by the tension change mechanism, the cloth member having an end fixed to the pad or the frame.

[0006] In this vehicle interior component, the pad under the skin allows the basic shape of the surface of the vehicle interior component to be maintained. The fabric member has its edges fixed to the pad or frame, making it less likely to move. The skin is placed on top of the fabric member, and by changing the tension of the skin using a tension change mechanism, the skin can move relative to the fabric member, which is less likely to move, allowing the texture of the skin to be changed.

[0007] The vehicle interior member may be a vehicle seat. The pad may have a seating portion located in the lateral center and side portions located on the lateral outer sides of the seating portion and extending further toward the occupant than the seating portion. In this case, the tension of the cover covering the side portions may be changed by a tension change mechanism.

[0008] By changing the tension of the skin on the side areas where the occupant does not usually sit, the occupant can enjoy changing the texture of the skin without being affected by the seating position.

[0009] When the vehicle interior member is a vehicle seat, the pad may have a hanging groove for hanging the upholstery. In this case, the upholstery may be hung and fixed in the hanging groove, and the outer left-right ends of the upholstery may be connected to the tension change mechanism. Alternatively, the outer left-right ends of the upholstery may be fixed to the frame or the pad, and the inner left-right ends of the upholstery may be hung in the hanging groove and connected to the tension change mechanism.

[0010] The vehicle interior member may further include an airbag device disposed inside the pad. In this case, the cover may have a first tear line that tears when an airbag of the airbag device deploys, and the fabric member may have a second tear line at a position corresponding to the first tear line that tears when the airbag of the airbag device deploys.

[0011] By positioning the second tear line in a position corresponding to the first tear line, both the first and second tear lines can be smoothly torn open when the airbag deploys.

[0012] The tension varying mechanism may operate to continuously increase and decrease the tension on the skin.

[0013] In this way, the tension of the epidermis continuously rises and falls, giving the epidermis a texture similar to that of living skin.

[0014] The tension varying mechanism may be capable of varying the tension of the epidermis between a normal state in which tension is applied and a relaxed state in which tension is not applied.

[0015] By removing tension from the epidermis, the epidermis can be relaxed.

[0016] The vehicle interior member may further include a vibration device that vibrates the pad and the surface skin.

[0017] The vehicle interior member may further include a control unit that controls the driving device and the tension change mechanism. The control unit may change the tension of the upholstery with the tension change mechanism when the vibration device generates vibration.

[0018] By changing the tension of the surface in accordance with the vibrations generated by the vibration device, it is possible to change the way the vibrations are transmitted and create new textures.

[0019] The vehicle interior member may further include a cell that can change the shape of the skin by expanding or contracting, and a fluid control device that changes the amount of fluid in the cell.

[0020] The vehicle interior member may further include a control unit that controls the fluid control device and the tension change mechanism. When the fluid control device changes the amount of fluid in the cell, the control unit may change the tension of the skin with the tension change mechanism.

[0021] The vehicle interior member may further include a second fabric member between the fabric member and the surface skin, the second fabric member being movable relative to the fabric member and also movable relative to the surface skin.

[0022] The presence of the second fabric member causes slippage between the fabric member and the second fabric member, and between the second fabric member and the surface skin, making it easier for the surface skin to move relative to the pad. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] By changing the tension of the skin, the skin moves relative to the fabric member, and the texture of the skin can be changed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control system by a control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the skin relaxed without inflating the air cells. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an inflated air cell. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the air cells expanded by reducing the tension of the skin. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the air cells expanded by increasing the tension of the skin. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion where an airbag is provided. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment with the cover loosened. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] [First embodiment] Next, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle CR includes vehicle interior members such as a seat S, a dashboard DB, a door lining DL, a console box CB, a steering wheel ST, and a roof lining RL. The vehicle interior member of the present application can be applied to any of these interior members, but in this embodiment, the vehicle interior member of the present application is described as being applied to a vehicle seat as an example. Note that the vehicle interior member of the present application can also be applied to interior members other than those described above, as long as it is an interior member having a skin. The vehicle CR also includes a camera CM in the front part of the ceiling that captures images of occupants inside the vehicle.

[0026] The seat S includes a seat cushion S1, a seat back S2, and a headrest S3. Each of the seat cushion S1, seat back S2, and headrest S3 includes a pad, a frame that supports the pad, and a skin that covers the pad and forms the outer surface of the seat. The seat cushion S1 has a seating portion 12 located in the left-right center and side portions 13 located on the left and right outer sides of the seating portion 12 and protruding further toward the occupant than the seating portion 12. Although not shown in the figures, the seat back S2 also has a similar seating portion 12 and side portions 13.

[0027] The vehicle interior member of the present application can be applied to both the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2 in the same manner. Therefore, in the description from FIG. 2 onwards, the term "seat S" will refer to either the seat cushion S1 or the seat back S2. In FIGS. 2 and 4 to 12, when the cross-sectional view is of the seat cushion S1, the top of the drawing is the top of the seat S, and the bottom of the drawing is the bottom of the seat S. In addition, in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 12, when the cross-sectional view is of the seat back S2, the top of the drawing is the front of the seat S, and the bottom of the drawing is the back of the seat S. Note that up and down, left and right, and front and back are based on the seat occupant 9 sitting in the seat.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat S includes a frame F, a pad 50, a pressure-receiving member 11, a skin 20, a fabric member 30, a cell 5, a vibration device 6, a tension change mechanism 40, and a control unit 100 (see FIG. 3).

[0029] The frame F forms the framework of the seat S. The frame F in Fig. 2 shows a pair of side frames spaced apart on the left and right. Only the right side frame is shown in the drawing.

[0030] Pad 50 is a cushioning material made of urethane foam or the like. Pad 50 covers frame F. Pad 50 has a seating portion 51 located in the left-right center and side portions 52 located on the left and right outer sides of seating portion 51 and protruding further toward occupant 9 than seating portion 51. Seat portion 51 corresponds to seating portion 12, and side portions 52 correspond to side portions 13. Pad 50 also has a hanging groove 53, a cell accommodating portion 54, a vibration device accommodating portion 55, and cover pads 56 and 57.

[0031] The hanging groove 53 is a groove for hanging a part of the cover 20 onto the pad 50. The hanging groove 53 has a shallow portion where the cover 20 is hung and a partially deep portion where the wire 14 embedded in the pad 50 is exposed. Hooks 15 are provided in parts of the cover 20, and the hooks 15 are caught on the wires 14, thereby hanging the cover 20 into the hanging groove 53. In this embodiment, in addition to the cover 20, the fabric member 30 is also hung into the hanging groove 53. The hooks 15 are fixed to both the cover 20 and the fabric member 30, and both the cover 20 and the fabric member 30 are hung into the hanging groove 53.

[0032] The cell accommodating portion 54 is a recess recessed from the surface facing the occupant 9, which accommodates the cell 5. In this embodiment, the cell accommodating portion 54 is recessed from the surface of the side portion 52 facing the occupant 9. The cell accommodating portion 54 is made up of a first recess 54A which accommodates the cell 5, and a second recess 54B which is shallower and wider than the first recess 54A and which accommodates a cover pad 56. The cell 5 is placed in the first recess 54A. The cover pad 56 is placed above the cell 5 in the second recess 54B.

[0033] The vibration device housing 55 is a recess that houses the vibration device 6. The vibration device housing 55 is recessed in a direction away from the seated person 9. In this embodiment, the vibration device housing 55 is recessed from the surface of the seating section 51 facing the seated person 9. The vibration device 6 is located at the bottom of the vibration device housing 55. A cover pad 57 is arranged on the side of the vibration device 6 facing the seated person 9.

[0034] The pressure-receiving member 11 is a member that supports the load from the seated occupant 9 from the rear side (the side opposite to the seated occupant 9) of the pad 50. The pressure-receiving member 11 is, for example, an S-spring, a cloth spring, a metal plate, a plastic plate, or a plastic plate reinforced with metal wire.

[0035] The cover 20 is a sheet-like member made of fabric, genuine leather, synthetic leather, or the like that forms the outer surface of the seat S. The cover 20 may be provided with a thin sponge-like sheet called a slab on the back surface to improve cushioning and comfort. The outer left-right ends 21 of the cover 20 are connected to the tension change mechanism 40. As described above, the middle left-right portion of the cover 20 is suspended and fixed in the suspension groove 53 of the pad 50. In this embodiment, the tension of the cover 20 covering the side portion 52 is changed by the tension change mechanism 40.

[0036] The cloth member 30 is disposed between the pad 50 and the cover 20. The cloth member 30 is disposed between at least the portion of the cover 20 whose tension is changed by the tension change mechanism 40 and the pad 50. The cloth member 30 is a woven or nonwoven fabric. It is desirable that the cloth member 30 is made of a material that easily slides with respect to the cover 20. An end 31 of the cloth member 30 is fixed to the frame F via a hook-shaped trim cord 39. Note that the left and right intermediate portions of the cloth member 30 are fixed to the pad 50 via the hooks 15, as described above.

[0037] The cells 5 are bag-like members that can change the shape of the skin 20 by expanding or contracting. The cells 5 expand or contract when a liquid or gas flows in or out of them. As an example, the cells 5 are air cells through which air flows in and out. As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet S further includes a fluid control device 101. The fluid control device 101 includes a pump that compresses air, a flow path and hose through which the air sent from the pump passes, and a plurality of solenoid valves that open and close the flow path (not shown).

[0038] The vibration device 6 is a device that generates vibrations. The vibration device 6 is, for example, a device that rotates an eccentric weight with a motor, a voice coil, etc. The vibration device 6 is driven by the control unit 100 to vibrate the pad 50 and the skin 20.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the tension change mechanism 40 is a mechanism that changes the tension of the upholstery 20. The tension change mechanism 40 has, for example, a motor 41, a rotating shaft 42, and a bracket 45. The motor 41 is fixed to the frame F via the bracket 45. The rotating shaft 42 is connected to the end 21 of the upholstery 20. The rotating shaft 42 is rotated by the motor 41. A reducer that reduces the rotation of the output shaft of the motor 41 and transmits it to the rotating shaft 42 may be provided between the motor 41 and the rotating shaft 42. The rotating shaft 42 extends long in a facing direction in which the seat occupant 9 and the seat S face each other, and in an orthogonal direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the "orthogonal direction") that is orthogonal to both the left-right direction and the right-left direction. The facing direction is the up-down direction when the seat S is a seat cushion S1, and is the approximately front-rear direction when the seat S is a seat back S2. The orthogonal direction is the front-to-rear direction when the seat S is a seat cushion S1, and is the approximately up-and-down direction when the seat S is a seat back S2. The end 21 of the skin 20 is connected to the rotating shaft 42 over a fairly wide range in the orthogonal direction. Therefore, for example, the tension of the skin 20 at the side portion 13 is changed over approximately the entire range in the orthogonal direction.

[0040] The operation of the motor 41 is controlled by the control unit 100 (see FIG. 3).

[0041] The control unit 100 has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and operates according to pre-stored programs to realize various functions. The control unit 100 controls the tension change mechanism 40, the fluid control device 101, and the vibration device 6.

[0042] The control unit 100 rotates the motor 41 in the forward direction, and winds up the skin 20 around the rotating shaft 42, thereby increasing the tension of the skin 20. The control unit 100 also rotates the motor 41 in the reverse direction, and unwinds the skin 20 around the rotating shaft 42, thereby decreasing the tension of the skin 20.

[0043] The control unit 100 controls the fluid control device 101 to send air to the cell 5 to expand the cell 5 or to remove air from the cell 5 to contract the cell 5.

[0044] The control unit 100 controls the vibration device 6 to cause the vibration device 6 to generate vibration or to stop the vibration of the vibration device 6.

[0045] An example of the operation of the upholstery 20 by the control unit 100 will be described below. Because the tension change mechanism 40 is operated by the control unit 100, the operation will be described below as the operation of the tension change mechanism 40 where appropriate. For example, the tension change mechanism 40 operates to continuously increase and decrease the tension of the upholstery 20. That is, the tension change mechanism 40 can repeatedly increase and decrease the tension of the upholstery 20 without any gap between them. If the cycle of increasing and decreasing the tension is one second or less, the upholstery 20 can be made to vibrate. This can provide a massage-like effect to the seat occupant 9. Furthermore, if the cycle of increasing and decreasing the tension is longer than one second, the upholstery 20 can be made to move like a slimy creature. When performing such an operation, by providing hair on the surface of the upholstery 20 by planting or raising it, the seat S can be made to feel like a mammal or a bird. Furthermore, by making the surface of the upholstery 20 out of leather or synthetic leather, the seat S can be made to feel like a reptile.

[0046] The tension change mechanism 40 may be capable of changing the tension of the cover 20 between a normal state in which tension is applied and a relaxed state in which tension is not applied. For example, it can be changed from the normal state shown in FIG. 2 to a relaxed state as shown in FIG. 4. In the relaxed state, the cover 20 slackens, creating a gap between the cover 20 and the fabric member 30. This makes it easier for the cover 20 to move relative to the fabric member 30. The relaxed state of the cover 20 makes it easier for the seated occupant 9 to relax. Furthermore, stroking the surface of the seat S causes the cover 20 to move smoothly, giving the seat S an animal-like feel.

[0047] The control unit 100 may change the tension of the upholstery 20 using the tension change mechanism 40 when vibration is generated by the vibration device 6. For example, the control unit 100 can increase the tension of the upholstery 20 when vibration is generated by the vibration device 6. In this case, the vibrations generated by the vibration device 6 can be more easily transmitted to the seat occupant 9. Furthermore, the control unit 100 can decrease the tension of the upholstery 20 when vibration is generated by the vibration device 6. In this case, the vibrations generated by the vibration device 6 are less easily transmitted to the seat occupant 9, and softer vibrations can be applied to the seat occupant 9. Furthermore, the control unit 100 can continuously increase and decrease the tension of the upholstery 20 when vibration is generated by the vibration device 6. In this case, undulations (strengths and weaknesses) can be imparted to the vibrations generated by the vibration device 6, giving the seat S a living, lifelike feel.

[0048] When the control unit 100 changes the amount of fluid in the cells 5 using the fluid control device 101, the control unit 100 may change the tension of the skin 20 using the tension change mechanism 40. When the fluid control device 101 sends air into the cells 5 from the normal state (see FIG. 2) where the tension of the skin 20 of the seat S is normal, the cells 5 expand as shown in FIG. 5, and as a result, the surface of the skin 20 moves closer to the seated person 9, and at the same time, the tension of the skin 20 increases slightly.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, when the control unit 100 uses the fluid control device 101 to send air into the cell 5, if the tension change mechanism 40 also reduces the tension of the skin 20, the cell 5 can be greatly expanded, and the surface of the skin 20 can be brought much closer to the seated occupant 9. The increase in the tension of the skin 20 is kept small, and the softness of the side portion 13 can be maintained.

[0050] 7, when the control unit 100 sends air into the cell 5 using the fluid control device 101, if the tension change mechanism 40 also increases the tension of the skin 20, the expansion of the cell 5 is reduced and the surface of the skin 20 can be brought slightly closer to the seated occupant 9. The increase in the tension of the skin 20 becomes greater, and the side portion 13 can be made harder.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the seat S may further include an airbag device 60 disposed inside the pad 50. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the seat S where the airbag device 60 is disposed. The airbag device 60 includes an airbag 61 and an inflator 62 for deploying the airbag 61. The airbag device 60 is fixed to a frame F. The pad 50 has a tear line 58 that tears when the airbag 61 deploys. The tear line 58 may be partially thin, perforated, or pre-cut to facilitate tearing in that portion. The cover 20 has a tear line 25 (first tear line) in a portion corresponding to the tear line 58 that tears when the airbag 61 of the airbag device 60 deploys. The tear line 25 is formed by stitching with a weaker thread than other portions, or the like, to facilitate tearing of the cover 20. The fabric member 30 has a tear line 35 (second tear line) at a position corresponding to the tear line 25, which tears when the airbag 61 of the airbag device 60 deploys. The second tear line 35 is formed by a perforation, a seam sewn with a weaker thread than other portions, or the like. Since the tear lines 58, 25, and 35 are positioned close to each other in this manner, the tear lines 58, 25, and 35 can be smoothly torn when the airbag 61 deploys. Note that, although the tear lines 58, 25, and 35 are shown slightly offset from each other in FIG. 8 for ease of viewing, the tear lines 58, 25, and 35 may also be positioned in exactly aligned positions.

[0052] The effects of the sheet S described above will now be described. The seat S can maintain the basic shape of the surface of the seat S because the pad 50 is provided under the cover 20. The cloth member 30 is fixed at its end 31 to the frame F and at its middle part to the hanging groove 53 of the pad 50, making it difficult to move. The cover 20 is provided on top of the cloth member 30, and by changing the tension of the cover 20 using the tension change mechanism 40, the cover 20 can move relative to the cloth member 30, which is difficult to move, and the texture of the cover can be changed.

[0053] The seat S allows the occupant 9 to enjoy a change in the texture of the skin 20 without being affected by the seating position by changing the tension of the skin 20 in the part of the side 13 where the occupant 9 does not usually sit.

[0054] The sheet S allows the surface skin 20 to have a texture like that of a living creature's skin by continuously changing the tension of the surface skin 20.

[0055] The sheet S can relax the skin 20 by putting the skin 20 in a state where no tension is applied, thereby providing a new texture.

[0056] By changing the tension of the skin 20 of the sheet S in accordance with the vibrations generated by the vibration device 6, it is possible to change the way the vibrations are transmitted and to create a new texture.

[0057] By positioning the tear line 35 at a position corresponding to the tear line 25, both the tear line 35 and the tear line 25 can be smoothly torn open when the airbag 61 is deployed.

[0058] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the second embodiment, parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and will not be described again.

[0059] 9, in the seat S according to the second embodiment, the vibration device 6 is provided in the side portion 52 rather than the seating portion 51, and no cell 5 is provided. The attachment structure of the skin 20 covering the side portion 52 and the structure for changing the tension of the skin 20 are different from those of the first embodiment.

[0060] The side portion 52 of the pad 50 has a vibration device accommodating portion 155 that is recessed in a direction away from the seated occupant 9. The vibration device accommodating portion 155 is a recess that accommodates the vibration device 6. The vibration device accommodating portion 155 is recessed in a direction away from the seated occupant 9. In this embodiment, the vibration device accommodating portion 155 is recessed from the surface of the side portion 52 facing the seated occupant 9. The vibration device 6 is located at the bottom of the vibration device accommodating portion 55. A cover pad 157 is arranged on the side of the vibration device 6 facing the seated occupant 9.

[0061] An outer end 21 of the skin 20 in the left-right direction is fixed to the frame F via a hook-shaped trim cord 29. An inner end 22 of the skin 20 in the left-right direction is hung in a hanging groove 53 and connected to the tension change mechanism 40. Specifically, the end 22 is connected to the rotating shaft 42 via a connection bar 123 and a wire 124. The connection bar 123 is a rod extending in the perpendicular direction. The connection bar 123 is fixed to the end 22. One or more wires 124 are provided, one end connected to the connection bar 123 and the other end connected to the rotating shaft 42.

[0062] Even with this configuration, the tension of the upholstery 20 can be increased by having the control unit 100 control the motor 41 to wind up the wire 124 using the rotating shaft 42. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 10, the tension of the upholstery 20 can be decreased by having the control unit 100 control the motor 41 to unwind the wire 124 using the rotating shaft 42. Fig. 10 shows the upholstery 20 in a relaxed state. In the seat S of the second embodiment, the tension of the upholstery 20 is changed by moving the end 22, of the ends 21, 22 of the upholstery 20, that is closer to the seated occupant 9 and that is suspended in the suspension groove 53. Therefore, the change in the texture of the upholstery 20 of the seat S due to the change in tension is more directly conveyed to the seated occupant 9.

[0063] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In the third embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and parts similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and will not be described again.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 11 , the seat S of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tension change mechanism 240 does not wind up the cover 20 but pulls it using a pivot link 241. The tension change mechanism 240 has a pivot link 241 and a bracket 245. A base end 241A of the pivot link 241 is pivotally connected to the bracket 245. The bracket 245 is fixed to the frame F. A shaft 241B is fixed to the tip end of the pivot link 241. An end 21 on the outer side in the left-right direction of the cover 20 is connected to the shaft 241B. Specifically, a hook-shaped trim cord 29 is fixed to the end 21. The trim cord 29 is hooked onto the shaft 241B. That is, the end 21 is connected to the shaft 241B via the trim cord 29.

[0065] The rotary link 241 is connected to the output shaft of a motor (not shown) via a reducer. When the motor is driven by the control unit 100, the rotary link 241 rotates.

[0066] Even with this configuration, the control unit 100 can increase the tension of the skin 20 by controlling the motor to rotate the rotary link 241 clockwise in the figure and pull the skin 20. Also, the control unit 100 can decrease the tension of the skin 20 by controlling the motor to rotate the rotary link 241 counterclockwise in the figure and loosen the skin 20.

[0067] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In the fourth embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and parts similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and will not be described again.

[0068] 12, the seat S of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a second cloth member 330 between the cloth member 30 and the skin 20, the second cloth member 330 being movable relative to the cloth member 30 and the skin 20. The seat S of the fourth embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that it does not include a cell 5 or a vibration device 6, and that the seating portion 51 is not covered by the cloth member 30 but is covered only by the skin 20.

[0069] The second fabric member 330 can be made of the same material as the fabric member 30. To improve slippage, the second fabric member 330 may have a brushed material on the outer surface and a fabric material with less fuzz on the inner surface than the outer surface. It is also desirable that the second fabric member 330 has a surface that is more slippery than the fabric member 30. The second fabric member 330 may be made of synthetic leather. Using synthetic leather on the outer surface improves slippage, allowing the upholstery 20 to move more easily.

[0070] An outer end 331 of the second fabric member 330 in the left-right direction is fixed to the trim cord 39 together with an outer end 31 of the fabric member 30 in the left-right direction. The trim cord 39 is hooked onto the frame F, and thus the end 331 is fixed to the frame F.

[0071] An inner end 332 of the second fabric member 330 in the left-right direction is hung in the hanging groove 53 together with an inner end 32 of the fabric member 30 in the left-right direction. Both end 332 and end 32 are fixed to a hook 15. The hook 15 is hooked onto the wire 14, so that end 332 and end 32 are fixed to the pad 50.

[0072] With this configuration, the presence of the second cloth member 330 causes slippage between the cloth member 30 and the second cloth member 330, and between the second cloth member 330 and the skin 20, making it easier for the skin 20 to move relative to the pad 50.

[0073] Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment and can be practiced by making appropriate modifications.

[0074] For example, in each embodiment, the tension of the skin 20 of the side portion 13 is changed, but the tension of the skin 20 of the seating portion 12 may be changed.

[0075] Furthermore, the outer end 21 of the skin 20 in the left-right direction may be fixed to the pad 50 instead of being fixed to the frame F. The outer end 31 of the fabric member 30 in the left-right direction may be fixed to the pad 50 instead of being fixed to the frame F.

[0076] The mechanism for changing the tension of the skin 20 may be the cells 5. For example, in the first embodiment, the tension change mechanism 40 using the motor 41 may be omitted, and the tension of the skin 20 may be changed by expanding or contracting the cells 5. Also, a part of the skin 20 may be pulled or loosened by another sliding mechanism.

[0077] The fabric member and the second fabric member may be placed in an overlapping position on the seating portion 12.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the seat is configured to change the tension of the upholstery over substantially the entire range in the orthogonal direction, but it may also be configured to change the tension of the upholstery over only a portion of the range in the orthogonal direction. Also, multiple tension change mechanisms may be provided, with only a portion of the upholstery connected to each tension change mechanism. This configuration makes it possible to selectively change the tension of some or all of the upholstery as desired.

[0079] When the expansion and contraction of the cells are linked to the change in the tension of the skin, for example, the amount of air sent to the cells may be increased when the tension of the skin is reduced.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the cover pad 56 is disposed on the cell 5, but the cover pad 56 may be omitted. That is, the cell 5 may directly press the fabric member 30 and the skin 20.

[0081] The seat S may have a biological information detection unit that detects the level of alertness of the seated occupant 9. The biological information detection unit may be, for example, a pressure sensor that detects the heartbeat of the seated occupant 9 or a camera CM that captures an image of the seated occupant 9. The control unit 100 may determine the level of alertness of the seated occupant 9 based on the information detected by the biological information detection unit, and if the level of alertness is lower than a predetermined threshold, may determine that the seated occupant 9 is very drowsy and move the epidermis 20. This allows a contact stimulus to be applied to the seated occupant 9, thereby effectively waking the seated occupant 9.

[0082] In the above embodiment, a vehicle is shown as an example of a vehicle, but the vehicle may be a ship, an airplane, a spaceship, or the like.

[0083] Furthermore, the elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be combined in any desired manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 9 Seated Person 20 Epidermis 21 End 30 Cloth parts 31 End 40 Tension change mechanism 50 pads 51 Seating area 52 Side 53 Hanging groove F Frame S seat

Claims

1. Pads and a frame supporting the pad; a skin that covers the pad and forms the outer surface of the seat; a tension change mechanism for changing the tension of the skin; a fabric member disposed between at least a portion of the skin whose tension is changed by the tension change mechanism and the pad, the fabric member having an end fixed to the pad or the frame; An interior member for a vehicle, comprising:

2. the vehicle interior member is a vehicle seat, The pad is A seating area located in the center of the left and right, The seating portion has side portions located on the left and right outer sides thereof and extending further toward the seated person than the seating portion, 2. The vehicle interior member according to claim 1, wherein the tension of the skin covering the side portion is changed by the tension change mechanism.

3. The pad has a suspending groove for suspending the skin, The skin is hung and fixed in the hanging groove, 3. The vehicle interior member according to claim 2, wherein outer ends of the skin in the left and right direction are connected to the tension change mechanism.

4. The pad has a suspending groove for suspending the skin, The outer ends of the skin in the left and right direction are fixed to the frame or the pad, 3. The vehicle interior member according to claim 2, wherein an inner end of the skin in the left-right direction is hung in the hanging groove and connected to the tension change mechanism.

5. Further, an airbag device is disposed inside the pad, the skin has a first tear line that tears when an airbag of the airbag device is deployed, 2. The vehicle interior member according to claim 1, wherein the fabric member has a second tear line at a position corresponding to the first tear line, the second tear line being ruptured when the airbag of the airbag device is deployed.

6. 2. The vehicle interior member according to claim 1, wherein the tension change mechanism operates to continuously increase and decrease the tension of the skin.

7. 7. The vehicle interior member according to claim 1, wherein the tension change mechanism is capable of changing the tension of the skin between a normal state in which tension is applied and a relaxed state in which tension is not applied.

8. 2. The vehicle interior member according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration device for vibrating the pad and the surface skin.

9. a control unit that controls the vibration device and the tension change mechanism, 9. The vehicle interior member according to claim 8, wherein the control unit changes the tension of the skin by the tension change mechanism when the vibration device generates vibration.

10. cells that can change the shape of the skin by expanding or contracting; a fluid control device for varying the amount of fluid in the cell; The vehicle interior member according to claim 1, further comprising:

11. a control unit that controls the fluid control device and the tension change mechanism, The vehicle interior member according to claim 10, wherein the control unit changes the tension of the skin with the tension change mechanism when the fluid control device changes the amount of fluid in the cell.

12. 2. The vehicle interior member according to claim 1, further comprising a second fabric member between the fabric member and the surface skin, the second fabric member being movable relative to the fabric member and the surface skin.

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