Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle interior system that enables an occupant other than a driver to grasp driving operation by the driver.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior system 1 comprises: a first seat SH1 on which a driver is seated; second seats SH2 on which occupants other than the driver are seated; ornaments (tail members 20) provided on an interior member of a vehicle; an operation detecting part (a brake sensor 31) that detects driving operation by the driver; and a control part 100. The ornaments have movable bodies 22 that are moved by actuators. The control part 100 moves the movable bodies 22 on the basis of the driving operation detected by the operation detecting part to notify the occupants seated on the second seats SH2 of the driving operation by the driver.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior system including an ornament and a control unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle system is known that includes a robot placed on the dashboard, a detection unit that detects the movement of objects inside and outside the vehicle, and a control unit that causes the robot to perform related operations that are related to the movement (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-167327 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, the robot does not notify the other passengers of the driver's driving operations, such as braking, making it difficult for the other passengers to understand the driver's driving operations. As a result, it is thought that the other passengers will feel uneasy because they do not know information such as whether the driver is braking or steering firmly.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior system that allows passengers other than the driver to understand the driving operations of the driver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the vehicle interior system of the present invention comprises a first seat on which the driver sits, a second seat on which passengers other than the driver sit, decorative items attached to the interior components of the vehicle, an operation detection unit that detects the driver's driving operations, and a control unit. The ornament has a movable body that is moved by an actuator. The control unit notifies the occupant seated in the second seat of the driver's driving operation by moving the movable body based on the driving operation detected by the operation detection unit.

[0007] According to this configuration, the control unit moves the movable body based on the driving operation detected by the operation detection unit, thereby notifying the occupant sitting in the second seat of the driver's driving operation, so that occupants other than the driver can understand the driver's driving operation.

[0008] The movable body may be movable by an actuator so as to come into contact with an occupant seated in the second seat.

[0009] By configuring the movable body operated by the actuator to come into contact with the occupant in the second seat, the occupant in the second seat can easily notice the movement of the movable body. Also, even if the occupant in the second seat is visually impaired, they can understand the driver's driving operations.

[0010] In addition, the operation detection unit can detect the amount of operation of the brake pedal, and the control unit can execute a pressing process to press a movable body against the occupant when the brake pedal is operated, and in the pressing process, the greater the amount of operation of the brake pedal, the greater the pressing force of the movable body.

[0011] By configuring the system so that the greater the amount of brake pedal operation, the greater the pressing force of the movable body on the occupant in the second seat, the occupant in the second seat can understand the amount of brake pedal operation from the magnitude of the pressing force of the movable body.

[0012] Furthermore, in the pressing process, when the pressing force of the movable body reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit may return the movable body to an initial position where the movable body does not press against the occupant.

[0013] By configuring the movable body to return to its initial position when the pressing force of the movable body exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when pressed by a force exceeding the predetermined threshold.

[0014] The movable body may have a cushion at least at its tip, and the control unit may bring the cushion into contact with the occupant based on the driving operation detected by the operation detection unit.

[0015] By configuring the cushion at the tip of the movable body to come into contact with the occupant, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when the movable body comes into contact with the occupant.

[0016] The operation detection unit may be capable of detecting an amount of steering operation, and the control unit may turn the movable body in accordance with the amount of steering operation.

[0017] By configuring the movable body to turn in accordance with the amount of steering operation, the occupant can grasp the steering operation of the driver.

[0018] Furthermore, the control unit does not need to move the movable body when the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode.

[0019] Since it is expected that occupants will have little interest in driving operations during autonomous driving, by configuring the movable body not to move when the vehicle is in autonomous driving, it is possible to prevent occupants who are less interested in driving operations from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body.

[0020] Furthermore, the second seat can rotate around a vertical axis, and the control unit does not need to move the movable body when the second seat is facing backward.

[0021] Since it is expected that rear-facing passengers will have little interest in driving operations, by configuring the movable body not to move when the second seat is rear-facing, it is possible to prevent rear-facing passengers who have little interest in driving operations from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body.

[0022] The movable body may also have a pressure sensor, and the control unit may stop the movement of the movable body when a pressure value acquired from the pressure sensor becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0023] By configuring the movable body to stop moving when the pressure value of the pressure sensor of the movable body reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is possible to prevent the occupant from being pushed by pressure exceeding the predetermined threshold and feeling uncomfortable.

[0024] In addition, the operation detection unit has a first detection unit that detects the operation of the brake pedal and a second detection unit that detects the amount of steering operation, and the control unit is capable of executing a turning process to turn the movable body according to the amount of steering operation, and in the turning process, the amount of movement of the movable body may be changed according to whether or not the brake pedal is operated.

[0025] By configuring the vehicle to change the amount of movement of the movable body in the turning process depending on whether or not the brake pedal is operated, the movable body can be prevented from turning when the brake is applied, and can be turned in accordance with the steering operation when the brake is not applied. In this case, for example, when traveling at high speed, the safety of the occupants can be ensured by not turning the movable body when the brake is applied, and when the brake is not applied, the occupants can be notified of minute steering operations during high-speed traveling by the movable body.

[0026] In addition, when both the brake pedal and the steering wheel are operated, the control unit may not perform turning processing if the steering operation amount is less than a predetermined threshold, and may perform turning processing if the steering operation amount is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0027] Since it is considered unimportant to notify the occupant of minute steering operations during braking, the system is configured so that turning processing is not performed when the steering operation amount during braking is less than a predetermined threshold, thereby preventing the moving body from moving to notify unimportant information, which would cause the occupant discomfort.

[0028] The movable body may also have a first movable part extending from a first rotating shaft and rotating around the first rotating shaft, and a second movable part rotating around a second rotating shaft located at an end of the first movable part opposite the first rotating shaft, and the control unit may rotate the first movable part and the second movable part around the first rotating shaft when the brake pedal is not operated and the steering is operated, and rotate the second movable part around the second rotating shaft when both the brake pedal and the steering are operated.

[0029] In addition, the decorative item is provided on the second sheet, which has an airbag and a skin with a tear line that breaks when the airbag is activated, and the decorative item does not have to overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag deploys.

[0030] By configuring the decorative element so that it does not overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag is deployed, it is possible to prevent the airbag from interfering with the decorative element when the airbag is deployed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, the control unit notifies the occupant seated in the second seat of the driver's driving operation by moving the movable body based on the driving operation detected by the operation detection unit, so that occupants other than the driver can understand the driver's driving operation.

[0032] Furthermore, by configuring the movable body, which is moved by the actuator, to come into contact with the occupant in the second seat, the occupant in the second seat can easily notice the movement of the movable body.

[0033] In addition, by configuring the system so that the greater the amount of brake pedal operation, the greater the pressing force of the movable body on the occupant in the second seat, the occupant in the second seat can understand the amount of brake pedal operation from the magnitude of the pressing force of the movable body.

[0034] In addition, by configuring the movable body to return to its initial position when the pressing force of the movable body exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when pressed by a force exceeding the predetermined threshold.

[0035] Furthermore, by configuring the cushion at the tip of the movable body to come into contact with the occupant, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when the movable body comes into contact with the occupant.

[0036] Furthermore, by configuring the movable body to turn in accordance with the amount of steering operation, the occupant can grasp the steering operation of the driver.

[0037] In addition, by configuring the movable body not to move when the vehicle is in automatic driving mode, it is possible to prevent occupants who are not very interested in driving operations during automatic driving from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body.

[0038] Furthermore, by configuring the movable body not to move when the second seat is facing backward, it is possible to prevent rear-facing passengers who are less interested in driving operations from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body.

[0039] In addition, by configuring the movable body to stop moving when the pressure value of the pressure sensor of the movable body reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is possible to prevent the occupant from being pushed by pressure exceeding the predetermined threshold and feeling uncomfortable.

[0040] Furthermore, by configuring the vehicle to change the amount of movement of the movable body in the turning process depending on whether or not the brake pedal is operated, the movable body can be prevented from turning when the brake is applied, and can be turned in accordance with the steering operation when the brake is not applied. In this case, for example, when traveling at high speed, the safety of the occupants can be ensured by not turning the movable body when the brake is applied, and when the brake is not applied, the occupants can be notified of minute steering operations during high-speed traveling by the movable body.

[0041] In addition, by configuring the system so that turning processing is not performed when the steering operation amount during braking is less than a predetermined threshold, it is possible to prevent the movable body from moving to notify unimportant information such as small steering operations during braking, which can cause discomfort to occupants.

[0042] Furthermore, by configuring the decorative element so that it does not overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag is deployed, it is possible to prevent the airbag from interfering with the decorative element when the airbag is deployed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second sheet. [Figure 3] FIG. 10(a) shows the tail member positioned at the initial position, and (b) and (c) show the tail member positioned at the contact position. [Figure 4] 10A is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the control unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing a tail member according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13]10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing a vehicle interior system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams showing a tail member according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a view of the front and rear seats from the left and right. [Figure 18] A view of the front seats from behind. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the movable body of the front seat and a child seat. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which cameras are provided in the front and rear seats. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a camera is provided at the tip of the tail member. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing a configuration in which a camera is provided at the tip of a tail member, as viewed from the left and right. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle interior system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1, the vehicle interior system 1 includes a first seat SH1, a second seat SH2 as an example of an interior member, a tail member 20 as an example of a decorative item, a brake sensor 31 as an example of an operation detection unit, and a control unit 100. The first seat SH1, the second seat SH2, and the tail member 20 are arranged in the vehicle, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment.

[0045] The first seat SH1 is a seat on which the driver P1 sits. The second seats SH2 are seats for passengers P2, P3, and P4 other than the driver P1. In this embodiment, the second seats SH2 are a passenger seat, a rear seat located behind the driver's seat, and a rear seat located behind the passenger seat.

[0046] The brake sensor 31 is a sensor that detects a brake operation, which is a driving operation by the driver P1. The brake sensor 31 can detect the amount of operation of the brake pedal BP. Here, the amount of operation of the brake pedal BP may be the stroke amount of the brake pedal BP or the depression force applied to the brake pedal BP. The brake sensor 31 outputs the detected amount of operation of the brake pedal BP (hereinafter also referred to as the "amount of brake operation") to the control unit 100.

[0047] 2, the second seat SH2 includes a seat body 10 and a tail member 20. The first seat SH1 includes the same seat body 10 as the second seat SH2, but does not include the tail member 20.

[0048] The seat body 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 each have a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that comes into contact with an occupant seated on the seat body 10 and supports the occupant.

[0049] The seat cushion 11, seat back 12, and headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms the framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a skin that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The skin is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like.

[0050] 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 has a seating surface F that contacts and supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's thighs and buttocks.

[0051] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the center of the seat back and extension portions 12B located on both the left and right sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the back of the occupant and supports the back from behind. The extension portions 12B extend from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's upper body.

[0052] The front surface of the headrest 13 serves as a seating surface F that supports the head of the occupant.

[0053] The tail member 20 is provided on the upper part of the seat body 10. More specifically, the tail member 20 is located on the left side surface FL of the headrest 13. The side surface FL is the outer surface of the headrest 13 other than the seating surface F. The tail member 20 protrudes from the side surface FL.

[0054] The tail member 20 has a base portion 21 and a movable body 22. The base portion 21 is a portion that is fixed to the headrest 13. The base portion 21 is, for example, embedded in the pad of the headrest 13 and fixed to the frame of the headrest 13.

[0055] The movable body 22 extends from the base portion 21, and is configured so that its tip can move freely in all directions, including forward, backward, left, right, and up and down. The movable body 22 has a shape resembling, for example, a cat's tail. The movable body 22 has, for example, a joint mechanism with multiple joints, a cushioning material such as cotton or sponge that covers the joint mechanism, and a skin that covers the cushioning material. The skin is made of, for example, cloth or brushed fabric. It is sufficient that the movable body 22 has a cushion (cushioning material covered with a skin) at least at its tip.

[0056] The joint mechanism has a plurality of links (serial links) that are rotatably connected to each other, and the plurality of links are moved by an actuator.

[0057] The joint mechanism can be configured, for example, like a robot arm. In this case, the actuators for moving the multiple links are multiple motors arranged near the multiple joints.

[0058] The joint mechanism can also be configured to include, for example, multiple links, a spring that biases the multiple links so that they are aligned in a straight rod shape, a wire that pulls the distal link in a direction that causes the multiple links to fold against the biasing force of the spring, and a winch for pulling the wire. In this case, the actuator for moving the multiple links is a winch, and when the winch pulls the wire, the joint mechanism moves in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to fold, and when the winch releases the wire, the spring moves the joint mechanism in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to extend straight. In this case, using multiple wires allows the joint mechanism to be moved so as to fold in different directions, and the distal end of the movable body 22 can be freely moved in any direction.

[0059] The movable body 22 protrudes from the side surface FL. The movable body 22 has a pressure sensor 22A at the tip thereof. The pressure sensor 22A is located, for example, between the surface and the cushioning material.

[0060] The movable body 22 is movable between an initial position shown in FIG. 3(a) and contact positions shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c). The movable body 22 positioned at the initial position is separated from the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. The movable body 22 positioned at the contact position is capable of coming into contact with the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. The movable body 22 is moved from the initial position to the contact position by an actuator, thereby being capable of coming into contact with the occupant seated in the second seat SH2. In this embodiment, the movable body 22 comes into contact with the face of the occupant.

[0061] The control unit 100 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable nonvolatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes pre-stored programs. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat main body 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat main body 10.

[0062] The control unit 100 has a function of notifying the occupant seated on the second seat SH2 of the brake operation by the driver P1 by moving the movable body 22 based on the brake operation detected by the brake sensor 31. More specifically, when the control unit 100 determines that the brake pedal BP has been operated based on information acquired from the brake sensor 31, it can execute a pressing process of pressing the tip of the movable body 22 against the occupant.

[0063] In the pressing process, a cushion constituting the tip end of the movable body 22 comes into contact with the occupant. In the pressing process, the control unit 100 increases the pressing force of the movable body 22 as the operation amount of the brake pedal BP increases. In the pressing process, the control unit 100 stops the movement of the movable body 22 when the pressure value acquired from the pressure sensor 22A becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0064] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 4(a) while the power supply of the vehicle is ON.

[0065] 4(a), the control unit 100 determines whether or not a brake operation is being performed based on information obtained from the brake sensor 31 (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that a brake operation is being performed (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the threshold value Pth in accordance with the amount of brake operation obtained from the brake sensor 31 (S2). More specifically, in step S2, the control unit 100 sets the threshold value Pth to a larger value as the amount of brake operation is larger.

[0066] After step S2, the control unit 100 moves the tip of the tail member 20 toward the contact position (S3). After step S3, the control unit 100 determines whether the pressure P acquired from the pressure sensor 22A is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth (S4).

[0067] If it is determined in step S4 that P < Pth (No), the control unit 100 repeats the process of step S4. If it is determined in step S4 that P ≥ Pth (Yes), the control unit 100 stops the buttocks member 20 (S5). Note that if the control unit 100 does not satisfy the conditions of step S4 even after a predetermined time has elapsed in step S4, it proceeds to the process of step S5.

[0068] After step S5, the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S1. If it is determined in step S1 that there is no braking operation (No), the control unit 100 returns the tip of the buttocks member 20 to the initial position (S6) and ends this process.

[0069] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, when the driver P1 sits on the first seat SH1 and the passengers P2 to P4 sit on the respective second seats SH2, when the driver P1 steps on the brake pedal BP, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 moves the tip of the buttocks member 20 of each second seat SH2 from the initial position to the contact position. Since the movements of the buttocks members 20 of each second seat SH2 are the same, in the following description, the operation of the buttocks member 20 for the passenger P2 sitting in the passenger seat will be described as a representative.

[0070] The buttocks member 20 presses the face of the passenger P2 with a force corresponding to the braking operation amount. Specifically, after the buttocks member 20 contacts the face of the passenger P2, it presses the face, and stops when the pressure P applied from the buttocks member 20 to the passenger P2 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth. Thereby, the passenger P2 can know how much the driver P1 has stepped on the brake pedal BP.

[0071] After that, when the driver P1 removes his / her foot from the brake pedal BP, the buttocks member 20 returns from the contact position to the initial position.

[0072] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. The control unit 100 moves the movable body 22 based on the braking operation detected by the brake sensor 31, thereby notifying the passenger seated in the second seat SH2 of the braking operation of the driver P1, so that passengers other than the driver P1 can understand the braking operation of the driver P1.

[0073] By configuring the movable body 22, which is moved by the actuator, to come into contact with the occupant in the second seat SH2, the occupant in the second seat SH2 can easily notice the movement of the movable body 22. Furthermore, even if the occupant in the second seat SH2 is visually impaired, they can understand the driving operations of the driver P1.

[0074] The greater the amount of operation of the brake pedal BP, the greater the pressing force of the movable body 22 on the occupant in the second seat SH2, so that the occupant in the second seat SH2 can understand the amount of operation of the brake pedal BP from the magnitude of the pressing force of the movable body 22.

[0075] By configuring the cushion at the tip of the movable body 22 to come into contact with the occupant, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when the movable body 22 comes into contact with the occupant.

[0076] In addition, in the pressing process, when the pressing force of the movable body 22 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 100 may return the movable body 22 to an initial position where the movable body 22 does not press the occupant. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 4(b), step S9 for determining whether the pressure P is equal to or greater than a limit threshold Pmax may be provided between steps S4 and S5 in the process of Fig. 4(a). Here, the limit threshold Pmax can be set to a value greater than the maximum value of the threshold Pth that is set according to the amount of brake operation.

[0077] In this case, if the control unit 100 determines in step S9 that P≧Pmax or more (Yes), the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S6. If the control unit 100 determines in step S9 that P≧Pmax or more is not satisfied (No), the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S5.

[0078] By performing such processing, the movable body 22 returns to its initial position when the pressing force on the movable body 22 exceeds the limit threshold Pmax, thereby preventing the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when pressed by a force exceeding the limit threshold Pmax.

[0079] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle interior system 201 according to the second embodiment includes a first seat SH1, a second seat SH2, and a control unit 100 that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and further includes a tail member 220 and a steering angle sensor 32 that are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0081] The steering angle sensor 32 is a sensor that detects a steering operation, which is a driving operation of the driver P1, and is capable of detecting the amount of operation of the steering ST.

[0082] 6, the tail member 220 is located on the left side surface of the seat back 12. The tail member 220 protrudes from the left side surface of the seat back 12.

[0083] The tail member 220 has a base portion 221 and a movable body 222. The base portion 221 is a portion that is fixed to the seat back 12. The base portion 221 is embedded in the pad of the seat back 12 and fixed to the frame of the seat back 12, for example.

[0084] The base portion 221 has a first motor M1 that rotates around a first axis X1 along the left-right direction. The first motor M1 is a motor that can rotate forward and reverse. The base portion 221 rotatably supports a movable body 222 via the first motor M1.

[0085] The movable body 222 is rotatable about a first axis X1 between an initial position indicated by a two-dot chain line in Figure 6(a) and an operating position indicated by a solid line. In the initial position, the movable body 222 overlaps with the side surface of the seat back 12 and does not protrude forward of the seat back 12. In the operating position, the movable body 222 protrudes forward of the seat back 12.

[0086] The movable body 222 has a first portion 222A and a second portion 222B. The first section 222A has a first link L1 and a second motor M2. The first link L1 is connected to the shaft of the first motor M1 and extends from the first axis X1 in a direction perpendicular to the first axis X1. The first link L1 is covered with a cushion and a cover. A second motor M2, which can rotate forward and backward, is provided at the end of the first link L1 opposite the first motor M1.

[0087] When the movable body 222 is in the operating position, the first portion 222A protrudes forward of the seat back 12, more specifically, in front of the body of the occupant. When the movable body 222 is in the operating position, the second axis X2, which is the rotation axis of the second motor M2, is aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0088] When the movable body 222 is in the operating position, the second part 222B extends downward from the tip of the first part 222A. The second part 222B has a second link L2 connected to the shaft of the second motor M2. The second link L2 is covered with a cushion and a cover. The second link L2 has a pressure sensor 22A at its tip. When the second motor M2 is activated with the movable body 222 in the operating position, the second link L2 rotates around a second axis X2 along the front-rear direction.

[0089] The control unit 100 is capable of executing a turning process to turn the movable body 222 in accordance with the amount of operation of the steering ST. In detail, after moving the movable body 222 to an operating position, the control unit 100 rotates the second part 222B, which is a part of the movable body 222, about the second axis X2 in accordance with the amount of operation of the steering ST.

[0090] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process of FIG. 7 while the vehicle power supply is ON.

[0091] 7, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a steering operation is being performed based on information acquired from the steering angle sensor 32 (S11). If it is determined in step S11 that a steering operation is being performed (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the amount of rotation Rth (angle) and the direction of rotation of the second part 222B of the tail member 220 according to the amount of operation and the direction of operation of the steering ST (S12).

[0092] After step S12, the control unit 100 drives the first motor M1 to rotate the movable body 222 from the initial position to the operating position, and then drives the second motor M2 to rotate the second part 222B in the set rotation direction (S13). After step S13, it is determined whether the rotation amount R of the second part 222B is equal to or greater than the set rotation amount Rth (S14).

[0093] If it is determined in step S14 that R≧Rth is not true (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor 22A is equal to or greater than the limit threshold value Pmax (S15). If it is determined in step S15 that P≧Pmax is not true (No), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S14.

[0094] If it is determined in step S14 that R≧Rth is satisfied (Yes), or if it is determined in step S15 that P≧Pmax is satisfied (Yes), the control unit 100 stops the second part 222B (S16). After step S16, the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S11.

[0095] If it is determined in step S11 that no steering operation has been performed (No), the control unit 100 returns the tail member 220 to its initial position (S17) and ends this process. Specifically, in step S17, the control unit 100 turns the second part 222B downward, and then rotates the movable body 222 from the operating position to the initial position.

[0096] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, when the driver P1 is seated in the first seat SH1 and the occupant P2 is seated in the second seat SH2, for example, the passenger seat, when the driver P1 rotates the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle, the control unit 100 first rotates the movable body 222 from the initial position to the operating position, as shown in Figure 6(a).

[0097] 6(b), the control unit 100 rotates the second part 222B counterclockwise by a predetermined angle as seen from the driver P1, thereby enabling the occupant P2 to know that the driver P1 has rotated the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle.

[0098] Thereafter, when the driver P1 releases the steering wheel ST, the second part 222B returns to the initial downward position, and then the movable body 222 returns from the operating position to the initial position.

[0099] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the second portion 222B of the movable body 222 to turn in accordance with the amount of operation of the steering wheel ST, the occupant P2 can grasp the steering operation of the driver P1.

[0100] By configuring the movable body 222 to stop moving when the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor 22A becomes equal to or greater than the limit threshold Pmax, it is possible to prevent the occupant P2 from being pushed by a pressure exceeding the limit threshold Pmax and feeling uncomfortable.

[0101] In the second embodiment, the second part 222B of the movable body 222 is rotated in the same direction as the operation direction of the steering ST, but the second part 222B of the movable body 222 may also be rotated in the opposite direction to the operation direction of the steering ST.

[0102] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the vehicle interior system 201 according to the second embodiment, components and processes that are substantially the same as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 8, a vehicle interior system 301 according to the third embodiment is obtained by adding the brake sensor 31 of the first embodiment to the vehicle interior system 201 of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the brake sensor 31 corresponds to a first detection unit that detects the operation of the brake pedal BP, and the steering angle sensor 32 corresponds to a second detection unit that detects the operation amount of the steering ST. Note that the first detection unit may be any unit that can detect whether or not the brake is being operated, and may be, for example, a switch that is turned ON when the brake pedal BP is being operated and turned OFF when the brake pedal BP is not being operated.

[0104] The control unit 100 can execute substantially the same turning process as in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the control unit 100 changes the amount of movement of the movable body 222 in the turning process depending on whether or not the brake pedal BP is operated. More specifically, the control unit 100 changes the amount of turning of the second portion 222B of the movable body 222 depending on whether or not the brake pedal BP is operated.

[0105] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 9 while the vehicle power is ON. The process of Fig. 9 is the process of Fig. 7 with new steps S31 and S32 added between steps S12 and S13.

[0106] After step S12, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a brake operation has been performed based on information from the brake sensor 31 (S31). If it is determined in step S31 that a brake operation has been performed (Yes), the control unit 100 corrects the turning amount Rth set in step S13 to a smaller value. For example, the control unit 100 corrects the turning amount Rth to a smaller value by multiplying the turning amount Rth by a coefficient less than 1 or by subtracting a predetermined value from the turning amount Rth.

[0107] If it is determined in step S31 that no brake operation has been performed (No), or after step S32, the control unit 100 executes the processes from step S13 onwards.

[0108] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 8, when the driver P1 is seated in the first seat SH1 and the occupant P2 is seated in the second seat SH2, for example, the passenger seat, and the driver P1 rotates the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle without operating the brakes, the control unit 100 rotates the second part 222B of the movable body 222 counterclockwise by a predetermined angle, as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0109] On the other hand, when the driver P1 turns the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle while braking, the control unit 100 turns the second part 222B of the movable body 222 counterclockwise by an angle smaller than the predetermined angle. By reducing the amount of rotation of the second part 222B when the brakes are applied in this way, for example, when traveling at high speed, the safety of the occupant P2 can be ensured by the small amount of rotation of the second part 222B when the brakes are applied, and when the brakes are not applied, the movable body 222 can notify the occupant P2 of fine steering operations when traveling at high speed.

[0110] In addition, when both the brake pedal BP and the steering wheel ST are operated, the control unit 100 may not perform the turning process if the operation amount of the steering wheel ST is less than a predetermined threshold, and may perform the turning process if the operation amount of the steering wheel ST is equal to or greater than the threshold. Specifically, for example, step S32 of the process in Fig. 9 may be replaced with a new step S41 as shown in Fig. 10.

[0111] 10, if the control unit 100 determines in step S31 that a brake operation has been performed (Yes), it determines whether the turning amount Rth set in step S12 is equal to or greater than the turning threshold value TH1 (S41). If it determines in step S41 that Rth is not equal to or greater than TH1 (No), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S11 without performing the processing of step S13. In other words, if the turning amount Rth is not equal to or greater than the turning threshold value TH1, the control unit 100 does not perform the turning processing.

[0112] If it is determined in step S41 that Rth≧TH1 (Yes), the control unit 100 executes the process of step S 13. That is, if the turning amount Rth is equal to or greater than the turning threshold value TH1, the control unit 100 performs turning processing.

[0113] Here, it is considered that it is not important to notify the occupant P2 of minute steering operations during braking. Therefore, by configuring the system not to perform turning processing when the turning amount Rth corresponding to the operation amount of the steering wheel ST during braking is less than the turning threshold TH1, it is possible to prevent the movable body 222 from moving in order to notify unimportant information, which would cause the occupant P2 to feel uncomfortable.

[0114] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, components and processes that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 11, the vehicle interior system 401 according to the fourth embodiment includes an automatic driving changeover switch 410, a rotation mechanism 420, and a seat orientation detection sensor 430 in addition to the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0116] The automatic driving changeover switch 410 is a switch for switching between automatic driving and manual driving. The automatic driving changeover switch 410 may be a button on the screen of the navigation system, or may be provided on the steering wheel ST.

[0117] The rotation mechanism 420 supports the second sheet SH2 so that it can rotate about a vertical axis. The sheet orientation detection sensor 430 is a sensor that detects the orientation of the second sheet SH2.

[0118] The control unit 100 has a function of not moving the movable body 22 when the vehicle is in automatic driving mode. The control unit 100 has a function of not moving the movable body 22 when the second seat SH2 faces rearward.

[0119] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 12 while the vehicle power supply is ON. The process of Fig. 12 is the process of Fig. 4 with the addition of new steps S51 and S52.

[0120] In the processing of Figure 12, the control unit 100 first determines whether the vehicle is in autonomous driving or not based on information acquired from the autonomous driving changeover switch 410 (S51). If it is determined in step S51 that the vehicle is in autonomous driving (Yes), the control unit 100 ends this processing. Here, when the control unit 100 executes the processing of step S6, if the tail member 20 is already in the initial position, the control unit 100 does nothing and ends this processing.

[0121] If it is determined in step S51 that the vehicle is not in automatic driving mode (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the second seat SH2 is rear-facing or not (S52) based on information acquired from the seat orientation detection sensor 430. If it is determined in step S52 that the second seat SH2 is rear-facing (Yes), the control unit 100 ends this process. If it is determined in step S52 that the second seat SH2 is not rear-facing (No), the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S1.

[0122] Here, it is expected that the occupant P2 will have little interest in the driving operation during automatic driving. Therefore, by configuring the movable body 22 not to move when the vehicle is in automatic driving, it is possible to prevent the occupant P2, who has little interest in the driving operation, from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body 22.

[0123] Furthermore, when the second seat SH2 faces backward, it is expected that the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 will have little interest in driving operations. Therefore, by configuring the movable body 22 not to move when the second seat SH2 faces backward, it is possible to prevent the occupant P2, who has little interest in driving operations, from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body 22.

[0124] When the automatic driving changeover switch 410 is operated to switch from manual driving to automatic driving, or when it is operated to switch from automatic driving to manual driving, the movable body 22 may be moved to notify the occupant P2. The notification of the switch between automatic driving and manual driving may be made by activating a light, a vibration unit, an acoustic device, or the like provided on the movable body 22.

[0125] According to this, even if the driver P1 is not aware of the automatic / manual driving switching operation, the passenger P2 can notice it by the movement of the movable body 22.

[0126] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0127] 13(a), a vehicle interior system 501 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second seat SH2 has an airbag 510. The tail member 20 is provided on the left side surface FL of the headrest 13 of the second seat SH2, as in the first embodiment.

[0128] The airbag 510 is embedded in the left overhang 12B of the seat back 12. The airbag 510 is located at an upper portion of the left overhang 12B. The cover 520 of the seat back 12 has a tear line 521 that breaks when the airbag 510 is deployed. The tear line 521 is located at the front end of the left overhang 12B.

[0129] When the airbag 510 is activated, the airbag 510 ruptures the tear line 521 and deploys forward. That is, the deployment direction of the airbag 510 is forward.

[0130] As shown in Figure 13(b), the tail member 20 is located behind the tear line 521, that is, upstream in the deployment direction. The tail member 20 is spaced apart from the tear line 521 in the up-down direction. As shown in Figure 13(a), the tail member 20 does not overlap with the tear line 521 in the deployment direction of the airbag 510, that is, when viewed from the front. By configuring the tail member 20 so that it does not overlap with the tear line 521 when viewed from the deployment direction of the airbag 510, it is possible to prevent the airbag 510 from interfering with the tail member 20 when the airbag 510 is deployed.

[0131] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the tail member 220 according to the second embodiment described above, and therefore, components and processes that are substantially the same as those in the second embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0132] 14(a), the tail member 620 according to the sixth embodiment has a base portion 221 similar to that of the second embodiment, and a movable body 622 different from that of the second embodiment. The movable body 622 further has a third portion 222C in addition to a first portion 222A and a second portion 222B that are substantially similar to those of the second embodiment.

[0133] The second part 222B differs from the second embodiment in that it does not have a pressure sensor 22A. A third motor M3 is provided at the tip of the second link L2 of the second part 222B. When the movable body 622 is in the operating position, the third axis X3, which is the rotation axis of the third motor M3, is aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0134] When the movable body 622 is in the operating position, the third part 222C extends downward from the lower end of the second part 222B. The third part 222C has a third link L3 connected to the shaft of the third motor M3. The third link L3 is covered with a cushion and a cover. The third link L3 has a pressure sensor 22A at its tip. When the third motor M3 is activated with the movable body 622 in the operating position, the third link L3 rotates around a third axis X3 that extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0135] Here, the second axis X2 corresponds to the first rotation axis, and the third axis X3 corresponds to the second rotation axis. The second part 222B corresponds to the first movable part, and the third part 222C corresponds to the second movable part. When the brake pedal BP is not operated and the steering wheel ST is operated, the control unit 100 rotates the second part 222B and the third part 222C around the second axis X2. When both the brake pedal BP and the steering wheel ST are operated, the control unit 100 rotates the third part 222C around the third axis X3.

[0136] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 15 while the vehicle power supply is ON. The process of Fig. 15 is the same as the process of Fig. 9 except that step S32 is replaced by new steps S61 and S62.

[0137] If it is determined in step S31 that a brake operation has been performed (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the control object in the turning process to the third motor M3 (S61). If it is determined in step S31 that a brake operation has not been performed (No), the control unit 100 sets the control object in the turning process to the second motor M2 (S62). After step S61 or step S62, the control unit 100 performs the turning process in step S13 by operating the motor set in step S61 or step S62.

[0138] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. In a situation where the driver P1 is seated in the first seat SH1 and the occupant P2 is seated in the second seat SH2, when the driver P1 rotates the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle without operating the brakes, the control unit 100 rotates the second part 222B and the third part 222C of the movable body 622 counterclockwise by a predetermined angle around the second axis X2, as shown in Figure 14(b).

[0139] On the other hand, when the driver P1 rotates the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle while braking, the control unit 100 rotates the third part 222C of the movable body 622 counterclockwise by a predetermined angle about the third axis X3. When both the braking and steering operations are performed in this way, the size of the moving part of the movable body 622 is smaller than when only the steering operation is performed. Therefore, for example, when the brakes are applied during high-speed driving, the safety of the occupant P2 can be ensured because the moving part of the movable body 622 is small, and when the brakes are not applied, the movable body 622 can notify the occupant P2 of fine steering operations during high-speed driving.

[0140] [Seventh embodiment] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that, since this embodiment is obtained by adding a new function to the control unit 100 of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the same components and processes as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 16, in a vehicle interior system 701 according to the seventh embodiment, a child seat CS is installed in the rear seat (second seat SH2) located behind the passenger seat. If a passenger PC, specifically an infant, is present in the child seat CS installed in the rear seat, the following problem arises. If the passenger PC starts crying or fussing, the other passengers in the car will need to comfort the passenger PC. However, for example, the driver P1 needs to concentrate on driving, so it is not easy to comfort the passenger PC. Similarly, even if the driver is not the driver P1, for example, if a passenger P2 is sitting in the passenger seat, it is relatively difficult to comfort the passenger PC sitting directly behind the driver P1.

[0142] The control unit 100 according to the seventh embodiment can execute a control method that solves the above-mentioned problems. The control method according to the seventh embodiment and the control method according to the first embodiment can be switched between by, for example, a switch.

[0143] When the control unit 100 determines that an occupant PC is present in a child car seat CS installed in the rear seat behind the seat (second passenger seat SH2) on which the tail member 20 is installed, it controls the front seat movable body 22 to point the tip of the front seat toward the rear seat. Here, the determination of whether or not an occupant PC is present in a child car seat CS installed in the rear seat may be made based on information from a seating sensor installed in the rear seat, for example, or on information from an imaging device such as a camera. Furthermore, the determination of whether or not a child car seat CS is installed may be made comprehensively by combining information from a sensor installed in a fastening device such as an ISOFIX wire with any of the above-mentioned information.

[0144] When the control unit 100 determines that an occupant PC is in a child seat CS installed in the rear seat, the control unit 100 may cause the movable body 22 in the front seat to protrude from the back of the front seat (passenger seat). Furthermore, the control unit 100 may move the tip of the movable body 22 in the front seat in the up / down, left / right, or front / rear direction after pointing the tip toward the rear seat.

[0145] By performing this control, it is possible to attract the attention of the occupant PC in the child seat CS. When moving the tip of the movable body 22 in the front seat, the control unit 100 should move the tip of the movable body 22 in the front seat in an area that does not overlap with the child seat CS when viewed from above and below. This can prevent the tip of the movable body 22 in the front seat from causing a sense of danger to the occupant PC riding in the child seat CS. It can also prevent the movable body 22 in the front seat from colliding with the child seat CS in the event of a vehicle collision, etc.

[0146] Moreover, in the seventh embodiment, a monitor 710 is provided on the back of the front seat. As shown in FIG. 17, the screen of the monitor 710 faces the rear seat. As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 100 may display an animal character such as a cat on the screen of the monitor 710 and move the movable body 22 in the front seat in conjunction with the movement of the character. For example, the control unit 100 displays on the monitor 710 a tail extending from the body of the animal that is cut off at the edge of the screen, and positions the movable body 22 in the front seat in accordance with the position of the tail on the monitor 710 so that the movable body 22 in the front seat appears as the remaining tip part of the cut tail.

[0147] That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 displays on the monitor 710 a portion of the movable part of the body of an animal character that can bend and stretch to be shown to the occupant PC, and the remaining portion of the movable part is configured by the movable body 22 in the front seat. In more detail, a portion of the movable part is displayed on the screen so as to extend to the edge of the screen of the monitor 710, and at least a portion of the movable body 22 in the front seat is positioned along the direction in which the portion of the movable part extends, so that the portion of the movable part displayed on the screen and the remaining portion of the movable part configured by the movable body 22 in the front seat appear to be connected. Note that the movable part may be the hands, feet, or ears of an animal, or the body of a snake, the trunk of an elephant, etc.

[0148] When the base of the tail on the monitor 710 is to be moved up, the control unit 100 moves the movable body 22 in the front seat up. When the base of the tail on the monitor 710 is to be moved down, the control unit 100 moves the movable body 22 in the front seat down. This causes the tail of the virtual animal on the screen to jump out of the screen and move as if it were real, entertaining the occupant PC in the child car seat CS.

[0149] The above-described control is for the case where the child car seat CS faces forward. As shown in Fig. 19, when the child car seat CS faces backward, the following control may be performed.

[0150] If the control unit 100 determines that the child seat CS is rearward-facing, it may move the movable body 22 in the front seat in an area that overlaps with the child seat CS when viewed from the top-bottom direction. Specifically, the control unit 100 performs the above-mentioned control on the condition that the front end of the child seat CS is positioned forward of the rear limit position PL, which is the position of the tip of the movable body 22 when it is positioned at the rearmost position.

[0151] The orientation of the child seat CS may be determined based on information from an imaging device such as a camera, or from information from another sensor that detects the orientation of the child seat CS. Whether the front end of the child seat CS is located in front of the rear limit position PL may be determined based on information from an imaging device such as a camera, or from information from a sensor that detects the fore-and-aft position of the rear seat.

[0152] By performing this control, even if the child seat CS is facing backward, the movable body 22 in the front seat can attract the attention of the occupant PC in the child seat CS.

[0153] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may move the movable body 22 provided in the rear seat when it determines that the child seat CS is rear-facing and that the child seat CS and the movable body 22 do not overlap when viewed from above and below. By performing this control, even when the child seat CS is rear-facing and the movable body 22 in the front seat is out of the field of view of the occupant PC of the child seat CS, the movable body 22 in the rear seat can attract the attention of the occupant PC of the child seat CS.

[0154] 20, the vehicle interior system 701 may further include a camera 720 that captures an image of an occupant PC in a child car seat CS. The camera 720 may be installed in the front seat, the rear seat, or another location such as the ceiling of the vehicle.

[0155] The control unit 100 may determine whether the occupant PC of the child car seat CS is asleep based on information from the camera 720, and if it determines that the occupant PC is asleep, may stop the movement of the movable body 22. By performing this control, it is possible to prevent the operating sound of the movable body 22 from disturbing the sleep of the occupant PC of the child car seat CS.

[0156] 21 and 22, the vehicle interior system 701 may further include a monitor 730 that can be viewed by occupants (P1 to P3) seated in seats other than the seat in which the child seat CS is installed, and a camera 740 provided at the tip of the movable body 22. The monitor 730 may be provided on the dashboard or behind the driver's seat.

[0157] The control unit 100 may move the movable body 22 to point the camera 740 at the occupant PC of the child seat CS, and display the image captured by the camera 740 on the monitor 730 provided on the dashboard or in the driver's seat. By performing this control, an occupant seated in a seat other than the seat where the child seat CS is provided can check the state of the occupant PC of the child seat CS.

[0158] 21, the control unit 100 determines whether an adult occupant P3 is seated in a seat adjacent to the seat where the child seat CS is installed (hereinafter also referred to as the "adjacent seat"), and if it determines that the adult occupant P3 is seated, it does not need to move the movable body 22. In this embodiment, since the child seat CS is installed in the left rear seat, the adjacent seat is the right rear seat.

[0159] The determination of whether an adult occupant P3 is seated in the adjacent seat may be made based on information from an imaging device such as a camera, or based on information from a seating sensor provided in the adjacent seat. The seating determination camera may be located next to the headrest in the front row, in the center console, on the roof, or elsewhere.

[0160] By performing this control, if there is someone in the adjacent seat who can look after the occupant PC in the child seat CS, the movable body 22 does not move unnecessarily, thereby achieving energy conservation.

[0161] Furthermore, when the load acquired from the seating sensor of the seat on which the child seat CS is installed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 100 may not move the movable body 22. By performing this control, for example, when a child who no longer needs care is sitting in the child seat CS, the movable body 22 does not move unnecessarily, thereby saving energy.

[0162] Furthermore, when moving the movable body 22, the control unit 100 may move the movable body 22 so that the tip of the movable body 22 does not face the face of the occupant PC of the child seat CS. By performing this control, it is possible to prevent the tip of the movable body 22 from facing the face of the occupant PC of the child seat CS, thereby preventing the occupant PC of the child seat CS from feeling a sense of danger.

[0163] The direction of the face of the occupant PC in the child car seat CS may be determined based on information from an in-vehicle camera or the like.

[0164] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below.

[0165] The driving operation may be the operation of a switch related to automated driving, or the operation of a clutch pedal, a shift lever, or a paddle shift in a manual vehicle. The operation detection unit may detect the operation of a switch related to autonomous driving, or the operation of a clutch pedal, a shift lever, or a paddle shift in a manual vehicle.

[0166] The vehicle interior system may include a seating detection sensor that detects whether an occupant is seated in the second seat. Examples of the seating detection sensor include a seating sensor on the second seat and a camera that photographs the occupant. In this case, the control unit may execute a pressing process or a turning process when it determines that an occupant is seated in the second seat based on information from the seating detection sensor, and may prohibit the pressing process or the turning process when it determines that an occupant is not seated in the seat. In this way, the pressing process or the turning process is executed only after the control unit recognizes that an occupant is seated in the second seat, thereby preventing malfunction.

[0167] The decorative item may be located on an upper part of the seat other than the headrest. For example, the decorative item may be located on the upper surface of the seat back, on either the left or right side, or on the back. The decorative item may also be located on either the left or right side or the underside of the seat cushion. When the decorative item is located on the upper part of the seat, the movable body can come into contact with the occupant's head, making it easier for the occupant to notice the movable body coming into contact.

[0168] The contact sensor may be a camera placed in a position where it can capture an image of the occupant, or a camera provided on a movable body (for example, the tip of a tail member). In this case, the control unit may determine whether or not the movable body has touched the occupant based on information from the camera.

[0169] The control unit may change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may move the movable body so as to contact the head of the occupant when a first condition is satisfied, and may move the movable body so as to contact the shoulder of the occupant when a second condition is satisfied.

[0170] The vehicle interior system may include a notification device that notifies the occupant of information by voice or display. The notification device may be, for example, an agent device such as a robot, or a navigation system. The control unit may perform a pressing process or a turning process after issuing a notification by the notification device. The control unit may, for example, change the destination (contact position) of the movable body according to the notified information.

[0171] The control unit may change the moving distance, moving speed, etc. of the movable body.

[0172] The vehicle interior system includes a physical information acquisition unit that acquires the physique of the occupant, and the control unit may estimate the position of body parts such as the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on the physical information acquired from the physical information acquisition unit.

[0173] Examples of the physical information acquisition unit include a camera capable of photographing the occupant, a device that stores the occupant's physical information such as a smartphone or a wearable device, and multiple pressure sensors provided on the seat.

[0174] The camera may be, for example, an in-vehicle camera, an exterior camera, or a camera mounted on a movable body. In the case of an exterior camera, the control unit estimates the position of the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on an image of the occupant captured by the exterior camera before getting in the vehicle.

[0175] A plurality of movable bodies may be provided, and may be capable of coming into contact with the thighs, abdomen, or arms of the occupant.

[0176] The control unit may change the posture of the seat so that the movable body is more likely to come into contact with the occupant. For example, the control unit may perform at least one of the following processes before performing the pressing process or the turning process. The tilt-up mechanism tilts up the front end of the seat cushion, allowing the occupant's body to lean backward. The reclining mechanism moves the seat back toward the occupant, rotating the seat back to a position where the tail member of the headrest can contact the occupant. Whether the seat back has reached a position where it can contact the occupant can be determined, for example, based on information from a pressure sensor installed in the seat back. The ottoman drive mechanism raises the ottoman, allowing the occupant's body to lean backward.

[0177] Before executing the pressing process or the turning process, the control unit may activate a vibration device provided on the seat to notify that the movable body will start moving.

[0178] The movable body may be provided with a heater, which can warm the part of the occupant's body that comes into contact with the movable body, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. The headrest may be equipped with a heater.

[0179] The interior member to which the decorative item is attached is not limited to the headrest, but may also be a seat cushion or a seat back. If the seat has an armrest or an ottoman, the interior member may also be the armrest or the ottoman.

[0180] Other examples of interior components include a center console box located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, a dashboard, inner panels of doors and vehicle side walls, a roof lining, an interior opening / closing cover of a sunroof, etc. The decorative item may be provided, for example, on the upper part of the rear surface of the seat back, the left and right bulging portions that bulge out above the seat surface of the seat cushion, the sides of the headrest, the top surface of the dashboard or above the meter hood, the center console box, etc.

[0181] The ornament is not limited to a cat's tail. For example, other examples of ornaments include models imitating body parts (ears, limbs, whiskers) of animals such as dogs and cats, stuffed toys imitating the entire body of a human or animal, models imitating characters that anthropomorphize objects or living things, models imitating plants such as flowers and trees, models of buildings such as castles, and robots. The movable body may be the arms or legs of a robot, or a device that rotates or raises and lowers the entire robot.

[0182] Changing the shape of an ornament is not limited to changing between a straight and a bent state, and any change that changes the external shape of the ornament is acceptable. For example, if the ornament is made up of air cells that can expand and contract with air, the shape of the ornament may change between a normal state and a state that is more deflated than the normal state. In this case, the actuator that changes the shape of the ornament may be a pump that switches between supplying and discharging air to the ornament.

[0183] The actuator may be an artificial muscle such as that disclosed in JP 2023-008896 A.

[0184] The ornament may also have a plurality of stacked air cells. In this case, by selecting the air cells to inflate, the shape of the ornament can be changed in multiple stages.

[0185] The decorative item may also have a shape memory alloy. In this case, a heater is provided on or around the decorative item. The shape memory alloy may be configured, for example, to assume a first straight shape when the temperature of the shape memory alloy is below a predetermined temperature, and assume a second bent shape when the temperature is above the predetermined temperature. The control unit may change the shape of the shape memory alloy by controlling the heater.

[0186] The decorative item may have a display unit, a communication unit, a speaker, etc. The decorative item may be operable by an operation input unit such as a seat, door, or navigation system.

[0187] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0188] Examples of methods for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods. A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system comprising: a first seat on which a driver sits; a second seat on which passengers other than the driver sit; an ornament attached to an interior member of the vehicle and having a movable body moved by an actuator; an operation detection unit that detects driving operations by the driver; and a control unit, wherein the control unit notifies a passenger seated in the second seat of the driver's driving operations by moving the movable body based on the driving operations detected by the operation detection unit, the method comprising the steps of attaching the ornament to the interior member and connecting the actuator to the control unit.

[0189] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 1. Vehicle interior systems 20 Tail Material 22 Movable body 31 Brake sensor 100 control section SH1 1st seat SH2 2nd seat

Claims

1. a first seat on which the driver sits; a second seat for occupants other than the driver; a decorative item provided on an interior member of a vehicle, the decorative item having a movable body that is moved by an actuator; an operation detection unit that detects a driving operation by a driver; a control unit, The control unit moves the movable body based on the driving operation detected by the operation detection unit, thereby notifying the occupant seated in the second seat of the driver's driving operation.

2. 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the movable body is movable by the actuator so as to be able to come into contact with an occupant seated in the second seat.

3. the operation detection unit is capable of detecting an operation amount of a brake pedal, The control unit When the brake pedal is operated, a pressing process can be executed to press the movable body against an occupant, 3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, wherein the pressing process increases the pressing force of the movable body as the operation amount of the brake pedal increases.

4. The control unit 4. The vehicle interior system according to claim 3, wherein, in the pressing process, when the pressing force of the movable body reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the movable body is returned to an initial position where the movable body does not press against the occupant.

5. The movable body has a cushion at least at a tip portion, The vehicle interior system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit brings the cushion into contact with the occupant based on the driving operation detected by the operation detection unit.

6. the operation detection unit is capable of detecting an operation amount of a steering wheel, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit rotates the movable body in accordance with an amount of operation of the steering wheel.

7. The control unit 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the movable body is not moved when the vehicle is in automatic driving mode.

8. the second seat is rotatable about a vertical axis; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit does not move the movable body when the second seat faces rearward.

9. the movable body has a pressure sensor, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit stops the movement of the movable body when the pressure value acquired from the pressure sensor becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

10. The operation detection unit a first detection unit that detects an operation of a brake pedal; a second detection unit that detects an operation amount of a steering wheel, The control unit A turning process can be executed to turn the movable body in accordance with an operation amount of the steering, 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein, in the turning process, the movable amount of the movable body is changed depending on whether or not the brake pedal is operated.

11. The control unit When both the brake pedal and the steering wheel are operated, When the steering operation amount is less than a predetermined threshold, the turning process is not performed, 11. The vehicle interior system according to claim 10, wherein the turning process is executed when the steering operation amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

12. The movable body is a first movable portion extending from a first rotation shaft and rotating about the first rotation shaft; a second movable portion that rotates around a second rotation axis located at an end of the first movable portion opposite to the first rotation axis, The control unit When the brake pedal is not operated and the steering wheel is operated, the first movable part and the second movable part are rotated around the first rotation shaft, The vehicle interior system according to claim 10, wherein the second movable portion is rotated about the second rotation shaft when both the brake pedal and the steering wheel are operated.

13. the decorative item is provided on the second seat, The second sheet is Airbags and a skin having a tear line that breaks when the airbag is deployed, 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the decorative element does not overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag is deployed.

Images