Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which allows an occupant to get into a position to rest safely and reduces a burden on the occupant in the event of a collision.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat 10 is provided with: a seat cushion part 200 on which an occupant P is seated; and a seat back part 100 for supporting the back part of the occupant P. The seat cushion part 200 includes: a seating surface part 210 for supporting a portion from the pelvis part to the thigh part of the occupant P; a seating surface frame part 220 forming a skeleton of the seat cushion part 200; a seating surface spring part 230 coupled to the seating surface frame part 220 and supporting the seating surface part 210 at the vehicle front side; a lifter cross member part 310 which extends in a vehicle width direction at the vehicle rear side relative to the seat cushion part 200 and moves up or down the seat back part 100 and the seat cushion part 200; and a spring cross member part 320 which is provided at the vehicle lower side relative to the lifter cross member part 310 and in which the seating surface spring part 230 is coupled at the vehicle upper side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, development of autonomous driving control technologies that allow vehicles such as automobiles to travel automatically without the need for driver operation has been progressing, with the aim of reducing the burden of driving operations on drivers and improving safety.

[0003] In vehicles equipped with this type of autonomous driving control technology, it is necessary to assume that the driver, not only on the passenger side but also on the driver's side, will slide the seat toward the rear of the vehicle and tilt the seatback toward the rear of the vehicle to take a comfortable position.

[0004] As a seat that allows for the above-mentioned comfortable posture, some vehicle seats are equipped with a lifter mechanism that allows the height of the seating position to be adjusted. However, the frame members provided as such a lifter mechanism must be able to be raised and lowered, which can reduce the support strength of each frame member.

[0005] As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a technology has been disclosed in which link members arranged at a distance from each other in the width direction as skeletal members supporting the seat cushion are connected by rods in order to connect each frame member by rods while ensuring the support strength of each frame member. Specifically, for example, each link member is formed in a stepped shape that changes the distance between them, and the stepped shape forms an end abutment surface that abuts on the end face of the rod and an outer circumferential abutment surface that abuts on the outer circumferential surface of the rod. These link members are joined and connected to the rod R with their end abutment surfaces and outer circumferential abutment surfaces abutting on the end face and outer circumferential surface of the rod R, respectively (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4978282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technology that enables link members that link and connect a seat cushion in a lifter mechanism so that the seat cushion can be raised and lowered to be connected by a rod while ensuring the support strength of each frame member.

[0008] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it may not take into consideration the posture of the occupant when the back seat is tilted backward in a comfortable position and the burden on the occupant when a vehicle collision occurs.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a vehicle seat that allows occupants to assume a position to rest safely and reduces the burden on occupants when a vehicle collision occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a vehicle seat having a seat cushion portion with a seat surface that supports the pelvis to thighs of a seated occupant, and a seat back portion that supports the back of the seated occupant, wherein the seat cushion portion includes a seat frame portion that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion portion, a seat spring portion that is connected to the seat frame portion at the front of the vehicle and supports the seat surface, a lifter cross member that extends in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the seat cushion portion and raises and lowers the seat surface, and a spring cross member portion that extends in the vehicle width direction below the lifter cross member and is capable of being raised and lowered, and to which the seat spring portion is connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] One or more embodiments of the present invention allow an occupant to safely assume a resting position while reducing strain on the occupant in the event of a collision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle to which a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are side views of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the vehicle width direction, where FIG. 1A shows a state in which the vehicle seat is in a high position, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the vehicle seat is in a low position. [Figure 3] This is an oblique view of the seat lifting section of a vehicle seat relating to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the seat cushion removed, viewed from the front upper part of the vehicle, where (a) shows the state in which the lifter cross member section and the spring cross member section are in a high position, and (b) shows the state in which the lifter cross member section is in a high position and the spring cross member section is in a low position. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2, showing a state in which a clutch portion of a drive portion in the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment of the present invention is disengaged. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are side views seen from the vehicle width direction showing a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a high position, where (a) shows the state in which the seat cushion portion is in a high position, and (b) shows the state in which the seat cushion portion is in a low position. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views along line AA as viewed from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 showing the state of the clutch portion in the drive portion of the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state in which the lifter clutch portion and the spring clutch portion are engaged with the drive clutch portion, and (b) shows the state in which the lifter clutch portion is engaged with the drive clutch portion and the spring clutch portion is disengaged from the drive clutch portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 8]10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a determination unit in a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of a determination unit in a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of a determination unit when a collision occurs in a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A vehicle seat 10 and a vehicle seat 10A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG. Note that the vehicle V will be described as an electric vehicle (EV) using a vehicle drive motor as a drive source, for example, but may also be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having multiple drive sources such as an engine and a power unit, or an internal combustion vehicle having an internal combustion engine. Arrow FR, as appropriate in the drawings, indicates the vehicle traveling direction of the vehicle V shown in FIG. 1, arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle V, and arrow RH indicates the right side when facing the vehicle traveling direction. Furthermore, in the following description, when up / down, front / rear, and left / right directions are used, these directions will indicate the up / down direction when facing the vehicle traveling direction, the front / rear direction with the vehicle traveling direction as the front, and the left / right direction when facing the vehicle traveling direction, unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment, a seat S1 serving as a driver's seat is provided on the left side of the vehicle V when facing the vehicle's traveling direction, and a vehicle seat 10 is provided in the seat S1. The driver's seat may be on the left side or the right side of the vehicle V when facing the vehicle's traveling direction. The vehicle seat 10 may be provided in the passenger seat S2 or in the rear seat.

[0014] First Embodiment A vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG.

[0015] <Regarding the vehicle seat 10> 1, a vehicle V is provided with a seat S1 as a driver's seat where an occupant P is seated and a passenger seat S2 at the rear of the front panel portion FP. The vehicle seat 10 is configured to include the seat S1 and a slide rail portion SR.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the seat S1 includes a seat back portion 100, a seat cushion portion 200, a seat lifting portion 300, and a headrest portion HR. The seat S1 is movably fixed to the vehicle floor portion via a slide rail portion SR provided on the vehicle underside of the seat cushion portion 200. The slide rail portion SR is fixed to a floor panel portion UB of the vehicle V and extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. The slide rail portion SR is provided with slide legs SL that are movably in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0017] <Regarding the seat back portion 100> The seat back portion 100 supports the back of the occupant P. The seat back portion 100 is disposed in an upright position facing the vehicle vertical direction at the rear of the seating seat S1. The seat back portion 100 is provided so that its angle can be adjusted in the vehicle longitudinal direction around a rotation axis BA provided on the underside of the vehicle. The outer surface of the seat back portion 100 is covered with a seat cover SC made of material such as cloth or leather. The inner surface of the seat cover SC includes a seat back cushion portion BC and a seat back frame BF.

[0018] <Regarding the seat cushion part 200> The seat cushion portion 200 supports the pelvis to thighs of the seated occupant P. The seat cushion portion 200 is configured to include a seat portion 210, a seat frame portion 220, a seat spring portion 230, and seat legs 240 (seat legs 240f and seat legs 240r).

[0019] (Regarding the seat portion 210) The surface of the seating surface 210 is covered with a seat cover SC made of a material such as cloth. A cushion urethane portion CU is provided on the vehicle underside of the seat cover SC. A seating surface spring portion 230 is provided on the vehicle underside of the seating surface 210, and the seating surface spring portion 230 supports the seating surface 210.

[0020] (Regarding the seat frame portion 220) The seat frame portion 220 forms the framework of the seat cushion portion 200, and is provided below the seat portion 210 in the vehicle. The seat frame portion 220 is provided around the periphery of the seat portion 210 using a member such as metal and has a substantially rectangular frame shape when viewed from above the vehicle. One end of the seat spring portion 230 is fixed to the seat frame portion 220 on the front side of the vehicle. The outer side of the seat frame 220 in the vehicle width direction is formed in a substantially long plate shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle width direction. The rear side of the seat frame 220 extends in the vehicle width direction and is placed on the vehicle upper side of the lifter cross member 310 described later. The seat back 100 is connected to the rear side of the seat frame 220 via a rotation axis BA so that the angle can be adjusted. A drive unit 400, which will be described later, is disposed on the outer side of the seat frame 220 in the vehicle width direction.

[0021] A slide rail portion SR that movably fixes the seat S1 to the vehicle floor is provided on the vehicle underside of the seat frame portion 220. The slide rail portion SR is formed of a metal or other material in a U-shape that is open on the upper side of the vehicle. The seat legs 240 are engaged with the slide rail portion SR via slide legs SL so as to be movable in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0022] (Regarding the seat spring portion 230) The seat spring portion 230 is connected to the seat frame portion 220 at the front of the vehicle and supports the seat 110. The seat spring portion 230 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle below the seat portion 210. The seat spring portion 230 is an S-shaped spring made of metal or the like having spring properties, and multiple springs (six in this example) are spanned between the front of the seat frame portion 220 and the spring cross member portion 320. The seat spring portion 230 has a front end connected to the seat frame portion 220 and a rear end connected to the spring cross member portion 320 .

[0023] (Regarding the seat leg 240) The seat leg portions 240 are provided with seat leg portions 240f on both sides of the front of the vehicle and seat leg portions 240r on both sides of the rear of the vehicle. The seat leg portions 240 are made of, for example, a metal or other material and have a substantially rectangular closed cross section with long sides in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The seat leg portions 240 are provided with substantially circular through-holes on the upper and lower sides of the vehicle, into which rotation shafts are inserted.

[0024] The upper side of the seat leg 240f is rotatably engaged with the seat frame 220 and a front lift-up unit 500 (described later). The lower side of the seat leg 240f is rotatably engaged with a slide leg SL provided on the slide rail SR.

[0025] The upper side of the seat leg 240r is rotatably engaged with a lifter cross member 310, a lifter rod 330, and a drive unit 400 (described later). The lower side of the seat leg 240r is rotatably engaged with a slide leg SL.

[0026] <Regarding the seat lifting unit 300> The seat lifting / lowering unit 300 raises and lowers the seat back unit 100 and the seat cushion unit 200. The seat lifting / lowering unit 300 includes a lifter cross member unit 310, a spring cross member unit 320, a lifter rod unit 330, a spring rod unit 340, and a drive unit 400. A front lifting / lowering unit 500 is provided on the front side of the seat cushion unit 200 to raise and lower the front side of the seat cushion unit 200.

[0027] (Regarding the lifter cross member part 310) The lifter cross-member portion 310 extends in the vehicle width direction on the vehicle rear side of the seat cushion portion 200 and raises and lowers the seat back portion 100 and the seat cushion portion 200. The lifter cross-member portion 310 has a substantially rectangular closed cross-sectional shape and is made of a highly rigid material such as metal. The lifter cross-member portion 310 is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the seat cushion portion 200. As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the seat frame portion 220 is placed on the vehicle upper side of the lifter cross-member portion 310. Lifter rod portion 330 and seat leg portion 240r are rotatably connected to both sides of lifter cross member portion 310 in the vehicle width direction. Lifter cross member portion 310 is provided with a recess DP to avoid interference with seat surface spring portion 230 connected to spring cross member portion 320.

[0028] (Regarding the spring cross member portion 320) The spring cross member portion 320 is provided below the lifter cross member portion 310, extending in the vehicle width direction and capable of moving up and down, and the seat surface spring portion 230 is connected to the upper side of the spring cross member portion 320. The spring cross member 320 is made of a highly rigid material such as metal and has a generally rectangular closed cross section. The spring cross member 320 is disposed on the rear side of the seat cushion 200 in the vehicle. Both ends of the spring cross member portion 320 in the vehicle width direction are rotatably connected to the spring rod portion 340 .

[0029] (Regarding the lifter rod part 330) The lifter rod portion 330 is made of a highly rigid material such as metal and is formed into a generally rectangular shape with a thickness in the vehicle width direction and long sides in the vehicle front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle rear side of the lifter rod portion 330 is rotatably engaged with the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the lifter cross member portion 310. A rod fixing shaft FA passes through and is fixed to the vehicle front side of the lifter rod portion 330. The outer end of the rod fixing shaft FA in the vehicle width direction is rotatably engaged with the seat frame portion 220. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), a gear plate GP that engages with a lifter clutch gear portion 422 provided on a lifter clutch shaft 421 is provided on the vehicle front side of the lifter rod portion 330.

[0030] (Regarding the spring rod portion 340) The spring rod portion 340 is made of a highly rigid material such as metal and is formed into a generally rectangular shape with a plate thickness in the vehicle width direction and long sides in the vehicle front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the rear side of the spring rod portion 340 is rotatably engaged with both sides of the spring cross member portion 320 in the vehicle width direction. The front side of the spring rod portion 340 is rotatably engaged with an inner end portion in the vehicle width direction of a rod fixing shaft FA. The outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the rod fixing shaft FA is fixed to the seat frame portion 220. A gear plate GP is provided on the vehicle front side of the spring rod portion 340, which is fitted with a spring clutch gear portion 432 provided on a spring clutch shaft 431 as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b).

[0031] <Regarding the driving unit 400> The drive unit 400 raises and lowers the lifter cross-member unit 310 and the spring cross-member unit 320. As shown in Fig. 4, the drive unit 400 includes a lifter motor unit 410 and a drive clutch unit CL. The drive clutch unit CL includes a lifter clutch unit 420 as a first clutch unit that moves the lifter cross-member unit 310, and a spring clutch unit 430 as a second clutch unit that moves the spring cross-member unit 320.

[0032] (Regarding the lifter motor section 410) The lifter motor section 410 includes a drive shaft section 411, a drive clutch section 412, and a motor section 413. The drive clutch section 412 and the motor section 413 are coupled to the drive shaft section 411. The drive shaft 411, the lifter clutch shaft 421, and the spring clutch shaft 431 are provided on the same axis. The drive shaft 411 is disposed, for example, so as to penetrate the inside of the lifter clutch shaft 421. The drive clutch portion 412 is provided inside the drive clutch portion CL. The drive shaft portion 411 passes through the seat frame portion 220 and is coupled to the drive clutch portion 412. The lifter motor portion 410 is fixed to the outer side of the seat frame portion 220 in the vehicle width direction.

[0033] (Regarding the drive clutch section CL) The drive clutch unit CL transmits power from the lifter motor unit 410 to the seat lifting unit 300. The drive clutch unit CL is provided with a clutch case CC, and a drive clutch unit 412, a lifter clutch unit 420, and a spring clutch unit 430 are provided inside the clutch case CC.

[0034] (About the lifter clutch part 420) Lifter clutch portion 420 moves lifter cross member portion 310 via lifter rod portion 330. Lifter clutch portion 420 is a clutch plate formed in a substantially disk shape with a plate thickness in the vehicle width direction from a material containing a mixture of metals, etc. A lifter clutch shaft 421 is fixed to lifter clutch portion 420 facing outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] The lifter clutch shaft 421 is the rotation shaft of the lifter clutch portion 420. The lifter clutch shaft 421 extends outward in the vehicle width direction. The lifter clutch shaft 421 is, for example, a pipe rod material formed into a hollow cylindrical shape using a member such as metal. A spring clutch shaft 431 passes through the inside of the lifter clutch shaft 421 so as to be rotatable in the vehicle width direction. A lifter clutch gear portion 422 that engages with a gear plate GP provided on the lifter rod portion 330 is fixed to the lifter clutch shaft 421.

[0036] (Regarding the spring clutch part 430) The spring clutch portion 430 moves the spring cross member portion 320 via the spring rod portion 340. The spring clutch portion 430 is a clutch plate formed in a substantially disk shape with a thickness in the vehicle width direction from a material containing a mixture of metals and the like. A spring clutch shaft 431 is fixed to the spring clutch portion 430 facing inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] The spring clutch shaft 431 is a rotation axis of the spring clutch portion 430. The spring clutch shaft 431 extends inward in the vehicle width direction. The spring clutch shaft 431 is, for example, a rod material formed into a substantially cylindrical shape from a member such as metal. A spring clutch gear portion 432 that fits with a gear plate GP provided on the spring rod portion 340 is fixed to the spring clutch shaft 431.

[0038] (Regarding the front lifting section 500) The front lifting / lowering section 500 is disposed on the front side of the lower part of the vehicle of the seat frame section 220. The front lifting / lowering section 500 is fitted with a gear section (not shown) of the seat leg section 240f. The front lifting / lowering section 500 moves the upper end of the seat leg section 240f in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in conjunction with the drive section 400, thereby lifting / lowering the front side of the vehicle of the seat frame section 220 of the seat cushion section 200.

[0039] <Actions and Effects> The operation of the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. FIG.

[0040] (When raising and lowering the vehicle seat 10) To change the vehicle seat 10 from the low position shown in Figure 2(b) to the high position shown in Figure 2(a), for example, the occupant P performs an operation to raise the vehicle seat 10, such as pressing a seat raising button, which causes the lifter motor unit 410 in the drive unit 400 to start rotating.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when lifter clutch portion 420 and spring clutch portion 430 move in the direction of engaging with drive clutch portion 412, the rotation of lifter motor portion 410 is transmitted to lifter clutch shaft 421 and spring clutch shaft 431. The rotation of lifter clutch shaft 421 and spring clutch shaft 431 is transmitted to lifter rod portion 330 and spring rod portion 340 via lifter clutch gear portion 422 and spring clutch gear portion 432. The rear end portions of lifter rod portion 330 and spring rod portion 340 rise toward the upper side of the vehicle. As lifter rod portion 330 rises toward the upper side of the vehicle, seat leg portion 240r engaged with the rear end portion of lifter rod portion 330 rises toward the front upper side of the vehicle.

[0042] Then, the lifter cross-member portion 310 and the spring cross-member portion 320, which are engaged with the vehicle rear ends of the lifter rod portion 330 and the spring rod portion 340, respectively, rise together toward the upper side of the vehicle. The seat frame portion 220, which is placed on the vehicle rear side of the lifter rod portion 330, rises toward the upper front side of the vehicle. Furthermore, the seat spring portion 230, which is connected to the vehicle rear side of the spring rod portion 340, rises toward the upper front side of the vehicle together with the seat frame portion 220. At this time, because the recess DP is provided in the lifter cross-member portion 310, the lifter cross-member portion 310 does not interfere with the seat surface spring portion 230. Therefore, the spring cross-member portion 320 smoothly raises and lowers the seat surface portion 210, which is supported from the underside of the vehicle by the seat surface spring portion 230.

[0043] On the other hand, at the front side of the seat frame portion 220, the front lifting portion 500 works in conjunction with the drive portion 400 to lift the front side of the seat frame portion 220 toward the upper front side of the vehicle.

[0044] As described above, as the seat frame portion 220 and the seat spring portion 230 rise toward the upper side of the vehicle, the seat S1 is displaced from a low position as shown in Figure 2(b) to a high position as shown in Figure 2(a). In addition, when displacing the seat S1 from a high position to a low position, the lifter clutch section 420 and the spring clutch section 430 are engaged with the drive clutch section 412, and the rotation of the lifter motor section 410 is reversed.

[0045] (When the vehicle seat 10 is set to the resting position) When the vehicle seat 10 is placed in a resting position for the occupant P to rest, an example of this is to fix the position of the pelvis of the occupant P and place the occupant P in an upright position with the spine in an S-shape.

[0046] The resting position setting of the vehicle seat 10 that places the occupant P in a resting position indicates a setting in which the seating surface 210 is lowered, as shown in Fig. 5(b). Here, arrow AR1 in Fig. 5(a) and arrow AR2 in Fig. 5(b) represent the curvature of the spine of the occupant P seated in the seating seat S1. 5(a), in a driving posture in which the seat cushion 210 is in a high position and the seat back 100 is tilted forward by a predetermined angle PA, the curvature of the spine of the occupant P becomes closer to a straight line as it approaches the lower side of the vehicle. The predetermined angle PA of the seat back 100 here can be, for example, an angle at which the center of the headrest HR in the vertical direction of the vehicle is at the same height as the front panel FP. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5(b), when the seating surface 210 is set to a low position in the resting position, the curvature of the occupant P's spine is also curved under the vehicle, forming an S-shape. Furthermore, the seating surface 210 is lower than both sides of the seat cushion 200 in the vehicle width direction, thereby fixing the position of the pelvis. Then, by making the occupant P stretch out, the vehicle seat 10 puts the occupant P in a resting position.

[0047] In addition to the resting position, the seat back 100 is tilted backward by a predetermined angle PA or more to set a comfortable position, so that the occupant P assumes a sleeping position.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 5(b), when the seat surface portion 210 is moved to a lower position, the lifter clutch portion 420 is engaged with the drive clutch portion 412 as shown in Fig. 6(b). The spring clutch portion 430 gradually loosens its engagement with the drive clutch portion 412, and the spring rod portion 340 is lowered toward the underside of the vehicle, causing the spring cross member portion 320 to gently lower. Then, the seat surface portion 210 is lowered together with the seat surface spring portion 230, and the seat surface portion 210 is gently displaced to a lower position.

[0049] (If a collision occurs with vehicle V) When a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the vehicle seat 10 changes the position of the seat cushion portion 210 via the drive portion 400. Specifically, when a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the vehicle seat 10 instantly displaces the position of the seating surface 210 via the drive unit 400 from a high position as shown in Figure 5(a) to a low position as shown in Figure 5(b).

[0050] At this time, as shown in Figure 6(b), the lifter clutch portion 420 engages with the drive clutch portion 412. The spring clutch portion 430 immediately disengages from the drive clutch portion 412, causing the spring rod portion 340 to descend toward the underside of the vehicle, thereby lowering the spring cross member portion 320. Then, the seat surface portion 210 descends together with the seat surface spring portion 230, and the seat surface portion 210 is immediately displaced to a state in which it is positioned low. Then, the seat surface portion 210 becomes lower than both sides of the seat cushion portion 200 in the vehicle width direction, thereby fixing the position of the pelvis of the occupant P.

[0051] As described above, when a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the pelvis of the occupant P is fixed, thereby preventing the occupant P from sliding upward along the seat back portion 100 toward the upper side of the vehicle, and reducing the burden on the occupant P due to the impact at the time of the collision.

[0052] As described above, the vehicle seat 10 of this embodiment is a vehicle seat 10 provided with a seat cushion portion 200 on which an occupant P sits and a seat back portion 100 that supports the back of the occupant P. The seat cushion portion 200 is provided with a seating surface portion 210 that supports the occupant P's pelvis to thighs, a seating surface frame portion 220 that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion portion 200, a seating surface spring portion 230 that is connected to the seating surface frame portion 220 at the front side of the vehicle and supports the seating surface portion 210, a lifter cross member portion 310 that extends in the vehicle width direction at the rear side of the seat cushion portion 200 and raises and lowers the seat back portion 100 and the seat cushion portion 200, and a spring cross member portion 320 that extends in the vehicle width direction below the lifter cross member portion 310 and is capable of being raised and lowered, and to which the seating surface spring portion 230 is connected at the upper side of the vehicle. That is, the vehicle seat 10 raises and lowers the seat back 100 and the seat cushion 200 using the lifter cross member 310 and the spring cross member 320. The vehicle seat 10 raises and lowers the seat surface 210, which is supported from the underside of the vehicle by the seat surface spring 230, using the spring cross member 320. When the seat surface 210 is positioned in a low position, the seat back 100 curves the spine of the occupant P in an S-shape, and the seat surface 210 fixes the position of the pelvis. The vehicle seat 10 positions the occupant P in an upright posture. Therefore, by making the occupant P assume an upright posture, the vehicle seat 10 can make the occupant P assume a resting posture. Furthermore, when a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the spring cross member 320 descends, causing the seat surface 210 to descend together with the seat surface spring 230, and the seat surface 210 is instantly displaced to a low position. Then, the seat surface 210 becomes lower than both sides of the seat cushion 200 in the vehicle width direction, thereby fixing the position of the pelvis of the occupant P. Therefore, by instantly and reliably fixing the pelvis of the occupant P, the burden on the occupant P due to the impact at the time of a collision can be reduced. This allows the occupant to assume a position to rest safely and reduces the burden on the occupant in the event of a collision.

[0053] In the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment, the lifter cross member portion 310 is provided with a recess DP that avoids interference with the seat surface spring portion 230 that is joined to the spring cross member portion 320. In other words, because the lifter cross-member 310 does not interfere with the seat spring 230, the spring cross-member 320 smoothly raises and lowers the seat 210, which is supported from the underside of the vehicle by the seat spring 230. When the seat 210 is in a low position, the seat back 100 curves the spine of the occupant P in an S-shape, and the seat 210 fixes the position of the pelvis, thereby placing the occupant P in an upright position. Therefore, by making the occupant P assume an upright posture, the vehicle seat 10 can make the occupant P assume a resting posture without feeling uncomfortable. Furthermore, when a collision occurs with the vehicle V, the spring cross-member portion 320 descends without the seat spring portion 230 interfering with the lifter cross-member portion 310, thereby instantly displacing the seat portion 210 into a securely low position. Therefore, by instantly and reliably fixing the pelvis of the occupant P, the burden on the occupant P due to the impact at the time of a collision can be reduced. This allows the occupant to assume a position to rest safely and reduces the burden on the occupant in the event of a collision.

[0054] The vehicle seat 10 of this embodiment further includes a drive unit 400 that raises and lowers the lifter cross member portion 310 and the spring cross member portion 320, and the drive unit 400 is provided with a lifter clutch portion 420 as a first clutch portion that moves the lifter cross member portion 310, and a spring clutch portion 430 as a second clutch portion that moves the spring cross member portion 320. That is, when the vehicle seat 10 moves the seat cushion 210 to a lower position, the lifter clutch 420 engages with the drive clutch 412 of the drive unit 400. The spring clutch 430 gradually releases the engagement with the drive clutch 412, causing the spring clutch 430 to gently lower the spring cross member 320 via the spring rod 340. The seat cushion 210 then descends together with the seat cushion spring 230, and the seat cushion 210 is gently displaced to a lower position. When the seat cushion 210 is in a lower position, the seat back 100 curves the spine of the occupant P in an S-shape, and the seat cushion 210 fixes the position of the pelvis. As a result, the vehicle seat 10 gently positions the occupant P in an upright position. Therefore, by making the occupant P assume an upright posture, the vehicle seat 10 can gently make the occupant P assume a resting posture. When a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the lifter clutch portion 420 engages with the drive clutch portion 412. The spring clutch portion 430 immediately disengages from the drive clutch portion 412, and the spring cross member portion 320 is immediately lowered toward the underside of the vehicle via the spring rod portion 340, causing the seat portion 210 to immediately displace to a low position. Then, the seat portion 210 becomes lower than both sides of the seat cushion portion 200 in the vehicle width direction, and the position of the pelvis of the occupant P is fixed. Therefore, when a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the pelvis of the occupant P is fixed, thereby preventing the occupant P from sliding upward along the seat back portion 100 toward the upper side of the vehicle, and reducing the burden on the occupant P due to the impact at the time of the collision. This allows the occupant to assume a position to rest safely and reduces the burden on the occupant in the event of a collision.

[0055] <Second embodiment> A vehicle seat 10A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0056] <About the vehicle seat 10A> The vehicle seat 10A includes a seat back portion 100, a seat cushion portion 200, and a seat lifting portion 300A. A headrest portion HR is provided on the upper side of the seat back portion 100 in the vehicle.

[0057] <Regarding the seat lifting unit 300A> As shown in FIG. 7, the seat lifting / lowering section 300A includes a lifter cross member section 310, a spring cross member section 320, a lifter rod section 330, a spring rod section 340, a drive section 400, and a determination section 600.

[0058] (Regarding the determination unit 600) The determination unit 600 acquires information relating to the traveling state of the vehicle V and information relating to the state of the seatback unit 100, and controls the position of the spring cross member unit 320 via the drive unit 400 in accordance with the acquired information. The determination unit 600 is connected to, for example, a vehicle control device MU provided in the vehicle V, and acquires information relating to the traveling state of the vehicle V and the state of the vehicle seat 10A from the vehicle control device MU. As shown in FIG. 8, the determination unit 600 is configured to include a processor 610 and a memory 620.

[0059] (Regarding processor 610) The processor 610 is configured to include a vehicle information acquisition unit 611 and a control unit 612. The processor 610 includes the vehicle information acquisition unit 611 that acquires information from the vehicle control device MU, and the control unit 612 controls the drive unit 400 based on the information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 611. The processor 610 is connected to the vehicle information acquisition unit 611, the control unit 612, and the memory 620 by a bus line BL.

[0060] The vehicle information acquisition unit 611 acquires information from a vehicle control device MU provided in the vehicle V, and stores the acquired information in the memory 620. Specifically, the vehicle information acquisition unit 611 acquires information from the vehicle control device MU as the running state of the vehicle V, such as information regarding whether the vehicle V will start running, information regarding the charging time of the vehicle V, or information regarding whether a collision has occurred in the vehicle V, and stores this information in the memory 620. The vehicle information acquisition unit 611 acquires information from the vehicle control device MU as the state of the vehicle seat 10A, such as information regarding whether or not an occupant P is seated in the vehicle seat 10A, information regarding the height position of the seat S1 in the vehicle seat 10A, or information regarding the backward tilt angle of the seat back portion 100 in the vehicle seat 10A, and stores this information in the memory 620.

[0061] The control unit 612 controls the drive unit 400 based on the information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 611 from the vehicle control device MU to raise and lower the seat S1.

[0062] Specifically, for example, when information is acquired that the vehicle V is about to start traveling, the control unit 612 moves the position of the seat surface 210 to a higher position, thereby displacing the seat S1 to the driving position setting. For example, when information is acquired regarding the charging time of the vehicle V, the control unit 612 permits the seat S1 to be set to the resting position or the comfortable position setting. For example, when information is acquired that the vehicle V has collided, the control unit 612 displaces the seat S1 to a lower position and also displaces the seat surface 210 to a lower position if the seat S1 is in the higher position.

[0063] The memory 620 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the ROM stores the control program for the processor 610, and the memory section 621 in the RAM stores, for example, information relating to the height position of the seat S1.

[0064] <Processing of Determination Unit 600> The processing of the determining unit 600 in the vehicle seat 10A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0065] The vehicle information acquisition unit 611 in the determination unit 600 acquires information relating to whether or not an occupant P is seated in the seating seat S1 from the vehicle control device MU and stores the information in the storage unit 621 of the memory 620 (step S110).

[0066] When the control unit 612 acquires information indicating that the occupant P is not seated in the seat S1 ("NO" in step S110), the control unit 612 transitions the process to step S110.

[0067] On the other hand, if the control unit 612 acquires information that an occupant P is seated in the seating seat S1 ("YES" in step S110), the vehicle information acquisition unit 611 acquires information regarding whether the vehicle V will start moving from the vehicle control device MU and stores it in the memory unit 621 (step S120).

[0068] When the control unit 612 acquires information that the vehicle V will not start traveling ("NO" in step S120), the control unit 612 permits the setting of the resting posture (step S130) and transitions the process to step S140.

[0069] On the other hand, when the control unit 612 acquires information that the vehicle V has started moving ("YES" in step S120), the vehicle information acquisition unit 611 acquires height position information of the seat S1 (step S170), and also acquires information regarding whether a collision has occurred in the vehicle V from the vehicle control device MU and stores it in the memory unit 621 (step S180).

[0070] If control unit 612 acquires information that a collision has not occurred in vehicle V ("NO" in step S180), control unit 612 transitions the process to step S120.

[0071] On the other hand, when control unit 612 acquires information that a collision has occurred in vehicle V ("YES" in step S180), control unit 612 transitions the process to processing at the time of collision (step S190). Details of the processing in step S190 will be described later.

[0072] After the control unit 612 permits the setting of the resting posture (step S130), the vehicle information acquisition unit 611 acquires information regarding whether the vehicle V is being charged from the vehicle control device MU and stores the information in the memory unit 621 (step S140).

[0073] If control unit 612 acquires information that vehicle V is not being charged ("NO" in step S140), control unit 612 transitions the process to step S120.

[0074] On the other hand, if information is acquired that the vehicle V is being charged ("YES" in step S140), the vehicle information acquisition unit 611 acquires information regarding the charging time of the vehicle V from the vehicle control device MU and stores it in the memory unit 621 (step S150).

[0075] If the charging time of vehicle V is less than the predetermined charging time ("NO" in step S150), control unit 612 ends the process. The predetermined charging time here can be, for example, five minutes until charging is completed.

[0076] On the other hand, if the charging time of the vehicle V is equal to or longer than the predetermined charging time ("YES" in step S150), the control unit 612 permits the seat back portion 100 to be tilted backward by more than the predetermined angle PA, thereby permitting the comfortable posture to be set (step S160), and ends the processing.

[0077] (Regarding the process when a collision occurs with vehicle V) The process when a collision occurs in the vehicle V will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] In the process when a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the control unit 612 fixes the seat S1 and the seating surface 210 (step S191), and acquires the position of the seating surface 210 (step S192).

[0079] When the seating surface 210 is in the low position ("low position" in step S192), the control unit 612 ends the processing when a collision occurs.

[0080] When the seating surface portion 210 is in the middle position ("Middle position" in step S192), the control unit 612 determines whether a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (step S193). When the predetermined waiting time has not elapsed ("NO" in step S193), the control unit 612 transitions the process to step S193. On the other hand, when the predetermined waiting time has elapsed ("YES" in step S193), the control unit 612 controls the position of the lifter cross member portion 310 to displace the seat S1 to a lower position (step S194), and ends the process when a collision occurs. The predetermined waiting time here can be, for example, the time from when a collision occurs in the vehicle V until the airbag is deployed.

[0081] When the seating surface 210 is in the high position ("High" in step S192), the control unit 612 determines whether a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (step S195). When the predetermined waiting time has not elapsed ("NO" in step S195), the control unit 612 transitions the process to step S195. On the other hand, when the predetermined waiting time has elapsed ("YES" in step S195), the control unit 612 controls the position of the lifter cross member 310 to lower the seat S1, and controls the position of the spring cross member 320 to lower the seating surface 210 (step S196), and ends the process when a collision occurs.

[0082] <Actions and Effects> As described above, the vehicle seat 10A according to this embodiment further includes a judgment unit 600 that controls the drive unit 400. The judgment unit 600 acquires information relating to the driving state of the vehicle V and information relating to the state of the seat back portion 100, and controls the position of the spring cross member portion 320 via the drive unit 400 in accordance with the acquired information. That is, when the control unit 612 in the determination unit 600 acquires information that the vehicle V is about to start traveling, the control unit 612 raises the position of the spring cross member 320, thereby raising the position of the seat 210 and displacing the seat S1 to the driving position setting. When information regarding the charging time of the vehicle V is acquired, the control unit 612 allows the seat S1 to be set to the resting position or the comfortable position setting. Therefore, depending on the traveling state of the vehicle V and the state of the seat back portion 100, the vehicle seat 10A can be set to a driving position, a resting position, or a comfortable position. When information is acquired that a collision has occurred in the vehicle V, the control unit 612 displaces the position of the spring cross member portion 320 to a lower position. Therefore, by displacing the seat portion 210 to a lower position when information is received that a collision has occurred in the vehicle V, the vehicle seat 10A can fix the pelvic region of the occupant P and reduce the burden on the occupant P caused by the impact during the collision. This allows the occupant to assume a position to rest safely and reduces the burden on the occupant in the event of a collision.

[0083] In the vehicle seat 10A of this embodiment, when a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the judgment unit 600 controls the position of the spring cross member portion 320 according to the height position to which the lifter cross member portion 310 is set. In other words, when a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the control unit 612 displaces the positions of the lifter cross member portion 310 and the spring cross member portion 320 to a lower position after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, based on information regarding the height position of the seat S1 and information regarding the height position of the seat surface portion 210. Therefore, by displacing the seating surface 210 to a lower position when a collision occurs in the vehicle V, the vehicle seat 10A can fix the pelvis of the occupant P and reduce the burden on the occupant P caused by the impact during the collision. This allows the occupant to assume a position to rest safely and reduces the burden on the occupant in the event of a collision.

[0084] The vehicle seat 10A of the present invention can be realized by recording the processing of the processor 610 on a computer-readable recording medium and having the processor 610 read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. The computer system here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0085] "Computer system" also includes the homepage provision environment (or display environment) if the WWW (World Wide Web) system is used. The above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line.

[0086] The program may be a program for implementing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0087] The above describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10. Vehicle seat 10A: Vehicle seat 100: Seat back 200; seat cushion section 210; Seat part 220: Seat frame 230: Seat spring part 300: Seat lifting section 300A: Seat lifting section 310: Lifter cross member 320: Spring cross member 400;Drive unit 420; Lifter clutch part 430: Spring clutch part 600;judgment department 610;processor 611: Vehicle information acquisition unit 612;Control unit 620;Memory 621;Memory section CL: Drive clutch section DP; recess P; Crew S1: Seating seat V; Vehicle

Claims

1. A vehicle seat provided with a seat cushion portion on which an occupant sits and a seat back portion that supports the back of the occupant, The seat cushion portion includes: a seat portion that supports the occupant's pelvis to thighs; a seat frame portion that forms a framework of the seat cushion portion; a seat spring portion that is connected to the seat frame portion at the front side of the vehicle and supports the seat portion; a lifter cross member portion extending in the vehicle width direction behind the seat cushion portion and configured to lift and lower the seat back portion and the seat cushion portion; a spring cross member portion that is provided below the lifter cross member portion, extending in the vehicle width direction, and capable of being raised and lowered, and to which the seat spring portion is connected; A vehicle seat comprising:

2. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the lifter cross member portion is provided with a recess that avoids interference with the seat surface spring portion that is connected to the spring cross member portion.

3. a drive unit that raises and lowers the lifter cross member portion and the spring cross member portion, A vehicle seat as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the drive unit is provided with a first clutch unit that moves the lifter cross member unit and a second clutch unit that moves the spring cross member unit.

4. a determination unit that controls the drive unit, The vehicle seat according to claim 3, characterized in that the judgment unit acquires information regarding the vehicle's driving state and information regarding the state of the seat back portion, and controls the position of the spring cross member portion via the drive unit in accordance with the acquired information.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, characterized in that when a collision occurs in the vehicle, the judgment unit controls the height position of the spring cross member portion according to the height position to which the lifter cross member portion is set.

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