Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat for preventing virus infection to a seated occupant by sterilizing at least a part of a surface of a seat member.SOLUTION: The vehicle seat S includes the seat main body Sh on which the occupant H is seated, and the seat main body Sh includes the headrest 3 configured to support the head of the occupant H and the first sterilizing apparatus 30 embedded in the headrest 3 and configured to sterilize the surface of the headrest 3. To prevent virus infection to a seated occupant H by sterilizing the surface of a headrest 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat equipped with a sterilization device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, how to prevent bacterial or viral infections between passengers on vehicles has become an issue, and various countermeasures have been implemented. Patent Document 1 discloses a headrest system for a vehicle seat that can meet a wide range of passenger needs, including a sun visor, a ventilation mechanism, an eye mask, etc. By using a sun visor or a ventilation mechanism, it is possible to keep airborne viruses away from the passenger's head, thereby preventing droplet infection and the like.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for an aircraft example in which air is drawn in from behind the seats, purified, and sent out forward, forming an air barrier while purifying the air. Sending purified air forward keeps airborne viruses away from the heads of passengers, which is thought to be an effective measure against droplet infection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-73174 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-99580 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1 and the seat described in Patent Document 2 cannot prevent viruses that have already adhered to the surface of the components, and it has been desired to take further measures to prevent viral infection.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle seat that disinfects the surface of the seat member, particularly the surface of the headrest, and prevents viral infection of seated occupants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which comprises a seat body on which an occupant sits, the seat body comprising a headrest that supports the occupant's head, and a first sterilization device that is built into the headrest and sterilizes the surface of the headrest.

[0008] The vehicle seat of the present invention configured as described above can remove bacteria adhering to the surface of the headrest and prevent viral infections to seated occupants.

[0009] In addition, the above configuration may further include an armrest that supports the elbow of the occupant, and a second sterilization device that is built into the armrest and sterilizes the surface of the armrest. By providing a second sterilization device that sterilizes the surface of the armrest, bacteria attached to the armrest can be removed, preventing viral infection to seated passengers.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the seat body has a seating sensor that detects whether the occupant is seated or not, and when the seating sensor detects that the occupant is not seated, the first sterilization device is activated to start sterilization. The seating sensor allows the disinfection device to be appropriately activated when no passenger is seated, thereby disinfecting the surface of the headrest.

[0011] In the above configuration, the headrest may have a covering member that covers at least a part of the head of the occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat main body. The covering member that covers at least a portion of the head can protect the occupant from droplet infection.

[0012] In the above configuration, the covering member may be permeable. The covering member having transparency allows the occupant to see ahead, improving the occupant's visibility inside and outside the vehicle.

[0013] In the above configuration, the covering member may have a third sterilization device therein that sterilizes the inner surface of the covering member. By using the third sterilization device in the covering member to sterilize the inner surface of the covering member from inside the covering member, it is possible to prevent viral infection to seated occupants.

[0014] In addition, in the above configuration, the covering member may be movable between a use state in which it covers the head of the occupant and a stored state, and a fourth sterilization device may be provided that sterilizes the covering member when the covering member is in the stored state. By sterilizing the covering member when it is in a stored state, the covering member is sterilized after the occupant uses it, thereby preventing viral infection for the next occupant who uses the seat.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the seat body may have a seating sensor that detects whether the occupant is seated, and when the seating sensor detects that the occupant is seated, the covering member may automatically move to a position in use. The covering member automatically moves to the position where it is in use, so that passengers do not have to directly touch the covering member, thereby preventing viral infection through contact.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the covering member is composed of a plurality of fan-shaped members formed in a fan shape when viewed from the side, and each of the plurality of fan-shaped members is formed so that it can rotate around one end as an axis and be stored in an adjacent fan-shaped member, and when the covering member is in a used state, the plurality of fan-shaped members are deployed to assume an deployed state, and when the covering member is in a stored state, the plurality of fan-shaped members are stored in adjacent fan-shaped members to assume a contracted state. When in use, the multiple fan-shaped elements of the covering element are deployed to cover the occupant's head and protect them from droplet infection, while when stored, the element is contracted, allowing it to be stored compactly, requiring less storage space.

[0017] In the above configuration, the seat body may include a storage portion at the rear of the seat body for storing the covering member in a stored state. By providing the storage section, the covering member in the stored state can be protected. Furthermore, by providing a sterilization device inside the storage section, for example, the covering member in the stored state can be sterilized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, bacteria or viruses adhering to the surface of the headrest can be removed, and seated occupants can be prevented from being infected with the virus. Furthermore, by providing a second sterilization device that sterilizes the surface of the armrest, bacteria adhering to the armrest can be removed, preventing viral infections among seated passengers. Furthermore, the seating sensor allows the sterilization device to be appropriately activated when no passenger is seated, thereby sterilizing the surface of the headrest. Furthermore, the covering member that covers at least a portion of the head can protect the occupant from droplet infection. Furthermore, since the covering member has transparency, the occupant can see ahead, thereby improving the occupant's visibility inside and outside the vehicle. In addition, by sterilizing the covering member when it is in a stored state, the covering member is sterilized after the occupant uses it, thereby preventing viral infection in the next occupant who uses the seat. Furthermore, since the covering member automatically moves to the position where it is in use, the passenger does not have to directly touch the covering member, which helps prevent viral infection through contact. In addition, when in use, the fan-shaped components of the covering member are deployed to cover the occupant's head and protect them from droplet infection, and when stored, they are contracted, allowing for compact storage, thereby requiring less storage space. Furthermore, by providing the storage section, the covering member in the stored state can be protected. Furthermore, by providing a sterilization device inside the storage section, for example, the covering member in the stored state can be sterilized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle seat (vehicle seat) according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle seat. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle seat, showing a state in which the sterilization device is sterilizing. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view showing another example of a vehicle seat. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a vehicle seat with an air curtain generating device function. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle seat equipped with a blower. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a blower for a vehicle seat. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a blower of the vehicle seat. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle seat with a shell. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a skin replacement device provided in an armrest. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a side view of a door equipped with a sterilization device. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a side view of a door equipped with a storage compartment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a mask storage section provided in a door trim. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a mask storage section provided in a door trim. [Figure 16] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a mask storage section provided in a door trim. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an accent material provided on the surface of a vehicle seat; [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing interior accessories in a vehicle cabin. [Figure 20A] 20 is a cross-sectional view of the door trim taken along line AA in FIG. 19, showing the structure of a lighting device provided in the door trim. [Figure 20B] 20 is a cross-sectional view of the door trim taken along line BB in FIG. 19, showing the structure of a lighting device provided in a door armrest. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] <<<First Embodiment>>> Hereinafter, the configuration of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment (the present embodiment) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the shapes, dimensions, arrangements, etc. of the components described below may be changed or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, identical or similar components are denoted by common reference symbols, and the scales of the drawings have been appropriately changed for ease of understanding.

[0021] In the following, a vehicle seat will be taken as an example of a vehicle seat, and an example configuration thereof will be described. In the following description, the "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat, which is the direction that coincides with the direction of travel when the vehicle is traveling. The "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat. The "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat, which is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane.

[0022] In addition, in the following description, when various directions are described with the word "seat" added, such as "seat width direction" and "seat height direction," this indicates a direction relative to the vehicle seat, and when various directions are described with the word "vehicle" added, such as "inside of the vehicle" and "outside of the vehicle," this indicates a direction relative to the vehicle. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the shape, position, and posture of each part of the vehicle seat described below will be described assuming that the vehicle seat is in an occupant's seated position.

[0023] <Basic configuration of vehicle seat S> The basic configuration of a vehicle seat according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as vehicle seat S) will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat S, and for convenience of illustration, a portion of the vehicle seat S in Fig. 1 is shown with the pad member P and the cover material T removed from the pad member P.

[0024] The vehicle seat S is placed on the vehicle floor and is a seat in which a vehicle occupant H sits. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S is used as a front seat located at the front of the vehicle. However, the vehicle seat S is not limited to this, and can also be used as a rear seat corresponding to a rear seat.

[0025] 1 and 2, the vehicle seat S is mainly composed of a seat cushion 1 which serves as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant H, a seat back 2 which serves as a backrest that supports the back of the occupant H, and a headrest 3 which is disposed on top of the seat back 2 and supports the head of the occupant H. The seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 are connected to sandwich a reclining mechanism, and the seat back 2 is connected to the seat cushion 1 so that it can rotate and adjust the angle.

[0026] The vehicle seat S of this embodiment is equipped with an armrest 4 on which a seated occupant places their arms. The armrest 4 is configured to support the elbows, and its rear end is rotatably connected to the side of the seat back 2. In other words, the armrest 4 can be rotated and stored as needed. Hereinafter, the seat cushion 1, seat back 2, headrest 3, and armrest 4 will be collectively referred to as the seat body Sh.

[0027] A seat frame (not shown) that serves as a framework is provided inside the vehicle seat S. The seat frame is composed of a seat cushion frame that is a frame for the seat cushion 1 and a seat back frame that is a frame for the seat back 2. The headrest 3 also has a frame inside.

[0028] The seat cushion 1 includes a pad member P placed on a seat cushion frame and, as shown in Fig. 1, a skin material T that covers the pad member P. Similar to the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2 and the headrest 3 also include a pad member P that has a seat back frame inside and a skin material T that covers the pad member P. The headrest 3 also includes a pad member P and a skin material T that covers it. The pad member P is a urethane base material formed by foam molding using, for example, a urethane foam material, and the surface material T is made of, for example, cloth, synthetic leather, genuine leather, or the like.

[0029] <Seat sensor> The vehicle seat S has a seating sensor 7 that detects whether or not an occupant H is seated. The seating sensor 7 is provided on the front side of the seat cushion 1, and is disposed near the surface of the seat cushion 1, specifically between the upholstery material T and the pad member P. The seating sensor 7 is a pressure sensor that turns on when a predetermined pressure or more is applied, thereby being able to detect whether or not the occupant H is seated. When the seating sensor 7 detects that the occupant H is seated, it transmits a signal to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) provided in the vehicle to notify that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat S. The seating sensor 7 may be provided in the seat back 2.

[0030] <Sterilization device> The vehicle seat S is equipped with a sterilization means for sterilizing the seat surface of the seat body Sh. The sterilization means is a means for removing, sterilizing, and inactivating bacteria and viruses in the air or attached to the seat surface. One sterilization means is a sterilization device that uses deep ultraviolet light emitted from a deep ultraviolet LED. Deep ultraviolet light belongs to the short wavelength range of ultraviolet light, and is recognized to have a sterilizing effect when irradiated on specific areas. The sterilization means may be an alcohol spray device that sprays alcohol onto the sheet surface, or a sterilization ion spray device that can spray sterilizing ions onto the sheet surface. The sterilization means also includes chlorine dioxide sterilization using chlorine dioxide and hypochlorous acid sterilization using hypochlorous acid. In this specification, sterilization refers to the elimination of infectiousness and pathogenicity by inactivating pathogens that broadly include microorganisms and viruses in addition to bacteria.

[0031] The sterilization device is composed of an electronic board and an LED light source that irradiates ultraviolet light, and multiple sterilization devices are built into the seat body Sh. Specifically, a headrest sterilization device 30 (first sterilization device) is built into the headrest 3, and the headrest sterilization device 30 is provided with an electronic board 31 and deep ultraviolet LEDs 32. The deep ultraviolet LEDs 32 are provided in a bank portion 33 at the top of the headrest 3, and ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the surface of the headrest 3 as shown by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 1 .

[0032] It is also preferable that sterilization devices (seat cushion sterilization device 10, seat back sterilization device 20) are also built into the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2. In this case, as shown in Fig. 1, deep ultraviolet LEDs 12, 22 are provided on the bank portion of the seat cushion 1 or the bank portion of the seat back 2, and are configured to irradiate the surface of the seating portion or the backrest portion with deep ultraviolet light as shown by the two-dot chain line. Electronic boards 11, 21 that control the deep ultraviolet LEDs 12, 22 are built into the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2, and upon receiving a signal from an ECU provided in the vehicle, sterilization is performed by irradiating a predetermined location with deep ultraviolet light.

[0033] An armrest sterilization device 40 (second sterilization device) that sterilizes the surface of the armrest 4 may be built into the armrest 4 that supports the elbow of the occupant H. An electronic board 41 is built into the armrest 4, and a deep ultraviolet LED 42 that irradiates deep ultraviolet rays is installed on a bank portion 48 provided on the rear end or side portion of the armrest 4. Deep ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the surface of the armrest 4 from the deep ultraviolet LED 42. By irradiating deep ultraviolet light onto areas that the head or hands of the occupant H touch, particularly the surfaces of the headrest 3 and armrest 4, bacteria or viruses adhering to the surfaces can be removed, preventing viral infection of the seated occupant. The seat cushion sterilization device 10, seatback sterilization device 20, headrest sterilization device 30, and armrest sterilization device 40 may be collectively referred to as sterilization device 8.

[0034] When the sterilization means is an alcohol spray device or a sterilizing ion spray device, a nozzle for spraying alcohol or a nozzle for spraying sterilizing ions is provided instead of the deep ultraviolet LEDs 32 provided on the bank portion 33 of the headrest 3 or the like. When the alcohol spray device or the sterilizing ion spray device receives a signal from the ECU, it opens the nozzle and sprays alcohol or sterilizing ions (for example, nanoe ions) onto the surface of the headrest 3 or the like.

[0035] In the vehicle seat S, the sterilization device 8 is embedded inside the seat body Sh, so the vehicle seat S can be made smaller than when the sterilization device 8 is installed outside the seat body Sh.

[0036] The sterilization device 8 provided in the vehicle seat S is configured to operate and start sterilization when the seating sensor 7 detects that the occupant H has stood up, that is, when it detects that the occupant H is not seated in the seat body Sh. By operating the sterilization device 8 when the occupant H is not seated, it is possible to sterilize the surface of the seat body Sh without irradiating the occupant H with deep ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, sterilization can prevent the next occupant from being infected with a virus.

[0037] <Face shield 5> 1 and 2, the vehicle seat S is provided with a face shield 5 as a covering member on the headrest 3, which covers at least a part of the head of the occupant H when the occupant H is seated in the seat body Sh. Covering the head of the occupant H with the face shield 5 can protect the occupant H from droplet infection.

[0038] The face shield 5 is a member formed in a fan shape in a side view. The face shield 5 is formed of a resin material such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate. The face shield 5 is preferably formed of a transparent member and has transparency. By having transparency, the occupant H can see ahead even when the head is covered, thereby improving the occupant H's visibility inside and outside the vehicle. The face shield 5 may also be formed of a semi-translucent resin. Alternatively, the face shield 5 may be configured to have an electronic shade (electronic curtain) so that the occupant H can turn a switch on and off to apply voltage, thereby making the face shield opaque. By making the face shield opaque, the occupant H's privacy can be ensured.

[0039] The face shield 5 also includes a face shield sterilization device 50 (third sterilization device) that sterilizes the inner surface of the face shield 5. When deep ultraviolet light is used as the sterilization means, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a deep ultraviolet LED 52 is installed inside the face shield 5, and deep ultraviolet light is irradiated toward the inside of the face shield 5. An electronic board 51 of the face shield sterilization device 50 may be built into the headrest 3.

[0040] The face shield 5 may be movable between a used position where it covers the head of the occupant H and a stored position behind the headrest 3, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the face shield 5 rotates in the direction of arrow A around a fulcrum 54 provided on the side of the headrest 3, allowing the headrest 3 to be moved, so that the face shield 5 can be moved when not in use so as not to hinder the occupant H from standing up.

[0041] The face shield 5 may also be configured to automatically move between the use position and the storage position. When the seating sensor 7 detects that an occupant is seated, the face shield 5 may automatically move from the storage position to the use position. By moving automatically, the occupant H does not have to directly touch the face shield 5, which can prevent viral infection through contact.

[0042] Furthermore, a face shield sterilization device 50A (fourth sterilization device) that sterilizes the inside of the face shield 5 when the face shield 5 is in the unused position may be provided on the headrest 3. For example, as shown in Fig. 3 , deep ultraviolet LEDs 52A of the face shield sterilization device 50A are provided on the top or back of the headrest 3, and when the face shield 5 is in the unused position, the deep ultraviolet LEDs 52A irradiate the inner surface of the face shield 5 with deep ultraviolet light, thereby sterilizing the inner surface of the face shield 5.

[0043] The face shield 5 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is composed of a single member having a fan-shaped shape in side view, but this is just one example, and the face shield 5 may be composed of multiple fan-shaped members 55a to 55c formed in a fan shape in side view, as in the face shield 5A shown in Figure 4. Each of the sector-shaped members 55a to 55c can rotate around one end as an axis and is configured to be retractable into an adjacent sector-shaped member. Sector-shaped member 55a is configured to be retracted inside sector-shaped member 55b, which is retracted inside sector-shaped member 55c, which is retractable into sector-shaped member 55c, which is retractable into sector-shaped member 55b. By configuring face shield 5A in this manner, when in use, sector-shaped members 55a to 55c are deployed to the deployed state, covering the entire head of the occupant and protecting them from droplet infection of viruses. Meanwhile, when in the stored state, sector-shaped members 55a and 55b are retracted into the adjacent sector-shaped members 55b and 55c, as shown by the two-dot chain lines in FIG. 4, resulting in a more compact contracted state and enabling storage space to be reduced.

[0044] The face shields 5, 5A may be made of a material with virus adsorption properties. The face shields 5, 5A may have a fragrance generator. Furthermore, the face shields 5, 5A may be provided with an LED light source that emits light for entertainment purposes. The face shields may also be formed in the shape of a roller blind.

[0045] <Storage section 58> As in the vehicle seat S1 shown in Fig. 4, a storage section 58 may be further provided on the rear side of the seat back 2 and the headrest 3 to protect a face shield 5A in a stored state, as indicated by the two-dot chain line. The storage section 58 may store the face shield 5 shown in Fig. 2. The storage section 58 is configured to cover the entire face shield 5, 5A in the stored state. The storage section 58 protects the face shield 5, 5A by storing the face shield 5, 5A in the stored state inside.

[0046] Furthermore, by providing face shield sterilization devices 50B to 50D inside storage section 58, face shields 5, 5A in the stored state can be sterilized. In the case of the face shield 5A that unfolds in multiple stages as shown in FIG. 4, by providing sterilization devices on the top and bottom and front and back inside the storage section 58, it is possible to sterilize the back side as well.

[0047] <Air curtain generating device 60> The vehicle seats S, S1 are provided with deep ultraviolet devices built into various parts of the seat body Sh as sterilization devices 8. Sterilization using deep ultraviolet rays is performed when the occupant H is not seated in the seat, taking into consideration the effects on the human body, but it is desirable for the device to have a function to protect the occupant H from viruses and the like while seated.

[0048] The vehicle seat S2 shown in Fig. 5 is provided with an air curtain generating device 60 that generates an air curtain around the occupant H. Specifically, an air blowing section 61 is provided in the face shield 5, and an air suction device 62 is provided in the seat cushion 1. An air curtain AC is generated by blowing air out from the air blowing section 61 and sucking the blown air through the suction device 62 of the seat cushion 1. The air curtain AC constantly generates fresh air around the occupant and suppresses the entry of bacteria or viruses, thereby protecting the occupant from droplet infection. Although the suction device 62 is provided in the seat cushion 1, the air suction device 62 may also be provided in the vehicle door D adjacent to the vehicle seat S, so that the sucked air flows from the inside to the outside of the vehicle.

[0049] <Blower 63> In the air curtain generating device 60 shown in FIG. 5, air flows in the vertical direction, but it may also be configured so that air flows around the head. 6 to 8 show a vehicle seat S3 having an air blower 63 that functions as a sterilization device. The air blower 63 is attached to the headrest 3. The air blower 63 has two protruding portions 65 extending forward from the left and right sides of the headrest 3, and a pipe 66 through which air passes is provided inside the protruding portions 65. Blowers 67a, 67b (blowers) are provided at the tip of each of the protruding portions 65. The tip of one of the protruding portions 65 is provided with a blower 67a that discharges air, and the tip of the other protruding portion 65 is provided with a blower 67b that sucks in the discharged air. This creates an air flow around the head of the occupant H. By creating an air flow, air around the mouth of the occupant H is taken in by the blower 67b on the intake side.

[0050] Air around the occupant's mouths sucked in by the intake blower 67b is taken into the blower sterilization device 68 built into the headrest 3, where the air is sterilized. One means for sterilizing the air is a sterilization device that uses a photocatalyst. The taken-in air is sterilized by the photocatalyst, and the sterilized air is discharged to the occupant's mouth by the discharge blower 67a via the protruding portion 65. The blower sterilization device 68 is in a cartridge format, and can be removed from the storage container 64 and easily replaced.

[0051] Since sterilization using photocatalysts has a distinctive odor, an aroma generator 69 may be installed in addition to the air blower sterilization device 68. By using aroma to eliminate the odor, more refreshing air can be provided to the occupants. The air blower sterilization device 68 and the aroma generator 69 can be housed together in a single housing in the storage container 64, making it possible to make the device more compact. The storage container 64 that houses the air blower sterilization device 68 is built into the headrest 3, but it may also be attached to the rear of the headrest 3 as an after-market accessory.

[0052] Another example of a vehicle seat equipped with a sterilization device will be described using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a vehicle seat S4 equipped with a shell device Sd provided in the vicinity of the seat body Sh so as to surround it. The shell device Sd is provided to block the line of sight of adjacent users and ensure the privacy of the users. The shell device Sd is formed in a shape that covers the left, right, and top of the seat body Sh, and is usually equipped with a speaker, lighting, etc. The shell device Sd is provided with a shell-mounted sterilization device 46 to sterilize the seat body Sh. For example, a sterilizing ion irradiating device is provided as the shell-mounted sterilizing device 46 on one side wall of the shell device Sd, and sterilizing ions are irradiated onto the surface of the sheet body Sh. Further, deep ultraviolet LEDs may be provided on the side wall portion 47, and deep ultraviolet rays may be irradiated onto the seat body Sh when no occupant is seated. The shell device Sd may be provided with an air outlet and an air intake to generate an air flow.

[0053] <Skin replacement structure> 9, in addition to the shell-mounted sterilization device 46 that sterilizes the seat body Sh of the vehicle seat S, the shell device Sd also has a sterilization means provided in the armrest 4A provided in the shell device Sd. Hereinafter, the upholstery replacement structure of the armrest 4A (armrest sterilization device 40A), which is the sterilization means, will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0054] A surface portion 43 is provided on the contact portion of the shell device Sd with the armrest 4A, and a rotation mechanism 44 is provided to roll the surface portion 43. The surface portion 43 has two regions: an exposed region 43a that is exposed on the surface, and a storage region 43b that is stored inside the armrest 4A. By rotating the surface portion 43 with the rotation mechanism 44, the surface portion 43 can move between the exposed region 43a and the storage region 43b. Furthermore, a deep ultraviolet ray generator is provided below the rotation mechanism 44 as a sterilization device, and is configured to sterilize the surface portion 43 located in the storage area 43b with deep ultraviolet rays, as shown in Fig. 10. The sterilized surface portion 43 is moved by the rotation mechanism 44 to the exposed area 43a. The surface portion 43 located in the exposed area 43a is moved by the rotation mechanism 44 to the storage area 43b and sterilized by the sterilization device. By rotating the surface portion 43 in this way every time the occupant H uses it, the sterilized surface portion 43 comes out onto the surface of the armrest 4A, and the occupant can always use a sterilized armrest 4A. Although a deep ultraviolet ray generator is provided as the sterilization device, this is only an example, and the sterilization device is not limited to a deep ultraviolet ray generator. For example, a disinfectant spraying device that sprays a disinfectant solution such as alcohol onto the epidermis may be used. Furthermore, the sterilization device may be an ion spraying device that sprays ions onto the epidermis 43.

[0055] Furthermore, the cover portion 43 is rotatably attached to the exposed area 43a and the storage area 43b and is used repeatedly, but the cover portion 43 may be wound up like a cassette tape so that a new cover portion is always supplied to the exposed area 43a. In this case, by forming the storage section that stores the cover portion 43 into a replaceable unit, it can be detachably attached to the armrest 4A. Furthermore, since a new cover portion 43 is always provided in the exposed area 43a, a sterilization device does not have to be provided.

[0056] The armrest 4A may be provided with a fixing mechanism 45 that fixes the rotating cover part 43 to the armrest. For example, a clip may be provided to fix the cover part 43 in a predetermined position. Alternatively, a hook-and-loop fastener may be attached to the back surface of the cover part 43 to fix it.

[0057] The movement of the cover part 43 is performed by manually moving the rollers by the occupant H. The movement of the rollers may be performed electrically by attaching a motor to the rotation mechanism 44. In the case of automatic switching by a motor, when the occupant H is not seated, the rotation mechanism 44 is operated to rotate the skin portion 43 until the skin portion 43 sterilized by deep ultraviolet rays is positioned in the exposed area 43a. Whether the occupant H is seated is detected using the seating sensor 7 provided on the seat body Sh, and this is performed when the occupant H is not detected. Furthermore, in the case where an electric rotation mechanism 44 is provided, if an abnormality such as pulling of the cover part 43 is detected during the replacement operation, the movement or winding of the cover part 43 may be automatically stopped. By automatically stopping the winding, the cover part 43 can be rotated safely even when the occupant H is not seated.

[0058] Although the cover replacement structure is provided on the armrest 4A, it is not limited to the armrest 4A and can be applied to seat parts other than the armrest 4A. For example, it can be used to replace the cover material T of the seating portion of the seat cushion 1 or the cover material T of the backrest portion of the seat back 2. It can also be applied to replacing the cover material T of the headrest 3.

[0059] <<<Second Embodiment>>> In the first embodiment, viral infection of occupants was prevented by installing a sterilization device in the vehicle seat S, but since the route of infection of viruses etc. is not only through the vehicle seat S, but also through indirect contact via the surface of the vehicle door D, particularly the door trim DT (door lining) inside the vehicle cabin, infection control measures are also required for the door trim DT.

[0060] Therefore, in the second embodiment, a vehicle door D is provided with a sterilization device that can sterilize the interior side of the door trim DT. By sterilizing the interior side of the door trim DT, it is possible to suppress infection through indirect contact via the door trim DT.

[0061] A vehicle door D according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a side view of the vehicle door D to which the door trim DT is attached, as viewed from the passenger compartment side. The door trim DT is a component provided on the passenger compartment side of a vehicle door D that is supported on the vehicle so that it can be opened and closed, for purposes such as interior decoration.It is formed, for example, from synthetic resin, and not only serves as interior decoration, but also functions as a soundproofing and sound-absorbing component and a component for protecting occupants in the event of a collision.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 11, the door trim DT of this embodiment includes an upper panel UP, a center panel CP, and a lower panel LP, which are connected to form the main body of the door trim DT. The upper panel UP is equipped with a pull handle 74 for opening and closing the door, and a door pocket 73 is provided below the lower panel LP. A door armrest 75 is also provided on the center panel CP. A door armrest 75 of the door trim DT is provided with a power window switch 76 for raising and lowering the window glass W, a switch 76 for locking and unlocking the door lock device, and the like.

[0063] The door trim sterilization devices 70A to 70D are provided on or near the gripping portion of the door trim DT that is touched by the occupant H. The gripping portion includes the door pocket 73, pull handle 74, grip, door armrest 75, etc. of the door trim DT. By providing the door trim sterilization device 70 on or near the gripping portion, it is possible to directly sterilize the portion that the occupant touches.

[0064] The door trim sterilization devices 70A to 70D installed on the door trim DT are similar to the sterilization devices also used in the vehicle seat S, and are, for example, deep ultraviolet irradiation devices. By directing the irradiation direction of an irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light of the deep ultraviolet irradiation device, for example, a deep ultraviolet LED, toward the grip portion, the deep ultraviolet light hits the grip portion and sterilizes the grip portion. Note that, as shown in FIG. 11, the deep ultraviolet LED that is the irradiation unit may be located, for example, inside a door pocket 73 or in the gap between a pull handle 74 and the trim body.

[0065] The door trim sterilization devices 70A to 70D may be disinfectant spraying devices that spray disinfectant such as alcohol, etc. In this case, the spray holes for spraying the disinfectant are arranged facing the grip portion. The door trim DT may also be provided with a storage section that stores a tank 72 that stores a disinfectant such as alcohol. The storage section for this tank 72 is provided with an openable lid, or a housing having a pocket-like space with at least a portion open is provided on the door trim DT. By providing a lid or a pocket-like storage section, the user can refill the tank 72 with disinfectant. The user may also replace the disinfectant tank 72.

[0066] The door trim sterilization devices 70A to 70D are driven after the occupant H has exited the vehicle and closed the vehicle door D. By driving the sterilization devices after the occupant H has exited the vehicle, the sterilization devices are prevented from being driven toward the occupant H. For example, if the sterilization device is a deep ultraviolet irradiation device, the deep ultraviolet rays are prevented from being directly irradiated onto the occupant H. If the sterilization device is a disinfectant liquid spraying device, the disinfectant liquid is prevented from splashing onto the occupant.

[0067] The door trim DT may be provided with a switch for activating the door trim sterilization devices 70A-70D. By activating the sterilization device at the user's discretion, the contact areas of the door trim DT can be sterilized at the appropriate timing. Furthermore, if the sterilization device is a disinfectant spraying device, it can spray a disinfectant containing alcohol onto the hands of the occupant.

[0068] Furthermore, conventionally, switches 76 such as power window switches provided on the door trim are operated by the occupant's finger when pressed by the occupant, but these switches may be non-contact sensors. By using a non-contact sensor, a predetermined mechanism (function) provided on the vehicle door is activated when a predetermined gesture by the occupant is detected. Examples of predetermined mechanisms include raising and lowering the power window, unlocking the door, and automatically opening and closing the door. By using a non-contact switch, the occupant H has fewer opportunities to touch the door trim DT, which can prevent infection by bacteria and viruses.

[0069] <<Vehicle door with storage compartment D2>> FIG. 12 shows a vehicle door D2 having a storage section 80. The storage section 80 may be provided in a door trim DT2, which is the inner surface of the vehicle door D2, for storing a wearable device used by an occupant H. A wearable device is an electronic device that can be worn by an occupant, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a smart watch, or a tablet. Inside the storage section 80, connection sections 84A and 84B that can be connected to an ECU provided in the vehicle are arranged. By connecting a cable extending from the wearable device to the connection sections 84A and 84B, the wearable device can communicate with the ECU. Biometric information acquired by the wearable device can be easily transmitted to the ECU through communication. Furthermore, by connecting to a cable, the wearable device can be charged at the same time as transmitting and receiving information.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 12, the storage compartment 80 is provided in a position among the components constituting the door trim DT where a passenger can easily store a wearable device. For example, like storage compartments 80A and 80B, it may be provided in the center of the upper panel UP or in front of the pull handle 74, or like storage compartment 80C, it may be provided in the center panel CP. Also, like storage compartment 80E, it may be provided behind the door pocket 73 of the lower panel LP. Or, like storage compartment 80F, it may be provided in the door armrest 75.

[0071] The structure of storage section 80C will be described using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of storage section 80C. As shown in Figure 13, storage section 80C has lid section 81 and bottom section 83, and lid section 81 is provided so as to be openable and movably toward the inside of the vehicle. By opening lid section 81, occupant H can put a wearable device in or take it out of storage section 80C. A hinge 85 is used as a movable mechanism for the lid portion 81. The hinge 85 as a movable mechanism is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, lid 81 of storage unit 80C may be configured to be removable from storage unit 80C. Furthermore, storage unit 80C does not have to have movable lid 81, and storage unit 80C may be formed in the shape of a pocket with an opening for inserting and removing the wearable device.

[0072] Furthermore, connection parts 84A and 84B for connecting to the ECU are provided on the side part 82 or the bottom part 83 of the storage part 80C. By connecting a cable extending from the wearable device to the connection part 84A or 84B that is easier to connect, the wearable device can send and receive information to and from the ECU. The connection with connectors 84A and 84B may be a wired connection using a cable, or a wireless connection using a wireless device. When a wireless device is used, information can be transmitted and received or wireless charging can be performed by placing the wearable device in contact with or close to connectors 84A and 84B.

[0073] Furthermore, a lighting device or a display may be provided on the outer surface of storage compartment 80C. The lighting device or display is connected to the ECU in the vehicle and can display information about the status of the wearable device stored in storage compartment 80C, such as whether information is being transmitted or charged, even when the lid is closed. By looking at this information, the occupant can know the status of the wearable device without opening the lid of the storage compartment. Although the structure of the storage section 80C has been described as an example, the other storage sections 80A, 80B, 80D to 80F have the same structure.

[0074] <Storage compartment with sterilization function> 12 and 13 is for storing a wearable device, the items stored in storage section 80 are not limited to wearable devices and may be items that occupants normally wear, such as a wallet, a watch, or glasses. In recent years, people have begun to wear masks when going out, and the mask may be removed and stored in storage section 80 of door trim DT2 of the vehicle while in the car.

[0075] When storing items worn by occupant H in storage compartment 80, it is desirable to be able to sterilize them while they are stored. For example, by providing a sterilization device inside storage compartment 80 and running the sterilization device while the items are stored, the items can be sterilized while driving, and after driving, the wearable devices and masks can be used in sterilized and clean condition.

[0076] <Mask sterilization device 90> 14 to 17, a mask sterilization device 90 for storing and sterilizing a mask M will be described. A storage section 80F for storing the mask M is provided in the door armrest 75d, and the mask sterilization device 90 is installed inside. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the storage section 80F is provided in the door armrest 75 of the door trim DT2, and an opening for inserting the mask M is provided on the upper surface of the door armrest 75. A lid 91 is provided in the opening, and after inserting the mask M, the storage section 80F can be sealed by closing the lid 91 as shown in FIG. 15. Note that the lid 91 of the storage section 80F shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 has a structure that opens and closes using a hinge, but this is just one example, and the lid 91 may have a sliding structure. Furthermore, a light 92 (LED light source) may be provided on the side of the lid 91 while the sterilization device is operating, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0077] A method of using the storage section 80F will now be described. A seated occupant H opens the lid 91 of the storage section 80F and places a mask M into the storage section 80F. The occupant H then closes the lid 91 and activates the mask sterilization device 90. At this time, a light 92 provided on the lid 91 may be illuminated to indicate that the storage section 80F is being sterilized. Alternatively, the light 92 may be turned off at the same time as sterilization is completed, thereby informing the occupant that sterilization is complete. After confirming that the light 92 is off, the occupant opens the lid 91 of the storage section 80F and removes the stored mask M from the opening.

[0078] 14 and 15 is formed in a pocket shape, but the shape of the storage section 80F is not limited to this and may be a roller-through type as shown in Fig. 16. The storage section 80F shown in Fig. 16 has an opening formed on the upper surface of the door armrest 75 for inserting the masks M, and a roller that rotates to take the masks M into the opening. A sensor is provided at the opening to detect whether or not a mask has been inserted, and when this is detected, the roller rotates and the mask M is taken into the storage section 80F.

[0079] A mask sterilization device 90A is disposed below the roller, and the mask taken in by the roller can be sterilized by the sterilization device. The underside of the armrest has an opening for discharging the mask, allowing the passenger to remove the sterilized mask from under the armrest.

[0080] A light 92A is provided around the opening, and while the mask sterilization device 90A is sterilizing, the light 92A is turned on to notify the occupant H that sterilization is in progress. Furthermore, when sterilization is completed, the light flashes or goes out, thereby notifying the occupant H that sterilization has been completed.

[0081] The following describes how to use the roller-through type storage compartment 80F. A seated occupant H places a mask M into the opening of the storage compartment 80F. When a sensor at the opening detects the placement of the mask M, the roller 91A begins to rotate. When the roller 91A completely takes in the mask M, the mask sterilization device 90A begins sterilization while the mask is held by the roller 91A. For example, if the mask sterilization device 90A is a deep ultraviolet irradiation device, it begins irradiating the mask with deep ultraviolet rays. At the same time, a light 92A installed around the opening lights up. After a predetermined period of vigilance, when sterilization is completed, the light 92A flashes or goes out to indicate that sterilization has been completed. The occupant H can then remove the mask M from under the door armrest 75 and wear the sterilized mask M. Although the light 92A around the opening notifies the user that sterilization is in progress or has been completed, the notification may be made by sound, vibration, or the like.

[0082] <<<Third Embodiment>>> Hereinafter, a vehicle seat and an interior trim of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle seat according to a third embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. As in the first embodiment, a vehicle seat and an interior trim 200 for a vehicle cabin equipped with the vehicle seat will be taken as an example of the vehicle seat, and an example configuration thereof will be described.

[0083] <<Basic configuration of vehicle seat S5>> The basic configuration of a vehicle seat according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as vehicle seat S5) will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat S5, and for convenience of illustration, a portion of the vehicle seat S5 in Fig. 17 is shown with the pad member P and the cover material T removed from the pad member P.

[0084] The vehicle seat S2 is placed on the vehicle floor and is a seat on which a vehicle occupant H sits. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S5 is used as a front seat located at the front of the vehicle. However, the vehicle seat S5 is not limited to this, and can also be used as a rear seat corresponding to a rear seat.

[0085] 17, the vehicle seat S5 mainly comprises a seat cushion 201 serving as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant H, a seat back 202 serving as a backrest portion that supports the back of the occupant H, and a headrest 203 that is disposed on top of the seat back 202 and supports the head of the occupant H. The seat cushion 201 and the seat back 202 are connected to sandwich a reclining mechanism, and the seat back 202 is connected to the seat cushion 201 so as to be rotatable relative to the seat cushion 201 and allow the angle to be adjusted.

[0086] The seat cushion 201 of the vehicle seat S5 is provided with a vibration generator 221 that transmits vibrations to the seated occupant H. The vibration generator 221 is connected to an ECU (not shown) installed in the vehicle, and is configured to generate vibrations by receiving a signal from the ECU. The vibration generator 221 may be provided in the seat cushion 201.

[0087] The vehicle seat S2 also has an air massager 230 mounted inside the seat back 202, which can massage the occupant H when the vehicle seat S5 is reclined.

[0088] The vehicle seat S5 is provided with a breathing sensor 222 in the seat cushion 201, and is capable of acquiring the breathing rhythm of the seated occupant H. The vehicle seat S2 is provided with sound generating devices 231 on both sides of the headrest 203, and is capable of playing voice or music based on the breathing rhythm acquired from the breathing sensor 222 close to the ears of the occupant H. The vehicle seat S2 is also provided with a seating sensor 223 in the seat cushion 201, and is capable of detecting the seated state of the occupant H.

[0089] <Accent Material 210> The vehicle seat S2 is provided with accent materials 210 and 220 on parts of a cover material T that covers a seat cushion 201 and a seat back 202. In the vehicle seat S2, when the seating portion 201a on which the occupant H sits and the bank portions 201b provided on both sides of the seat cushion 201 are covered with a cover material T, a hanging portion is provided between the seating portion 201a and the bank portions 201b. The accent material 210 of the seat cushion 201 is arranged so as to straddle the seating portion 201a and the bank portions 201b. In the seat back 202, the accent material 220 is arranged so as to straddle the hanging portion between the backrest portion 202a and the bank portions 202b provided on both sides.

[0090] The accent material 210 provided on the seat cushion 201 will be described below. The accent material 210 is composed of a skin material T and a slab material B that supports the skin material T. However, in the case of the accent material 210 that straddles the seating portion 201a and the bank portion 201b, it was necessary to bend the accent material 210 to correspond to the shape at the point where the surface of the bank portion 201b intersects with the surface of the seating portion 201a. However, after bonding the skin material T to the slab material B, bending the accent material 210 may cause creases in the skin material T, which may result in a decrease in the appearance design.

[0091] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the width W1 of the covering material T is set smaller than the width W2 of the slab material B, and the accent material 210 is formed in a pre-bent state when the covering material T and the slab material B are bonded together. By making the width W1 of the covering material T shorter than the width W2 of the slab material B, the covering material T is pulled by the slab material B arranged on the outside when bonded together. This gives the covering material a taut shape, reducing creases. The accent material 210 is formed in a three-dimensional state to match the shape of the seat pad (pad member P) that forms the seat cushion 201, making it easy to determine the shape and align it when assembling the vehicle seat S2.

[0092] In addition, the accent material 210 shown in FIG. 17 is connected from the seating surface to the cushion bolster (bank portion) in one piece, thereby expressing the airflow (flowing feeling) as a design theme. The accent material 220 provided on the seat back 202 has the same structure as the accent material 210 provided on the seat cushion 201, and is less susceptible to creases.

[0093] <<Vehicle Interior VC Parts 200>> 19 to 20B, the devices attached to the interior part 200 of the vehicle compartment VC, particularly the lighting device 240, will be described. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an interior trim 200 of this embodiment arranged in a vehicle compartment VC. 19, a plurality of lighting devices 240 are provided in the vehicle cabin VC according to this embodiment. Specifically, a lighting device 241 is provided on the instrument panel IP, a lighting device 242 is provided on the door trim DT3, a lighting device 243 is provided on the door armrest, and a lighting device 244 is provided on the seat cushion 201 of the vehicle seat S2. Hereinafter, the plurality of lighting devices 241 to 244 provided in the vehicle cabin VC may be collectively referred to as the lighting devices 240. The occupant H can turn these lighting devices 240 on / off and set the light emission color by operating the operation panel 206.

[0094] Of the plurality of lighting devices 240, lighting devices 241, 242, and 243 provided on the instrument panel IP, the door trim DT2, and the door armrest 204 are indirect lighting devices. An illumination device 241 provided on the instrument panel IP emits light from top to bottom, and the light is irradiated onto the surface of the instrument panel IP. The lighting device 242 provided on the door trim DT3 is configured to emit light from the inner wall CP2a toward the wall surface CP2b as shown in Fig. 20A. The lighting device 243 provided on the door armrest 204 is configured to emit light downward from the underside of the door armrest 204. Among the plurality of lighting devices 240, the structures of the lighting device 242 on the door trim DT3 and the lighting device 243 provided on the door armrest 204 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B.

[0095] <Lighting Device 242> FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 19, showing the structure of the lighting device 242 provided on the door trim DT2. As shown in Fig. 20A, the center panel CP2 of the door trim DT2 is formed in a pocket shape with a partially open upper surface. An LED light source 242a is provided inside an inner wall CP2a of the center panel CP2. A decorative portion 242b with an uneven surface is provided on a wall surface CP2b of the center panel CP2 located opposite the inner wall CP2a.

[0096] By providing the decorative portion 242b with irregularities, the light emitted from the LED light source 242a is scattered, creating a different impression depending on whether the LED light source 242a is lit or not. Also, by illuminating gaps, airflow is expressed. The light emitted from the LED light source 242a is directed toward and reflected by the uneven decorative portion 242b, thereby avoiding the graininess caused by the scattered LED light sources 242a and allowing the light to shine linearly. In addition, the location where the LED light source 242a is installed is thinned to ensure a sufficient distance between the LED light source 242a and the decorative portion 242b. The LED light source 242a may be a fluorescent lamp or the like.

[0097] <Lighting Device 243> FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 19, showing the structure of the lighting device 243 provided in the door armrest 204. As shown in FIG. The LED light source 243a of the lighting device 243 is disposed on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the door armrest 204, and its illumination direction is directed downward. The LED light source 243a provides indirect lighting that illuminates a member located below the door armrest 204 (for example, the convex surface 243b of the lower panel LP2). The convex surface 243b of the member to be illuminated is painted matte black. In addition, by making the underside of the door armrest 204 concave and arranging the LED light source 243a in the recess 243c, a certain degree of distance is ensured between the convex surface 243b of the member to be illuminated and the LED light source 243a, compared to when the LED light source 243a is arranged on a non-concave underside. These configurations suppress graininess caused by the LED light source 243a. The LED light source 243a may be a fluorescent lamp.

[0098] <Lighting Device 244> In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, a lighting device 244 is also provided on the bank portion 201b of the seat cushion 201 of the vehicle seat S2. The lighting device 244 of the seat cushion 201 has multiple, for example, three, LED light sources (not shown) built in, each capable of emitting light of a different emission color. A diffusing material is provided above the LED light sources, and the degree of diffusion is adjusted by overlaying a translucent slab, thereby suppressing the graininess of the LED light sources. By suppressing the graininess, a gradation of multiple emission colors is expressed on the light-emitting surface of the lighting device 244.

[0099] The expression of gradation using different luminous colors may be used not only for the lighting device 244 provided on the bank portion 201b of the seat cushion 201, but also for the other lighting devices 241 to 243 provided on the instrument panel IP, the door trim DT, and the door armrest 204. In addition, the lighting device 244 provided on the bank portion 201b of the seat cushion 201 is linked to the other lighting devices 241 to 243 described above, and it is possible to create a space within the vehicle cabin VC with lighting patterns using LED light sources with multiple light colors.

[0100] <<Seatbelt fastening status notification function>> The lighting device 240 provided in the vehicle compartment VC in this embodiment has a function of notifying the occupant H of the seat belt fastening state in addition to the illumination function of illuminating the interior of the vehicle. Specifically, the lighting device 240 notifies the occupant H of the seat belt fastening state by changing the lighting state or the light emission color. For example, when the seating sensor 223 provided in the vehicle seat S2 detects that the occupant H is not seated and the seat belt is not fastened, the lighting device 240 is turned off or emits light in a first light emission color (e.g., white). When the seating sensor 223 detects that the occupant H is seated and the seat belt is not fastened, the lighting device 240 emits light in a second light emission color (e.g., red). When the seating of the occupant H is detected and the seat belt is fastened, the lighting device 240 is turned off or emits light in a third light emission color (e.g., blue). Although the fact that the seat belt is not fastened is usually notified by an alarm sound, in this embodiment, the fastening state of the seat belt can also be visually indicated by the lighting device 240 provided in the vehicle compartment VC. Note that the first to third light emission colors of the lighting device 240 are set to white, red, and blue, but this is only an example, and the lighting device 240 may be set to emit any other color, for example, yellow or green.

[0101] <<Installation Features>> A vehicle equipped with the interior trim 200 of this embodiment is provided with a camera or optical sensor (not shown) that detects the scenery or color tone outside the vehicle. The optical sensor may include an infrared or ultraviolet wavelength sensor. 17, the vehicle seat S2 is provided with a vibration generator 221 on the seat back 202, and also with sound generators 231 (headrest speakers) on both sides of the headrest 203. The lighting device 240, vibration generator 221, and sound generator 231 provided in the vehicle compartment VC are connected to an ECU mounted on the vehicle and are configured to be controlled by the ECU. When sound (particularly music) is played from the sound generating device 231, the ECU activates the vibration generating device 221 in time with the tempo of the sound. The vibration generating device 221 is equipped with an eccentric motor, which can transmit vibrations in time with the tempo of the sound to the lower back of the seated occupant H. The vibration device preferably operates in a low frequency range, for example, 50 Hz to 60 Hz. By linking the vibration device and lighting with the music, the occupant can experience the music with all five senses.

[0102] The camera or optical sensor detects the scenery or color tone outside the vehicle, and based on the detected information, an ECU installed inside the vehicle directs the space inside the vehicle using the lighting device 240, vibration generator 221, and sound generator 231. With this configuration, an installation function is realized for the occupant H.

[0103] While electrical components installed in conventional interior accessories are often intended to eliminate negative (unpleasant) elements, there is a growing demand for them to provide positive experiential value, such as relaxation (calming the mind), inspiration, and smiles (moving the heart). In order to provide passenger H with this experiential value, the vehicle is equipped with an installation function that detects or inputs the location, time, and weather to provide a presentation that can only be expressed at that time and place. This makes it possible for passengers to experience the excitement of moving. Below, we will explain the installation mode, communication mode, and relaxation mode of the installation function.

[0104] <Installation Mode> In the installation mode, for example, when a camera or optical sensor detects that the weather outside the vehicle is clear, the light color of the lighting device is changed to blue or orange to reflect the color of the sky. Also, when driving in the mountains, if autumn leaves are detected, the light color of the lighting device is changed to red, and if fresh green leaves are detected, the light color of the lighting device is changed to green. Furthermore, not only the light from the lighting device 240 but also the vibration from the vibration generator 221 and the sound from the sound generator 231 may be changed to reflect the detected changes in the scenery outside the vehicle or changes in color tone.

[0105] At this time, passengers can input whether they want to be excited or relaxed, and music can be selected to match that. The lighting device 240 may also be made to glow in a more aurora-like manner by using multiple luminous colors. The frequency of the vibration generator 221 may be widened to enhance the sense of unity with the music.

[0106] <Communication Mode> As a communication mode, when multiple people are riding in the car, the level of excitement inside the car can be inferred from the voices of the passengers acquired through a microphone or the like, and the lighting can be changed according to the level of excitement. By changing the color and illuminance of the lighting device 240, the level of excitement inside the car can be visualized, further raising the mood of the passengers. The level of excitement can be indicated not only by the voices of the passengers H, but also by clapping along with the music.

[0107] <Relax mode> In the relaxation mode, the breathing sensor 222 and seating sensor 223 attached to the vehicle seat S2 may detect the breathing and physique information of the occupant, and massage (for example, air massage) may be performed in accordance with the occupant's breathing cycle. The intensity of this massage is adjusted according to the detected physique of the occupant, and a combination of heat, light, and sound is used to encourage a rhythm that allows the entire body to relax. For example, when the occupant H operates the operation panel 206 to select the relaxation mode, the seatback 202 is tilted to a predetermined angle (a posture that is not suitable for driving and allows the occupant to lie down) relative to the seat cushion 201, and the vehicle seat S2 enters the relaxation mode. When the breathing sensor 222 detects the breathing tempo (respiratory cycle) of the seated occupant, the air massager 230 initially performs a massage at a rhythm that matches the occupant's breathing cycle, and then the rhythm gradually slows down. This guides the occupant H into a relaxed state. In addition, when the occupant H operates the operation panel to select a driving mode for driving the vehicle, for example, when the angle of the seat back 202 relative to the seat cushion 201 is set to an angle suitable for driving, the control may be such that breathing guidance by massage is not performed.

[0108] At this time, assuming that the occupant takes a nap, an alarm function may be provided that issues an alarm after a certain time has elapsed or at a registered time. The occupant may be woken up not only by sound but also by light from the lighting device 240. At a set time, the position of the vehicle seat S2 may be changed or the temperature in the vehicle compartment VC may be controlled by operating the air conditioning.

[0109] At this time, an electroencephalogram sensor (not shown) may be provided in the headrest 203, and the electroencephalograms obtained by the electroencephalogram sensor before and after the nap may be compared to display on the monitor MT inside the vehicle whether the occupant H has had a good rest. Also, touch switches for operating the air conditioning that can be used when in a relaxed position may be provided on the armrests of the doors or in the pull pockets where the hands are placed to open and close the doors.

[0110] <Other features> As shown in Fig. 19, an armrest 205 is provided between the left and right vehicle seats S2. The armrest 205 can be moved rearward or stored downward when not in use. The armrest may be a center console. In addition, a table 207 is provided in front of the vehicle seat S2. The table 207 can be unfolded when in use and stored so as to overlap the instrument panel IP when not in use. The table 207 may be provided with a recess 208 that can be used as a cup holder.

[0111] The vehicle seat and interior accessories for mounting the vehicle seat according to the present embodiment have been described above with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to vehicle seats and interior accessories mounted on ground vehicles having wheels such as automobiles and trains, but may also be seats or interior accessories mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that move on non-ground surfaces. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] S, S1 to S5 Vehicle seats (vehicle seats) P Pad material T Skin material H Crew Sh seat body Sd Shell Device 1 seat cushion 2 seat backs 3 Headrest 4, 4A Armrest 5. Face shields 7 Seat sensor 8. Sterilization equipment 10 Seat cushion disinfection device 11 Electronic board 12 Deep UV LED 20 Seat back sterilization device 21 Electronic board 22 Deep UV LED 30 Headrest sterilization device (first sterilization device) 31 Electronic board 32 Deep UV LED 33 Bank 40, 40A Armrest sterilization device (second sterilization device) 41 Electronic Board 42 Deep UV LED 43 Epidermis 43a Exposed area 43b Storage area 44 Rotation mechanism 45 Fixing mechanism 46 Shell-mounted sterilization device 47 Side wall 48 Bank 50 Face shield sterilization device (third sterilization device) 50A~50D Face shield sterilization device (fourth sterilization device) 51 Electronic Board 52 Deep UV LED 55a, 55b, 55c Fan-shaped members 58 Storage area 60 Air curtain generator AC Air Curtain 61 Air outlet 62 Suction device 63 Blower 64 Storage Container 65 Overhang 66 Pipe 67a, 67b Blower 68 Sterilization device for blower equipment 69 Aroma Generator D, D2 Vehicle doors DT, DT2 door trim UP Upper panel CP, CP2 center panel LP, LP2 lower panel 70A~70D Door trim sterilization device 71 Deep UV LED 72 Tank 73 Door pocket 74 Pull Handle 75 Door armrest 76 Switch 80, 80A~80F storage area 81 Lid 82 Side 83 Bottom 84A, 84B connection 85 Hinge M Mask 90, 90A Mask sterilization device 91 Lid 91A Roller 92, 92A Light VC cabin IP Instrument Panel DT, DT2, DT3 door trim MT Monitor B Slab 200 Interior parts 201 Seat Cushion 201a Seating area 201b Bank 202 seat back 202a Backrest 202b Bank 203 Headrest 204 Door armrest 205 Armrest 206 Operation Panel 207 Table 208 Recess 210, 220 accent material 221 Vibration Generator 222 Respiration Sensor 223 Seat Sensor 230 Air Massage Machine 231 Sound Generator 240~244 Lighting equipment 242a, 243a LED light source 242b Decorative section 243c recess CP2a inner wall CP2b wall

Claims

1. The seat body on which the occupant sits is provided, The sheet body includes: a headrest for supporting the head of the occupant; a first sterilization device that is built into the headrest and sterilizes the surface of the headrest; A vehicle seat comprising:

2. an armrest for supporting the elbow of the occupant; 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising: a second sterilization device that is built into the armrest and sterilizes the surface of the armrest.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat body has a seating sensor that detects whether the occupant is seated or not, and when the seating sensor detects that the occupant is not seated, the first sterilization device is activated to start sterilization.

4. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the headrest has a covering member that covers at least a part of the head of the occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat body.

5. 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the covering member is permeable.

6. 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the covering member has a third sterilization device disposed therein for sterilizing the inner surface of the covering member.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, characterized in that the covering member is movable between a use state in which it covers the head of the occupant and a stored state, and further comprises a fourth sterilization device that sterilizes the covering member when the covering member is in the stored state.

8. 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the seat body has a seating sensor that detects whether the occupant is seated, and when the seating sensor detects that the occupant is seated, the covering member automatically moves to a position in use.

9. the covering member is composed of a plurality of fan-shaped members formed in a fan shape in a side view, and each of the plurality of fan-shaped members is formed so as to be able to rotate around one end thereof as an axis and be housed in an adjacent fan-shaped member, 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the covering member is in an expanded state in which the plurality of fan-shaped members are deployed when in use, and in a contracted state in which the plurality of fan-shaped members are housed in adjacent fan-shaped members when stored.

10. 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the seat body includes a storage portion at the rear of the seat body for storing the cover member in a stored state.

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