Seat device

Abstract

To tactually present the state of operation to a seat to a seated person.SOLUTION: A seat device including a drive unit configured to perform driving so as to change a position of at least one of a seat surface portion and a backrest portion of a seat includes an operation unit configured to perform an operation on the drive unit, a plurality of vibration actuators disposed in at least one of the seat surface portion and the backrest portion and configured to apply a vibration to a seated person of the seat, and a control unit configured to vibrate at least one of the vibration actuators in a vibration pattern representing the operation according to the performed operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat device to be mounted on a vehicle or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] When adjusting the position of the seat cushion or backrest of a seat in a vehicle, etc., a switch module using multiple mechanical switches such as lever switches, slide switches, hook switches, etc. has traditionally been used as an operating unit (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-251028 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The operator can grasp the movement of the seat cushion and backrest by the actual movement of the seat cushion and backrest after operating the switch module. However, if the switch module is located below the seat cushion and out of sight, it can be difficult to determine the operation direction and movement direction from the switch module alone.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a seat device that can tactilely present the state of operation of the seat to a seat occupant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The seat device according to the present invention comprises: A seat device having a drive unit that drives a seat to change the position of at least one of a seat cushion and a backrest, an operating unit that operates the drive unit; a plurality of vibration actuators disposed in at least one of the seat surface portion and the backrest portion, the vibration actuators applying vibrations to an occupant of the seat; a control unit that vibrates at least one of the vibration actuators in a vibration pattern that represents the operation performed in response to the operation; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the state of operation on the seat can be presented to the seat occupant in a tactile manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a touch panel as an example of the operation unit shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation panel using mechanical switches as another example of the operation unit shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive circuit included in the driver illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a voltage supplied from the drive circuit shown in FIG. 4 to the vibration actuator. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of vibration actuators in a seat. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how vibration actuators are mounted in a seat. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a drive pattern for driving a plurality of vibration actuators in the case of an operation for moving the seat cushion portion of a seat forward. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a drive pattern for driving a plurality of vibration actuators when the seat cushion of the seat is moved backward. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a drive pattern for driving a plurality of vibration actuators in the case of an operation for lifting the seat cushion of a seat. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a drive pattern for driving a plurality of vibration actuators when an operation is performed to lower the seat cushion portion of a seat. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a drive pattern for driving a plurality of vibration actuators when the backrest of the seat is reclined. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a drive pattern for driving a plurality of vibration actuators when an operation is performed to raise the backrest of a seat. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the vibration actuator shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an external perspective view showing the main components of the vibration actuator shown in FIG. 14 in a separated state. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator shown in FIG. [Figure 17A] 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vibration actuator shown in FIG. 14, showing a non-excitation state. FIG. [Figure 17B] 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the vibration actuator shown in FIG. 14, showing an excited state. [Figure 17C] 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vibration actuator shown in FIG. 14, showing a state where the actuator has returned from an excited state to a non-excited state. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Seat device 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a seat device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0011] The seat device 10 is mounted on, for example, a vehicle. The seat device 10 includes a seat 20, drive mechanisms 30A and 30B, an operation unit 40, a control unit 50, a driver 60, and vibration units 100A and 100B. As will be described in detail later, the seat device 10 vibrates the vibration units 100A and 100B in response to operation of the operation unit 40, thereby providing a bodily sensation to the seated occupant and adjusting the position of the seat 20.

[0012] The seat device 10 may further include a voice recognition unit 70, a warning notification unit 80, and an acoustic unit 90. As will be described in detail later, the seat device 10 may vibrate the vibration units 100A and 100B based on input from the voice recognition unit 70, the warning notification unit 80, and the acoustic unit 90.

[0013] (Sheet 20) The seat 20 has a seat surface 21 on which the seated person rests, a backrest 22 that supports the back of the seated person, and a headrest 23 that supports the head of the seated person. Drive mechanisms 30A and 30B are disposed on the seat surface 21 and backrest 22, respectively.

[0014] Drive mechanisms 30A and 30B (drive units in the present invention) drive to change the positions of seat 21 and backrest 22, respectively. For example, seat 21 is configured to be able to move forward, backward, up, and down by drive mechanism 30A, and the position of seat 21 in the front-to-back direction and the position in the up-and-down direction can be adjusted. In addition, backrest 22 is configured to be able to recline and stand up by drive mechanism 30B, and the angular position of backrest 22 can be adjusted.

[0015] As the drive mechanisms 30A and 30B, known drive mechanisms driven by a drive source such as a motor can be applied, and further description of the drive mechanisms 30A and 30B will be omitted here.

[0016] Vibration units 100A and 100B that apply vibrations to a seated person are disposed on the seat surface 21 and backrest 22. The vibration units 100A and 100B will be described later.

[0017] (Operation unit 40) The operation unit 40 is basically a device for operating the movement direction of the drive mechanisms 30A, 30B. Specifically, when the operation unit 40 is operated by the seated occupant, it transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 50. As will be described later, the control unit 50 outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation signal to the drive mechanisms 30A, 30B. In other words, the operation unit 40 operates the drive mechanisms 30A, 30B to change the positions of the seat 21 and the backrest 22. In addition, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the control unit 50 also outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation signal to the driver 60 (vibration units 100A, 100B).

[0018] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a touch panel 40A as an example of the operation unit 40 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an operation panel 40B using mechanical switches as another example of the operation unit 40 shown in Fig. 1.

[0019] The touch panel 40A is a device through which an operation by a seated occupant touches the operation surface with a finger, thereby inputting an operation by the seated occupant.

[0020] 2, the touch panel 40A has a forward operation area 41, a backward operation area 42, an up operation area 43, a down operation area 44, a reclining operation area 45, and a raising operation area 46. The forward operation area 41, the backward operation area 42, the up operation area 43, and the lowering operation area 44 are for operating the seat portion 21, and the reclining operation area 45 and the raising operation area 46 are for operating the backrest portion 22.

[0021] The touch panel 40A may have a display function for displaying an image of an operation area, etc., on the operation surface, as well as a contact detection function for detecting contact of a finger with the operation area, or may have no display function and simply have a contact detection function for detecting contact with an operation area printed on the operation surface. In the former case, the touch panel 40A may be configured to operate as one function of a touch panel for performing various vehicle operations. Furthermore, the contact detection function (detection unit in the present invention) may use at least one of a capacitance method, a pressure-sensitive method, etc., to detect contact of a finger with the operation area.

[0022] Regardless of whether the display function is provided or not, when a seated person touches a specific operation area with their finger, the touch panel 40A detects the touched operation area using its contact detection function. Then, the touch panel 40A transmits an operation signal corresponding to the detected operation area to the control unit 50.

[0023] As an example, when the seated person touches the forward movement operation area 41 with their finger, the touch panel 40A detects the touched forward movement operation area 41 using a contact detection function. Then, the touch panel 40A transmits an operation signal corresponding to the detected forward movement operation area 41 to the control unit 50. At this time, the touch panel 40A may transmit an operation signal corresponding not only to the forward movement direction but also to the movement speed to the control unit 50, depending on, for example, the time the seated person touches the forward movement operation area 41 with their finger. This also applies to the reverse movement operation area 42, the up movement operation area 43, the down movement operation area 44, the tilt movement operation area 45, and the raise movement operation area 46, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0024] By using the touch panel 40A as the operation unit 40, it is possible to propose a high level of design and also to increase the degree of freedom in its placement position. Furthermore, since the touch panel 40A does not have a complex configuration like the switch module disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and lower costs.

[0025] The touch panel 40A itself is operated by the seated occupant simply touching the operation area with their finger, but as will be described later, the operation status of the touch panel 40A is presented as a bodily vibration, so the seated occupant can reliably recognize the operation status of the touch panel 40A.

[0026] The operation panel 40B is a device into which an operation by the seated occupant is input by operating one or more mechanical switches.

[0027] 3, the operation panel 40B has mechanical switches 47 and 48. The mechanical switch 47 is a mechanical switch for operating the seat portion 21 forward, backward, up and down, and the mechanical switch 48 is a mechanical switch for operating the backrest portion 22 to tilt up.

[0028] When a seat occupant operates a specific mechanical switch in a specific direction, the operation panel 40B detects the operation direction using the switch corresponding to that direction, and then transmits an operation signal corresponding to the detected operation direction to the control unit 50.

[0029] As an example, when the seat occupant operates the mechanical switch 47 in the forward direction, the operation panel 40B detects that the operation direction is the forward direction by the switch corresponding to the forward direction. Then, the operation panel 40B transmits an operation signal corresponding to the detected forward direction to the control unit 50. At this time, the operation panel 40B may transmit an operation signal corresponding not only to the forward direction but also to the movement speed to the control unit 50, depending on, for example, the time during which the seat occupant operates the mechanical switch 47 in the forward direction. This also applies to the backward direction, upward direction, and downward direction of the mechanical switch 47, and the tilting direction and raising direction of the mechanical switch 48, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0030] In operation panel 40B, mechanical switches 47 and 48 are required to be able to detect at least the direction of operation. Therefore, operation panel 40B does not need to have a complex configuration like the switch module disclosed in Patent Document 1, and compared to the switch module, the configuration can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0031] The operation state of operation panel 40B is easier for the seated occupant to grasp than that of touch panel 40A. In this embodiment, even if operation panel 40B is placed in a position that is difficult for the seated occupant to see, the operation state of operation panel 40B is presented by bodily vibrations, as will be described later, so that the seated occupant can reliably recognize the operation state of operation panel 40B.

[0032] Furthermore, if the configuration of operation panel 40B is simplified, the degree of freedom in its placement position also increases. For example, if operation panel 40B is moved to a position that is visible to the seated occupant, it will be even easier for the seated occupant to recognize the operation status of operation panel 40B.

[0033] Although touch panel 40A and operation panel 40B transmit operation signals to drive mechanisms 30A and 30B via control unit 50, they may also transmit operation signals directly to drive mechanisms 30A and 30B. Transmission of operation signals from touch panel 40A and operation panel 40B to vibration units 100A and 100B will be described later.

[0034] (control unit 50) Although not shown, the control unit 50 has a calculation unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), storage units such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an input / output unit for inputting and outputting signals. The CPU reads programs and data from the ROM, expands them in the RAM, executes the programs, and outputs drive control signals for controlling the drive mechanisms 30A and 30B based on operation signals input from the operation unit 40.

[0035] Furthermore, the CPU outputs a vibration control signal that controls the driver 60 that vibrates the vibration units 100A and 100B based on an operation signal input from the operation unit 40, as will be described later.

[0036] Furthermore, as will be described later, the CPU outputs drive control signals for controlling the drive mechanisms 30A, 30B and vibration control signals for controlling the driver 60 based on input signals input from the voice recognition unit 70 and the warning notification unit 80.

[0037] That is, the control unit 50 controls the drive mechanisms 30A, 30B and the driver 60 (vibration units 100A, 100B) based on signals input from the operation unit 40, the voice recognition unit 70, and the warning notification unit 80. Under the control of the control unit 50, the drive mechanisms 30A, 30B are driven, and the vibration units 100A, 100B vibrate.

[0038] (Driver 60) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a drive circuit 61 which is an example of the drive circuit included in the driver 60 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the voltage supplied from the drive circuit 61 shown in Fig. 4 to the vibration actuator 100.

[0039] 6, in the seat 20, the vibration sections 100A and 100B each have a plurality of vibration actuators 100. The driver 60 has drive circuits 61 in a number corresponding to the number of vibration actuators 100.

[0040] The drive circuit 61 includes a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and resistors RG and RGS.

[0041] The MOSFET is a switching element that supplies a current pulse to the vibration actuator 100. A voltage that is a vibration control signal from the control unit 50 is input from port 1 and input to the gate G of the MOSFET via a resistor RG. The drain D of the MOSFET is connected to the vibration actuator 100, and the source S is grounded. A direct current voltage DC is also applied to the vibration actuator 100 from a power supply unit (not shown).

[0042] The MOSFET is turned on and off by a voltage from the control unit 50, for example, a square wave voltage as shown in Fig. 5. When the MOSFET is turned on, a current flows, energizing the coil of the vibration actuator 100 and vibrating the vibration actuator 100. Note that while Fig. 5 shows a square wave as an example, the voltage is not limited to a square wave, and a sine wave, sawtooth wave, or other wave may also be used.

[0043] (Vibration parts 100A and 100B) As shown in FIG. 1, in the seat 20, the seating surface 21 has a vibration part 100A, and the backrest 22 has a vibration part 100B.

[0044] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the vibration actuator 100 in the seat 20. Also, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the implementation of the vibration actuator 100 in the seat 20.

[0045] The vibration section 100A has a plurality of vibration actuators 100. Here, the vibration section 100A has four vibration actuators 100, as an example.

[0046] The four vibration actuators 100 are respectively arranged in the front right, rear right, front left and rear left areas when viewed from above the seat portion 21. Hereinafter, the vibration actuators 100 arranged in the front right, rear right, front left and rear left areas may be referred to as R1, R2, L1 and L2, respectively.

[0047] The number and positions of the vibration actuators 100 can be changed as appropriate in the seating surface 21. For example, two vibration actuators 100 may be arranged in the central front and central rear areas when the seating surface 21 is viewed from above.

[0048] Within the seat portion 21, as shown in FIG. 7, each vibration actuator 100 is attached, for example, to a frame within the seat portion 21 so that its vibration direction Dv intersects with, and preferably is perpendicular to, the seat surface 21a.

[0049] The vibration section 100B also has a plurality of vibration actuators 100. Here, the vibration section 100B has two vibration actuators 100, as an example.

[0050] The two vibration actuators 100 are arranged in the lower right and lower left areas, respectively, when viewing the backrest 22 from the front. Hereinafter, the vibration actuators 100 arranged in the lower right and lower left areas may be referred to as R3 and L3, respectively. The vibration actuators R3 and L3 of the backrest 22 are arranged higher than the vibration actuators R1, R2, L1, and L2 of the seat 21.

[0051] The number and positions of the vibration actuators 100 can also be changed as appropriate in the backrest 22. For example, four vibration actuators 100 may be arranged in the lower right, upper right, lower left, and upper left regions when viewing the backrest 22 from the front.

[0052] Although not shown in the figure, even within the backrest portion 22, each vibration actuator 100 is attached, for example, to a frame within the backrest portion 22 so that its vibration direction intersects with the backrest surface of the backrest portion 22, preferably perpendicular to it.

[0053] In this way, the vibration direction of the vibration actuator 100 in the seat 21 and backrest 22 is set to the direction perpendicular to the surface that comes into contact with the seated occupant. This means that the bodily vibration is imparted in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the body surface of the seated occupant, making it possible to provide a stronger tactile sensation than when the vibration direction is not perpendicular to the surface. As a result, as will be described later, the seated occupant can reliably recognize the operating direction of the seat 21 and backrest 22 through their bodily sensation.

[0054] Any type of vibration actuator 100 may be used as long as it can impart bodily sensation to an occupant seated in the seat 20. The configuration of one example of the vibration actuator 100 will be described later with reference to Figs. 14 to 17C.

[0055] (Vibration Sensation and Position Adjustment in the Seat Device 10) The seat device 10 is configured to impart bodily vibrations to the seated occupant and adjust the position of the seat 20 in response to the operation of the operating unit 40. The operation of the operating unit 40 and the bodily vibrations and position adjustments corresponding to the operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0056] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a drive pattern for driving a plurality of vibration actuators 100 when the seat cushion 21 of the seat 20 is moved forward. In the drive pattern shown in Fig. 8, a high level indicates a state in which the vibration actuators 100 are being driven, and a low level indicates a state in which the driving of the vibration actuators 100 is stopped. The same applies to Figs. 9 to 13, which will be described later.

[0057] When an occupant of the seat 20 operates the operating unit 40 to move the seating surface 21 forward, the operating unit 40 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 50. Then, based on the operation signal, the control unit 50 outputs a vibration control signal to the driver 60 and also outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanisms 30A and 30B.

[0058] In the case of a forward movement operation, the control unit 50 supplies a vibration control signal corresponding to the drive pattern to the driver 60 so that the driver 60 drives the vibration actuators R1 to R3 and L1 to L3 according to the drive pattern shown in FIG.

[0059] The drive pattern shown in Fig. 8 is a vibration pattern in which the vibration actuators R1 to R3 and L1 to L3 are vibrated sequentially from the rearward set (R3, L3) to the forward set (R1, L1). In the drive pattern shown in Fig. 8, as an example, the sequential vibration pattern is repeated three times.

[0060] The control unit 50 vibrates the vibration actuators R1-R3 and L1-L3 sequentially, starting from the rearward set and proceeding toward the forward set, thereby providing the seated person with a bodily vibration that moves from the rear to the front. This allows the seated person to bodily recognize that the operation is to move the seat 21 forward. After the bodily vibration is transmitted, the control unit 50 outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanism 30A, which then moves the seat 21 forward.

[0061] As a result of the above, the seat occupant can recognize through their body that the operation is to move the seat portion 21 forward, and can then move the seat portion 21 forward, thereby adjusting the position of the seat portion 21 forward.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a drive pattern for driving the plurality of vibration actuators 100 when the seat cushion portion 21 of the seat 20 is moved backward.

[0063] When an occupant of the seat 20 operates the operating unit 40 to move the seating surface 21 backward, the operating unit 40 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 50. Based on the operation signal, the control unit 50 outputs a vibration control signal to the driver 60 and outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanisms 30A and 30B.

[0064] In the case of a reverse operation, the control unit 50 supplies a vibration control signal corresponding to the drive pattern shown in FIG. 9 to the driver 60 so that the driver 60 drives the vibration actuators R1 to R3 and L1 to L3 according to the drive pattern.

[0065] The drive pattern shown in Fig. 9 is a vibration pattern in which the vibration actuators R1 to R3 and L1 to L3 are vibrated sequentially from the set (R1, L1) located on the front side to the set (R3, L3) located on the rear side. In the drive pattern shown in Fig. 9, as an example, the vibration pattern in which the vibrations are vibrated sequentially is repeated three times.

[0066] The control unit 50 vibrates the vibration actuators R1-R3 and L1-L3 sequentially, starting from the front set and moving toward the rear set, thereby providing the seated occupant with a bodily vibration that moves from the front to the rear. This allows the seated occupant to bodily recognize that the operation is to move the seat 21 backward. After the bodily vibration is generated, the control unit 50 outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanism 30A, which then moves the seat 21 backward.

[0067] As a result, the seat occupant can recognize through their body that the operation is to move the seat portion 21 backward, and can then move the seat portion 21 backward, thereby adjusting the position of the seat portion 21 toward the rear.

[0068] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a drive pattern for driving the plurality of vibration actuators 100 when the seat cushion 21 of the seat 20 is being raised.

[0069] When an occupant of the seat 20 operates the operating unit 40 to raise the seating surface 21, the operating unit 40 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 50. Based on the operation signal, the control unit 50 outputs a vibration control signal to the driver 60 and outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanisms 30A and 30B.

[0070] In the case of an upward operation, the control unit 50 supplies a vibration control signal corresponding to the drive pattern to the driver 60 so that the driver 60 drives the vibration actuators R1 to R3, L1 to L3 (here, R2, R3, L2, L3) according to the drive pattern shown in FIG.

[0071] The drive pattern shown in Fig. 10 is a vibration pattern in which vibration actuators R2-R3 and L2-L3 are vibrated sequentially from the set (R2, L2) arranged on the lower side to the set (R3, L3) arranged on the upper side. In the drive pattern shown in Fig. 10, as an example, the vibration pattern in which vibrations are performed sequentially is repeated three times.

[0072] The control unit 50 vibrates the vibration actuators R2-R3 and L2-L3 sequentially, starting from the lower set toward the upper set, thereby providing the seated person with a bodily vibration that moves from the lower side to the upper side. This allows the seated person to bodily recognize that the operation is to raise the seat 21. After the bodily vibration is generated, the control unit 50 outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanism 30A, which then raises the seat 21.

[0073] As a result of the above, the seated person can recognize through their body that the operation is to raise the seat portion 21, and can then raise the seat portion 21 and adjust the position of the seat portion 21 upward.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a drive pattern for driving the plurality of vibration actuators 100 when the seat cushion 21 of the seat 20 is being lowered.

[0075] When an occupant of seat 20 operates operating unit 40 to lower seating surface 21, operating unit 40 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation to control unit 50. Based on the operation signal, control unit 50 outputs a vibration control signal to driver 60 and outputs a drive control signal to drive mechanisms 30A and 30B.

[0076] In the case of a lowering operation, the control unit 50 supplies a vibration control signal corresponding to the drive pattern to the driver 60 so that the driver 60 drives the vibration actuators R1 to R3, L1 to L3 (here, R1, R2, L1, L2) according to the drive pattern shown in FIG.

[0077] The drive pattern shown in Fig. 11 is a vibration pattern in which the pairs (R1, L1 and R2, L2) arranged on the lower side of the vibration actuators R1 to R3 and L1 to L3 are repeatedly vibrated. The drive pattern shown in Fig. 11 is, as an example, a vibration pattern in which vibration is repeated three times.

[0078] The control unit 50 repeatedly vibrates the lower set of vibration actuators R1-R3, L1-L3, thereby providing the seated occupant with a bodily vibration below. This allows the seated occupant to bodily recognize that the operation is to lower the seat 21. After the bodily vibration is generated, the control unit 50 outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanism 30A, which then lowers the seat 21.

[0079] As a result, the seated person can recognize through their body that the operation is to lower the seat portion 21, and can then lower the seat portion 21, thereby adjusting the position of the seat portion 21 downward.

[0080] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a drive pattern for driving the plurality of vibration actuators 100 when the backrest 22 of the seat 20 is reclined.

[0081] When an occupant of the seat 20 operates the operating unit 40 to recline the backrest 22, the operating unit 40 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 50. Based on the operation signal, the control unit 50 outputs a vibration control signal to the driver 60 and outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanisms 30A and 30B.

[0082] In the case of a tilting operation, the control unit 50 supplies a vibration control signal corresponding to the drive pattern to the driver 60 so that the driver 60 drives the vibration actuators R1 to R3 and L1 to L3 (here, R3 and L3) according to the drive pattern shown in FIG.

[0083] The drive pattern shown in Fig. 12 is a vibration pattern that repeatedly vibrates the pair (R3, L3) arranged on the upper side of the vibration actuators R1 to R3 and L1 to L3. The drive pattern shown in Fig. 12 is, as an example, a vibration pattern that repeatedly vibrates three times.

[0084] The control unit 50 repeatedly vibrates the upper set of vibration actuators R1-R3, L1-L3, thereby providing the seated occupant with a bodily vibration sensation at the upper side. This allows the seated occupant to bodily recognize that the operation is to tilt the backrest 22. After the bodily vibration sensation, the control unit 50 outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanism 30B, which then tilts the backrest 22.

[0085] As a result of the above, the seated person can recline the backrest portion 22 after physically recognizing that this is an operation to recline the backrest portion 22, and can adjust the position of the backrest portion 22 in the direction in which it is reclined (adjust the angle of the backrest portion 22).

[0086] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a drive pattern for driving the plurality of vibration actuators 100 when the backrest 22 of the seat 20 is raised.

[0087] When an occupant of the seat 20 operates the operating unit 40 to raise the backrest 22, the operating unit 40 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 50. Based on the operation signal, the control unit 50 outputs a vibration control signal to the driver 60 and outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanisms 30A and 30B.

[0088] In the case of a raising operation, the control unit 50 supplies a vibration control signal corresponding to the drive pattern to the driver 60 so that the driver 60 drives the vibration actuators R1 to R3, L1 to L3 (here, R1, L1) according to the drive pattern shown in FIG. 13.

[0089] The drive pattern shown in Fig. 13 is a vibration pattern in which the pair (R1, L1) arranged on the front side of the vibration actuators R1 to R3 and L1 to L3 is repeatedly vibrated. The drive pattern shown in Fig. 13 is, as an example, a vibration pattern in which vibration is repeatedly performed three times.

[0090] The control unit 50 repeatedly vibrates the pair of vibration actuators R1-R3 and L1-L3 that are located on the front side, thereby providing the seated occupant with a bodily vibration sensation at the front side. This allows the seated occupant to bodily recognize that the operation is to raise the backrest 22. After the bodily vibration sensation, the control unit 50 outputs a drive control signal to the drive mechanism 30B, which raises the backrest 22.

[0091] As a result, the seated person can recognize through their body that they are operating to raise the backrest portion 22, and can then raise the backrest portion 22 and adjust the position of the backrest portion 22 in the direction in which it is raised (adjust the angle of the backrest portion 22).

[0092] 8 to 13, control unit 50 drives drive mechanisms 30A and 30B after applying the bodily vibration, but drive mechanisms 30A and 30B may also be driven simultaneously with the application of the bodily vibration. In this case, the seated occupant can move seat surface 21 and backrest 22 while bodily recognizing the operation on seat surface 21 and backrest 22, and can adjust the positions of seat surface 21 and backrest 22.

[0093] 8 to 13 are drive patterns corresponding to the respective operation directions, but the control unit 50 may change the drive pattern according to the movement speed of the seat portion 21 and the backrest portion 22. For example, the control unit 50 may lengthen the drive time (time at High level) as the movement speed increases.

[0094] 8 to 13 are examples in which the seated person can recognize the operation direction through vibration. As long as the seated person can recognize the operation direction through vibration, the combination of vibration actuators 100, the order of vibration, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

[0095] As explained above, in response to an operation performed on the operating unit 40, the control unit 50 vibrates at least one of the vibration actuators 100 with a vibration pattern that represents that operation. As explained above, a vibration pattern is a combination of the timing of vibrations in multiple vibration actuators 100. In this way, the control unit 50 presents the operating state of the operating unit 40 with bodily vibrations and provides feedback on the operating state, so that the seated occupant can reliably recognize the operation on the seat surface 21 and the backrest 22 through bodily sensation. This makes it possible to improve the operability of operations on the seat surface 21 and the backrest 22.

[0096] Furthermore, because the control unit 50 presents the operating state of the operation unit 40 through bodily vibrations, the seated occupant can reliably recognize the operating direction of the seat 21 and the backrest 22 through bodily sensations, regardless of the type or location of the operation unit 40. Therefore, the above-mentioned touch panel 40A, operation panel 40B, etc. can be used as the operation unit 40. This allows for an improvement in the design of the operation unit 40, as described above, and also allows for cost reduction.

[0097] In this embodiment, a plurality of vibration actuators 100 are arranged in each of the seat portion 21 and the backrest portion 22, but a plurality of vibration actuators 100 may be arranged in at least one of the seat portion 21 and the backrest portion 22. For example, if the seat 20 is configured so that the position of either the seat portion 21 or the backrest portion 22 can be adjusted, a plurality of vibration actuators 100 may be arranged in either the seat portion 21 or the backrest portion 22.

[0098] The seat device 10 according to this embodiment has the above configuration, but the seat device 10 may further include a voice recognition unit 70, a warning notification unit 80, and an audio unit 90, as will be described below.

[0099] (Speech recognition unit 70) The seat device 10 may further include a voice recognition unit 70. A known voice recognition device can be used as the voice recognition unit 70, and the voice recognition unit 70 has, for example, a voice input unit, a voice recognition unit, a signal transmission unit, etc. In this embodiment, when a voice for operating the seat device 10 is input, the voice recognition unit 70 recognizes the input voice and transmits to the control unit 50 an operation signal corresponding to the operation instructed by the recognized voice.

[0100] For example, when the seat occupant says "seat forward," the voice recognition unit 70 recognizes the input voice and transmits an operation signal corresponding to the forward operation, which is the operation instructed by the recognized voice, to the control unit 50. This is similar for other directions; when the seat occupant speaks, for example, "seat backward," "seat up," "seat down," "seat reclining," or "seat raising," the operation is recognized and the corresponding operation signal is transmitted to the control unit 50.

[0101] In this way, the voice recognition unit 70 can be used in the same way as the operation unit 40 such as the touch panel 40A or the operation panel 40B. Also, the voice recognition unit 70 may be used instead of the operation unit 40 such as the touch panel 40A or the operation panel 40B.

[0102] In the case of operation by voice recognition, it is possible to respond by voice to the operation status, but there is no operational feel like with operation panel 40B, so this is a suitable example of this embodiment. In this case, control unit 50 presents the operation status of the operation recognized by voice recognition unit 70 by bodily sensation vibration, so the seated person can reliably recognize the operation status of the operation recognized by voice.

[0103] (Warning notification part 80) The seat device 10 may further include a warning notification unit 80, in which case the seat device 10 functions as a warning notification device.

[0104] When notifying a warning to an occupant of seat 20, warning notification unit 80 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the warning to control unit 50. Warning notification unit 80 has, for example, a warning state detection unit, a signal transmission unit, etc. When warning notification unit 80 detects a warning state that requires notification to an occupant, it transmits an operation signal corresponding to the warning to control unit 50.

[0105] When an operation signal corresponding to the warning is transmitted, the control unit 50 outputs a vibration control signal corresponding to the warning to the driver 60. Then, the driver 60 vibrates the vibration units 100A and 100B based on the vibration control signal, thereby providing the seated occupant with a bodily sensation of vibration. This allows the seated occupant to recognize the warning bodily.

[0106] In a vehicle, warning states detected by the warning state detection unit include, for example, a state where there is a risk of collision while driving or parking, a state where the vehicle is drifting out of its lane while driving, a state where the driver is dozing off while driving, etc. When the control unit 50 detects such a state, it vibrates the vibration units 100A and 100B to give the seated person a bodily vibration, which allows the seated person to bodily recognize the warning.

[0107] (Acoustic Department 90) The seating device 10 may further include an acoustic section 90, in which case the seating device 10 functions as an acoustic vibration exciter.

[0108] The acoustic unit 90 is, for example, an audio device, and outputs an output voltage corresponding to a sound source to the driver 60. The driver 60 vibrates the vibration units 100A and 100B based on the output voltage input from the acoustic unit 90, vibrating the contact surface with the seated occupant and imparting a bodily sensation to the seated occupant. This allows the seated occupant to bodily experience the vibration corresponding to the sound source.

[0109] Here, the acoustic unit 90 outputs an output voltage to the driver 60, but it may also output the output voltage to the control unit 50. In this case, the control unit 50 outputs a vibration control signal corresponding to the output voltage from the acoustic unit 90 to the driver 60. Then, based on the vibration control signal, the driver 60 vibrates the vibration units 100A and 100B, vibrating the contact surface with the seated occupant and imparting a bodily sensation to the seated occupant.

[0110] (Massage device) The seat device 10 may further function as a massage device. In this case, for example, the touch panel 40A has an operation area where the seated person can instruct a massage. When the seated person touches the operation area with their finger, the touch panel 40A detects the touch on the operation area. Then, the touch panel 40A transmits an operation signal corresponding to the massage to the control unit 50.

[0111] When an operation signal corresponding to a massage is transmitted, the control unit 50 outputs a vibration control signal corresponding to the massage to the driver 60. Then, the driver 60 vibrates the vibration units 100A and 100B based on the vibration control signal, and applies a bodily sensation vibration to the seated occupant. This allows the vibration units 100A and 100B to massage the seated occupant.

[0112] In this way, the seat device 10 also functions as a warning notification device, an acoustic vibration exciter, and a massage device, and can be installed in a vehicle or the like as a device with multiple functions.

[0113] (Vibration actuator 100) An example of a vibration actuator 100 that imparts bodily vibration to an occupant seated in the seat 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17C.

[0114] FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of the vibration actuator 100. FIG. 15 is an external perspective view showing the vibration actuator 100 with the main components separated. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator 100. Note that in FIGS. 14 to 16 and in FIGS. 17A to 17C described below, an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used for explanation. Here, the vibration direction of the movable part 130 is described as the Z direction. In some cases, the Z direction is also described as the up-down direction.

[0115] The vibration actuator 100 is a thin, flat vibration actuator. In the seat portion 21 and backrest portion 22 described above, the vibration actuator 100 is arranged so that the vibration direction (Z direction) of the movable portion 130 is perpendicular to the surface that comes into contact with the seated person.

[0116] The vibration actuator 100 has an actuator body 110 and a cover 160. The actuator body 110 is a thin plate-like vibrating body, and has a fixed part 120, a movable part 130, elastic support parts 140 (140A, 140B), and an electromagnet part 150.

[0117] In the actuator body 110, the fixed part 120 supports the movable part 130 via elastic support parts 140A and 140B so that the movable part 130 can elastically vibrate. As will be described later, the movable part 130 is driven by the electromagnet part 150 to elastically vibrate.

[0118] In the vibration actuator 100, the cover 160 and a base member 121 of the fixed part 120 (described later) form a housing for the vibration actuator 100. In other words, the actuator body 110 is disposed within the housing formed by the cover 160 and the base member 121.

[0119] <Fixed part 120> The fixed portion 120 has a base member 121 and a spring stop portion 122. The base member 121, together with the cover 160, constitutes the housing of the vibration actuator 100.

[0120] As an example, the base member 121 is a rectangular flat plate member, and has recesses 121a formed on both edges, which are two opposing sides, and protrusions 121b formed on both edges, which are two opposing sides different from the above two sides.

[0121] The recess 121a engages with an engaging protrusion 162a of the cover 160, which will be described later, and the protrusion 121b engages with an engaging recess 163a of the cover 160, which will be described later. The base member 121 forms the housing of the vibration actuator 100 with its recess 121a and protrusion 121b engaging with the engaging protrusion 162a and engaging recess 163a of the cover 160, respectively.

[0122] Joining holes 121c and 121d are formed in the base member 121. Joining hole 121c is formed in the center of base member 121, and joint protrusion 152b of magnetic pole core 152 of electromagnet part 150 fits into joint hole 121c. As a result, electromagnet part 150 is attached to the center of base member 121 with core body 152a of magnetic pole core 152 protruding upward in a convex shape.

[0123] A plurality of joining holes 121d are formed around joining hole 121c in the center of base member 121, and fastening members 123 are inserted through them. Fastening members 123 attach elastic support members 140A and 140B to base member 121 via spring stop portions 122.

[0124] In this manner, the elastic support portions 140A and 140B and the electromagnet portion 150 are attached to the base member 121.

[0125] The spring stop portion 122 is, for example, a frame member having a rectangular outer shape, and has an opening 122a, a plurality of mounting holes 122b, and a notch 122c.

[0126] The spring stop portion 122 is configured so that the movable portion 130 faces the magnetic pole surface 152c on the upper surface of the magnetic pole core 152 via the elastic support portions 140A and 140B attached to the spring stop portion 122.

[0127] The upper surface of spring stop portion 122 is a flat surface that fixes elastic support portions 140A and 140B. Since elastic support portions 140A and 140B are fixed on the same plane, the flatness of the fixing surface is ensured, and the assembly precision in the Z direction of parts related to the air gap GA (see FIG. 17A), which will be described later, is stabilized.

[0128] Spring stop portion 122 is configured, for example, so that the upper surfaces of elastic support portions 140A, 140B are at the same height as magnetic pole surface 152c. Spring stop portion 122 is also configured so that the elastic support portions 140A, 140B are fixed at a predetermined height on the outer periphery thereof from the upper surface of base member 121. This predetermined height is a height that ensures a movable range for the deformable portions of elastic support portions 140A, 140B and a height that ensures air gap GA.

[0129] Furthermore, spring stop portion 122 is disposed on the outer periphery of electromagnet portion 150, and is disposed on base member 121 so as to be point symmetrical with respect to the center of pole face 152c. As a result, spring stop portion 122 supports movable portion 130 over the entire surface at equal intervals with respect to the center of pole face 152c via elastic support portions 140A and 140B, and can support movable portion 130 in a balanced manner, allowing it to move freely in the Z direction.

[0130] Opening 122a is a through hole formed in the center of spring stop portion 122. In spring stop portion 122 fixed to base member 121, electromagnet portion 150 is disposed inside opening 122a. Here, opening 122a is formed as a circular through hole corresponding to the shape of electromagnet portion 150.

[0131] The mounting holes 122b are through holes formed at the four corners of the spring stop portion 122. The mounting holes 122b are arranged at positions symmetrical in the X and Y directions with respect to the center of the magnetic pole face 152c. The above-mentioned fastening members 123 are inserted into the multiple mounting holes 122b, respectively, and the multiple fastening members 123 fix the elastic support portions 140A and 140B to the upper surface of the spring stop portion 122. The multiple mounting holes 122b and the fastening members 123 allow the elastic support portions 140A and 140B to be arranged line-symmetrical with each other on the upper surface of the spring stop portion 122. The fixed portion 120 supports the movable portion 130 in an elastically vibrating manner via the elastic support portions 140A and 140B fixed to the spring stop portion 122.

[0132] Furthermore, the plurality of attachment holes 122b integrally fix the spring stop portion 122 and the elastic support portions 140A and 140B to the base member 121 via the plurality of fastening members 123.

[0133] The notch 122c is formed on the lower surface side of the spring stop portion 122, and extends from the opening 122a to the outer edge of the spring stop portion 122. An extension portion 154b of the substrate portion 154, which will be described later, is inserted into the inside of the notch 122c.

[0134] The fastening member 123 is inserted through the fixing holes and attachment holes 122b of the core-side fixing portions 141a of the elastic support portions 140A and 140B and the joining hole 121d of the base member 121, and these are integrally joined by fastening them with the fastening member 123. As a result, the spring stop portion 122 is fixed together with the elastic support portions 140A and 140B in a stacked state on the base member 121. The fastening member 123 is, for example, a rivet.

[0135] The base member 121 is made of a magnetic plate member. The base member 121 is formed of a magnetic plate member such as silicon steel plate or SECC (electro-galvanized steel plate: Steel Electrolytic Cold Commercial). As a result, the base member 121 can be formed by processing the sheet metal part itself, such as by drilling holes, ensuring surface precision and enabling a thinner and less costly design. Furthermore, since the base member 121 can face the magnetic yoke 131 entirely, the facing surface with the movable part 130 can be widened via the air gap GA, thereby reducing magnetic resistance.

[0136] The spring stop portion 122 is also made of a magnetic material and functions as an outer magnetic pole of the electromagnet portion 150. The spring stop portion 122 is made of, for example, a sintered material, which increases the degree of freedom in the shape of the spring stop portion 122 itself.

[0137] The base member 121 and the spring stop portion 122 are made of a magnetic material, and therefore form a magnetic circuit of the magnetism formed by the coil 151 and the magnetic pole core 152 together with a magnetic yoke 131 of the movable portion 130 described later.

[0138] <Electromagnet part 150> The electromagnet section 150 includes a coil 151 , a magnetic pole core 152 , a bobbin 153 , and a substrate section 154 .

[0139] In the electromagnet section 150, a coil 151 is arranged on the outer periphery of a magnetic pole core 152 via a bobbin 153, and the coil 151 is connected to wiring of a substrate section 154. Since the magnetic pole core 152 is arranged inside the coil 151, the electromagnetic conversion efficiency is improved.

[0140] Here, as an example, the coil 151 is annular, the magnetic pole core 152 is disk-shaped, the bobbin 153 is annular, the substrate portion 154 is substantially annular, and the electromagnet portion 150 is substantially disk-shaped.

[0141] Coil 151 is formed in a flat, circular ring shape. Coil 151 is placed on base member 121 via ring-shaped main body 154a of substrate portion 154. The winding axis of coil 151 coincides with the central axis of magnetic pole core 152. Coil 151 is circular and does not have corners that are prone to variations, so it is a coil with stable characteristics and is highly manufacturable.

[0142] Coil 151 may be formed of, for example, UEW (polyurethane enameled copper wire). Both ends of the coil winding of coil 151 are connected to wiring portions of substrate portion 154. The direction of current flowing through coil 151 may be either clockwise or counterclockwise in plan view.

[0143] The magnetic pole core 152 is a magnetic body. The magnetic pole core 152 has a core body 152a and a joint protrusion 152b. The core body 152a is a disk-shaped portion that protrudes above the base member 121 when placed on the base member 121. The upper surface of the core body 152a becomes the magnetic pole surface 152c. The joint protrusion 152b is a disk-shaped portion that protrudes downward from the center of the lower surface of the core body 152a.

[0144] The magnetic pole core 152 is housed and arranged inside a cylindrical bobbin 153. Specifically, the magnetic pole core 152 is housed inside the bobbin 153 with the core body 152a arranged on a stepped portion 153c of the bobbin 153, which will be described later.

[0145] The magnetic pole core 152 is formed by sintering a metal such as Fe, etc. Since the magnetic pole core 152 is formed by sintering, there is a high degree of freedom in the shape.

[0146] The core body 152a is formed in a flat disk shape and is disposed so as to be surrounded by the coil 151.

[0147] The joining protrusion 152b is fitted into and joined to a joining hole 121c formed in the base member 121, forming the base member 121 and the magnetic pole core 152 as an integrated magnetic body. Since the joining hole 121c is formed in the center of the base member 121, the electromagnet part 150 is disposed in the center of the base member 121, and the magnetic pole core 152 is in a state of protruding from the center of the base member 121.

[0148] The bobbin 153 is made of an insulating material and insulates the coil 151 from the magnetic pole core 152. The bobbin 153 is made of an insulating material such as polyester containing polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0149] The bobbin 153 has a cylindrical body 153a, a flange 153b, and a step portion 153c.

[0150] The cylindrical body 153a is a cylindrical portion having an upper opening and a lower opening. The flange 153b is formed at the upper opening of the cylindrical body 153a and extends radially outward. The stepped portion 153c is formed at the lower opening of the cylindrical body 153a and extends radially inward.

[0151] The flange 153b holds the coil 151 in a sandwiched state between the flange 153b and the base member 121 by fitting the joining protrusion 152b of the magnetic pole core 152 into the joining hole 121c. As a result, when the electromagnet part 150 is attached to the base member 121, the magnetic pole core 152 crimps the coil 151 via the bobbin 153 to prevent it from coming off, and in this state, the electromagnet part 150 is fixed to the base member 121.

[0152] The stepped portion 153c has a flat annular shape, and the joining protrusion 152b is inserted into the inner lower opening, and the lower outer edge of the core body 152a is disposed on the upper surface of the stepped portion 153c. As described above, the joining protrusion 152b is fitted into and joined to the joining hole 121c, so that the electromagnet portion 150 is fixed to the base member 121 with the lower outer edge of the core body 152a sandwiching the stepped portion 153c between it and the base member 121.

[0153] The substrate section 154 has a wiring section (not shown) connected to the coil 151, and supplies power to the coil 151. The substrate section 154 is formed in a film shape, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and is configured by providing a polyimide (P1) film having insulating properties and heat resistance with copper of conductive foil that becomes the wiring section.

[0154] The base plate 154 has an annular main body 154a and an extension 154b. The annular main body 154a has an opening 154c on the inside. The extension 154b extends radially outward from a portion of the annular main body 154a.

[0155] The wiring portion of the annular main body 154a is connected to the coil 151. The annular main body 154a is formed in a circular ring shape corresponding to the shape of the coil 151. The annular main body 154a is attached to the base member 121 with the joint protrusion 152b inserted into the opening 154c. The annular main body 154a is disposed between the coil 151 and the base member 121, and also functions as an insulating film (insulator) that insulates the coil 151 from the base member 121.

[0156] The extension portion 154b extends from the annular main body 154a to the outside of the base member 121, and its wiring portion is connected to an external device. In other words, the substrate portion 154, which has the annular main body 154a and the extension portion 154b, connects the coil 151 to the external device. When power is input from the external device to the extension portion 154b, the power is input to the coil 151 via the annular main body 154a. The power input from the external device energizes the coil 151, and the magnetic pole core 152 is excited.

[0157] In this way, substrate portion 154 has an insulating function of insulating coil 151 from base member 121, and a power supply function of supplying power to coil 151. Therefore, substrate portion 154 can avoid insulation breakdown, improve the routing of wiring to coil 151, and suppress coil disconnection. Furthermore, when extending portion 154b is connected to an external device using a connector or the like, the connection can be easily made.

[0158] <Elastic Support Portions 140A, 140B> The elastic support parts 140A and 140B connect the fixed part 120 and the movable part 130, and elastically support the movable part 130 relative to the fixed part 120 so that the movable part 130 is movable.

[0159] The elastic support members 140A and 140B are a pair of elastically deformable leaf springs made of stainless steel or the like. The elastic support members 140A and 140B are arranged so as to be stacked between the spring stop member 122 and the movable member 130 in the Z direction.

[0160] Each of the elastic support portions 140A and 140B has a pair of core side fixing portions 141a, a core side end portion 141b, a pair of yoke side fixing portions 141c, a yoke side end portion 141d, and a pair of deformable arms 141e.

[0161] The core-side end 141b and the yoke-side end 141d are arranged parallel to and spaced apart in the Y direction, with both ends of the core-side end 141b in the X direction forming a pair of core-side fixed portions 141a, and both ends of the yoke-side end 141d in the X direction forming a pair of yoke-side fixed portions 141c. If the outline of the elastic support portions 140A, 140B is roughly rectangular in plan view, the pair of core-side fixed portions 141a and the pair of yoke-side fixed portions 141c are arranged at positions corresponding to the corners of the rectangle.

[0162] The pair of core side fixing portions 141a are fixed to two corners of the spring stop portion 122 via fixing members 123, and the pair of yoke side fixing portions 141c are fixed to the movable portion 130 by fixing members 134 via spacers 133 radially outside of the electromagnet portion 150. In other words, the inner ends of the elastic support portions 140A and 140B are fixed to the spring stop portion 122, and the outer ends are disposed outside the electromagnet portion 150 and fixed to the movable portion 130 via the spacers 133.

[0163] The pair of deformable arms 141e have symmetrical serpentine shapes and connect the core-side end 141b and the yoke-side end 141d, which are spaced apart in the Y direction. By making the deformable arms 141e serpentine, it is possible to ensure a length that provides a desired spring constant within a limited space.

[0164] Due to the elastic deformation of the deforming arm 141e, the core-side end 141b and the yoke-side end 141d move relative to each other in the Z direction. Therefore, the fixed part 120 to which the core-side end 141b is fixed by the pair of core-side fixed parts 141a, and the movable part 130 to which the yoke-side end 141d is fixed by the pair of yoke-side fixed parts 141c also move relative to each other in the Z direction.

[0165] Elastic support parts 140A and 140B elastically support movable part 130 at yoke side end 141d relative to core side end 141b fixed to fixed part 120, so that movable part 130 can be supported in a well-balanced manner and can vibrate stably.

[0166] The thickness of the elastic support members 140A, 140B is set to a thickness that ensures a deformation region for the elastic support members 140A, 140B. Furthermore, the elastic support members 140A, 140B are disposed at a position in the Z direction that is approximately the same as the core body 152a of the magnetic pole core 152. This allows the thickness from the base member 121 to the elastic support members 140A, 140B to be thinner than in a configuration in which the elastic support members 140A, 140B are stacked at a position above the core body 152a. As a result, the actuator body 110 and, in turn, the vibration actuator 100 can be made thinner.

[0167] The elastic support members 140A and 140B are disposed on the base member 121 at positions where they do not interfere with the electromagnet unit 150, and are displaced in the Z direction at these positions where they do not interfere. Therefore, in the elastic support members 140A and 140B, it is possible to achieve stable assembly while ensuring a long spring length for the deformation arm 141e.

[0168] In addition, elastic support members 140A and 140B are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to magnetic pole core 152 in plan view. That is, elastic support members 140A and 140B are arranged outside coil 151 on the outer periphery of magnetic pole core 152 so as to support movable member 130 at positions 180 degrees apart with respect to the winding axis of coil 151.

[0169] In this way, the elastic support members 140A and 140B are spaced apart in the Y direction around the magnetic pole core 152 and elastically support the movable part 130. Furthermore, the elastic support members 140A and 140B elastically support the movable part 130 by a pair of deforming arms 141e that are symmetrical to each other in the X direction. Therefore, the elastic support members 140A and 140B can support the movable part 130 in a well-balanced manner, stabilizing vibration. Furthermore, the serpentine-shaped deforming arms 141e ensure a sufficient length for elastic deformation, enabling effective use of space (downsizing).

[0170] In addition, when the movable part 130 vibrates relative to the fixed part 120, for example, the elastic support parts 140A and 140B can determine the displacement amount and natural frequency of the movable part 130 by setting the spring constant using the deformation arm 141e, and can also adjust the resonant frequency.

[0171] <Movable part 130> The movable part 130 is a plate-like body that moves in the Z direction relative to the fixed part 120 having the electromagnet part 150. The lower surface of the movable part 130 (lower surface 131c of the magnetic yoke 131 shown in FIG. 17A) faces the entire surface of the base member 121 having the electromagnet part 150.

[0172] The movable part 130 includes a magnetic yoke 131 , a weight 132 , and a spacer 133 .

[0173] The magnetic yoke 131 has a notch 131a and a through hole 131b. The magnetic yoke 131 is a rectangular thin plate material, and two notches 131a are formed on each of the edges of two opposing sides of the magnetic yoke 131. Furthermore, a through hole 131b is formed on each of the four corners of the magnetic yoke 131.

[0174] The notches 131a are provided to avoid interference between the magnetic yoke 131 and the head of the fastening member 123 described above. Four notches 131a are provided in the magnetic yoke 131 corresponding to the number and arrangement positions of the fastening members 123. The same is true for the notches 132a of the weight 132 described below. Therefore, even if the movable part 130 moves downward in the Z direction, the notches 131a and 132a prevent the magnetic yoke 131 and the weight 132 from interfering with the fastening member 123, allowing the movable part 130 to vibrate as controlled.

[0175] The through holes 131b are for inserting fastening members 134 for fixing the yoke-side fixed portions 141c of the elastic support members 140A and 140B to the movable portion 130. Four through holes 131b are provided in the magnetic yoke 131, corresponding to the number and positions of the through holes in the yoke-side fixed portions 141c. The same is true for the through holes 132b in the weight 132, which will be described later. By inserting fastening members 134 through the through holes 131b, 132b, spacer 133, and the through holes in the yoke-side fixed portions 141c and fastening them together, the elastic support members 140, the magnetic yoke 131, and the weight 132 can be integrally joined. The fastening members 134 are also, for example, rivets or the like.

[0176] The magnetic yoke 131 is fixed to the yoke-side fixed portions 141c of the elastic support portions 140A and 140B via the spacers 133, so that the spacers 133 allow adjustment of the air gap GA.

[0177] As described above, the magnetic yoke 131 is fixed to the spring stop portion 122 (fixed portion 120) via the elastic support portions 140A and 140B. Therefore, the magnetic yoke 131 is disposed opposite the magnetic pole surface 152c of the electromagnet portion 150, and is movable relative to the electromagnet portion 150. Similarly, the magnetic yoke 131 is disposed opposite the upper surfaces of the base member 121 and the spring stop portion 122, and is movable relative to the base member 121 and the spring stop portion 122 as well.

[0178] The magnetic yoke 131 is made of a magnetic material. When the coil 151 is energized, the magnetic pole core 152 is excited, and a magnetic circuit is formed among the magnetic pole core 152, the magnetic yoke 131, the spring stop portion 122, and the base member 121 (see FIG. 17B, described later). At this time, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the opposing magnetic yoke 131, the magnetic pole surface 152c, the spring stop portion 122, and the base member 121, causing the magnetic yoke 131 to move downward in the Z direction and elastically deforming the elastic support portions 140A and 140B. When the energization of the coil 151 is then stopped, the magnetic attraction force that elastically deformed the elastic support portions 140A and 140B disappears, and the magnetic yoke 131 moves upward in the Z direction due to the spring reaction force of the elastic support portions 140A and 140B. By repeatedly energizing and de-energizing the coil 151, the movable part 130 vibrates, and the vibration actuator 100 vibrates.

[0179] The magnetic yoke 131 is made of a single thin plate of a soft magnetic material. The magnetic yoke 131 may be made of a soft magnetic material such as silicon steel plate, permalloy, or ferrite. The magnetic yoke 131 may also be made of electromagnetic stainless steel, a sintered material, a metal injection molding (MIM) material, a laminated steel plate, or SECC. It is particularly preferable that the magnetic yoke 131 be made of silicon steel plate or SECC.

[0180] In this way, the magnetic yoke 131 is made of one thin plate material, which reduces the number of parts, reduces costs, and simplifies assembly. The magnetic yoke 131 also functions as a weight on the movable part 130 side.

[0181] The weight 132 is a rectangular flat plate member having the same outer shape as the magnetic yoke 131, and is disposed on top of the magnetic yoke 131 and integrally joined to the magnetic yoke 131. In other words, the magnetic yoke 131 and the weight 132 are formed as laminated flat plate members.

[0182] Therefore, weight 132 also has notches 132a and through holes 132b, similar to magnetic yoke 131. Two notches 132a are formed on each of the edges of two opposing sides of weight 132. Furthermore, through holes 132b are formed on each of the four corners of weight 132. The functions of notches 132a and through holes 132b are similar to those of notches 131a and through holes 131b described above.

[0183] Weight 132, which is coupled to magnetic yoke 131 and elastic support portions 140A and 140B by fastening member 134, is disposed so as to face top surface portion 161 of cover 160 at a predetermined distance in the Z direction.

[0184] The weight 132 can increase the weight of the movable part 130, thereby strengthening the generated vibration. Furthermore, by adjusting the weight of the weight 132, the natural frequency of the movable part 130 can be changed. The weight of the weight 132 can be changed by changing the thickness or area thereof.

[0185] The spacer 133 is intended to ensure an air gap GA, which is the movable area of ​​the movable part 130. The spacer 133 is disposed between the lower surface 131c of the magnetic yoke 131 and the elastic support parts 140A and 140B, and separates the magnetic yoke 131 from the electromagnet part 150 in the Z direction. The spacer 133 is, for example, a cylindrical body, and is fixed to the yoke-side fixed part 141c via fastening members 134 inserted through the lower surfaces of the four corners of the magnetic yoke 131. In other words, the spacer 133 is interposed between the magnetic yoke 131 and the elastic support parts 140A and 140B.

[0186] The thickness of the spacer 133 separates the magnetic yoke 131 from the magnetic pole core 152, forming a gap between the lower surface 131c of the magnetic yoke 131 and the magnetic pole surface 152c, i.e., an air gap GA. This allows the movable part 130 to move when the magnetic yoke 131 is positioned at a reference position. In this way, the movable range of the movable part 130 in the vibration actuator 100 is sufficiently set, making it possible to obtain suitable vibration characteristics.

[0187] The spacer 133 is disposed at a position avoiding the electromagnet portion 150 and the spring stop portion 122 so as not to interfere with the electromagnet portion 150 and the spring stop portion 122 when the magnetic yoke 131 is displaced due to elastic deformation of the elastic support portions 140A and 140B. The spacer 133 is disposed at a position outside the electromagnet portion 150 and the spring stop portion 122 on the lower surface side that becomes the magnetic pole surface of the magnetic yoke 131.

[0188] The spacer 133 is made of, for example, austenitic stainless steel (SUS) or other material. The spacer 133 may be made of a non-magnetic material, or may be made of a magnetic material.

[0189] Depending on the design of the spacer 133, the degree of freedom of the movable area of ​​the movable part 130 and the leaf springs used in the elastic support parts 140A and 140B can be increased.

[0190] The air gap GA can be set by adjusting the thickness (length in the Z direction) of the spacer 133, and the accuracy of the air gap GA can be improved.

[0191] The spacer 133 can also function as a weight. For example, by using a material with a high specific gravity for the spacer 133, the weight increases, and the generated vibration can be strengthened.

[0192] <Cover 160> The cover 160 covers the actuator body 110 from above. The cover 160 is attached to the base member 121 so as to close the bottom surface of the cover 160, thereby forming a housing that covers the movable part 130 and the electromagnet part 150.

[0193] Cover 160 has rectangular top surface 161 and side surfaces 162, 163 hanging down from the edges of top surface 161. Side surfaces 162, 163 have different shapes, with side surface 162 having an engaging protrusion 162a that engages with recess 121a of base member 121, and side surface 163 having an engaging recess 163a that engages with protrusion 121b of base member 121. Because side surfaces 162, 163 have different shapes, cover 160 can be easily fitted into base member 121 without the orientation being incorrect.

[0194] The cover 160 is made of a material that prevents external interference, such as noise, from affecting the movable portion 130 and the electromagnet portion 150 .

[0195] The vibration actuator 100 is mounted on the product via the cover 160, so the vibration actuator 100 can be mounted in any orientation and in any position, allowing for greater freedom in component layout.

[0196] The cover 160 may be configured to have a damper (buffer material) on the surface facing the weight 132, so that the damper has a hard stop function. By arranging a damper inside the cover 160, it is possible to achieve sharp bodily vibrations with the device alone.

[0197] <Magnetic Circuit and Operation of the Vibration Actuator 100> Figures 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the vibration actuator 100. Figure 17A shows the vibration actuator 100 in a non-excited state, Figure 17B shows the vibration actuator 100 in an excited state, and Figure 17C shows the vibration actuator 100 in a non-excited state after excitation. For convenience, the cover 160 has been omitted from Figures 17A to 17C.

[0198] In the non-excited state shown in FIG. 17A, that is, in the non-powered state where no current is flowing through the coil 151, in the vibration actuator 100, the movable part 130 is at the initial position and is disposed at a position of height H0 from the upper surface of the base member 121. In this state, an air gap GA is formed between the lower surface 131c of the magnetic yoke 131 and the magnetic pole surface 152c.

[0199] In the state shown in FIG. 17A, for example, as shown in FIG. 17B, a current is passed through the coil 151 to excite the electromagnet portion 150. As a result, in the magnetic pole core 152, a magnetic field is generated in which the magnetic pole surface 152c side is the N pole and the side joined to the base member 121 is the S pole, and a magnetic field (magnetic flux flow M) passing through the magnetic yoke 131 of the movable part 130 is generated, and a magnetic circuit is formed (see FIG. 17B).

[0200] According to the principle of the electromagnetic solenoid, the lower surface 131c of the magnetic yoke 131, the magnetic pole surface 152c of the magnetic pole core 152, the spring stopper portion 122, and the surface of the base member 121 are attracted to each other (magnetic attraction force). Since the magnetic pole core 152, the spring stopper portion 122, and the base member 121 are fixed, a thrust force is generated in the movable part 130 in the direction of the white arrow, and the movable part 130 moves in the direction approaching the magnetic pole surface 152c. At this time, the movable part 130 moves to a position of height H1 (<H0) from the upper surface of the base member 121.

[0201] Next, when the power supply to the coil 151 is released, the magnetic field disappears, the magnetic attraction force disappears, and it becomes a non-excited state. Then, the biasing forces of the elastically supported portions 140A and 140B deformed toward the base member 121 are released. At this time, as shown in FIG. 17C, spring reaction forces are generated in the elastically supported portions 140A and 140B, and due to the spring reaction forces, the movable part 130 moves in the direction of the initial position. Then, the movable part 130 moves to a position further away from the magnetic pole surface 152c of the magnetic pole core 152 than the initial position (the position indicated by height H0 in FIG. 17A) due to the spring reaction forces of the elastically supported portions 140A and 140B, and generates strong vibrations. At this time, the movable part 130 moves to a position of height H2 (>H0) from the upper surface of the base member 121. As described above, the movable part 130 starts to vibrate.

[0202] The vibration of movable part 130 is attenuated as the biasing force of elastic support parts 140A and 140B attenuates, and moves back and forth in the Z direction repeatedly, resulting in free vibration. Alternatively, by repeatedly energizing and deenergizing coil 151, movable part 130 may be caused to move back and forth in the Z direction, generating vibration.

[0203] As described above, in the vibration actuator 100, the movable part 130 is elastically supported by the fixed part 120 having the electromagnet part 150 via the elastic support parts 140A and 140B. When the coil 151 of the electromagnet part 150 is energized, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the magnetic yoke 131 of the movable part 130 and the opposing members on the fixed part 120 side (the magnetic pole core 152, the spring stop part 122, and the base member 121).

[0204] This magnetic attraction force causes one of fixed part 120 and movable part 130 to move closer to the other. This movement generates a biasing force (elastic force) in elastic support parts 140A and 140B, and this biasing force causes movable part 130 to vibrate, imparting bodily vibrations to the occupant sitting in seat 20.

[0205] Furthermore, in the vibration actuator 100, the base member 121, spring stop portion 122, magnetic yoke 131, weight 132, elastic support portions 140A and 140B, coil 151, substrate portion 154, etc. are all thin and have a flat shape, such as a thin plate shape. This makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the actuator body 110, and ultimately the vibration actuator 100. Because the vibration actuator 100 can be made thinner, it is possible to reduce the installation space required, and it is possible to provide a suitable bodily vibration in a small space.

[0206] Furthermore, in the vibration actuator 100, the spring stop portion 122, coil 151, magnetic pole core 152, substrate portion 154, etc. are arranged at approximately the same height (position in the Z direction) on the base member 121. The elastic support portions 140A and 140B are stacked on the spring stop portion 122 and arranged at the same height as the magnetic pole surface 152c. The magnetic yoke 131 and weight 132 are stacked on the elastic support portions 140A and 140B via a spacer 133 that forms an air gap GA. Since the thin plate-like members that make up the vibration actuator 100 are assembled in this way, assembly is easy. Furthermore, since the assembly accuracy is determined by the overlapping of the members, high-precision assembly is possible. Furthermore, the simple configuration allows for thinner walls, easier assembly, and lower costs.

[0207] Furthermore, in vibration actuator 100, movable section 130 is covered by the housing of cover 160 and base member 121, so interference such as external contact with the inside of the housing can be prevented. Also, the outer surface of the housing, excluding the surface from which the wiring is drawn (extension section 154b), can be attached to the product. This improves layout flexibility when mounted on a product, and makes it easy to change the vibration direction of vibration actuator 100.

[0208] Furthermore, since the elastic support portions 140A and 140B are leaf springs with high manufacturing precision in thickness, variations in the gap between the base member 121 and the spring stop portion 122 and the magnetic yoke 131 are suppressed, and the air gap GA that ensures the movable area can be stably set.

[0209] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Note that the above description is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the description of the configuration of the above device and the shape of each part is one example, and it is clear that various modifications and additions to these examples are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0210] The seat device according to the present invention is suitable for use in a seat in which the positions of the seat cushion and backrest are adjustable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 10 Seat device 20 sheets 21 Seat part 22 Backrest 30A, 30B drive mechanism 40 Control section 40A touch panel 40B Operation Panel 50 control section 60 Drivers 70 Voice Recognition Unit 80 Warning notification section 100 Vibration Actuator 100A, 100B vibration part

Claims

1. A seat device having a drive unit that drives a seat to change the position of at least one of a seat cushion and a backrest, an operating unit that operates the drive unit; a plurality of vibration actuators disposed in at least one of the seat surface portion and the backrest portion, the vibration actuators applying vibrations to an occupant of the seat; a control unit that vibrates at least one of the vibration actuators in a vibration pattern that represents the operation performed in response to the operation; Equipped with Seat device.

2. the control unit changes the vibration pattern in response to an operation of at least one of a moving direction and a moving speed of the drive unit. The seat device according to claim 1 .

3. The vibration pattern is a combination of vibration timings of the plurality of vibration actuators. The seat device according to claim 2 .

4. a vibration direction of the vibration actuator is a direction perpendicular to a surface of at least one of the seat portion and the backrest portion that comes into contact with the seated occupant; The seat device according to claim 1 .

5. The operation unit is a touch panel. The seat device according to claim 1 .

6. the touch panel has a detection unit that detects the operation using at least one of a capacitance method and a pressure-sensitive method; The seat device according to claim 5 .

7. The operating unit is at least one mechanical switch. The seat device according to claim 1 .

8. the operation unit is a voice recognition device, The seat device according to claim 1 .

9. the control unit controls the plurality of vibration actuators to function as at least one of a warning notification device, an acoustic vibration exciter, and a massage device. The seat device according to claim 1 .

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