Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat capable of suitably imaging an image by using a cover for protecting an imaging part.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat S includes a seat body on which an occupant can be seated, an imaging device 50 provided on the seat body, a cover 70 provided on the seat body and covering the imaging device from the outside, and a cover support member 60 provided on the seat body and supporting the cover. The cover support member 60 supports the cover so that the cover 70 is movable along the surface of the seat body. The cover 70 is switched between a "normal position" at which the cover 70 faces the imaging device 50 and covers the imaging device from the outside and an "opening position" at which the cover 70 does not face the imaging device and does not cover the imaging device from the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat including an imaging unit and a cover that covers the imaging unit from the outside. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle seat has been known that includes a seat body on which an occupant can sit and an imaging camera that is provided on the rear surface of the seat body and captures an image of the occupant located behind the seat body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The vehicle seat equipped with an imaging camera described in Patent Document 1 further includes a transparent camera cover (camera lens cover) that protects the imaging camera (camera lens) to prevent the imaging camera from coming into contact with an occupant in the event of an impact to the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-75389 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a vehicle seat such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, if dust or other foreign matter adheres to the camera cover, it may affect the image captured by the imaging camera. Also, the structure of the seat makes it easy for dust and other foreign matter to accumulate. In addition, the camera cover required a relatively complex mechanism for moving it back and forth, so it needed to be as compact as possible, and also needed a structure that could securely fasten the camera cover.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat equipped with an imaging unit that is capable of capturing images favorably by using a cover that protects the imaging unit. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat in which a cover for protecting an imaging unit can be arranged compactly and fixed as firmly as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which provides a vehicle seat having a seat body on which an occupant can sit, the vehicle seat including an imaging unit provided on the seat body, a cover provided on the seat body and covering the imaging unit from the outside, and a cover support member provided on the seat body and supporting the cover, the cover support member supporting the cover so that the cover can move along the surface of the seat body, and the cover is switchable between a normal position facing the imaging unit and covering the imaging unit from the outside, and an open position not facing the imaging unit and not covering the imaging unit from the outside. With the above configuration, a vehicle seat that can capture images favorably using a cover that protects the imaging unit can be realized. More specifically, in the vehicle seat, the cover is movable along the surface of the seat body and is configured to switch between a "normal position" in which the imaging unit is covered from the outside and an "open position" in which the imaging unit is not covered from the outside. This allows the imaging unit to be covered with a cover when not in use to prevent dust from adhering, and the cover can be moved to expose the imaging unit when in use. In other words, even if dust adheres to the cover, the imaging camera can capture images optimally by moving the cover (this prevents dust and other particles from affecting the image).

[0007] In this case, the seat body includes a seat back and a headrest provided above the seat back, the imaging unit is attached to the seat back or the headrest, the seat body includes a seat frame that serves as a skeleton, and a backboard that is provided behind the seat frame and covers the imaging unit from behind, and the cover is positioned at a position sandwiched between the cover support member and the backboard, and slides while being supported by the cover support member and the backboard. As described above, the cover is disposed at a position sandwiched between the cover support member and the backboard, and therefore the cover can be firmly supported by the cover support member and the backboard. Furthermore, since the cover slides while being supported by the cover support member and the backboard, the cover can be easily switched between the "normal position (closed position)" and the "open position."

[0008] In this case, the imaging unit is attached to the rear portion of the seat back or the headrest, an opening is formed in the backboard to expose the imaging unit, and the cover is provided at a position corresponding to the opening, so as to cover the imaging unit from the outside when the seat is in the normal position. With the above configuration, the imaging unit can be exposed through the opening in the backboard, and by switching the cover, the imaging unit can be covered when not in use and exposed when in use.

[0009] In this case, the cover support member is a cover support bracket, which has a bracket assembly portion that is assembled to an assembly portion provided on the backboard, and is assembled to the front surface of the backboard, and the cover is preferably positioned sandwiched between the cover support bracket and the backboard in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. With the above-described configuration, the cover support member is pre-assembled to the backboard, so that the cover support member, the cover, and the backboard can be assembled at one time, which means that the vehicle seat can be assembled easily.

[0010] In this case, the cover support bracket has a bracket main body, and the bracket assembly portion has an upper assembly portion that protrudes upward from the upper end of the bracket main body and a lower assembly portion that protrudes downward from the lower end of the bracket main body, and the upper assembly portion and the lower assembly portion are preferably assembled to a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion provided on the backboard, respectively. With the above-described configuration, the cover support bracket can be more firmly fixed by the upper assembly portion and the lower assembly portion. In addition, since the cover support bracket can be fixed so as to sandwich the cover therebetween in the vertical direction, the cover support bracket can stably support the cover.

[0011] In this case, the cover is placed in the gap formed between the cover support member and the backboard in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, and slides along the gap, and the first gap into which the cover fits when it is in the normal position when viewed from the side of the seat is preferably narrower than the second gap into which the cover fits when it is in the open position. With the above-described configuration, the cover can be arranged compactly by utilizing the gap formed between the cover support member and the backboard. Furthermore, since the cover is suitably clamped when it is in the "normal position (closed position)", it is possible to prevent the cover from shifting (moving) unintentionally.

[0012] At this time, the cover moves in the vertical direction along the surface of the seat body, the cover support member is a cover support bracket, which has a bracket body and a bracket convex portion that protrudes rearward from the bracket body and abuts against the cover, the backboard has a board body and a board convex portion that protrudes forward from the board body and abuts against the cover, the bracket convex portion and the board convex portion are arranged in opposing positions in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat and each extend in the vertical direction, and the cover is arranged between the cover support bracket and the backboard in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat and moves while being supported by the bracket convex portion and the board convex portion. With the above-described configuration, the cover is disposed between the backboard and the cover support member, and can move up and down while being supported by the board protrusions and the bracket protrusions. This allows the cover to be switched stably.

[0013] In this case, the bracket convex portion has a first convex portion that extends in the vertical direction while inclining toward the front of the seat, and a second convex portion that extends continuously from the first convex portion in the vertical direction, and the cover is supported by the first convex portion when in the normal position, and is supported by the second convex portion when in the open position. The above configuration makes it easier to position the cover when it is in the "normal position" when switching the cover between the "normal position (closed position)" and the "open position." It also makes it easier for the user to know that the cover position has been switched (for example, a clicking sensation can be provided).

[0014] In this case, the cover support member is a cover support bracket, which has a bracket main body and a bracket recess formed in a portion of the bracket main body corresponding to the imaging unit and recessed toward the front of the seat, and the bracket recess has an insertion hole formed in it to expose the imaging unit and to pass a portion of the imaging unit through, and a concave-shaped cover recess is preferably formed on the outer surface of the cover. As described above, by forming the bracket recess in the cover support bracket and forming the insertion hole in the bracket recess, the imaging unit can be disposed closer to the inside of the seat main body, allowing the imaging unit to be disposed compactly. Furthermore, the cover recess is formed on the outer surface of the cover, allowing the user to smoothly perform the switching operation with their fingers.

[0015] In this case, it is preferable that the seat body is provided with a bracket that holds the imaging unit, and a drive member that rotates the imaging unit relative to the bracket around an axis along the seat width direction. With the above configuration, the orientation of the imaging unit can be adjusted by driving the drive member to rotate the imaging unit. For example, the imaging orientation and imaging range can be changed according to the position of the occupant (occupant's face) located at the rear of the vehicle seat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat that can capture images suitably can be realized by using a cover that protects the imaging unit. Specifically, when the imaging unit is not in use, the imaging unit is covered with the cover to prevent dust from adhering thereto, and when the imaging unit is in use, the cover can be moved to expose the imaging unit. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the cover can be firmly supported by the cover support member and the backboard, and the cover can be easily switched between the "normal position (closed position)" and the "open position." Furthermore, according to the present invention, the imaging unit can be exposed through the opening in the backboard, and the cover covers the imaging unit when not in use, and the imaging unit can be exposed when in use. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the cover support member, the cover, and the backboard can be assembled at one time. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the cover support bracket can stably support the cover. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the cover can be arranged compactly by utilizing the gap formed between the cover support member and the backboard. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the cover is disposed between the backboard and the cover support member, and is capable of moving up and down while being supported by the board protrusions and the bracket protrusions. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is easier to position the cover when it is in the "normal position." It is also easier for the user to know that the cover position has been changed. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the imaging unit can be disposed closer to the inside of the seat body, allowing for compact placement of the imaging unit. Also, the user can smoothly switch between the imaging units with their fingers. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the orientation of the imaging unit can be adjusted, that is, the imaging direction and imaging range can be changed in accordance with the position of the occupant in the rear position of the vehicle seat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main portion of the vehicle seat, showing the cover in the "normal position." [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the cover in the "open position." [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the seat body (headrest). [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the head cover, the head frame, the bracket, the imaging device, the cover support bracket, and the cover. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the seat body, the cover support bracket, the cover, and the backboard. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover support bracket and cover, showing the cover in its "normal position." [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the cover in the "open position." [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover support bracket as seen from another angle. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the cover support bracket and the cover. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the headrest, the imaging device, the cover support bracket, and the cover. [Figure 11] 11 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 10, illustrating gaps (first gap, second gap) in which the cover fits. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the headrest, the imaging device, the cover support bracket, and the cover. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the headrest, the imaging device, the cover support bracket, and the cover. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bracket, an imaging device, and a driving member. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a side view of the bracket, the imaging device, and the driving member as viewed from the right side. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a side view of the bracket, the imaging unit, and the driving member as seen from the left side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment relates to a "vehicle seat" that enables suitable image capture using a cover that protects an image capture unit (image capture device). The side of the vehicle seat where the occupant sits relative to the seat back (headrest) is the front side (seat front side), and the side of the seat cushion where the occupant sits is the upper side (seat upper side).

[0019] First Embodiment A vehicle seat S according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, the vehicle seat S is a vehicle seat, for example, a front seat disposed at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle seat S may be a middle seat or a rear seat. The vehicle seat S is provided with an imaging device 50 that is provided on the rear surface of the seat body Sa and that captures an image of an occupant who is behind the seat body Sa. By using the imaging device 50, it is possible to capture an image of the occupant's face and an image of the rear part of the vehicle. The vehicle seat S also includes a cover 70 that covers the imaging device 50 from the outside, and the cover 70 can be switched between a "normal position" shown in FIG. 2A and an "open position" shown in FIG. 2B.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat S comprises a seat body Sa having a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2 and a headrest 3, a rail device 4 that supports the seat body Sa so that it can move back and forth relative to the vehicle floor, and a reclining device 5 that rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1. In addition, the vehicle seat S may be equipped with "seat movable devices" such as a height link device that connects the seat body Sa to the vehicle floor (rail device 4) so ​​that it can be raised and lowered, a side support device that protrudes the side portion of the seat body Sa toward the occupant, an airbag device, a vibration device, a blower device, a seat heater, etc. The vehicle seat S may further include a control device that controls the driving of these "seat moving device" and "moving device."

[0021] The vehicle seat S further includes an imaging device 50 provided on the rear surface of the seat body Sa, and a cover 70 that covers the imaging device 50 (imaging lens 52) from the outside. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the imaging device 50 is provided inside the headrest 3 and attached to the rear surface of the head cover 20 via a bracket 40. 4 and 5, the cover 70 is provided on the rear surface of the headrest 3, is attached by being sandwiched between the cover support bracket 60 and the backboard 30, and is movable up and down along the surface of the seat body Sa. Details will be described later.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat cushion 1 is a seating portion that supports the seated person (occupant) from below, and includes a cushion frame 1a that serves as the skeleton, a pad material 1b that is placed on the cushion frame 1a, and a cover material 1c that covers the cushion frame 1a and the pad material 1b. The seat back 2 is a backrest portion that supports the seated occupant from behind, and comprises a back frame 2a that forms the skeleton, a padding material 2b that is placed on the back frame 2a, and a covering material 2c that covers the back frame 2a and the padding material 2b. The cushion frame 1a, the back frame 2a, the head pillar 3a, and the head frame 10 correspond to the "seat frame SF."

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the headrest 3 is a head portion that supports the head of a seated person from behind, and includes left and right head pillars 3a and a head frame 10 that form the skeleton, a head cover 20 that is attached to the front of the head frame 10, a padding material 3b that is placed on the front of the head cover 20, a skin material 3c that covers the head frame 10, the head cover 20, and the padding material 3b, and a backboard 30 that covers these components from behind. The backboard 30 is assembled so as to cover the main body of the seat back 2 and the main body of the headrest 3 from behind.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the rail device 4 is disposed between the seat cushion 1 and the vehicle body floor in the vertical direction. The rail device 4 is fixed to the vehicle floor and includes left and right lower rails 4a extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, left and right upper rails 4b supported slidably along the lower rails 4a, a locking member 4c that locks the upper rails 4b against the lower rails 4a so that they cannot slide, and a rail operating lever (not shown) that releases the locked state of the locking member 4c. A cushion frame 1a is attached to the top surfaces of the left and right upper rails 4b.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the reclining device 5 includes a reclining body 5a that is driven when rotating the seat back 2, a back rotation shaft 5b, a spiral spring 5c ​​that urges the seat back 2 to rotate forward around the back rotation shaft 5b, and a reclining operation lever (not shown) that is operated to unlock the seat back 2. The reclining body 5a can switch the state of the seat back 2 between a "locked state" in which the seat back 2 is fixed to the seat cushion 1 and an "unlocked state" in which the seat back 2 is rotatable relative to the seat cushion 1. The back rotation shaft 5b is pivotally supported in the seat width direction by the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2. One end of the spiral spring 5c ​​is anchored to the seat cushion 1 side, and the other end is anchored to the seat back 2 side.

[0026] <<Head frame, head cover>> 3 to 5, the head frame 10 is, for example, a metal plate-shaped frame that is attached to the upper ends of the left and right head pillars 3a and supported by the head pillars 3a. The left and right head pillars 3a are fixed to the upper end of the back frame 2a. The head frame 10 includes a plate-shaped frame body 11, a pillar holding portion 12, a head cover assembly hole 13, a board fitting protrusion 14, a bracket assembly hole 15, and a reinforcing rib 16.

[0027] The frame body 11 has a substantially rectangular front wall portion 11a, an upper wall portion 11b that extends diagonally rearward from the upper end of the front wall portion 11a, and a bottom wall portion 11c that extends rearward from the lower end of the front wall portion 11a. The pillar holding portions 12 are formed on both left and right ends of the lower portion of the frame main body 11 (front wall portion 11a). The left and right pillar holding portions 12 hold the head pillar 3a in a sandwiched manner in the seat width direction. The head cover assembly holes 13 are formed on the left and right side portions of the frame body 11 (front wall portion 11a), and are detachably assembled to the head cover 20 (left and right assembly protrusions 22).

[0028] The board fitting protrusions 14 protrude rearward from the left and right side portions of the upper wall portion 11b of the frame body 11, and are detachably fitted to the backboard 30 (left and right fitting portions 32). The bracket assembly hole 15 is a through hole formed in the center of the frame main body 11 (front wall portion 11a), and is connected to the bracket 40 (head mounting hole 42). Specifically, the mounting bolt is fastened in a state where the bracket assembly hole 15 and the head mounting hole 42 are in communication with each other. The reinforcing rib 16 is a reinforcing portion that reinforces the head frame 10, and is formed as a rib that protrudes rearward from the frame main body 11. The reinforcing rib 16 is disposed so as to surround the imaging device 50, and can protect the imaging device 50 in an appropriate manner.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the head cover 20 is a cover made of, for example, resin, and is attached to the front surface of the head frame 10 and disposed between the pad material 3b and the head frame 10 in the seat front-rear direction. The head cover 20 includes a plate-shaped cover body 21, left and right assembly protrusions 22, and reinforcing ribs 23.

[0030] The cover body 21 has a substantially rectangular front wall portion 21a, an upper wall portion 21b extending rearward continuously from the upper end of the front wall portion 21a, and left and right side wall portions 21c extending rearward continuously from both end portions of the front wall portion 21a. The cover body 21 is disposed so as to cover the head frame 10 and the imaging device 50 from the front, above, and sides.

[0031] The left and right assembly protrusions 22 are protrusions formed so as to protrude rearward from the left and right side portions of the cover main body 21 (front wall portion 21a). The left and right assembly protrusions 22 are detachably assembled to the head frame 10 (left and right head cover assembly holes 13). The reinforcing ribs 23 are ribs formed in a grid pattern on the rear surface of the cover body 21, and are formed across the front wall portion 21a, the upper wall portion 21b, and the side wall portion 21c. The reinforcing rib 23 is connected to the assembly protrusion 22, and can increase the assembly strength of the assembly protrusion 22. Furthermore, the reinforcing rib 23 abuts against the front surface of the head frame 10 when the head frame 10 and the head cover 20 are assembled.

[0032] <<Backboard>> As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the backboard 30 is, for example, a board made of resin, which covers the head frame 10, the head cover 20 and the imaging device 50 from behind, and is detachably fitted to the head frame 10. Specifically, the backboard 30 is assembled so as to fit onto the outer edge of the padding material 3b, and is assembled so as to draw the skin end portion of the skin material 3c inward (see FIGS. 10 and 12).

[0033] A cover support bracket 60 and a cover 70 are integrally attached to the front surface of the backboard 30. In other words, the backboard 30, which is an integrated unit of the cover support bracket 60 and the cover 70, is assembled to the main body (head frame 10, head cover 20) of the headrest 3. Therefore, the cover support bracket 60, the cover 70, and the backboard 30 can be assembled at one time.

[0034] The backboard 30 includes a board body 31, a fitting portion 32, a reinforcing rib 33, an opening 34, a board protrusion 35, and an assembly boss 36. The board body 31 has a rear wall portion 31a that is long in the vertical direction, left and right side wall portions 31b that protrude forward from both left and right ends of the rear wall portion 31a, an upper wall portion 31c that protrudes forward from the upper end of the rear wall portion 31a, and a bottom wall portion (not shown) that protrudes forward from the lower end of the rear wall portion 31a. The board body 31 is disposed so as to cover the imaging device 50 from behind, from the left and right sides, above and below.

[0035] The fitting portion 32 is a portion that fits with the head frame 10 (board fitting protrusion 14), and protrudes forward from the upper portion of the board body 31. Specifically, the fitting portion 32 has a fitting rib 32a that protrudes forward from the front surface of the board body 31, and fitting recesses 32b that are formed at both left and right end portions of the fitting rib 32a. The fitting rib 32a has a first rib portion extending in the seat width direction and second rib portions extending upward from both ends of the first rib portion. The fitting rib 32a abuts against the rear surface of the head frame 10. The left and right fitting recesses 32b are detachably fitted to the head frame 10 (left and right board fitting protrusions 14).

[0036] The reinforcing ribs 33 are formed on the left and right side portions of the board body 31 and are arranged at positions sandwiching the opening 34 . The reinforcing rib 33 protrudes forward from the front surface of the board body 31 and is capable of abutting against the rear surface of the head frame 10.

[0037] The opening 34 is a rectangular opening formed on the rear surface of the board body 31 at a position corresponding to the imaging device 50, and exposes the imaging device 50. A cover 70 is attached to a position facing the opening 34. The cover 70 moves up and down inside the opening 34, switching between a "normal position" shown in Fig. 2A and an "open position" shown in Fig. 2B.

[0038] The board protrusions 35 are protruding portions arranged on the front surface of the board body 31 at the left and right sides of the opening 34, and support the cover 70 so that it can slide. The left and right board protrusions 35 extend in the vertical direction and are disposed at positions facing the bracket protrusions 68 of the cover support bracket 60 . More specifically, the board protrusion 35 and the bracket protrusion 68 are disposed to sandwich the cover 70 (cover connecting portion 73) therebetween in the seat front-rear direction, and support the cover connecting portion 73 so that it can slide.

[0039] The assembly boss 36 is an assembly receiving portion that is assembled with the cover support bracket 60 (bracket assembly portion 62), and is formed so as to surround the cover 70. Specifically, the assembly boss 36 has an upper assembly boss 36a arranged above the opening 34, a lower assembly boss 36b arranged below the opening 34, and side assembly bosses 36c arranged on the left and right sides of the opening 34. This allows the cover support bracket 60 to be firmly attached to the backboard 30, and the cover 70 to be stably supported.

[0040] <<Bracket, imaging device>> As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 10, and 12, the bracket 40 is provided inside the headrest 3 and holds the imaging device 50. As shown in FIGS. The bracket 40 includes a first bracket 41 that is attached to the rear surface of the head frame 10 and a second bracket 46 that is attached to the first bracket 41.

[0041] The first bracket 41 has an L-shaped cross section and includes a bracket front wall portion 41a and a bracket side wall portion 41b extending rearward from the right end of the bracket front wall portion 41a. The bracket front wall portion 41a is formed with a head mounting hole 42 (mounting portion) for mounting to the head frame 10 (bracket mounting hole 15). A second bracket 46 is connected to the bracket side wall portion 41b via a connecting shaft 45.

[0042] The second bracket 46 has an L-shaped cross section and includes a bracket side wall portion 46a and a bracket bottom wall portion 46b extending laterally from the rear end of the bracket side wall portion 46a. The bracket side wall portion 46a is disposed so as to overlap the bracket side wall portion 41b, and is connected to the bracket side wall portion 41b by a connecting shaft 45. The bracket bottom wall portion 46b is formed with a mounting hole 48 (mounting portion) for mounting the imaging device 50.

[0043] By providing the first bracket 41 and the second bracket 46 as described above, the imaging device 50 can be disposed at a position slightly spaced rearward from the head frame 10. In other words, the imaging device 50 can be disposed at a position closer to the rear end portion of the headrest. In addition, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, by providing an internal space between the head frame 10 and the imaging device 50, the vehicle seat S is structured to be able to absorb impact when an external impact is applied to the vehicle seat S.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 10, and 12, the imaging device 50 is a small imaging camera (wide-angle camera) that captures an image of an occupant (occupant's face) behind the vehicle seat S. The imaging device 50 captures an image of the occupant, generates "image data", and transmits the "image data" to an image display device and a control device (not shown). The imaging device 50 is provided on the rear surface of the headrest 3, but may be attached to the rear surface of the seat back 2. Alternatively, the imaging device 50 may be attached to the front surface of the seat main body Sa, or to the top surface of the seat main body Sa, or to the side surface of the seat main body Sa.

[0045] The imaging device 50 is attached to the rear surface of the head frame 10 via a bracket 40, and is disposed so as to protrude from the bracket 40 behind the seat. Specifically, the imaging device 50 has an imaging body 51 held by the bracket 40, and an imaging lens 52 that protrudes rearward from the imaging body 51 and passes through the cover support bracket 60 (insertion hole 64). The imaging device 50 is covered by a cover 70 when not in use, and when in use, the cover 70 is switched to expose the imaging device 50 through the opening 34 of the backboard 30.

[0046] <<Cover support bracket>> The cover support bracket 60 is a resin member that supports the cover 70 so that the cover 70 can move up and down along the surface of the headrest 3, as shown in FIGS. The cover support bracket 60 has a function of supporting the cover 70 and a function of supporting the imaging device 50 . The cover support bracket 60 is attached to the front surface of the backboard 30 so as to sandwich the cover 70 therebetween.

[0047] As shown in Figures 7A to 9, the cover support bracket 60 includes a rectangular plate-shaped bracket main body 61, a bracket assembly portion 62, a bracket recess 63, an insertion hole 64, a reinforcing rib 65, cover movement restricting portions 66 and 67, a bracket protrusion 68, and a cover positioning recess 69.

[0048] The bracket assembly portion 62 is a portion that is assembled to the assembly boss 36 of the backboard 30, and is disposed at a position that surrounds the central portion of the bracket main body 61 (cover 70). Specifically, the bracket assembly portion 62 has an upper assembly portion 62a that protrudes upward from the upper end of the bracket main body 61, a lower assembly portion 62b that protrudes downward from the lower end of the bracket main body 61, and side assembly portions 62c formed on both the left and right ends of the bracket main body 61. The upper assembly portion 62a, the lower assembly portion 62b, and the side assembly portion 62c are respectively assembled to the upper assembly boss 36a, the lower assembly boss 36b, and the side assembly boss 36c. Specifically, these assembly portions 62a, 62b, and 62c abut against the assembly bosses 36a, 36b, and 36c in the seat front-rear direction and are assembled with assembly bolts. This allows the cover 70 to be stably supported.

[0049] The bracket recess 63 is a recess formed in the center of the upper part of the bracket main body 61 and recessed toward the front of the seat. The bracket recess 63 is formed in a position facing the imaging device 50. The insertion hole 64 is formed in the bottom surface of the bracket recess 63, and is a circular (elliptical) through-hole for exposing the imaging device 50 and passing the imaging lens 52. By passing the imaging lens 52 through the insertion hole 64, it is possible to prevent the imaging device 50 from shifting in position. The imaging lens 52 protrudes rearward through the insertion hole 64. On the other hand, the imaging lens 52 is housed inside the bracket recess 63.

[0050] The bracket recess 63 is formed to be inclined so as to become narrower (slightly tapered) from the opening toward the bottom surface. This protects the imaging device 50 from protruding from the outside, and also prevents the inner wall of the bracket recess 63 from being reflected in the image captured by the imaging device 50.

[0051] The reinforcing ribs 65 are a pair of ribs formed on the front surface of the central portion of the bracket body 61, and are arranged with a gap in the seat width direction and extend elongated in the vertical direction. The left and right reinforcing ribs 65 are positioned so as to overlap the cover 70 in a front view. The reinforcing ribs 65 are also formed along the movement direction of the cover 70 and are positioned so as to follow the movement of the cover 70. This allows the cover 70 to be supported more stably. As shown in FIG. 8, the bracket recess 63 protrudes forward beyond the reinforcing rib 65.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the left and right reinforcing ribs 65 are arranged between the upper assembly portion 62a and the lower assembly portion 62b in the vertical direction, and are arranged inward of the left and right side assembly portions 62c and the left and right cover positioning recesses 69 in the seat width direction. The left and right reinforcing ribs 65 are arranged at positions sandwiching the insertion hole 64 therebetween.

[0053] The first cover movement restricting portion 66 is formed on the upper end of the central portion of the bracket main body 61, and is a portion (stopper portion) that restricts the movement of the cover . The first cover movement restricting portion 66 has a first extending portion that protrudes rearward from the upper end of the bracket main body 61 and extends in the left-right direction, and a second extending portion that extends downward from both ends of the first extending portion. The first cover movement restricting portion 66 allows the cover 70 to be positioned in the "normal position" shown in FIG. 7A.

[0054] The second cover movement restricting portion 67 is formed at the lower end of the central portion of the bracket main body 61, and is a portion that restricts the movement of the cover . The second cover movement restricting portion 67 has a first extending portion that protrudes rearward from the lower end of the bracket main body 61 and extends in the left-right direction, and a second extending portion that extends upward from both ends of this first extending portion. The second cover movement restricting portion 67 allows the cover 70 to be positioned at the "open position" shown in FIG. 7B.

[0055] The bracket protrusions 68 are a pair of protrusions formed on the rear surface of the central portion of the bracket main body 61, and are arranged with a gap in the seat width direction and extend elongated in the vertical direction. The left and right bracket protrusions 68 come into contact with the cover connecting portions 73 of the cover 70 and function as guide portions that guide the sliding movement of the cover 70 . The left and right bracket protrusions 68 connect the first cover movement restricting portion 66 and the second cover movement restricting portion 67, and are formed so as not to protrude beyond the first cover movement restricting portion 66 and the second cover movement restricting portion 67. In other words, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the cover 70 (cover central portion 71) is supported in a state surrounded by the first cover movement restricting portion 66, the second cover movement restricting portion 67, and the left and right bracket protrusions 68.

[0056] The cover positioning recesses 69 are provided on the left and right side portions of the bracket main body 61 and are recesses recessed forward from the rear surface of the bracket main body 61 . Two cover positioning recesses 69 are formed on the left and right sides, spaced apart in the vertical direction. Specifically, the cover positioning recesses 69 are formed in a portion facing the cover 70 (positioning protrusions 77) in the "normal position" shown in Fig. 7A and in a portion facing the cover 70 (positioning protrusions 77) in the "open position" shown in Fig. 7B. That is, the cover positioning recess 69 is a recess that accommodates the positioning protrusion 77 of the cover 70. The cover positioning recess 69 makes it easier to position the cover 70 in either the "normal position" or the "open position." For example, a clicking sensation can be provided when the occupant switches the cover 70.

[0057] <<Cover>> As shown in Figures 4 to 12, the cover 70 is a plate-shaped cover that covers the imaging device 50 from behind, and is switchable between a "normal position" shown in Figure 7A and an "open position" shown in Figure 7B. The cover 70 is provided at a position corresponding to the opening 34 of the backboard 30, and covers the imaging device 50 from the outside when it is in the "normal position" shown in FIG. 7A. The cover 70 is sandwiched between the cover support bracket 60 and the backboard 30 in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and slides up and down while being supported by the cover support bracket 60 (bracket protrusion 68) and the backboard 30 (board protrusion 35). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the cover 70 is disposed in a gap G formed between the cover support bracket 60 and the backboard 30 in the seat front-rear direction, and slides along the gap G (G1, G2).

[0058] As shown in Figures 7A to 12, the cover 70 has a rectangular cover center portion 71, cover side portions 72, a cover connecting portion 73, an upper abutment portion 74, a lower abutment portion 75, a cover recess 76, and a positioning protrusion 77. The cover central portion 71 has a rectangular shape that is slightly elongated in the vertical direction. The cover side portions 72 are disposed on the left and right outer sides of the cover central portion 71 , and the cover side portions 72 are connected to the cover central portion 71 by cover connecting portions 73 . The left and right cover side portions 72 are disposed at substantially the same height as the cover center portion 71 and extend vertically in the same manner as the cover center portion 71 .

[0059] 7A, a recess is formed by the upper end of the cover center portion 71, the upper end of the cover side portion 72, and the upper end of the cover connecting portion 73. A part of the first cover movement restricting portion 66 is accommodated in the recess. 7B, a recess is formed by the lower end of the cover center portion 71, the lower end of the cover side portion 72, and the lower end of the cover connecting portion 73. A part of the second cover movement restricting portion 67 is accommodated in the recess.

[0060] The cover connecting portion 73 is disposed at a position overlapping with the bracket protrusion 68 and the board protrusion 35 in the seat front-rear direction (when viewed from the front of the seat). That is, the cover connecting portion 73 is supported by being sandwiched between the bracket protrusion 68 and the board protrusion 35, and functions as a slider (sliding portion) for moving the cover 70 in a circular motion. The cover central portion 71 and the cover connecting portion 73 come into contact with the first cover movement restricting portion 66 and the second cover movement restricting portion 67, and are restricted in movement by these movement restricting portions 66,67. In other words, the upper end of the cover central portion 71 and the upper end of the cover connecting portion 73 correspond to the "upper abutment portion 74," and when this upper abutment portion 74 abuts against the first cover movement restricting portion 66, the cover 70 is positioned in the "normal position" shown in Figure 7A. In addition, the lower end of the cover central portion 71 and the lower end of the cover connecting portion 73 correspond to the "lower abutment portion 75," and when this lower abutment portion 75 abuts against the second cover movement regulating portion 67, the cover 70 is positioned in the "open position" shown in Figure 7B.

[0061] The cover recess 76 is a recessed portion formed on the rear surface of the cover central portion 71 . The cover recess 76 is formed so that the user can easily press the cover 70 with his / her finger, and the cover 70 can be smoothly switched.

[0062] In the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cover 70 slides along the gap G formed between the cover support bracket 60 and the backboard 30. In the seat side view shown in FIG. 11, the first gap G1 into which the cover 70 fits when it is in the "normal position" is narrower than the second gap G2 into which the cover 70 fits when it is in the "open position". More specifically, the gap G is formed so as to gradually narrow from the second gap G2 side toward the first gap G1 side. This allows the cover 70 to be appropriately pinched when the cover 70 is in the "normal position (closed position)", and prevents the cover 70 from shifting. When the cover 70 is in the "open position", it is supported from below by the second cover movement restricting portion 67, and therefore, displacement of the cover 70 can be prevented.

[0063] In the above configuration, the cover 70 (cover connecting portion 73) is supported by the bracket protrusions 68 and the board protrusions 35, as shown in FIG. The bracket protrusion 68 has a first protrusion 68a that extends vertically while inclining toward the front of the seat, and a second protrusion 68b that extends continuously from the first protrusion 68a in the vertical direction. Similarly, the board protrusion 35 has a first board protrusion 35a that extends vertically while inclining toward the front of the seat, and a second board protrusion 35b that extends vertically continuously from the first board protrusion 35a. The cover 70 (cover connecting portion 73) is supported by the first protrusion 68a and the first board protrusion 35a when in the "normal position", and is supported by the second protrusion 68b and the second board protrusion 35b when in the "open position". This makes it easier to position the cover 70 when it is in the "normal position" when switching the cover 70 between the "normal position (closed position)" and the "open position." Also, a clicking sensation can be provided when switching the cover 70.

[0064] With the vehicle seat S, it is possible to suitably capture images using the cover 70 that protects the imaging device 50. Furthermore, the cover 70 that protects the imaging device 50 can be arranged compactly and firmly fixed.

[0065] Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat S2 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the description of the same content as that of the vehicle seat S described above will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 13, the vehicle seat S2 is a seat in which the headrest 3 is supported by one of the left and right side portions of the seat back 2 (the right side portion). The vehicle seat S2 is a seat equipped with a so-called cantilever headrest.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, the vehicle seat S2 includes a seat body Sa having a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, and a headrest 3, an imaging device 50 provided on the rear surface of the seat body Sa, a cover 170 that covers the imaging device 50 (imaging lens 52) from the outside, an illumination device 80 provided in the peripheral portion of the imaging device 50, and a drive member 90 for adjusting the imaging angle and imaging range of the imaging device 50 (imaging lens 52).

[0068] The headrest 3 includes a head frame 10, a head cover 20, a padding material 3b, and a covering material 3c. The headrest 3 of the second embodiment is configured so that the head frame 10 and the head cover 20 are sandwiched between padding 3b. The covering material 3c entirely covers the head frame 10, the head cover 20, and the padding 3b. That is, the headrest 3 of the second embodiment does not include the backboard 30.

[0069] The vehicle seat S2 is provided with a hollow cover support bracket 160 that protects the imaging device 50 and supports the cover 170. The cover support bracket 160 is housed in a pad opening 3ba formed in the pad material 3b, and has the function of supporting the imaging device 50 and the function of supporting the cover 170. The imaging device 50 can be exposed to the rear surface of the headrest 3 through a hollow cover support bracket 160. The cover support bracket 160 is supported by being sandwiched between the pad material 3b. The cover support bracket 160 may be further connected to the bracket 40 (second bracket 46).

[0070] A skin fastening member 3ca (a resin trim cord) is fixed to the front end portion of the skin material 3c. The cover material 3c is fixed together with the pad material 3b by the cover fastening member 3ca being fastened to the pad material 3b and the cover support bracket 160.

[0071] The cover 170 is movable along the surface of the seat between a "normal position" shown in FIG. 13 and an "open position" (not shown). Specifically, the cover 170 is slid left and right to switch between the "normal position" and the "open position."

[0072] As shown in FIG. 13, the lighting device 80 is a ring-shaped lighting member (light), and is embedded in and supported by the rear surface of the headrest 3. The lighting device 80 is disposed so as to surround the imaging device 50 and the cover 70, and is detachably attached using a bracket (not shown). For example, the lighting device 80 may be housed in a pad recess formed in the pad material 3b. The lighting device 80 is exposed through an opening formed in the skin material 3c, and can brightly illuminate the surroundings when the imaging device 50 is capturing an image.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the driving member 90 is a driving motor that rotates the imaging device 50 around an axis along the sheet width direction. The driving member 90 is attached to the rear surface of the bracket 40 (first bracket 41). The driving member 90 is connected to the connecting shaft 45 that connects the first bracket 41 and the second bracket 46, and drives the connecting shaft 45 to rotate. By rotating the connecting shaft 45 with the driving member 90, the orientation of the imaging device 50 (imaging lens 52) can be adjusted. In order to allow the second bracket 46 and the imaging device 50 to rotate smoothly relative to the first bracket 41, the connecting hole 47 of the second bracket 46 has a curved shape.

[0074] In addition, in order to allow the first bracket 41, the second bracket 46, and the imaging device 50 to move up and down relative to the head frame 10, the head mounting hole 42 of the first bracket 41 is an elongated hole. This allows the imaging direction and imaging range to be changed in accordance with the position of the occupant (occupant's face) positioned at the rear of the vehicle seat S2.

[0075] <Method for manufacturing vehicle seats> Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat S will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, in the method for manufacturing the vehicle seat S, explanation of manufacturing steps other than those described below will be omitted.

[0076] First, the seat body Sa is prepared. Specifically, the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3 are prepared.

[0077] Then, the imaging device 50, the cover support bracket 60, and the cover 70 are attached inside the headrest 3. At this time, the cover 70 is supported by the cover support bracket 60 so that the cover 70 can move along the surface of the main body of the headrest 3. The cover 70 is configured to be switchable between a "normal position" in which it covers the image capture device 50 and an "open position" in which it exposes the image capture device 50.

[0078] By the above manufacturing method, a vehicle seat that can capture images favorably using the cover 70 that protects the imaging device 50 can be manufactured.

[0079] <Other> In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat (automobile seat) was described as a specific example, but it is not limited to this and can also be used as a seat for vehicles such as trains, buses, airplanes, ships, etc.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] First Embodiment S, S2 Vehicle seats (vehicle seats) Sa seat body SF seat frame 1 Seat cushion (cushion module) 1a Cushion frame 1b Pad material 1c Skin material 2 Seat back (back module) 2a Back Frame 2b padding material 2c Skin material 3 Headrest 3a Head pillar 3b padding material 3ba pad opening 3c Skin material 3ca Skin locking member 4 Rail device 4a Lower rail 4b Upper rail 4c Locking member 5 Reclining device 5a Reclining unit 5b Back rotation axis 5c spiral spring 10 Head Frame 11 Frame body 11a Front wall 11b Upper wall part 11c Bottom wall 12 Pillar holder 13 Head cover assembly hole 14 Board fitting protrusion 14 (board fitting portion) 15 Bracket assembly holes 16 Reinforcing rib 20 Headcover 21 Cover body 21a Front wall 21b Upper wall 21c Side wall part 22 Assembly protrusion 23 Reinforcing rib 30 Backboard 31 Board body 31a Rear wall of the board 31b Board side wall 31c Upper wall of the board 32 Fitting part 32a Mating rib 32b Fitting recess 33 Reinforcement rib (reinforcement part) 34 Opening 35 Board protrusion 35a First board convex part 35b Second board protrusion 36 Assembly boss (assembly part) 36a Upper assembly boss (first assembly part) 36b Lower assembly boss (second assembly part) 36c Side assembly boss 40 Bracket 41 First Bracket 41a Bracket front wall 41b Bracket side wall 42 Head mounting holes 45 Connecting shaft 46 Second Bracket 46a Bracket side wall 46b Bracket bottom wall 47 Connection hole 48 Mounting holes (mounting part) 50 Imaging device (imaging unit) 51 Imaging body 52 Imaging lens 60, 160 Cover support bracket (cover support member) 61 Bracket body 62 Bracket assembly part 62a Upper assembly part 62b Lower assembly part 62c Side assembly part 63 Bracket recess 64 Insertion hole 65 Reinforcing rib 66 First cover movement restriction part 67 Second cover movement restriction part 68 Bracket protrusion 68a First convex part 68b Second convex part 69 Cover positioning recess 70, 170 cover 71 Center of cover 72 Cover side part 73 Cover connection part 74 Upper contact part 75 Lower contact part 76 Cover recess 77 Positioning protrusion 80 Lighting equipment 90 Driving member G Gap G1 First gap G2 Second gap

Claims

1. A vehicle seat having a seat body on which a passenger can sit, an imaging unit provided on the seat body; a cover provided on the seat body and covering the imaging unit from the outside; a cover support member provided on the seat body and supporting the cover, the cover support member supports the cover so as to be movable along the surface of the seat main body; The vehicle seat is characterized in that the cover switches between a normal position in which it faces the imaging unit and covers the imaging unit from the outside, and an open position in which it does not face the imaging unit and does not cover the imaging unit from the outside.

2. The seat body includes a seat back and a headrest provided above the seat back, the imaging unit is attached to the seat back or the headrest, the seat body includes a seat frame serving as a framework, and a backboard provided behind the seat frame and covering the imaging unit from behind, The cover is The cover support member and the backboard are sandwiched between the cover support member and the backboard.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat slides while being supported by the cover support member and the backboard.

3. the imaging unit is attached to a rear portion of the seat back or the headrest, an opening for exposing the imaging unit is formed in the backboard; The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the cover is provided at a position corresponding to the opening, and covers the imaging unit from the outside when the vehicle seat is in the normal position.

4. The cover support member is a cover support bracket, the cover support bracket has a bracket assembly portion that is assembled to an assembly receiving portion provided on the backboard, and is assembled to a front surface of the backboard; 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the cover is sandwiched between the cover support bracket and the backboard in the seat front-rear direction.

5. The cover support bracket has a bracket body, The bracket assembly portion has an upper assembly portion that protrudes upward from an upper end portion of the bracket body and a lower assembly portion that protrudes downward from a lower end portion of the bracket body, 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the upper assembly portion and the lower assembly portion are respectively assembled to a first assembly receiving portion and a second assembly receiving portion provided on the backboard.

6. the cover is disposed in a gap formed between the cover support member and the backboard in the seat front-rear direction, and slides along the gap; 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein a first gap into which the cover fits when the cover is in the normal position in a side view of the seat is narrower than a second gap into which the cover fits when the cover is in the open position.

7. The cover moves up and down along the surface of the seat body, The cover support member is a cover support bracket, The cover support bracket has a bracket main body and a bracket protrusion that protrudes rearward from the bracket main body and abuts against the cover, The backboard has a board body and a board protrusion that protrudes forward from the board body and abuts against the cover, the bracket protrusion and the board protrusion are disposed at positions facing each other in the seat front-rear direction, They extend vertically, The vehicle seat according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cover is disposed between the cover support bracket and the backboard in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, and moves while being supported by the bracket convex portion and the board convex portion.

8. the bracket protrusion has a first protrusion extending in the up-down direction while inclining toward the front of the seat, and a second protrusion extending continuously from the first protrusion along the up-down direction, 8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the cover is supported by the first protrusion when in the normal position, and is supported by the second protrusion when in the open position.

9. The cover support member is a cover support bracket, the cover support bracket has a bracket main body and a bracket recess formed in a portion of the bracket main body corresponding to the imaging unit and recessed toward the front of the seat, an insertion hole is formed in the bracket recess to expose the imaging unit and to pass a part of the imaging unit therethrough; 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein a concave cover recess is formed on an outer surface of the cover.

10. 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising: a bracket provided on the seat body for holding the imaging unit; and a drive member for rotating the imaging unit relative to the bracket around an axis along the seat width direction.

Images