Massage seat

Abstract

To alleviate occupant fatigue without interfering with driving operations. [Solution] The vehicle seat device 1 includes a first air bag 41 positioned in front of the center in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 10, a second air bag 42 positioned behind the center in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 10, a pump 43 that supplies air to the first air bag 41 and the second air bag 42, a first valve 51 disposed between the pump 43 and the first air bag 41, a second valve 52 disposed between the pump 43 and the second air bag 42, and a controller 56 that controls at least one of the first valve 51 and the second valve 52 and the pump 43 so that the pressure inside the first air bag 41 is less than the pressure inside the second air bag 42.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seat device in which an airbag is disposed between a seat back cover and a seat back pad. This seat device includes a pump for supplying and discharging air to and from the airbag, a solenoid valve provided between the pump and the airbag, and a controller for controlling the pump and the solenoid valve. By controlling the pump and the solenoid valve, the controller can change the airbag from an inflated state to a deflated state and from a deflated state to an inflated state, thereby stretching the waist and shoulders of the occupant.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, during driving of an automobile, especially during long-time driving, the occupant has to maintain a sitting posture continuously for a long time, so the blood flow in the lower body of the occupant is likely to be suppressed. Therefore, it is assumed that it is difficult to discharge fatigue substances and fatigue is likely to accumulate.

[0005] Therefore, it is conceivable to perform massage during sitting in order to relieve the fatigue feeling in the lower body of the occupant. However, in the case of an automobile, when the occupant performs a driving operation (steering operation or pedal operation), there are situations where delicate or quick operations are required, and it is necessary to relieve the fatigue feeling without hindering the driving operation while considering the driving posture of the occupant. However, it is difficult to prevent the control such as the upper body stretch of Patent Document 1 from affecting the driving posture of the occupant.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to alleviate occupant fatigue in a manner that does not hinder driving operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure reduces the pressure from the seat surface on the ischial bone area, which is important for steering, and on the front end of the seat surface, which is important for pedal operation, thereby reducing interference with driving.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the first disclosure relates to a vehicle seat device equipped with a seat cushion that supports the lower body of an occupant. The vehicle seat device includes a first air bladder positioned forward of the center in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion, a second air bladder positioned rearward of the center in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion, a pump that supplies air to the first and second air bladder, a first valve disposed between the pump and the first air bladder, a second valve disposed between the pump and the second air bladder, and a controller that controls at least one of the first and second valves and the pump so that the internal pressure of the first air bladder is less than the internal pressure of the second air bladder.

[0009] According to the first disclosure, when an occupant sits on the seat cushion, their thighs and buttocks are supported by the seat cushion. The occupant's thighs located in front of the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion are pressed by the first air bladder, and the occupant's thighs and buttocks located behind the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion are pressed by the second air bladder, providing a massage. Therefore, if the occupant maintains a seated position for an extended period, blood flow to the occupant's lower body can be promoted. Furthermore, since the pressure inside the first air bladder is lower than the pressure inside the second air bladder, the massage can suppress vertical movement of the occupant's knees. Therefore, it does not interfere with the occupant's driving operations. Thus, in the first disclosure, occupant fatigue can be relieved without interfering with driving operations.

[0010] The second disclosure states that, in the first disclosure, the first valve has a first outlet communication port that communicates with an outlet for discharging air from the first air bag to the outside. The second valve has a second outlet communication port that communicates with an outlet for discharging air from the second air bag to the outside. The controller controls the pump, the first valve, and the second valve to be in an inflated state, which inflates the first air bag or the second air bag that communicates with the pump, or in a deflated state, which deflates the first air bag or the second air bag that communicates with the outlet. The controller controls the internal pressure of the second air bag to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the deflation state of the first air bag begins.

[0011] According to the second disclosure, the controller controls the pressure inside the second air bag to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the first air bag begins to contract. This promotes blood flow from the extremities of the occupant's lower body towards the heart.

[0012] The third disclosure relates to the vehicle seat device in the first disclosure, which includes a first pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside a first air bag and a second pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside a second air bag. The controller controls the first valve or the second valve based on the pressure values ​​measured by the first and second pressure sensors so that the pressure inside the first air bag is less than the pressure inside the second air bag.

[0013] According to the third disclosure, the controller controls the first or second valve based on the pressure values ​​measured by the first and second pressure sensors so that the pressure inside the first air bag is less than the pressure inside the second air bag. Thus, the occupant's thighs and buttocks can be pressed with a precisely measured pressure to promote blood flow to the occupant's lower body.

[0014] The fourth disclosure is that, in the first disclosure, a plurality of first air bags are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A plurality of first valves are provided corresponding to the plurality of first air bags. The controller controls the plurality of first valves such that the pressure inside the front first air bag, which is located in front of the rear first air bag, is lower than the pressure inside the rear first air bag, which is located behind the front first air bag.

[0015] According to the fourth disclosure, the controller controls a plurality of first valves such that the pressure inside the front first air bladder is less than the pressure inside the rear first air bladder. Thus, the occupant's thighs can be pressed at small distance intervals to promote blood flow to the occupant's lower body.

[0016] The fifth disclosure states that, in the first disclosure, a plurality of second air bags are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A plurality of second valves are provided corresponding to the plurality of second air bags. The controller controls the plurality of second valves such that the pressure inside the front second air bag, which is located in front of the rear second air bag, is lower than the pressure inside the rear second air bag, which is located behind the front second air bag.

[0017] According to the fifth disclosure, the controller controls multiple second valves such that the pressure inside the front second air bladder is lower than the pressure inside the rear second air bladder. This allows for the occupant's thighs to be pressed at close intervals, thereby promoting blood flow to the occupant's lower body.

[0018] The sixth disclosure is that, in the first disclosure, the rear second air bladder is positioned such that the centerline of the rear second air bladder, which extends in the lateral direction, is located further rearward than the area in the seat cushion that corresponds to the left and right ischial bones of the occupant.

[0019] According to the sixth disclosure, the rear second air bladder is positioned such that its lateral centerline is located further rearward than the area in the seat cushion corresponding to the occupant's left and right ischial bones. Therefore, when the rear second air bladder inflates, it does not press against the vicinity of the occupant's left and right ischial bones, thus preventing the occupant's lower body from becoming unstable.

[0020] The seventh disclosure states that, in the first disclosure, a plurality of rear second air bladders are arranged along the lateral direction of the vehicle. The plurality of rear second air bladders are arranged such that the longitudinal centerlines of each rear second air bladder are spaced further apart from each other in the lateral direction of the vehicle than the area corresponding to the left and right ischial bones of the occupant in the seat cushion.

[0021] According to the seventh disclosure, multiple rear second air bladders are arranged along the lateral direction of the vehicle. The multiple rear second air bladders are positioned such that the centerlines of each rear second air bladder, which extend in the longitudinal direction, are spaced further apart from each other in the lateral direction of the vehicle than the area in the seat cushion corresponding to the occupant's left and right ischial bones. Therefore, when the rear second air bladders inflate, they do not press against the vicinity of the occupant's left and right ischial bones, thus preventing the occupant's lower body from becoming unstable.

[0022] The eighth disclosure states that, in the first disclosure, the first and second air bladders are arranged in multiple locations within the area of ​​the seat cushion where the left and right thighs of the occupant are in contact with the seat surface.

[0023] According to the eighth disclosure, the first and second air bladders are arranged in multiple locations within the area of ​​the seat cushion where the occupant's left and right thighs make contact with the seat surface. Therefore, the occupant's thighs can be pressed at smaller intervals, promoting blood flow in the occupant's lower body.

[0024] According to the ninth disclosure, in the first disclosure, the seat cushion has a cushion material that elastically deforms to support the occupant and a skin that covers the surface of the cushion material. The first airbag and the second airbag are disposed between the cushion material and the skin. The second airbags are arranged in multiple layers.

[0025] According to the ninth disclosure, the second airbags are arranged in multiple layers. Therefore, even when the cushion material is greatly deformed when the second airbag is inflated, sufficient pressing force can be applied to the occupant to promote blood flow in the lower body of the occupant.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] As described above, the fatigue of the occupant can be eliminated so as not to interfere with the driving operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the interior of a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of a vehicle seat device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the seat cushion of the vehicle seat device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view showing the vehicle seat device shown in FIG. 1 from the right rear with the skin removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a control unit of a vehicle seat device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the maximum value of the internal pressure of each airbag. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the time change of the internal pressure of each airbag.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments is illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

[0029] (Overall structure of the seat cushion) The vehicle seat device 1 is installed as a front seat in the passenger compartment R of the automobile. In the following description, the front of the vehicle is simply referred to as "front," and the rear of the vehicle is simply referred to as "rear." The front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions of the vehicle seat device 1 correspond to the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions of the vehicle when the vehicle seat device 1 is installed in the passenger compartment R. The left-to-right direction of the vehicle corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the vehicle seat device 1.

[0030] Figure 1 shows the front portion of an automobile C equipped with a vehicle seat system 1. As shown in Figure 1, automobile C comprises a floor panel F, a dash panel D, a front seat (vehicle seat system) 1, an instrument panel 4, a column 2, a steering wheel 3, and operating pedals 5. The passenger compartment R is formed by the dash panel D and the floor panel F, and left and right side panels (not shown). The left and right side panels support both ends of the instrument panel member M. The instrument panel member M supports the column 2 and the instrument panel 4. The steering wheel 3 is fixed to the end of the column 2. The operating pedals 5 are attached to the dash panel D. The vehicle seat system 1 is attached to the floor panel F. Rear seats or a third row of seats may be provided (not shown).

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle seat device 1 includes a seat cushion 10, a seat back 20, a headrest 30, and a massage device 40. The seat cushion 10 supports the lower body of occupant P. Specifically, it supports occupant P's thighs and buttocks. The seat back 20 supports occupant P's back, shoulders, and waist from the rear. The headrest 30 supports occupant P's head from the rear. The massage device 40 massages occupant P's thighs or buttocks.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the seat cushion 10 comprises a slide rail 11, a frame 12, a cushioning material 13, and a surface covering 14. The slide rail 11 is fixed to the floor panel F. The slide rail 11 holds the vehicle seat device 1 so that it can be displaced in the front-rear direction via the frame 12. The slide rail 11 adjusts the position of the vehicle seat device 1 to a position appropriate for driving the automobile C. The cushioning material 13 is attached to the frame 12. The cushioning material 13 is made of a synthetic resin such as sponge-like urethane. The cushioning material 13 elastically deforms to support the occupant P. The surface covering 14 covers the surface of the cushioning material 13.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1-2 and 4-5, the lower end of the seat back 20 and the rear end of the seat cushion 10 are connected by a connecting portion 21. The connecting portion 21 may have a reclining mechanism for adjusting the angle of the occupant P's back.

[0034] (Massage device) As shown in Figure 6, the massage device 40 includes a first air bag 41, a second air bag 42, a pump 43, an operating switch 44, and a valve control device 50.

[0035] (First air bag) As shown in Figure 3, the seat cushion 10 is divided into a front side and a rear side, with the center in the front-rear direction as the dividing line. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first air bladder 41 is positioned in front of the center in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 10. Multiple first air bladder 41 are arranged in a row in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Multiple first air bladder 41 are arranged in the area of ​​the seat cushion 10 where the left and right thighs of the occupant P are in contact with the seat surface. In other words, in this embodiment, the first air bladder 41 includes a front left first air bladder 41fl on the front left side, a front right first air bladder 41fr on the front right side, a rear left first air bladder 41rl on the center left side, and a rear right first air bladder 41rr on the center right side, all located in front of the center in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 10.

[0036] Hereafter, when "first air bag 41" is used, it refers to the four items mentioned above. Also, when "front first air bag 41f" is used, it refers to the front left first air bag 41fl and the front right first air bag 41fr. When "rear first air bag 41r" is used, it refers to the rear left first air bag 41rl and the rear right first air bag 41rr.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the first air bladder 41 is positioned between the cushioning material 13 and the outer layer 14. Multiple first air bladder 41s may be arranged in stacks.

[0038] The first air bag 41 is formed from a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The first air bag 41 is formed into a bag shape by laminating the periphery of a sheet made of synthetic resin. In this disclosure, the shape of the first air bag 41 is a rectangle in plan view, but it may also be a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse. The size of the first air bag 41 is approximately 10 mm to 50 mm square.

[0039] (Second air bag) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the second air bladder 42 is positioned behind the center in the front-to-rear direction of the seat cushion 10. Multiple second air bladder 42s are arranged in a row in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. Multiple second air bladder 42s are arranged in the area of ​​the seat cushion 10 where the left and right thighs of the occupant P contact the seat surface. In other words, in this embodiment, the second air bladder 42 includes a front left second air bladder 42fl on the left side of the center, a front right second air bladder 42fr on the right side of the center, a rear left second air bladder 42rl on the left side of the rear end, and a rear right second air bladder 42rr on the right side of the rear end, all located behind the center in the front-to-rear direction of the seat cushion 10.

[0040] Hereafter, "second air bladder 42" refers to the four items mentioned above. Also, "front second air bladder 42f" refers to the front left second air bladder 42fl and the front right second air bladder 42fr. "Rear second air bladder 42r" refers to the rear left second air bladder 42rl and the rear right second air bladder 42rr.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2-4, the front second air bladder 42f is positioned such that the center line CLf extending in the left-right direction of the front second air bladder 42f is located further forward of the vehicle than the area corresponding to the left and right ischial bones S of the occupant P in the seat cushion 10.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2-4, multiple front second air bladder 42f are arranged along the left-right direction of the vehicle. The multiple front second air bladder 42f are positioned such that the center line CLx extending in the longitudinal direction of each front second air bladder 42f is located further outward in the left-right direction of the vehicle than the range corresponding to the left and right ischial bones S of the occupant P in the seat cushion 10.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2-4, the rear second air bladder 42r is positioned such that the center line CLr extending in the left-right direction of the rear second air bladder 42r is located further rearward than the area corresponding to the left and right ischial bones S of the occupant P in the seat cushion 10.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2-4, multiple rear second air bladders 42r are arranged along the left-right direction of the vehicle. The multiple rear second air bladders 42r are positioned such that the centerlines CLx extending in the longitudinal direction of each rear second air bladder 42r are located further outward in the left-right direction of the vehicle than the range corresponding to the left and right ischial bones S of the occupant P in the seat cushion 10.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the second air bladder 42 is positioned between the cushioning material 13 and the outer layer 14. Multiple second air bladder 42s are arranged in a stacked configuration.

[0046] The second air bag 42 is formed from a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The second air bag 42 is formed into a bag shape by laminating the periphery of a sheet made of synthetic resin. In this disclosure, the shape of the second air bag 42 is a rectangle in plan view, but it may also be a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse. The size of the second air bag 42 is approximately 10 mm to 50 mm square.

[0047] (pump) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pump 43 supplies air to the first air bag 41 and the second air bag 42.

[0048] Pump 43 is a device that continuously discharges air. It consists of a flow path through which air flows, with a section that changes volume, and multiple valves that prevent backflow of air when the volume of the flow path changes. The most common types of pumps 43 are the diaphragm type, which changes the volume of the flow path using a membrane, and the piston type, which changes the volume of the flow path by a piston reciprocating inside a cylinder, but other types may also be used. The power source for pump 43 is a battery mounted on the vehicle.

[0049] (Valve control device) As shown in Figure 6, the valve control device 50 includes a plurality of first valves 51, a plurality of second valves 52, a plurality of first pressure sensors 53, a plurality of second pressure sensors 54, a plurality of outlets 55, and a controller 56.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the valve control device 50 is located on the rear side of the seat back 20. Multiple first air bags 41, multiple second air bags 42, a pump 43, and an operating switch 44 are connected to the valve control device 50.

[0051] (First valve) As shown in Figure 6, the first valve 51 is positioned between the pump 43 and the first air bag 41. The first valve 51 has a first outlet communication port 51c that communicates with an outlet 55 for discharging air from the first air bag 41 to the outside. Multiple first valves 51 are provided to correspond to multiple first air bags 41. That is, the first valve 51 includes a front left first valve 51fl corresponding to the front left first air bag 41fl, a front right first valve 51fr corresponding to the front right first air bag 41fr, a rear left first valve 51rl corresponding to the rear left first air bag 41rl, and a rear right first valve 51rr corresponding to the rear right first air bag 41rr.

[0052] Hereafter, "first valve 51" refers to the four valves mentioned above. Also, "front first valve 51f" refers to the front left first valve 51fl and the front right first valve 51fr. "Rear first valve 51r" refers to the rear left first valve 51rl and the rear right first valve 51rr.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the first valve 51 has a first pump communication port 51a that communicates with the pump 43 and a first air bag communication port 51b that communicates with the first air bag 41. A valve body (not shown) can switch the communication between the first discharge port 51c, the first pump communication port 51a, and the first air bag communication port 51b. The operation of the valve body is controlled by the controller 56. Each valve has the same structure.

[0054] (Second valve) As shown in Figure 6, the second valve 52 is positioned between the pump 43 and the second air bag 42. The second valve 52 has a second outlet communication port 52c that communicates with an outlet 55 for discharging air from the second air bag 42 to the outside. Multiple second valves 52 are provided to correspond to multiple second air bags 42. That is, the second valve 52 includes a front left second valve 52fl corresponding to the front left second air bag 42fl, a front right second valve 52fr corresponding to the front right second air bag 42fr, a rear left second valve 52rl corresponding to the rear left second air bag 42rl, and a rear right second valve 52rr corresponding to the rear right second air bag 42rr.

[0055] Hereafter, when "second valve 52" is used, it refers to the four valves mentioned above. Also, when "front second valve 52f" is used, it refers to the front left second valve 52fl and the front right second valve 52fr. When "rear second valve 52r" is used, it refers to the rear left second valve 52rl and the rear right second valve 52rr.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the second valve 52 has a second pump communication port 52a that communicates with the pump 43 and a second air bag communication port 52b that communicates with the second air bag 42. A valve body (not shown) can switch the communication between the second discharge port 52c, the second pump communication port 52a, and the second air bag communication port 52b. The operation of the valve body is controlled by the controller 56. Each valve has the same structure.

[0057] (Pressure sensor) The first pressure sensor 53 measures the pressure inside the first air bag 41. The first pressure sensor 53 includes a front left first pressure sensor 53fl corresponding to the front left first air bag 41fl, a front right first pressure sensor 53fr corresponding to the front right first air bag 41fr, a rear left first pressure sensor 53rl corresponding to the rear left first air bag 41rl, and a rear right first pressure sensor 53rr corresponding to the rear right first air bag 41rr.

[0058] Hereafter, when "first pressure sensor 53" is used, it refers to the four sensors mentioned above.

[0059] The second pressure sensor 54 measures the pressure inside the second air bag 42. The second pressure sensor 54 includes a front left second pressure sensor 54fl corresponding to the front left second air bag 42fl, a front right second pressure sensor 54fr corresponding to the front right second air bag 42fr, a rear left second pressure sensor 54rl corresponding to the rear left second air bag 42rl, and a rear right second pressure sensor 54rr corresponding to the rear right second air bag 42rr.

[0060] Hereafter, when "second pressure sensor 54" is used, it refers to the four sensors mentioned above.

[0061] (controller) The controller 56 consists of a microcontroller (not shown). The microcontroller has a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is the central processing unit. ROM is a memory area for storing program data such as software. RAM is a memory area for temporarily working with execution data. The microcontroller operates according to the program.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the controller 56 controls at least one of the first valve 51 and the second valve 52 and the pump 43 so that the pressure inside the first air bag 41 is less than the pressure inside the second air bag 42. Specifically, the pressure inside the first air bag 41 is about 80% of the pressure inside the second air bag 42.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] As shown in Table 1, the controller 56 controls the pump 43, the first valve 51, and the second valve 52 so that the first air bag 41 or the second air bag 42, which is in communication with the pump 43, is in an inflated state, or the first air bag 41 or the second air bag 42, which is in communication with the outlet 55, is in a deflated state. Based on the pressure values ​​measured by the first pressure sensor 53 and the second pressure sensor 54, the controller 56 controls the first valve 51 or the second valve 52 so that the pressure inside the first air bag 41 is less than the pressure inside the second air bag 42.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, the controller 56 controls the pressure inside the second air bag 42 to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the first air bag 41 begins to contract.

[0066] The controller 56 may control the multiple first valves 51 such that the pressure inside the front first air bag 41f, which is located in front of the rear first air bag 41r, is lower than the pressure inside the rear first air bag 41r, which is located behind the front first air bag 41f.

[0067] The controller 56 may control multiple second valves 52 such that the pressure inside the front second air bag 42f, which is located in front of the rear second air bag 42r, is lower than the pressure inside the rear second air bag 42r, which is located behind the front second air bag 42f.

[0068] As the first air bladder 41 and the second air bladder 42 inflate, the thighs and buttocks of the occupant P are subjected to pressure from the first air bladder 41 and the second air bladder 42 through the surface of the seat cushion 10.

[0069] The first air bladder 41 corresponds to the area of ​​the seat cushion 10 that comes into contact with the back of the occupant P's knee. The back of the knee has many tendons and thin soft tissue. Therefore, applying too much force could injure the back of the knee. Also, if too much force is applied and the knee moves up and down excessively, it could hinder pedal operation. For this reason, the internal pressure of the first air bladder 41 is set to be lower than the internal pressure of the second air bladder 42.

[0070] On the other hand, the second air bladder 42 corresponds to the parts of the seat cushion 10 that come into contact with the occupant P's groin and buttocks. The groin and buttocks contain large muscles. Larger muscles are easier to relax when stimulated, so fatigue recovery can be expected.

[0071] (Massage motion) As shown in Figure 6, when crew member P activates the operating switch 44 of the massage device 40, the controller 56 activates the pump 43. The controller 56 controls the front first valve 51f corresponding to the front first air bag 41f to connect the pump 43 to the front first air bag 41f. The pump 43 inflates the front first air bag 41f. As shown in Figure 8, when the internal pressure of the front first air bag 41f reaches a predetermined value, the controller 56 disconnects the pump 43 from the front first air bag 41f to maintain the inflated state of the front first air bag 41f for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 56 connects the front first air bag 41f to the outlet 55 to discharge the air inside the front first air bag 41f.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, the controller 56 controls the internal pressure of the rear first air bag 41r to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the front first air bag 41f begins to contract. The controller 56 controls the rear first valve 51r corresponding to the rear first air bag 41r to connect the pump 43 to the rear first air bag 41r. The pump 43 inflates the rear first air bag 41r. When the internal pressure of the rear first air bag 41r reaches a predetermined value, the controller 56 disconnects the pump 43 from the rear first air bag 41r to maintain the inflated state of the rear first air bag 41r for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 56 connects the rear first air bag 41r to the outlet 55 to discharge the air from inside the rear first air bag 41r.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8, the controller 56 controls the pressure inside the front second air bag 42f to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the rear first air bag 41r begins to inflate. The controller 56 controls the front second valve 52f corresponding to the front second air bag 42f to connect the pump 43 to the front second air bag 42f. The pump 43 inflates the front second air bag 42f. When the pressure inside the front second air bag 42f reaches a predetermined value, the controller 56 disconnects the pump 43 from the front second air bag 42f to maintain the inflated state of the front second air bag 42f for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 56 connects the front second air bag 42f to the outlet 55 to discharge the air inside the front second air bag 42f.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8, the controller 56 controls the internal pressure of the rear second air bag 42r to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the front second air bag 42f begins to inflate. The controller 56 controls the rear second valve 52r corresponding to the rear second air bag 42r to connect the pump 43 to the rear second air bag 42r. The pump 43 inflates the rear second air bag 42r. When the internal pressure of the rear second air bag 42r reaches a predetermined value, the controller 56 disconnects the pump 43 from the rear second air bag 42r to maintain the inflated state of the rear second air bag 42r for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 56 connects the rear second air bag 42r to the outlet 55 to discharge the air from the rear second air bag 42r.

[0075] By the way, while driving, we want to minimize the time spent providing localized support at a fixed point through massage. Maintaining the inflation state of each air bladder for a normal breathing rhythm (more than 3 seconds) may induce drowsiness. Therefore, a speed of 3 seconds or less is desirable, which allows the occupant P to remain refreshed while driving without becoming drowsy.

[0076] The first air bladder 41 and the second air bladder 42 perform the above-described actions, thereby promoting blood flow from the occupant P's thighs and buttocks towards the heart. The thighs and buttocks, which are in close contact with the seat cushion 10, are areas of the occupant P's body that are used frequently through steering or pedal operation. Since the thighs and buttocks contain large muscles, the massage provided by the seat cushion 10 is highly effective in relieving fatigue.

[0077] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the vehicle seat device 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a first air bag 41, a second air bag 42, a pump 43, a first valve 51, a second valve 52, and a controller 56 that controls at least one of the first valve 51 and the second valve 52 and the pump 43 so that the pressure inside the first air bag 41 is less than the pressure inside the second air bag 42. With this configuration, when an occupant P sits on the seat cushion 10, the thighs and buttocks are supported by the seat cushion 10. The occupant's thighs located in front of the center in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 10 are pressed by the first air bag 41, and the occupant's thighs and buttocks located behind the center in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion 10 are pressed by the second air bag 42, providing a massage. Therefore, if the occupant P maintains a seated position for a long period of time, blood flow to the occupant P's lower body can be promoted. Furthermore, since the pressure inside the first air bladder 41 is lower than the pressure inside the second air bladder 42, the massage can suppress vertical movement of the occupant P's knees. Therefore, it does not interfere with the occupant P's driving operations. As a result, the occupant P's fatigue can be relieved without interfering with driving operations.

[0078] Furthermore, the first valve 51 has a first outlet communication port 51c. The second valve 52 has a second outlet communication port 52c. The controller 56 controls the pump 43, the first valve 51, and the second valve 52 so that the first air bag 41 or the second air bag 42 is inflated or deflated. The controller 56 controls the system so that the internal pressure of the second air bag 42 reaches its maximum within a predetermined time after the first air bag 41 starts to deflate. With this configuration, the controller 56 controls the system so that the internal pressure of the second air bag 42 reaches its maximum within a predetermined time after the first air bag 41 starts to deflate. Therefore, blood flow from the extremities of the lower body of the occupant P towards the heart can be promoted.

[0079] Furthermore, the vehicle seat device 1 is equipped with a first pressure sensor 53 and a second pressure sensor 54. Based on the pressure values ​​measured by the first pressure sensor 53 and the second pressure sensor 54, the controller 56 controls the first valve 51 or the second valve 52 so that the pressure inside the first air bag 41 is less than the pressure inside the second air bag 42. With this configuration, the controller 56 controls the first valve 51 or the second valve 52 so that the pressure inside the first air bag 41 is less than the pressure inside the second air bag 42, based on the pressure values ​​measured by the first pressure sensor 53 and the second pressure sensor 54. Therefore, the thighs and buttocks of the occupant P can be pressed with an accurate amount of pressure to promote blood flow in the lower body of the occupant P.

[0080] Furthermore, multiple first air bladders 41 are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Multiple first valves 51 are provided corresponding to multiple first air bladders 41. The controller 56 controls the multiple first valves 51 so that the internal pressure of the front first air bladders 41f, which are located in front of the rear first air bladders 41r, is lower than the internal pressure of the rear first air bladders 41r, which are located behind the front first air bladders 41f. With this configuration, the controller 56 controls the multiple first valves 51 so that the internal pressure of the front first air bladders 41f is lower than the internal pressure of the rear first air bladders 41r. Therefore, the thighs of the occupant P can be pressed at small distance intervals, promoting blood flow in the lower body of the occupant P.

[0081] Furthermore, multiple second air bladders 42 are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Multiple second valves 52 are provided corresponding to multiple second air bladders 42. The controller 56 controls the multiple second valves 52 so that the internal pressure of the front second air bladders 42f, which are located in front of the rear second air bladders 42r, is lower than the internal pressure of the rear second air bladders 42r, which are located behind the front second air bladders 42f. With this configuration, the controller 56 controls the multiple second valves 52 so that the internal pressure of the front second air bladders 42f is lower than the internal pressure of the rear second air bladders 42r. Therefore, the thighs of the occupant P can be pressed at small distance intervals, promoting blood flow to the lower body of the occupant P.

[0082] Furthermore, the rear second air bladder 42r is positioned such that its centerline CLr, which extends in the left-right direction, is located further rearward than the area on the seat cushion 10 corresponding to the left and right ischial bones S of the occupant P. With this configuration, the rear second air bladder 42r is positioned such that its centerline CLr, which extends in the left-right direction, is located further rearward than the area on the seat cushion 10 corresponding to the left and right ischial bones S of the occupant P. Therefore, when the rear second air bladder 42r inflates, it does not press against the vicinity of the left and right ischial bones S of the occupant P, thus preventing the lower body of the occupant P from becoming unstable.

[0083] Furthermore, multiple rear second air bags 42r are arranged along the left-right direction of the vehicle. The multiple rear second air bags 42r are arranged such that the centerline CLx extending in the longitudinal direction of each rear second air bag 42r is located further outward in the left-right direction of the vehicle than the area corresponding to the left and right ischial bones S of the occupant P in the seat cushion 10. With this configuration, multiple rear second air bags 42r are arranged along the left-right direction of the vehicle. The multiple rear second air bags 42r are arranged such that the centerline CLx extending in the longitudinal direction of each rear second air bag 42r is located further outward in the left-right direction of the vehicle than the area corresponding to the left and right ischial bones of the occupant P in the seat cushion 10. Therefore, when the rear second air bags 42r inflate, they do not press against the vicinity of the left and right ischial bones of the occupant P, thus preventing instability of the occupant P's lower body.

[0084] Furthermore, multiple first air bladders 41 and second air bladders 42 are arranged in the area of ​​the seat cushion 10 where the left and right thighs of the occupant P are in contact with the seat surface. With this configuration, multiple first air bladders 41 and second air bladders 42 are arranged in the area of ​​the seat cushion 10 where the left and right thighs of the occupant P are in contact with the seat surface. Therefore, the thighs of the occupant P can be pressed at smaller distance intervals, promoting blood flow in the lower body of the occupant P.

[0085] Furthermore, the seat cushion 10 has a cushioning material 13 that elastically deforms to support the occupant P, and a skin 14 that covers the surface of the cushioning material 13. The first air bladder 41 and the second air bladder 42 are arranged between the cushioning material 13 and the skin 14. Multiple second air bladder 42s are arranged in stacks. With this configuration, multiple second air bladder 42s are arranged in stacks. Therefore, even if the cushioning material 13 deforms significantly when the second air bladder 42 is inflated, sufficient pressure can be applied to the occupant P, promoting blood flow to the occupant P's lower body.

[0086] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the first air bag 41 and the second air bag 42 are arranged on the front and rear sides of the cushioning material 13, respectively, as an example, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle seat device 1 may include a third air bag arranged between the first air bag 41 and the second air bag 42, and a third valve arranged between the pump 43 and the third air bag. The pump 43 supplies air to the third air bag. The controller 56 controls the internal pressure of the first air bag 41 to be less than the internal pressure of the third air bag, and the internal pressure of the third air bag to be less than the internal pressure of the second air bag 42.

[0087] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, any modifications or changes that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0088] This disclosure is industrially applicable as a vehicle seating device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1. Vehicle seating system 10 Seat Cushions 13 Cushioning material 14 Epidermis 41. First air bag 41f Front No. 1 Air Bag 41r Rear first air bag 42. Second air bag 42f Front second air bladder 42r Rear second air bladder CLr: Center line extending in the left-right direction. CLx Centerline extending in the front-to-back direction 43 pumps 51. First valve 51c 1st discharge port communication port 52 Second valve 52c 2nd outlet communication port 53. First pressure sensor 54. Second pressure sensor 55 Outlet 56 Controllers P Crew S ischium

Claims

1. A vehicle seat device equipped with a seat cushion that supports the lower body of the occupant, A first air bladder is positioned in front of the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion, A second air bladder is positioned behind the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion, A pump that supplies air to the first air bag and the second air bag, A first valve is disposed between the pump and the first air bag, A second valve is disposed between the pump and the second air bag, A vehicle seat device comprising a controller that controls at least one of the first valve and the second valve and the pump, such that the pressure inside the first air bag is less than the pressure inside the second air bag.

2. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, The first valve has a first outlet communication port that communicates with an outlet for discharging air from the first air bag to the outside, The second valve has a second outlet communication port that communicates with an outlet for discharging air from the second air bag to the outside, The aforementioned controller, The pump is in an inflated state, inflating the first air bag or the second air bag that is in communication with the pump, To cause the first air bag or the second air bag, which is in communication with the aforementioned outlet, to contract, Controlling the pump, the first valve, and the second valve, The controller controls the internal pressure of the second air bag to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the first air bag begins to contract.

3. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, The system comprises a first pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside the first air bag and a second pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside the second air bag. A vehicle seat device, wherein the controller controls the first valve or the second valve based on the pressure values ​​measured by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, so that the pressure inside the first air bag becomes less than the pressure inside the second air bag.

4. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, Multiple of the first air bladders are arranged in a line in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The first valve is provided in multiple locations corresponding to the multiple first air bags, The controller controls a plurality of first valves such that the pressure inside the front first air bag, which is located in front of the rear first air bag, is less than the pressure inside the rear first air bag, which is located behind the front first air bag.

5. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, Multiple of the second air bladders are arranged in a line in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The second valve is provided in multiple units corresponding to the multiple second air bags, The controller controls a plurality of second valves such that the pressure inside the front second air bag, which is located in front of the rear second air bag, is less than the pressure inside the rear second air bag, which is located behind the front second air bag.

6. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, The rear second air bladder is positioned such that the center line extending in the left-right direction of the rear second air bladder is located further rearward than the area in the seat cushion corresponding to the left and right ischial bones of the occupant.

7. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, The aforementioned rear second air bladders are arranged in multiple locations along the left-right direction of the vehicle. A vehicle seat device in which a plurality of the rear second air bladders are arranged such that the centerlines of each rear second air bladder extending in the front-rear direction are spaced further apart from each other in the lateral direction of the vehicle than the range corresponding to the left and right ischial bones of the occupant in the seat cushion.

8. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, A vehicle seat device in which the first air bladder and the second air bladder are arranged in multiple locations within the area where the left and right thighs of the occupant contact the seat surface of the seat cushion.

9. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, The aforementioned seat cushion comprises a cushioning material that elastically deforms to support the occupant, and a surface covering that covers the surface of the cushioning material. The first air bag and the second air bag are positioned between the cushioning material and the outer layer. The vehicle seat device comprises multiple air bladders arranged in a stack.

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