Massage seat

Abstract

To alleviate occupant fatigue without interfering with driving operations. [Solution] The vehicle seat device 1 includes a left first pressing portion 41l positioned behind the center in the front-rear direction and to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10, and a right first pressing portion 41r positioned behind the center in the front-rear direction and to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The seat cushion 10 has a seating surface 15 on which an occupant P sits. The seating surface 15 includes a left seating surface region 15l located to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seating surface 15, and a right seating surface region 15r located to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seating surface 15. The left center CL1l of the left first pressing portion 41l is positioned to the left of the left center CL5l of the left seating surface region 15l. The left center CL1r of the right first pressing portion 41r is positioned to the right of the left center CL5r of the right seating surface region 15r.

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. The airbag is arranged to avoid the chest and is located at the waist. The controller can change the airbag from an inflated state to a deflated state and from a deflated state to an inflated state by controlling the pump and the solenoid valve, thereby stretching the waist and shoulders of the occupant.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a seat device in which left and right movable parts are arranged at the front part of a seat cushion. A massage movable part is arranged at a position on the seat cushion that contacts the back sides of the left and right knee joints of the occupant. The left and right movable parts support the back sides of the left and right knee joints of the occupant respectively, and the left and right movable parts are rotatable up and down about the rear end as the center.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, when driving a car, especially for long periods, occupants maintain a seated position for extended periods, which can easily restrict blood flow to the lower body. Therefore, it is assumed that fatigue-causing substances are less effectively eliminated, leading to fatigue accumulation. To alleviate this fatigue, massage while seated is a possible solution. Massaging large muscles, particularly those in the buttocks, is expected to be especially effective in reducing fatigue.

[0006] According to Patent Document 1, the air bladder placed in the lumbar region stretches the longissimus muscle, a large muscle extending from near the base of the neck to near the femur, making it difficult to alleviate fatigue in the occupant's lower body. Patent Document 2 describes a structure that massages the occupant's lower body, but the massage is performed on the back of the knee joint by a movable part provided at the front end of the seat cushion. Therefore, the effect of alleviating fatigue is considered to be limited.

[0007] On the other hand, in the case of automobiles, when occupants perform driving operations (steering or pedal operation), there are situations where subtle or quick movements are required, and it is necessary to alleviate fatigue without hindering driving operations, while taking into account the occupants' driving posture.

[0008] The buttocks are a part of the body that is used frequently during driving, and the buttocks are in even closer contact with the seat cushion than the upper body is in contact with the seat back. Therefore, there is a high risk that the pressure from the massage will interfere with driving, and performing a massage with the seat cushion without interfering with driving has not been disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, and has been conventionally difficult.

[0009] 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]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, this disclosure positions the pressing portion to avoid the ischial tuberosity area, which is important for driving operations, thereby reducing interference with driving.

[0011] 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 comprises a left first pressing portion located behind the center in the front-rear direction and to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion, a right first pressing portion located behind the center in the front-rear direction and to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion, and a controller that controls the left first pressing portion and the right first pressing portion. The seat cushion has a seating surface on which an occupant sits, a left side support portion formed on the left side of the seating surface, and a right side support portion formed on the right side of the seating surface. The seating surface includes a left seating surface region located to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seating surface, and a right seating surface region located to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seating surface. The center of the left first pressing portion in the left-right direction is located closer to the left side support portion than the center of the left seating surface region in the left-right direction. The center of the right first pressing area in the left-right direction is positioned closer to the right side support area than the center of the right seating surface area in the left-right direction.

[0012] According to the first disclosure, when an occupant sits on the seat cushion, their buttocks are supported by the seat cushion. The left first pressing portion and the right first pressing portion are positioned spaced apart on the left and right sides of the seating surface. Meanwhile, the occupant's ischial tuberosities are located behind the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion, and near the center in the left-to-right direction. Since the left first pressing portion and the right first pressing portion are positioned to avoid the ischial tuberosities, the massage can suppress vertical movement of the occupant's ischial tuberosities. 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.

[0013] The second disclosure is that, in the first disclosure, a second pressing portion is positioned in front of the left first pressing portion and the right first pressing portion.

[0014] According to the second disclosure, the second pressing portion is positioned in front of the left first pressing portion and the right first pressing portion, so that it can massage the occupant's thigh. As a result, according to the second disclosure, occupant fatigue can be relieved without interfering with driving operations.

[0015] The third disclosure relates to the second disclosure, wherein the second pressing portion includes a left second pressing portion located to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion, and a right second pressing portion located to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion. The distance between the center in the left-right direction of the left first pressing portion and the center in the left-right direction of the right first pressing portion is greater than the distance between the center in the left-right direction of the left second pressing portion and the center in the left-right direction of the right second pressing portion.

[0016] According to the third disclosure, in other words, the distance between the left second pressing section's center in the left-right direction and the right second pressing section's center in the left-right direction is smaller than the distance between the left first pressing section's center in the left-right direction and the right first pressing section's center in the left-right direction. Therefore, the left second pressing section can massage the area near the left-right center of the occupant's left thigh. Similarly, the right second pressing section can massage the area near the left-right center of the occupant's right thigh. As a result, according to the third disclosure, occupant fatigue can be relieved without interfering with driving operations.

[0017] The fourth disclosure is that, in the first disclosure, the distance between the right end of the left first pressing portion and the left end of the right first pressing portion is 175 mm or more.

[0018] According to the fourth disclosure, the right end of the left first pressing part and the left end of the right first pressing part are separated by 175 mm or more. By the way, the distance between the left and right ischial tuberosities at the AM95%tile calculated from the SMART data, which is international physical statistics data, is 145 mm. Further, the range in which the pressure on the occupant's ischial part obtained from the body pressure data is concentrated is 15 mm in the left and right directions from the ischial tuberosity respectively. Thus, the distance between the right end of the left first pressing part and the left end of the right first pressing part is larger than the area where the pressure on the occupant's ischial part is concentrated, so it is possible to suppress the up and down movement of the occupant's ischium by massage. Therefore, it does not interfere with the driving operation of the occupant.

[0019] The fifth disclosure is that in the first disclosure, the left first pressing part and the right first pressing part are air bags.

[0020] According to the fifth disclosure, when the left first pressing part and the right first pressing part are not operating, the air bags are contracted, so the occupant is less likely to feel discomfort when sitting. Therefore, it does not interfere with the driving operation of the occupant.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] As described above, it is possible to eliminate the fatigue of the occupant so as not to interfere with the driving operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [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 of the vehicle seat device shown in FIG. 1, shown from the right rear with the skin removed. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows a control unit for a vehicle seat device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the maximum internal pressure of each air bag. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the change in internal pressure of each air bag over time. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 3 in modified example 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 3 in modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The embodiments of this 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 this disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

[0024] (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.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2-3, the seat cushion 10 has a seating surface 15 on which the occupant P sits, a left side support portion 16l, and a right side support portion 16r. The seating surface 15 includes a left seating area 15l located to the left of the center of the seating surface 15 in the left-right direction, and a right seating area 15r located to the right of the center of the seating surface 15 in the left-right direction. The seating surface 15 supports the buttocks of the occupant P.

[0029] The left side support portion 16l is formed on the left side of the seat surface 15. The right side support portion 16r is formed on the right side of the seat surface 15. The left side support portion 16l and the right side support portion 16r bulge upward above the left seat surface area 15l. In other words, the seat surface 15 is lower than the left side support portion 16l and the right side support portion 16r. These left side support portion 16l and the right side support portion 16r are designed to hold the occupant P in place and prevent lateral swaying.

[0030] 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.

[0031] (Massage device) As shown in Figure 6, the massage device 40 includes a first pressing section 41, a second pressing section 42, a third pressing section 43, a fourth pressing section 44, a pump 45, an operating switch 46, and a valve control device 50. As will be described later, the first pressing section 41 is provided with a left first pressing section 41l and a right first pressing section 41r. In this embodiment, the first pressing section 41 is the first air bag 41. That is, the left first pressing section 41l and the right first pressing section 41r are air bags. The second pressing section 42 is the second air bag 42. The third pressing section 43 is the third air bag 43. The fourth pressing section 44 is the fourth air bag 44. Hereafter, when "air bag" is used, it refers to the "pressing section".

[0032] (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-to-back direction as the dividing line. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first air bladder 41 is located behind the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion 10. The first air bladder 41 is located behind the center in the front-to-back direction in the region of the seat cushion 10 that is behind the center in the front-to-back direction.

[0033] The first air bag 41 includes a left first air bag 41l and a right first air bag 41r. The left first air bag 41l and the right first air bag 41r are spaced apart in the left-right direction. Hereafter, when "first air bag 41" is used, it refers to these two bags.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2-3 and 5, the left first air bladder 41l is positioned to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The left center CL1l of the left first air bladder 41l is positioned closer to the left side support portion 16l than the left center CL5l of the left seating surface area 15l. The left first air bladder 41l is positioned in the area of ​​the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 where the left buttocks of the occupant P are in contact with the seat surface. The left first air bladder 41l is positioned to the left of the area where the left ischial tuberosity of the occupant P, described later, applies load to the seat cushion 10. The left first air bladder 41l is positioned to press against the left buttocks of the occupant P from the left side of the seat cushion 10.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2-3 and 5, the right first air bladder 41r is positioned to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The left-right center CL1r of the right first air bladder 41r is positioned closer to the right side support portion 16r than the left-right center CL5r of the right seating surface area 15r. The right first air bladder 41r is positioned in the area of ​​the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 where the right buttocks of the occupant P are in contact with the seat surface. The right first air bladder 41r is positioned to the right of the area where the right ischial tuberosity of the occupant P, described later, applies load to the seat cushion 10. The right first air bladder 41r is positioned to press against the right buttocks of the occupant P from the right side of the seat cushion 10. Specifically, the distance between the right end of the left first air bladder 41l and the left end of the right first air bladder 41r is 175 mm or more.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] (Area where the first air bag is placed) If the first air bladder 41 is positioned between the left and right ischial tuberosities of the occupant P, and within the area where the left and right ischial tuberosities apply load to the seat cushion 10, there is a concern that the massage may cause the occupant P's ischial tuberosities to move vertically. Therefore, even if the occupant P has a large build, the first air bladder 41 should be positioned so that it does not compress the left and right ischial tuberosities. The procedure for determining the distance between the left and right ischial tuberosities and the area where the ischial tuberosities apply load to the seat cushion 10 is described below.

[0039] The procedure for determining the distance between the left and right ischial tuberosities is as follows. For crew member P, who has a large build, an American male was assumed. The value for the distance between the left and right ischial tuberosities corresponding to the 95th percentile of an American male (AM95th ​​percentile) was taken from the "ischial tuberosity width" value in SMART data, which is statistical data on the human body. According to this, the ischial tuberosity width value corresponding to the AM95th ​​percentile is 143 mm.

[0040] The procedure for determining the area on the seat cushion 10 where the ischial tuberosities apply load is as follows. The area on the seat cushion 10 where the ischial tuberosities apply load was determined from body pressure distribution data of the ischial area. Body pressure distribution data of the ischial area was obtained by using two subjects from around the inventor. According to the body pressure distribution data of the ischial area of ​​the subject corresponding to the JF55th percentile, the body pressure was reduced to 50% of the maximum pressure value at a location 13 mm away from the ischial tuberosity. From this result, it was determined that the area on the seat cushion 10 where the ischial tuberosities apply load is within a radius of 13 mm centered on the ischial tuberosity. On the other hand, according to the body pressure distribution data of the ischial area of ​​the subject corresponding to the JF80th percentile, the body pressure was reduced to 50% of the maximum pressure value at a location 15 mm away from the ischial tuberosity. From this result, it was determined that the area on the seat cushion 10 where the ischial tuberosities apply load is within a radius of 15 mm centered on the ischial tuberosity. It was found that in all body types, the ischial tuberosities bear the load within a radius of 15 mm centered on the ischial tuberosity. Therefore, the area in which occupant P's ischial tuberosities bear load on the seat cushion 10 was determined to be a radius of 15 mm centered on each of the left and right ischial tuberosities.

[0041] Based on the above results, it was determined that the distance between the right end of the left first air bladder 41l and the left end of the right first air bladder 41r, so that the first pressing part 41 does not compress the left and right ischial tuberosities of the occupant P, should be 175 mm or more.

[0042] (Second air bag) As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the second air bladder 42 is located behind the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion 10, and in front of the left first air bladder 41l and the right first air bladder 41r. The second air bladder 42 includes the left second air bladder 42l, which is located to the left of the center in the left-to-right direction of the seat cushion 10, and the right second air bladder 42r, which is located to the right of the center in the left-to-right direction of the seat cushion 10. Hereafter, "second air bladder 42" refers to these two bladder bladder bladder bladder bladder 42.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2-3 and 5, the left second air bladder 42l is positioned to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The left second air bladder 42l's center CL2l is positioned closer to the left side support portion 16l than the left seating surface area CL5l of the left seating surface region 15l. The left second air bladder 42l is positioned in the area of ​​the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 where the left thigh of the occupant P contacts the seat surface. The left second air bladder 42l is positioned to press against the buttocks side of the occupant P's left thigh on the seat cushion 10.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2-3 and 5, the right second air bladder 42r is positioned to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The left-right center CL2r of the right second air bladder 42r is positioned closer to the right side support portion 16r than the left-right center CL5r of the right seating surface area 15r. The right second air bladder 42r is positioned in the area of ​​the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 where the right thigh of the occupant P contacts the seat surface. The right second air bladder 42r is positioned to press against the right thigh of the occupant P closer to the buttocks on the seat cushion 10.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2-3 and Figure 5, the left second air bag 42l and the right second air bag 42r are positioned separated in the left-right direction. The distance between the left-right central CL1l of the left first air bag 41l and the left-right central CL1r of the right first air bag 41r is greater than the distance between the left-right central CL2l of the left second air bag 42l and the left-right central CL2r of the right second air bag 42r.

[0046] 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 may be arranged in stacks.

[0047] 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.

[0048] (Third air bag) As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the third air bladder 43 is positioned in front of the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion 10, and closer to the second air bladder 42. The third air bladder 43 includes a left third air bladder 43l and a right third air bladder 43r. Hereafter, when "third air bladder 43" is used, it refers to these two bladder bags.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2-3 and 5, the left third air bladder 43l is positioned to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The left third air bladder 43l's center CL3l is positioned near the left center CL5l of the left seating surface area 15l. The left third air bladder 43l is positioned in the area of ​​the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 where the left thigh of the occupant P contacts the seat surface. The left third air bladder 43l is positioned to press against the left thigh of the occupant P on the seat cushion 10.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2-3 and Figure 5, the right third air bladder 43r is positioned to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The left-right center CL3r of the right third air bladder 43r is positioned near the left-right center CL5r of the right seating surface area 15r. The right third air bladder 43r is positioned in the area of ​​the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 where the right thigh of the occupant P is in contact with the seat surface. The right third air bladder 43r is positioned to press against the right thigh of the occupant P on the seat cushion 10.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2-3 and Figure 5, the left third air bag 43l and the right third air bag 43r are positioned separated in the left-right direction. The distance between the left second air bag 42l's left-right central CL2l and the right second air bag 42r's left-right central CL2r is greater than the distance between the left third air bag 43l's left-right central CL3l and the right third air bag 43r's left-right central CL3r.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the third air bladder 43 is positioned between the cushioning material 13 and the outer layer 14. Multiple third air bladder 43s may be arranged in stacks.

[0053] The third air bag 43 is formed from a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The third air bag 43 is formed into a bag shape by laminating the periphery of a sheet made of synthetic resin. In this disclosure, the shape of the third air bag 43 is a rectangle in plan view, but it may also be a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse. The size of the third air bag 43 is approximately 10 mm to 50 mm square.

[0054] (Fourth air bag) As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the fourth air bladder 44 is located in front of the third air bladder 43, in front of the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion 10. The fourth air bladder 44 includes a left fourth air bladder 44l and a right fourth air bladder 44r. Hereafter, when "fourth air bladder 44" is referred to, it refers to these two bladder bags.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2-3 and Figure 5, the left fourth air bladder 44l is positioned to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The left fourth air bladder 44l's center CL4l is positioned to the right of the left seating surface area CL5l of the left seating surface region 15l. The left fourth air bladder 44l is positioned in the area of ​​the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 where the left thigh of the occupant P contacts the seat surface. The left fourth air bladder 44l is positioned to press against the left thigh of the occupant P on the seat cushion 10.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2-3 and Figure 5, the right fourth air bladder 44r is positioned to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The left-right center CL4r of the right fourth air bladder 44r is positioned to the left of the left-right center CL5r of the right seating surface area 15r. The right fourth air bladder 44r is positioned in the area of ​​the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 where the right thigh of the occupant P is in contact with the seat surface. The right fourth air bladder 44r is positioned to press against the right thigh of the occupant P on the seat cushion 10.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2-3 and Figure 5, the left fourth air bag 44l and the right fourth air bag 44r are positioned separated in the left-right direction. The distance between the left third air bag 43l's left-right central CL3l and the right third air bag 43r's left-right central CL3r is greater than the distance between the left fourth air bag 44l's left-right central CL4l and the right fourth air bag 44r's left-right central CL4r.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the fourth air bladder 44 is positioned between the cushioning material 13 and the outer layer 14. Multiple fourth air bladder 44s may be arranged in stacks.

[0059] The fourth air bag 44 is formed from a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The fourth air bag 44 is formed into a bag shape by laminating the periphery of a sheet made of synthetic resin. In this disclosure, the shape of the fourth air bag 44 is a rectangle in plan view, but it may also be a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse. The size of the fourth air bag 44 is approximately 10 mm to 50 mm square.

[0060] (pump) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pump 45 supplies air to the first air bag 41, the second air bag 42, the third air bag 43, and the fourth air bag 44.

[0061] Pump 45 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 pump 45 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 45 is a battery mounted on the vehicle.

[0062] (Valve control device) As shown in Figure 6, the valve control device 50 includes a first valve 51, a second valve 52, a third valve 53, a fourth valve 54, a first pressure sensor 61, a second pressure sensor 62, a third pressure sensor 63, a fourth pressure sensor 64, a plurality of outlets 55, and a controller 56.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the valve control device 50 is located on the rear side of the seat back 20. The valve control device 50 is connected to the first air bag 41, the second air bag 42, the third air bag 43, the fourth air bag 44, the pump 45, and the operating switch 46.

[0064] (First Valve) As shown in Figure 6, the first valve 51 is positioned between the pump 45 and the first air bag 41. The first valve 51 includes a left first valve 51l corresponding to the left first air bag 41l and a right first valve 51r corresponding to the right first air bag 41r. Hereafter, "first valve 51" refers to these two valves.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, the first valve 51 has a first pump communication port 51a that communicates with the pump 45, a first air bag communication port 51b that communicates with the first air bag 41, and a first discharge port communication port 51c that communicates with a discharge port 55 that discharges air from the first air bag 41 to the outside. The first valve 51 can switch communication between the first pump communication port 51a, the first air bag communication port 51b, and the first discharge port communication port 51c by a valve body (not shown). The operation of the valve body is controlled by a controller 56. The left first valve 51l and the right first valve 51r have the same structure.

[0066] (Second Defense) As shown in Figure 6, the second valve 52 is positioned between the pump 45 and the second air bag 42. The second valve 52 includes a left second valve 52l corresponding to the left second air bag 42l and a right second valve 52r corresponding to the right second air bag 42r. Hereafter, "second valve 52" refers to these two valves.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, the second valve 52 has a second pump port 52a that communicates with the pump 45, a second air bag port 52b that communicates with the second air bag 42, and a second discharge port 52c that communicates with the discharge port 55 that discharges air from the second air bag 42 to the outside. The second valve 52 can switch communication between the second pump port 52a, the second air bag port 52b, and the second discharge port 52c by a valve body (not shown). The operation of the valve body is controlled by the controller 56. The left second valve 52l and the right second valve 52r have the same structure.

[0068] (Third valve) As shown in Figure 6, the third valve 53 is positioned between the pump 45 and the third air bag 43. The third valve 53 includes a left third valve 53l corresponding to the left third air bag 43l and a right third valve 53r corresponding to the right third air bag 43r. Hereafter, "third valve 53" refers to these two valves.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, the third valve 53 has a third pump port 53a that communicates with the pump 45, a third air bag port 53b that communicates with the third air bag 43, and a third discharge port 53c that communicates with the discharge port 55 that discharges air from the third air bag 43 to the outside. The third valve 53 can switch communication between the third pump port 53a, the third air bag port 53b, and the third discharge port 53c by a valve body (not shown). The operation of the valve body is controlled by the controller 56. The left third valve 53l and the right third valve 53r have the same structure.

[0070] (Fourth valve) As shown in Figure 6, the fourth valve 54 is positioned between the pump 45 and the fourth air bag 44. The fourth valve 54 includes a left fourth valve 54l corresponding to the left fourth air bag 44l and a right fourth valve 54r corresponding to the right fourth air bag 44r. Hereafter, "fourth valve 54" refers to these two valves.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, the fourth valve 54 has a fourth pump port 54a that communicates with the pump 45, a fourth air bag port 54b that communicates with the fourth air bag 44, and a fourth discharge port 54c that communicates with the discharge port 55 that discharges air from the fourth air bag 44 to the outside. The fourth valve 54 can switch communication between the fourth pump port 54a, the fourth air bag port 54b, and the fourth discharge port 54c by a valve body (not shown). The operation of the valve body is controlled by the controller 56. The left fourth valve 54l and the right fourth valve 54r have the same structure.

[0072] (Pressure sensor) The first pressure sensor 61 measures the pressure inside the first air bag 41. The first pressure sensor 61 includes a left first pressure sensor 61l corresponding to the left first air bag 41l and a right first pressure sensor 61r corresponding to the right first air bag 41r. Hereafter, when "first pressure sensor 61" is used, it refers to these two sensors.

[0073] The second pressure sensor 62 measures the pressure inside the second air bag 42. The second pressure sensor 62 includes a left second pressure sensor 62l corresponding to the left second air bag 42l and a right second pressure sensor 62r corresponding to the right second air bag 42r. Hereafter, when "second pressure sensor 62" is used, it refers to these two sensors.

[0074] The third pressure sensor 63 measures the pressure inside the third air bag 43. The third pressure sensor 63 includes a left third pressure sensor 63l corresponding to the left third air bag 43l and a right third pressure sensor 63r corresponding to the right third air bag 43r. Hereafter, when "third pressure sensor 63" is used, it refers to the two sensors mentioned above.

[0075] The fourth pressure sensor 64 measures the pressure inside the fourth air bag 44. The fourth pressure sensor 64 includes a left fourth pressure sensor 64l corresponding to the left fourth air bag 44l and a right fourth pressure sensor 64r corresponding to the right fourth air bag 44r. Hereafter, when "fourth pressure sensor 64" is used, it refers to these two sensors.

[0076] (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.

[0077] As shown in Figure 7, the controller 56 controls the left first air bag 41l and the right first air bag 41r, the left second air bag 42l and the right second air bag 42r, the left third air bag 43l and the right third air bag 43r, the left fourth air bag 44l and the right fourth air bag 44r. The controller 56 controls at least one of the first valve 51, the second valve 52, the third valve 53 and the fourth valve 54 and the pump 45 so that the internal pressure of the first air bag 41 and the second air bag 42 is lower than the internal pressure of the third air bag 43 and the fourth air bag 44. Specifically, the internal pressure of the first air bag 41 and the second air bag 42 is about 80% of the internal pressure of the third air bag 43 and the fourth air bag 44.

[0078] [Table 1]

[0079] As shown in Table 1, the controller 56 controls the pump 45, the first valve 51, the second valve 52, the third valve 53, and the fourth valve 54 so that the first air bag 41, the second air bag 42, the third air bag 43, or the fourth air bag 44, which is in communication with the pump 45, is in an inflated state, or the first air bag 41, the second air bag 42, the third air bag 43, or the fourth air bag 44, which is in communication with the outlet 55, is in a deflated state. Based on the pressure values ​​measured by the first pressure sensor 61, the second pressure sensor 62, the third pressure sensor 63, and the fourth pressure sensor 64, the controller 56 controls the first valve 51, the second valve 52, the third valve 53, or the fourth valve 54 so that the pressure inside the third air bag 43 and the fourth air bag 44 is less than the pressure inside the first air bag 41 and the second air bag 42, as shown in Figure 7.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8, the controller 56 controls the pressure inside the third air bag 43 to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the fourth air bag 44 begins to contract. Subsequently, it sequentially controls the pressure inside the third air bag 43 to the first air bag 41.

[0081] The controller 56 may control the first valve 51 and the second valve 52 such that the pressure inside the second air bag 42, which is positioned in front of the first air bag 41, is lower than the pressure inside the first air bag 41.

[0082] The controller 56 may control the third valve 53 and the fourth valve 54 such that the pressure inside the fourth air bag 44, which is positioned in front of the third air bag 43, is lower than the pressure inside the third air bag 43.

[0083] As the first air bag 41 inflates sequentially from the fourth air bag 44, the thighs and buttocks of the occupant P are subjected to pressure from the first air bag 41, the second air bag 42, the third air bag 43, and the fourth air bag 44 through the surface of the seat cushion 10.

[0084] The fourth air bladder 44 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 fourth air bladder 44 is set to be lower than the internal pressure of the first air bladder 41 and the second air bladder 42.

[0085] On the other hand, the first air bladder 41 and the second air bladder 42 correspond to the parts of the seat cushion 10 that come into contact with the occupant P's buttocks and groin. There are large muscles in the buttocks and groin. Larger muscles are easier to relax when stimulated, so fatigue recovery can be expected.

[0086] (Massage motion) As shown in Figure 6, when crew member P activates the operating switch 46 of the massage device 40, the controller 56 activates the pump 45. The controller 56 controls the fourth valve 54 corresponding to the fourth air bag 44 to connect the pump 45 to the fourth air bag 44. The pump 45 inflates the fourth air bag 44. As shown in Figure 8, when the internal pressure of the fourth air bag 44 reaches a predetermined value, the controller 56 disconnects the pump 45 from the fourth air bag 44 to maintain the inflated state of the fourth air bag 44 for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 56 connects the fourth air bag 44 to the outlet 55 to release the air from inside the fourth air bag 44.

[0087] As shown in Figure 8, the controller 56 controls the pressure inside the third air bag 43 to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the fourth air bag 44 begins to contract. The controller 56 controls the third valve 53 corresponding to the third air bag 43 to connect the pump 45 to the third air bag 43. The pump 45 inflates the third air bag 43. When the pressure inside the third air bag 43 reaches a predetermined value, the controller 56 disconnects the pump 45 from the third air bag 43 to maintain the inflated state of the third air bag 43 for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 56 connects the third air bag 43 to the outlet 55 to discharge the air inside the third air bag 43.

[0088] 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 third air bag 43 begins to inflate. The controller 56 controls the second valve 52 corresponding to the second air bag 42 to connect the pump 45 to the second air bag 42. The pump 45 inflates the second air bag 42. When the pressure inside the second air bag 42 reaches a predetermined value, the controller 56 disconnects the pump 45 from the second air bag 42 to maintain the inflated state of the second air bag 42 for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 56 connects the second air bag 42 to the outlet 55 to discharge the air inside the second air bag 42.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, the controller 56 controls the pressure inside the first air bag 41 to reach its maximum within a predetermined time after the second air bag 42 begins to inflate. The controller 56 controls the first valve 51 corresponding to the first air bag 41 to connect the pump 45 to the first air bag 41. The pump 45 inflates the first air bag 41. When the pressure inside the first air bag 41 reaches a predetermined value, the controller 56 disconnects the pump 45 from the first air bag 41 to maintain the inflated state of the first air bag 41 for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 56 connects the first air bag 41 to the outlet 55 to discharge the air inside the first air bag 41.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The first air bladder 41, second air bladder 42, third air bladder 43, and fourth air bladder 44 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.

[0092] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the vehicle seat device 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a left first pressing portion 41l, a right first pressing portion 41r, and a controller 56. The seat cushion 10 has a seating surface 15, a left side support portion 16l, and a right side support portion 16r. The seating surface 15 includes a left seating surface area 15l and a right seating surface area 15r. The left-right center CL1l of the left first pressing portion 41l is positioned closer to the left side support portion 16l than the left-right center CL5l of the left seating surface area 15l. The left-right center CL1r of the right first pressing portion 41r is positioned closer to the right side support portion 16r than the left-right center CL5r of the right seating surface area 15r. With this configuration, when an occupant P sits on the seat cushion 10, their buttocks are supported by the seat cushion 10. The left first pressing portion 41l and the right first pressing portion 41r are positioned spaced apart on the left and right sides of the seating surface. Meanwhile, the occupant's ischial tuberosities are located behind the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion 10, and near the center in the left-to-right direction. Since the left first pressing portion 41l and the right first pressing portion 41r are positioned to avoid the ischial tuberosities, the movement of the occupant P's ischial tuberosities in the vertical direction due to the massage can be suppressed. 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.

[0093] Furthermore, a second pressing section 42 is positioned in front of the left first pressing section 41l and the right first pressing section 41r. With this configuration, since the second pressing section 42 is positioned in front of the left first pressing section 41l and the right first pressing section 41r, it can massage the thighs of the occupant P. Therefore, the occupant P's fatigue can be relieved without interfering with driving operations.

[0094] Furthermore, the second pressing portion 42 includes a left second pressing portion 42l positioned to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10, and a right second pressing portion 42r positioned to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the seat cushion 10. The distance between the left first pressing portion 41l's center CL1l and the right first pressing portion 41r's center CL1r is greater than the distance between the left second pressing portion 42l's center CL2l and the right second pressing portion 42r's center CL2r. In other words, with this configuration, the distance between the left second pressing portion 42l's center CL2l and the right second pressing portion 42r's center CL2r is smaller than the distance between the left first pressing portion 41l's center CL1l and the right first pressing portion 41r's center CL1r. Therefore, the left second pressing section 42l can massage the area near the center of the left thigh of the occupant P in the left-right direction. Similarly, the right second pressing section 42r can massage the area near the center of the right thigh of the occupant P in the left-right direction. Thus, the occupant P's fatigue can be relieved without interfering with driving operations.

[0095] Furthermore, the distance between the right end of the left first pressing section 41l and the left end of the right first pressing section 41r is 175 mm or more. With this configuration, the right end of the left first pressing section 41l and the left end of the right first pressing section 41r are separated by 175 mm or more. Incidentally, the distance between the left and right ischial tuberosities at the AM95th ​​percentile, calculated from SMART data, which is statistical data on body size, is 145 mm. Also, the area where pressure is concentrated on the occupant P's ischial tuberosities, as determined from body pressure data, is 15 mm to the left and right of the ischial tuberosities. Therefore, since the distance between the right end of the left first pressing section 41l and the left end of the right first pressing section 41r is greater than the area where pressure is concentrated on the occupant P's ischial tuberosities, it is possible to suppress vertical movement of the occupant P's ischial tuberosities due to the massage. Therefore, it does not interfere with the occupant P's driving operation.

[0096] Furthermore, the left first pressing section 41l and the right first pressing section 41r are air bladders. With this configuration, when the left first pressing section 41l and the right first pressing section 41r are not operating, the air bladders are deflated, so the occupant P is less likely to feel discomfort while seated. Therefore, it does not interfere with the occupant P's driving operations.

[0097] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first air bag 41, the second air bag 42, the third air bag 43, and the fourth air bag 44 are arranged such that the distance between the left-right center of the left air bag and the right air bag decreases as they move towards the front of the seat cushion 10. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the distance between the left-right center CL3l of the left third air bag 43l and the left-right center CL3r of the right third air bag 43r may be greater than the distance between the left-right center CL2l of the left second air bag 42l and the left-right center CL2r of the right second air bag 42r. The distance between the left fourth air bladder 44l's central CL4l and the right fourth air bladder 44r's central CL4r may be greater than the distance between the left third air bladder 3l and the right third air bladder 3r.

[0098] (Modification 2) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the second air bag 42, the third air bag 43, and the fourth air bag 44 are arranged on the left and right sides is illustrated, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the second air bag 42, the third air bag 43, and the fourth air bag 44 may be arranged integrally and continuously on the left and right sides, extending from the left seating surface area 15l to the right seating surface area 15r of the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10.

[0099] (Other Embodiment 1) In the above embodiment, the first pressing portion 41, the second pressing portion 42, the third pressing portion 43, and the fourth pressing portion 44 are shown as air bladders, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, each pressing portion may be a vibrator with a weight eccentrically mounted on the rotating shaft of a motor.

[0100] (Other Embodiments 2) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which an air bladder is inflated and made to protrude from the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 to press against the buttocks and thighs of the occupant P, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, an actuator may be used to push out a piston and make it protrude from the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 to press against the buttocks and thighs of the occupant P.

[0101] (Other Embodiment 3) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which an air bladder is inflated and made to protrude from the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 to press against the buttocks and thighs of the occupant P, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, air may be pumped into and out of a cylindrical housing with a bellows structure on its sides that is expandable and contractible, causing it to protrude from the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion 10 to press against the buttocks and thighs of the occupant P.

[0102] 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]

[0103] This disclosure is industrially applicable as a vehicle seating device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Vehicle seating system 10 Seat Cushions 15. Seat surface 15l Left seating area CL5l Center of the left seat area in the left-right direction 15r Right seating area CL5r Right seat area, center in the left-right direction 16L Left side support section 16r Right side support section 41L Left first pressing area (left first air bag) CL1l The center of the left first pressing area (left first air bladder) in the left-right direction. 41r Right first pressing area (right first air bladder) CL1r Right first pressing part (right first air bladder) center in the left-right direction 42 Second pressing section 42l Left second pressing part CL2l The center of the left second pressing area in the left-right direction 42r Right second pressing part CL2r Right second pressing area, center in the left-right direction 56 Controllers P Crew

Claims

1. A vehicle seat device equipped with a seat cushion that supports the lower body of the occupant, The left first pressing portion is located behind the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion and to the left of the center in the left-to-right direction, The right first pressing portion is located behind the center in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion and to the right of the center in the left-to-right direction, The device includes a controller that controls the left first pressing section and the right first pressing section, The seat cushion has a seating surface on which the occupant sits, a left side support portion formed on the left side of the seating surface, and a right side support portion formed on the right side of the seating surface. The seating surface includes a left seating surface region located to the left of the center of the seating surface in the left-right direction, and a right seating surface region located to the right of the center of the seating surface in the left-right direction. The left first pressing portion's center in the left-right direction is positioned closer to the left side support portion than the left seating surface area's center in the left-right direction. A vehicle seat device in which the center of the right first pressing portion in the left-right direction is positioned closer to the right side support portion than the center of the right seating surface area in the left-right direction.

2. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, A vehicle seat device wherein a second pressing portion is positioned in front of the left first pressing portion and the right first pressing portion.

3. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 2, The second pressing portion is, The seat cushion includes a left second pressing portion located to the left of the center in the left-right direction, and a right second pressing portion located to the right of the center in the left-right direction, A vehicle seat device in which the distance between the left first pressing portion's center in the left-right direction and the right first pressing portion's center in the left-right direction is greater than the distance between the left second pressing portion's center in the left-right direction and the right second pressing portion's center in the left-right direction.

4. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, A vehicle seat device in which the distance between the right end of the left first pressing portion and the left end of the right first pressing portion is 175 mm or more.

5. In the vehicle seat device according to claim 1, The left first pressing portion and the right first pressing portion are air bladders in a vehicle seat device.

Images