Vehicle driving posture adjustment device

Abstract

The objective is to provide a vehicle driving posture adjustment device that allows even a small occupant to keep their lower back in close contact with the seatback without their calves touching the front edge of the seat cushion, and to place their feet normally on the accelerator pedal. [Solution] A vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 comprises a seat cushion 14 having a cushion length variable mechanism 30 that allows the length in the front-rear direction of the seat to be changed, a cushion load detection device 24 provided on the seat cushion 14 that detects the cushion load acting on the seat cushion 14 by a seated occupant, and a foot-on detection device 36 that detects when a seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal 22. When adjusting the driving posture, the cushion length variable mechanism 30 adjusts the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-rear direction of the seat, using the foot-on detection information from the foot-on detection device 36 as a trigger, so that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving posture adjustment device for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] A seat adjustment device that enables adjustment of the vertical height and front-rear length of a seat cushion has been conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this seat adjustment device, even a small-sized occupant's calves do not hit the front end of the seat cushion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of a small-sized occupant, when placing the foot on the accelerator pedal without touching the front end of the seat cushion with the calves, there is a possibility that the waist does not reach the seat back. In this state, even if the occupant leans the back against the seat back, the back of the waist does not closely contact the seat back, so the pelvis tilts backward.

[0005] As a result, the amount of support of the seat back for the upper body of the occupant is reduced, so the upper body becomes unstable against left-right swaying. Also, when the occupant tries to place the foot on the accelerator pedal, there is a possibility that the heel does not reach the floor (the foot cannot be normally placed), and there is also a possibility that a delicate stepping operation on the accelerator pedal cannot be performed.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to obtain a driving posture adjustment device for a vehicle that can closely attach the waist to the seat back and can normally place the foot on the accelerator pedal even for a small-sized occupant without touching the front end of the seat cushion with the calves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a first embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle driving posture adjustment device comprising: a seat cushion having a cushion length variable mechanism that allows the length of the seat in the front-rear direction to be changed; a cushion load detection device provided on the seat cushion for detecting the cushion load acting on the seat cushion by a seated occupant; and a foot-on detection device for detecting when the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal. During driving posture adjustment, the foot-on detection information on the accelerator pedal from the foot-on detection device is used as a trigger to adjust the length of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction using the cushion length variable mechanism so that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0008] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the seat cushion has a cushion length variable mechanism that allows the length in the front-to-back direction of the seat to be changed. The seat cushion is also provided with a cushion load detection device that detects the cushion load acting on the seat cushion by the seated occupant. Furthermore, a foot placement detection device is provided that detects when the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal.

[0009] Here, when adjusting the driving posture, the foot-position detection device uses the information from the foot-position detection device that the seat cushion is positioned on the accelerator pedal as a trigger to adjust the length of the seat cushion in the front-to-back direction by the cushion length variable mechanism so that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Therefore, even a small occupant can keep their lower back in close contact with the seat back without their calves touching the front edge of the seat cushion, and can place their foot on the accelerator pedal normally.

[0010] Furthermore, a second embodiment of the vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the present invention is a vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the first embodiment, comprising a back load detection device provided on the seat back for detecting the back load acting on the seat back by the seated occupant, and adjusting the length of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction of the seat by the cushion length variable mechanism so that the back load does not fall below a predetermined threshold when adjusting the driving posture.

[0011] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the seat back is provided with a back load detection device that detects the back load acting on the seat back by the seated occupant. When adjusting the driving posture, the length of the seat cushion in the front-to-back direction is adjusted by a cushion length variable mechanism so that the back load does not fall below a predetermined threshold. Therefore, even a small occupant can securely press their lower back against the seat back without their calves touching the front end of the seat cushion, and can place their feet normally on the accelerator pedal.

[0012] Furthermore, a third embodiment of the vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the present invention comprises a seat cushion having a cushion length variable mechanism that can change the length of the seat in the front-rear direction and a seat surface angle variable mechanism that can change the seat surface angle; a cushion load detection device provided on the seat cushion that detects the cushion load acting on the seat cushion by a seated occupant; a back load detection device provided on the seat back that detects the back load acting on the seat back by the seated occupant; and a foot rest detection device that detects when the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal. During driving posture adjustment, the foot rest detection information on the accelerator pedal from the foot rest detection device is used as a trigger to adjust the length of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction using the cushion length variable mechanism and adjust the seat surface angle of the seat cushion using the seat surface angle variable mechanism so that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold and the back load does not fall below a predetermined threshold.

[0013] According to the third embodiment of the invention, the seat cushion has a cushion length variable mechanism that allows the length in the front-rear direction of the seat to be changed and a seat angle variable mechanism that allows the seat angle to be changed. The seat cushion is also provided with a cushion load detection device that detects the cushion load acting on the seat cushion by the seated occupant. The seat back is also provided with a back load detection device that detects the back load acting on the seat back by the seated occupant. Furthermore, a foot placement detection device is provided that detects when the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal.

[0014] Here, when adjusting the driving posture, the foot placement detection information from the foot placement detection device triggers the adjustment of the seat cushion's length in the seat-forward direction by the cushion length variable mechanism, and the seat cushion angle variable mechanism adjusts the seat cushion's angle, so that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold and the back load does not fall below a predetermined threshold. Therefore, even a small occupant can securely press their lower back against the seat back without their calves touching the front edge of the seat cushion, and can place their feet on the accelerator pedal normally.

[0015] Furthermore, a fourth embodiment of the vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the present invention is a vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the cushion load detection device includes at least the cushion front end sensor, which is selected from a cushion front end sensor that detects the cushion load acting on the front end surface of the seat cushion and a cushion top surface sensor that detects the cushion load acting on the front part of the seat surface of the seat cushion, and the foot placement detection device includes any of a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor provided on the top surface of the accelerator pedal, or a foot camera.

[0016] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the cushion load detection device includes at least the cushion front sensor, which is selected from a cushion front sensor that detects the cushion load acting on the front end surface of the seat cushion and a cushion top sensor that detects the cushion load acting on the front part of the seat surface of the seat cushion. The foot placement detection device includes one of a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor provided on the top surface of the accelerator pedal, or a footwell camera. Therefore, cushion load and foot placement detection information can be detected with high accuracy.

[0017] Furthermore, a fifth embodiment of the vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the present invention is a vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the cushion load detection device includes a cushion front end upper sensor that detects the cushion load acting on the front end upper part of the seat cushion, and the foot placement detection device includes any one of a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor provided on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, or a foot camera.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the cushion load detection device includes a cushion front end upper sensor that detects the cushion load acting on the front end upper part of the seat cushion. The foot placement detection device includes one of a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor provided on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, or a footwell camera. Therefore, cushion load and foot placement detection information can be detected with high accuracy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, even a small occupant can keep their lower back in close contact with the seat back without their calves touching the front edge of the seat cushion, and can place their feet on the accelerator pedal normally. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1](A) Schematic side view showing the state before adjusting the seat cushion length according to the first embodiment. (B) Schematic side view showing the state after adjusting the seat cushion length according to the first embodiment. (C) Schematic side view showing the state before adjusting the seat cushion length according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] (A) Schematic perspective view showing the rod storage state of the cushion length variable mechanism according to the first embodiment. (B) Schematic perspective view showing the rod protruding state of the cushion length variable mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] (A) Schematic side view showing the state before adjusting the seat cushion length and the seat surface angle according to the second embodiment. (B) Schematic side view showing the state after adjusting the seat cushion length and the seat surface angle according to the second embodiment. (C) Schematic side view showing the state before adjusting the seat cushion length and the seat surface angle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Schematic side view showing a partially enlarged modified example of the cushion load detection device according to the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. For convenience of explanation, the arrow UP appropriately shown in each figure is the upward direction on the seat, the arrow FR is the forward direction of the seat, and the arrow RH is the rightward direction of the seat. Therefore, in the following description, when the directions of up and down, front and back, and left and right are described without special mention, they indicate up and down, front and back, and left and right in the vehicle seat. Also, the left and right directions are synonymous with the seat width direction.

[0022] <First Embodiment> First, the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 12 equipped with the vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a seat cushion 14, a seat back 16 provided at the rear end of the seat cushion 14 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction as an axial direction (so as to be tilted backward and forward), and a headrest 18 provided so as to be vertically movable at the center in the seat width direction at the upper end of the seat back 16.

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 4 (described later) show a dummy figure (human body dummy) representing an occupant, seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12. The dummy figure is, for example, AF05 (5th percentile of adult females in the United States), which corresponds to a small occupant. Hereafter, the AF05 dummy figure will be referred to as "occupant P". In addition, occupant P (seated occupant) is restrained to the vehicle seat 12 by a three-point seat belt device, but the seat belt device is not shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 12 is installed on the floor 20 of the passenger compartment, and the accelerator pedal 22 is located on the front side of the floor 20. In addition, a cushion front end sensor (sometimes called a "cushion sensor" or "CF sensor") 24 is installed at the front end of the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 as a cushion load detection device, and a seat back sensor (sometimes called an "SB sensor") 26 is installed at the lower part of the seat back 16 (mainly the part facing the lumbar region) as a back load detection device.

[0025] The cushion front end sensor 24 detects the cushion load acting on the front end surface of the seat cushion 14 by the occupant P, specifically the cushion load caused by the occupant P's calf interfering (contacting with a predetermined pressure). The seat back sensor 26 detects the back load acting on the lower part of the seat back 16 by the occupant P, specifically the back load caused by the occupant P's back (mainly the lower back) making contact (tight contact).

[0026] Furthermore, the seat cushion 14 is equipped with a known cushion length variable mechanism 30. As shown in Figure 2, the cushion length variable mechanism 30 has a pair of left and right actuators 32 installed inside the left and right ends of the front part of the seat cushion 14. Each actuator 32 has a cylindrical rod 33 of a predetermined length that synchronously protrudes forward or retracts backward when driven by a drive source (not shown).

[0027] A front frame 34 is installed between the front ends of a pair of left and right rods 33, extending in the seat width direction and forming the front end of the seat cushion frame. The front frame 34 (the front end of the seat cushion 14) moves forward as each rod 33 protrudes from inside the actuator 32, thereby increasing the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-rear direction.

[0028] Conversely, the front frame 34 (the front end of the seat cushion 14) is configured to move backward as each rod 33 retracts into the actuator 32, thereby shortening the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-rear direction can be changed (adjusted) by the cushion length variable mechanism 30.

[0029] Furthermore, the passenger compartment (vehicle) is equipped with a known foot-on-pedal detection device 36 (see Figure 1(B)) that detects when an occupant P's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal 22. The foot-on-pedal detection device 36 includes, for example, a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor provided on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal 22, or a foot-level camera. The cushion front sensor 24, the seat back sensor 26, and the foot-on-pedal detection device 36 are electrically connected to a control device (not shown) provided in the vehicle, and the cushion length variable mechanism 30 is configured to be controlled by that control device.

[0030] In the vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 according to the first embodiment, which has the configuration described above, the operation (method of adjusting the driving posture) will now be explained.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, when adjusting the driving posture, it is first detected that the occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 (step S1). Next, the foot-position detection device 36 (either a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor provided on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal 22, or a foot-level camera) detects that the occupant P's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal 22 (step S2). If the foot-position detection device 36 does not detect that the occupant P's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal 22, the process returns to step S2.

[0032] When the foot-on-pedal detection device 36 detects that the occupant P's foot is on the accelerator pedal 22, the cushion front end sensor (cushion sensor) 24 determines whether the cushion load exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S3). Here, "threshold" refers to a predetermined numerical range that includes the minimum and maximum values. Therefore, "exceeding the threshold" means exceeding the maximum value. "Below the threshold" means below the minimum value. "Within the threshold" means the range from the minimum value to the maximum value.

[0033] If the cushion load exceeds a predetermined threshold, the cushion length variable mechanism 30 moves the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 slightly backward (stores it rearward by a predetermined amount), shortening the length of the seat cushion 14 (step S4). Next, the cushion front end sensor 24 determines whether or not the cushion load falls below the predetermined threshold (step S5). If the cushion load does not fall below the predetermined threshold, the process returns to step S4.

[0034] On the other hand, in step S3, if it is determined that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the cushion length variable mechanism 30 moves the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 slightly forward (extends it forward by a predetermined amount), thereby increasing the length of the seat cushion 14 (step S6). Next, the cushion front end sensor 24 determines whether or not the cushion load falls within the predetermined threshold (step S7). If the cushion load does not fall within the predetermined threshold, the process returns to step S6.

[0035] When the cushion load falls below a predetermined threshold or falls within a predetermined threshold, that is, when the cushion load no longer exceeds a predetermined threshold, the operation of the cushion length variable mechanism 30 is stopped (step S8). This completes the adjustment of the driving posture of the occupant P seated in the vehicle seat 12.

[0036] Furthermore, after step S2 and before step S3, the seatback sensor 26 may be used to determine whether the back load is below a predetermined threshold. If the back load is not below the predetermined threshold, the system can proceed to step S3. Also, if it is determined that the back load is below the predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the pelvis W (see Figure 1(C)) is tilted backward (the occupant P's waist is not in close contact with the seatback 16), and the system can proceed to step S4 (or step S3).

[0037] In this way, when adjusting the driving posture, the cushion length variable mechanism 30 adjusts the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-to-back direction using the foot-position detection information from the foot-position detection device 36 to trigger the adjustment so that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold, and the back load does not fall below a predetermined threshold.

[0038] In other words, by adjusting the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-to-back direction, even a small occupant P can have their lower back pressed against the seat back 16 without their calves touching the front end of the seat cushion 14. This ensures sufficient support from the seat back 16 for the occupant P's upper body, stabilizing the upper body against lateral swaying while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, in a side view, the pelvis W is positioned approximately parallel to the seat back 16, resulting in better restraint by the seat belt device.

[0039] Furthermore, because occupant P can bend their knees as intended while keeping their waist pressed against the seatback 16, they can properly place their foot on the accelerator pedal 22. In other words, when placing their foot on the accelerator pedal 22, occupant P can place their heel on the floor 20. This allows occupant P to perform delicate pedaling operations on the accelerator pedal 22, thereby improving driving operability.

[0040] Once the driving position has been adjusted, you can turn on the ignition (step S9) and start the vehicle. Note that you can also turn on the ignition after step S1 and before step S2.

[0041] Once the vehicle has finished being driven, the ignition is turned off (step S10). Next, it is determined whether or not occupant P is still seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 (step S11). If occupant P remains seated, the process returns to step S11.

[0042] When occupant P gets off the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12, the cushion length adjustment mechanism 30 activates and returns the cushion length of the seat cushion 14 to its initial position (initialization: step S12). This makes it easier for the next time another occupant drives the vehicle to adjust the driving posture to suit that occupant's physique.

[0043] In addition to the cushion front sensor (cushion sensor) 24 that detects the cushion load acting on the front end surface of the seat cushion 14, a cushion top sensor 28 (see Figure 4) that detects the cushion load acting on the front part of the seat surface of the seat cushion 14 may also be installed inside the seat cushion 14, as in the second embodiment described later. In this case, in the flowchart shown in Figure 3, "cushion sensor" becomes "cushion sensor and cushion top sensor".

[0044] Furthermore, the cushion load detection device only needs to include at least the cushion front sensor 24 among the cushion front sensor 24 and the cushion top sensor 28, and the foot placement detection device 36 only needs to include one of the following: a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor provided on the top surface of the accelerator pedal 22, or a foot camera. With this configuration, cushion load and foot placement detection information can be detected with high accuracy.

[0045] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the seat cushion 14 in this second embodiment is equipped not only with a cushion front sensor (CF sensor) 24, but also with a cushion top sensor 28, which acts as a cushion load detection device for detecting the cushion load acting on the front of the seat surface of the seat cushion 14. This cushion top sensor 28 is also electrically connected to the control device.

[0047] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the height position of the seat cushion 14 is higher than the height position of the seat cushion 14 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the seat cushion 14 in this second embodiment is equipped not only with a cushion length variable mechanism 30, but also with a known seat surface angle variable mechanism 38 (see Figure 4(B)) that allows the seat surface angle of the seat cushion 14 to be changed. This seat surface angle variable mechanism 38 is also configured to be controlled by the control device described above.

[0048] In the vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 according to the second embodiment, which has the configuration described above, the operation (method of adjusting the driving posture) will now be explained. Note that the operation common to the first embodiment will be omitted from the explanation as appropriate.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, when adjusting the driving posture, it is first detected that the occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 (step T1). Next, the foot-position detection device 36 (either a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor located on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal 22, or a foot-level camera) detects that the occupant P's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal 22 (step T2). If the foot-position detection device 36 does not detect that the occupant P's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal 22, the process returns to step T2.

[0050] When the foot-on-pedal detection device 36 detects that the occupant P's foot is on the accelerator pedal 22, the seatback sensor (SB sensor) 26 determines whether the back load is below a predetermined threshold (step T3). If it is determined that the back load is below the predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the pelvis W (see Figure 5(C)) is tilted backward (the occupant P's lower back is not in close contact with the seatback 16).

[0051] Therefore, the cushion length variable mechanism 30 moves the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 slightly backward (stores it rearward by a predetermined amount), shortening the length of the seat cushion 14. Then, the seat angle variable mechanism 38 reduces the seat angle of the seat cushion 14 slightly (by a predetermined amount) (step T4). Next, the cushion front end sensor (CF sensor) 24 determines whether or not the cushion load falls below a predetermined threshold (step T5). If the cushion load does not fall below the predetermined threshold, the process returns to step T4.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined in step T3 that the back load is not below a predetermined threshold, the cushion front sensor (CF sensor) 24 determines whether or not the cushion load exceeds a predetermined threshold (step T6).

[0053] If the cushion load exceeds a predetermined threshold, the cushion length variable mechanism 30 moves the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 slightly backward (stores it rearward by a predetermined amount), shortening the length of the seat cushion 14. Then, the seat angle variable mechanism 38 reduces the seat angle of the seat cushion 14 slightly (by a predetermined amount) (step T7). Next, the cushion front end sensor (CF sensor) 24 determines whether or not the cushion load falls below the predetermined threshold (step T8). If the cushion load does not fall below the predetermined threshold, the process returns to step T7.

[0054] Furthermore, in step T6, if it is determined that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the cushion length variable mechanism 30 moves the front end (front frame 34) of the seat cushion 14 slightly forward (extends it forward by a predetermined amount), thereby increasing the length of the seat cushion 14 (step T9). Next, the cushion front end sensor (CF sensor) 24 determines whether or not the cushion load falls within the predetermined threshold (step T10). If the cushion load does not fall within the predetermined threshold, the process returns to step T9.

[0055] When the cushion load falls below a predetermined threshold or falls within a predetermined threshold, that is, when the cushion load no longer exceeds a predetermined threshold, the operation of the cushion length variable mechanism 30 and the seat angle variable mechanism 38 is stopped (step T11). This completes the adjustment of the driving posture of the occupant P seated in the vehicle seat 12.

[0056] In this way, when adjusting the driving posture, the foot-on-pedal detection information from the foot-on-pedal detection device 36 is used as a trigger to adjust the length of the seat cushion 14 in the front-to-back direction by the cushion length variable mechanism 30, and the seat angle of the seat cushion 14 is adjusted by the seat angle variable mechanism 38, so that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold and the back load does not fall below a predetermined threshold.

[0057] Therefore, compared to the first embodiment described above, the occupant P's waist can be more reliably brought into close contact with the seat back 16. In other words, even a small occupant P can have their waist reliably brought into close contact with the seat back 16 without their calves touching the front end of the seat cushion 14, and can place their feet normally on the accelerator pedal 22.

[0058] Once the driving position has been adjusted, you can turn on the ignition (step T12) and start the vehicle. Note that you can also turn on the ignition after step T1 and before step T2.

[0059] Once the vehicle has finished being driven, the ignition is turned off (step T13). Next, it is determined whether or not occupant P is still seated on the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12 (step T14). If occupant P remains seated, the process returns to step T14.

[0060] When occupant P gets off the seat cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12, the cushion length adjustment mechanism 30 and the seat angle adjustment mechanism 38 are activated to return the cushion length and seat angle of the seat cushion 14 to their initial positions (initialization: step T15). This makes it easier for the next time another occupant drives the vehicle to adjust the driving posture to suit their physique.

[0061] Furthermore, if the cushion load acting on the front end surface of the seat cushion 14 is detected not only by the cushion front sensor (CF sensor) 24, which detects the cushion load acting on the front part of the seat surface of the seat cushion 14, but also by the cushion top sensor 28, which detects the cushion load acting on the front part of the seat surface of the seat cushion 14, then in the flowchart shown in Figure 5, "CF sensor" becomes "CF sensor and cushion top sensor".

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, if the upper front end of the seat cushion 14 has a gentle curved shape in a side view, and the load caused by interference from the occupant P's calf can be appropriately detected, then instead of the cushion front end sensor 24 and the cushion top surface sensor 28, only the upper front cushion sensor 25, which detects the cushion load acting on the upper front end of the seat cushion 14, may be installed inside the seat cushion 14.

[0063] Furthermore, at least one of the cushion front end sensor 24 and the cushion top surface sensor 28 may be used as an occupant seat sensor, or the cushion front end upper sensor 25 may be used as an occupant seat sensor. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost of the vehicle seat 12.

[0064] The vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the vehicle driving posture adjustment device 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the illustrated version, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the second embodiment, the reduction of the seat surface angle of the seat cushion 14 may be performed only when deemed necessary based on foot placement detection information on the accelerator pedal 22 by the foot placement detection device 36, as well as back load and cushion load.

[0065] Furthermore, instead of using the foot-on-pedal detection information from the foot-on-pedal detection device 36 as a trigger, the system may be configured to initiate adjustment of the driving posture based on the recognition of a seated occupant by a camera (not shown) inside the vehicle or by the occupant's voice command. Also, the back load detection device and the cushion load detection device are not limited to pressure sensors such as the seat back sensor 26 and the cushion front end sensor 24, respectively. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 10. Vehicle driving posture adjustment device 14 Seat Cushions 16 Seatback 22 Accelerator pedal 24. Cushion front end sensor (cushion load detection device) 25. Upper sensor at the front end of the cushion (cushion load detection device) 26. Seatback sensor (back load detection device) 28. Cushion top surface sensor (cushion load detection device) 30. Adjustable cushion length mechanism 36 Foot-placement detection device 38. Seat angle adjustable mechanism

Claims

1. A seat cushion having a cushion length variable mechanism that allows the length in the front-to-back direction of the seat to be changed, A cushion load detection device is provided on the seat cushion and detects the cushion load acting on the seat cushion by a seated occupant. A foot-placement detection device that detects when the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal, Equipped with, A vehicle driving posture adjustment device that, when adjusting the driving posture, uses the foot-position detection information on the accelerator pedal from the foot-position detection device as a trigger to adjust the length of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction of the seat using the cushion length variable mechanism so that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold.

2. A back load detection device is provided on the seat back and detects the back load acting on the seat back by the seated occupant. The vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction of the seat is adjusted by the cushion length variable mechanism so that the back load does not fall below a predetermined threshold when adjusting the driving posture.

3. A seat cushion having a cushion length variable mechanism that allows the length in the front-to-back direction of the seat to be changed, and a seat angle variable mechanism that allows the seat angle to be changed, A cushion load detection device is provided on the seat cushion and detects the cushion load acting on the seat cushion by a seated occupant. A back load detection device is provided on the seat back and detects the back load acting on the seat back by the seated occupant, A foot-placement detection device that detects when the seated occupant's foot is placed on the accelerator pedal, Equipped with, A vehicle driving posture adjustment device that, when adjusting the driving posture, uses the foot-on-pedal detection information from the foot-on-pedal detection device as a trigger to adjust the length of the seat cushion in the front-to-back direction using the cushion length variable mechanism, and adjusts the seat surface angle of the seat cushion using the seat surface angle variable mechanism, so that the cushion load does not exceed a predetermined threshold and the back load does not fall below a predetermined threshold.

4. The cushion load detection device is, A cushion front end sensor for detecting the cushion load acting on the front end surface of the seat cushion and a cushion top surface sensor for detecting the cushion load acting on the front part of the seat surface of the seat cushion, including at least the cushion front end sensor, The aforementioned foot placement detection device is A vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor provided on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, and a footwell camera.

5. The cushion load detection device is, Includes a cushion front end upper sensor that detects the cushion load acting on the front end upper part of the seat cushion, The aforementioned foot placement detection device is A vehicle driving posture adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a pedal opening sensor, a pressure sensor provided on the upper surface of the accelerator pedal, and a footwell camera.

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