Seat device

Abstract

[Problem] To satisfactorily induce sleep for a sitting person on a seat device. [Solution] Provided are: a pressing devices 40, 42 that are provided on a seat back 34 and press the back or hip of a sitting person so as to induce breathing; at least one of temperature regulator 52 for changing the temperature of a seat cushion 30 or the seat back 34, and a shape regulator 44 for changing the surface shape of the seat cushion 30 or the seat back; and a controller 100 that controls the pressing devices 40, 42 so as to press the back or hip of the sitting person in a cycle set for a respiratory cycle of a sleeping person and controls at least one of the temperature regulator 52 and the shape regulator 44.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat device, and more particularly to a seat device having a sleep-inducing function for a seated occupant. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known seat devices used in vehicles such as automobiles that have a function of inducing the breathing of the seated occupant to a predetermined cycle suitable for improving relaxation by applying pressure or pushing stimulation at a predetermined cycle to the areas of the back of the occupant that correspond to the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-296452 ​​A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-65728 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Improvements to promote sleep induction and enable comfortable sleep for people seated in seat devices in vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and ships are useful in alleviating lack of sleep for people traveling in vehicles.

[0005] In recent years, automobiles with automatic driving functions have been developed, which allow the driver to sleep while driving. This increases the usefulness of seat devices for the driver's seat that are equipped with a sleep-inducing function for the seat occupant.

[0006] For these reasons, there is an increasing demand for the development of a seat apparatus equipped with a sleep-inducing function that effectively induces sleep in a seated occupant.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a seat device that can effectively induce sleep to a seated occupant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A seat device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a seat body (35) having a seat cushion (30) and a seat back (32), a pressing device (40, 42) provided on the seat back and pressing against the back or lumbar region of a seated occupant to induce breathing, at least one of a temperature adjustment device (52) that changes the temperature of the seat cushion or the seat back and a shape adjustment device (44) that changes the surface shape of the seat cushion or the seat back, and a control device (100) that controls the pressing device so as to press against the back or lumbar region of the seated occupant at a period set corresponding to a human breathing cycle during sleep, and controls at least one of the temperature adjustment device and the shape adjustment device.

[0009] This configuration effectively induces sleep to the seated occupant.

[0010] In the above seat device, the control device preferably corrects the cycle by learning the respiratory cycle of the seated occupant while sleeping.

[0011] According to this configuration, sleep induction and sleep can be performed appropriately through respiratory induction.

[0012] In the above-mentioned seat device, preferably, the control device determines whether the breathing of the seated occupant is abdominal breathing or thoracic breathing, and controls the pressure device so as to induce breathing according to the same breathing method as determined by the determined result.

[0013] According to this configuration, breathing can be properly induced regardless of whether the breathing of the seated person is abdominal breathing or thoracic breathing.

[0014] In the above seat device, the control device preferably controls the pressing device so as to induce abdominal breathing during sleep induction and to induce thoracic breathing when sleep ends.

[0015] According to this configuration, during sleep induction, breathing is induced in a manner suitable for sleep induction, and when sleep ends, i.e., when awake, breathing is induced in a manner suitable for waking up.

[0016] The seat device preferably further has a breathing detection device (72) for detecting the breathing of the seated occupant, and when there is any disturbance in breathing detected by the breathing detection device, the control device controls the pressing device so as to induce breathing that eliminates the disturbance in breathing.

[0017] This configuration helps to eliminate breathing disturbances of the seated occupant.

[0018] In the above-mentioned seat device, preferably, the control device determines that the seat occupant has a sleep inclination based on information from an external source, and upon determining that the occupant has a sleep inclination, turns on the pressing device and controls the temperature adjustment device to warm the seat cushion and the seat back.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the occupant is in the sleep-oriented state, breathing induction suitable for inducing sleep is performed in combination with the warming of the seat cushion and the seat back, so that the seated occupant can be effectively induced to sleep.

[0020] The seat device preferably further has a warm air device (58) for warming the feet of the seated occupant, and the control device determines whether the seated occupant has a sleep inclination based on information from outside, and upon determining that the occupant has a sleep inclination, controls the pressing device to be turned on and the warm air device to be turned on.

[0021] According to this configuration, when the occupant is in the sleep-oriented state, breathing induction suitable for inducing sleep is combined with warming of the occupant's feet, thereby effectively inducing the occupant to sleep.

[0022] In the above seat apparatus, the control device preferably controls the temperature adjustment device so that the temperatures of the seat cushion and the seat back alternately repeat rising and falling.

[0023] This configuration can relax the muscles of the seated occupant, providing a relaxing effect to the seated occupant.

[0024] In the above-mentioned seat device, preferably, the control device determines whether the occupant has a sleep inclination based on external information, and upon determining that the occupant has a sleep inclination, turns on the pressing device and controls the shape adjustment device so that a massage is performed in synchronization with the breathing rhythm of the occupant.

[0025] According to this configuration, when the occupant is in the sleep-oriented state, the breathing guidance suitable for inducing sleep is combined with the massage to effectively induce sleep in the seated occupant.

[0026] In the above seat device, the control device preferably controls the temperature adjustment device so that the temperatures of the seat cushion and the seat back are increased when the occupant is inclined to sleep.

[0027] This configuration improves the massage effect when the patient is in a sleep-oriented state.

[0028] In the above seat device, the control device preferably controls the shape adjustment device so that a massage is performed in synchronization with the breathing rhythm of the seated occupant.

[0029] This configuration provides a good massage effect.

[0030] The seat device preferably further has a body pressure detection device (46) that individually detects the body pressure of the occupant in each part of the seat cushion and the seat back, and the control device controls the shape adjustment device so as to reduce the difference between the body pressures in each part.

[0031] This configuration distributes body pressure, and reduces fatigue of the seated person when seated for long periods of time.

[0032] In the above seat device, the control device preferably controls the shape adjustment device so that the surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back are deformed to encourage the seat occupant to change his / her posture.

[0033] This configuration promotes turning over in sleep, etc.

[0034] In the above seat device, the control device preferably controls the shape adjustment device so that the surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back are deformed to promote awakening at a set awakening time.

[0035] This configuration promotes waking up at the wake-up time.

[0036] The seat arrangement is preferably a seat arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for an autonomously driven automobile. Effect of the Invention

[0037] The seat device according to the present invention effectively induces sleep to the seated occupant. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a seat device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] Block diagram of a control system for a seat device according to the present embodiment [Diagram 3] 1 is a general flowchart of a control system for a seat device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a posture correction control routine for a seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart of a warm / cold control routine for a seat device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6]4 is a flowchart of a massage control routine for the seat device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a breathing induction control routine for a seat device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a frame structure of a seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion of a power supply mechanism for a seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion of a power supply mechanism for a seat device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a power supply mechanism for a seat device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion of a power supply mechanism for a seat device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a main portion of a power supply mechanism for a seat device according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a frame structure of a seat device according to another embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a power supply mechanism of a seat device according to another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which a seat device according to the present invention is applied to an automobile having an automatic driving function will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0040] 1, the seat device 10 of this embodiment is mounted on a floor panel 14 of an automobile by left and right slide rail devices 12 extending in the front-rear direction. Each slide rail device 12 has a lower rail 16 fixed to the floor panel 14 by a bracket 15, and an upper rail (upper slider) 18 fixed to the underside of a seat cushion 30 (described later) and engaged with the lower rail 16 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0041] A side door 20 is provided on the side of the seat device 10. A window glass 22 is attached to the upper portion of the side door 20.

[0042] The seat device 10 has a seat cushion 30 forming a seat surface, and a seat back 34 forming a backrest surface, which is tiltably connected to the rear part of the seat cushion 30 by an electric reclining device 32. A headrest 36 is attached to the upper part of the seat back 34. An electric ottoman 38 is provided in front of the seat cushion 30 so as to be rotatable between a rotation position shown in the figure that extends substantially vertically and a rotation position not shown that extends substantially horizontally, and can be fixed at any rotation position.

[0043] The seat back 34 is provided with a back pressure device 40 and a lumbar pressure device 42. The back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42 are configured with air pads that are inflated and deformed by being supplied with compressed air from a compressed air source (not shown). The back pressure device 40 protrudes forward from the front surface of the seat back 34 and presses the back of the seated person, particularly the area corresponding to the thoracic vertebrae around the shoulder blades, in order to promote thoracic breathing. The lumbar pressure device 42 protrudes forward from the front surface of the seat back 34 and presses the lumbar part of the seated person, particularly the area corresponding to the lumbar vertebrae, in order to promote abdominal breathing.

[0044] The seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 are provided with seat shape adjustment devices 44 for changing the surface shapes of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 at multiple locations excluding the locations where the back pressure device 40 and the lower back pressure device 42 are disposed. Each seat shape adjustment device 44 is composed of an air pad that is inflated and deformed by being supplied with compressed air from a compressed air source (not shown), and the inflation and deformation causes the upper surface of the seat cushion 30 to protrude upward or the front surface of the seat back 34 to protrude forward.

[0045] Each seat shape adjustment device 44 massages the thighs and back of the seated person and corrects the distribution of body pressure by protruding the front of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34. The multiple seat shape adjustment devices 44 change the surface shapes of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 by combining with each other, correcting the seating posture and encouraging the person to turn over during sleep. The multiple seat shape adjustment devices 44 also function as exercise devices due to their dynamic movement with each other.

[0046] The seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 are provided with body pressure detection devices 46 for individually detecting the body pressure of a seated occupant acting in the vicinity of each seat shape adjustment device 44.

[0047] An electric cervical massage device 48 that massages the cervical vertebrae of the seated person is built into the headrest 36. The cervical massage device 48 locally presses the cervical vertebrae as if applying acupressure to the acupressure points called "Fengchi," "Tianzhu," and "Wanko." Acupressure on these three acupressure points is said to be effective for eye strain, stiff shoulders, and stiff neck, and has the effect of promoting the reduction of fatigue in the seated person.

[0048] An electric calf massage device 50 that massages the calves of the seated person is built into the electric ottoman 38. The calf massage device 50 locally presses the calves as if applying acupressure to the acupressure points called "Shokin," "Shokan," "Shozan," "Chikuhin," and "Hiyang." Shiatsu on the above five acupressure points is said to be effective in reducing numbness, promoting blood circulation, and improving swelling and fatigue, and has the effect of promoting fatigue reduction for the seated person.

[0049] The seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 are provided with a seat temperature adjustment device 52 that changes the temperatures of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34. The seat temperature adjustment device 52 is configured by combining an electric heater for increasing the temperature and a cool air supply device such as a Peltier element or AVS for decreasing the temperature, and adjusts the surface temperatures of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 within a predetermined warm / cold temperature range, for example, a range of 24°C or lower to 36°C or higher. The seat temperature adjustment device 52 may also be provided in the electric ottoman 38.

[0050] A knee-back heater 56 is provided on the front side of the seat cushion 30 at a portion where the back of the knees of the seated person come into contact. The knee-back heater 56 directly warms the back of the knees of the seated person. Because the fat layer behind the knee is thin and the aorta passes through the back of the knee, making it a sensitive area, the warmth from the knee-back heater 56 is directly transmitted to the body, providing a high thermal effect and reducing fatigue.

[0051] A warm air device 58 that blows warm air toward the feet of the seated person is provided on the underside of the seat cushion 30. Since the lower limbs, including the feet, are areas where most of the blood in the entire body is concentrated, warming the feet with the warm air blown out by the warm air device 58 promotes blood circulation, contributes to improving metabolism and poor circulation, and has the effect of improving the health of the seated person.

[0052] A blanket storage box 60 is attached to the side of one of the left and right upper rails 18. A blanket 62 is stored in the blanket storage box 60. One end of the blanket 62 is fixed to the blanket storage box 60, and the other end has an engagement hook 66 that releasably engages with an engagement hole 64 provided in the other upper rail 18 of the left or right.

[0053] The blanket 62 is pulled out from the blanket storage box 60 and spreads out over the lap of the seated person as the engagement hooks 66 engage with the locking holes 64, and is used as a lap blanket that is a heat retaining member. The blanket 62 may also extend up to the chest of the seated person.

[0054] A control device 100 is provided under the seat cushion 30. A control system of the seat device 10 including the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] The control device 100 is an electronic information processing device including a microcomputer.

[0056] The control device 100 is connected on the input side to an operation panel 70, a respiration detector 72, a heart rate detector 74, a body pressure detector 46, an in-vehicle temperature and humidity detector 76, and a camera 78, and acquires various information from these.

[0057] The operation panel 70 is composed of a touch panel or the like attached to the surface of a liquid crystal panel type display device 98 described below, and is operated by the occupant to set the operation mode of the seat device 10 (automatic mode / manual setting mode), on / off of various functions, various times, etc.

[0058] The breathing detection device 72 detects the breathing of the seated person by the body pressure detection device 46, a radio wave sensor (not shown), etc., and detects whether the breathing is abdominal breathing or thoracic breathing. The breathing detection device 72 may obtain the breathing information of the seated person by communicating with a smart watch or a wearable terminal worn by the seated person. The breathing detection device 72 may obtain the breathing information from video data captured by a camera 78, which will be described later.

[0059] The heart rate detection device 74 acquires the heart rate information of the seated person by communicating with a smart watch or wearable device worn by the seated person.

[0060] As described above, each body pressure detection device 46 individually detects the body pressure of the seated occupant at each location of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34. The body pressure corresponds to the load of the seated occupant that the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 receive.

[0061] The vehicle interior temperature / humidity detection device 76 detects the temperature and humidity in the vehicle interior around the seat device 10 .

[0062] The camera 78 captures video to observe the behavior of the seated occupant.

[0063] The control device 100 inputs driving information and running information of the vehicle. The driving information of the vehicle includes information on whether the vehicle is being driven automatically. The running information of the vehicle includes information on the running acceleration of the vehicle.

[0064] By executing a computer program, the control device 100 embodies a sleep-inducing breathing induction control unit 102, a sleep level calculation unit 104, a breathing induction control unit 106, a seat temperature control unit 108, an in-vehicle environment control unit 110, a massage control unit 112, a posture control unit 114, a reclining control unit 116, and an exercise control unit 118, and performs various controls.

[0065] The control device 100 is connected on the output side to the back pressure device 40, the lumbar pressure device 42, the seat temperature adjustment device 52, the interior temperature and humidity adjustment device 90, the seat shape adjustment device 44, the electric reclining device 32, the cervical massage device 48, the calf massage device 50, the interior sound device 92, the interior lighting device 94, the wind shade device 96, the back-of-the-knee heater 56, the warm air device 58 and the display device 98, and outputs signals such as control commands to these devices.

[0066] The window shade device 96 includes a liquid crystal shade window or the like incorporated in the window glass 22, and makes the window glass 22 opaque to light by electrical operation.

[0067] The operation panel 70 and the display device 98 are arranged in front of the seat device 10, such as an instrument panel of a vehicle, so as to be operated and viewed by the seat occupant. The display device 98 displays the setting state and operating state of each operation of the seat device 10. The setting state and operating state of each operation of the seat device 10 may be displayed on a smart watch or a wearable terminal of the seat occupant via wireless communication.

[0068] The sleep-inducing breathing induction control unit 102 and the breathing induction control unit 106 control the back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42, the seat temperature control unit 108 controls the seat temperature adjustment device 52 and the back-of-knee heater 56, the vehicle interior environment control unit 110 controls the vehicle interior temperature and humidity adjustment device 90, the vehicle interior sound device 92, the vehicle interior lighting device 94 and the warm air device 58, the massage control unit 112 controls the seat shape adjustment device 44, the cervical vertebrae massage device 48 and the calf massage device 50, the posture control unit 114 controls the seat shape adjustment device 44, the reclining control unit 116 controls the electric reclining device 32 and the electric ottoman 38, and the exercise control unit 118 controls the seat shape adjustment device 44.

[0069] Next, each component of the control system of the above-mentioned seat device 10 will be described in detail.

[0070] When the operation mode of the seat device 10 set by the operation panel 70 is the automatic mode, the sleep-guided breathing induction control unit 102 is automatically activated when it is determined (detected) that the seated person is trying to sleep and has a sleep-intention based on the information acquired from the respiration detection device 72, the heart rate detection device 74, and the camera 78. When the operation mode of the seat device 10 set by the operation panel 70 is the manual mode, the sleep-guided breathing induction control unit 102 is activated when the sleep-guided induction mode is set to ON by the passenger's operation of the operation panel 70. When the seat device 10 is the driver's seat, the sleep-guided breathing induction control unit 102 may be permitted to be activated only when the vehicle is being driven automatically, regardless of the operation mode. In other words, when the seat device 10 is the driver's seat, the sleep-guided breathing induction control unit 102 is prohibited from being activated when the vehicle is not being driven automatically.

[0071] When the sleep-inducing breathing induction control unit 102 is set to ON, it controls the back pressure device 40 and the lower back pressure device 42 so as to press the back of the seated person with a cycle (hereinafter, the cycle is referred to as a control target cycle) set in accordance with the breathing cycle of the seated person while sleeping. This control allows breathing induction suitable for sleep induction to be performed.

[0072] The sleep induction breathing induction control unit 102 may set the control target period to a standard human breathing period during sleep induction or sleep as a default value, and may correct the control target period by learning the breathing period of the seated person detected by the breathing detection device 72. Sleep induction and sleep through breathing induction are performed accurately.

[0073] The sleep-induced breathing induction control unit 102 may determine whether the seated occupant is breathing abdominally or thoracically based on information from the breathing detection device 72 and the camera 78, and may control only one of the back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42 to operate so as to induce breathing according to the same breathing method as determined by the determined breathing method.

[0074] Deep abdominal breathing gives dominance to the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxing the mind and body, and expanding and contracting the abdomen, allowing blood and lymph to circulate smoothly throughout the body, resulting in a sleep-inducing effect. Thoracic breathing gives dominance to the sympathetic nervous system, tensing the body and awakening the patient. As a result, abdominal breathing may be induced by the lumbar pressure device 42 during sleep induction, and thoracic breathing may be induced by the back pressure device 40 at the end of sleep (when waking up). As a result, breathing suitable for sleep induction is induced during sleep induction, and breathing suitable for waking up is induced at the end of sleep.

[0075] The sleep-inducing breathing induction control unit 102 performs control such that the higher the sleep level calculated by the sleep level calculation unit 104, the lower the intensity of the operation of the back pressure device 40 and the lower back pressure device 42.

[0076] The breathing induction by the back pressure device 40 and the waist pressure device 42 based on these controls makes it easier to induce good sleep and obtain good quality sleep.

[0077] When the breathing of the seated person becomes disturbed, the sleep-inducing breathing induction control unit 102 controls the back pressure device 40 and the lower back pressure device 42 so that breathing that resolves the disturbance is induced. This breathing induction control helps to resolve the disturbance of breathing of the seated person.

[0078] The sleep-guided breathing induction control unit 102 remains on for the sleeping time or nap time set by the seated person via the operation panel 70, and is turned off automatically when that time has elapsed, or is turned off manually by the seated person operating the operation panel 70. The sleeping time or nap time may be set to an individual's preference by learning recommended modes based on the seated person's nighttime sleeping condition and health condition in conjunction with a smart watch or a sleep meter at home.

[0079] The sleep level calculation unit 104 calculates the sleep level of the seated occupant based on information from the respiration detection device 72, the heart rate detection device 74, the body pressure detection device 46, the camera 78, etc. This makes it possible to determine whether the occupant is in REM sleep or non-REM sleep, which are related to the depth of sleep.

[0080] When the sleep-inducing breathing induction control unit 102 is on, the seat temperature control unit 108, the vehicle interior environment control unit 110, the massage control unit 112, the posture control unit 114 and the reclining control unit 116 are turned on in sleep induction mode so that better sleep induction and better quality sleep can be obtained through a synergistic effect with the sleep-inducing breathing induction.

[0081] In the sleep induction mode, in other words, when the occupant is inclined to sleep, the seat temperature control unit 108 slowly heats the seat surface to induce sleep, and when the sleep level calculation unit 104 or the like determines that the seat occupant has fallen asleep, controls the seat temperature adjustment device 52 to lower the seat temperature below that before sleep. Seat temperature adjustment by this control is called sleep induction seat temperature adjustment.

[0082] As a result, the sleep-inducing breathing induction by the back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42, combined with the sleep-inducing seat temperature adjustment, has the effect of smoothly leading the seated person to sleep.

[0083] With reference to the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle cabin, in the sleep-inducing mode (when the driver is inclined to sleep) detected by the vehicle cabin temperature and humidity detection device 76, the vehicle cabin environment control unit 110 controls the vehicle cabin temperature and humidity adjustment device 90 so that the temperature inside the vehicle cabin increases and the humidity inside the vehicle cabin decreases when the vehicle cabin is cooled, and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin decreases and the humidity inside the vehicle cabin increases when the vehicle cabin is heated, so that the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and the humidity inside the vehicle cabin are maintained at levels suitable for sleep.

[0084] In the sleep induction mode (when the driver is inclined to sleep), the vehicle interior environment control unit 110 controls the vehicle interior sound device 92 to play sounds with a rhythm suitable for sleep induction synchronized with the sleep-inducing breathing induction by the back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42, music with a rhythm that induces sleepiness, or quiet music suitable for sleep induction.

[0085] In the sleep-guiding mode (when the driver is inclined to sleep), the vehicle interior environment control unit 110 controls the vehicle interior lighting device 94 and the windshade device 96 so that the interior of the vehicle becomes dark and the interior of the vehicle cannot be seen from the outside.

[0086] In the sleep-inducing mode (when the driver is inclined to sleep), the vehicle interior environment control unit 110 controls the warm air device 58 so that warm air flows to the feet of the seated occupant.

[0087] These controls create an in-vehicle environment that is conducive to sleep (sleep induction environment), and the combination of sleep-inducing breathing induction by the back pressure device 40 and lumbar pressure device 42 and the setting of the sleep induction environment has the effect of leading the seated occupant to a good sleep.

[0088] The vehicle interior environment control unit 110 can also control the brightness of the vehicle interior lighting device 94 and the sound of the vehicle interior sound device 92 to change in accordance with the breathing rhythm of the seated person. This control makes it easier for the seated person to be aware of their own breathing, and can achieve the effects of yoga or meditation.

[0089] In the sleep induction mode (when the driver is inclined to sleep), the massage control unit 112 controls the seat shape adjustment device 44, the cervical massage device 48, and the calf massage device 50 so as to perform a massage suitable for sleep (sleep induction massage) and sleep induction synchronized with the sleep induction breathing induction by the back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42. As a result, the sleep induction breathing induction by the back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42 works together with the sleep induction massage to effectively induce the seated person to sleep.

[0090] In the sleep induction mode (when the user is inclined to sleep), the posture control unit 114 controls the seat shape adjustment device 44 to correct the distribution of body pressure, prevent bed sores, and induce turning over, based on the distribution of body pressure detected by each body pressure detection device 46. In other words, the posture control unit 114 controls the seat shape adjustment device 44 to reduce the difference in body pressure between each part of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34, or to deform the surfaces of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 to encourage the seated person to change their posture.

[0091] As a result, the back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42 induce sleep-inducing breathing, prevent bed sores, and encourage turning over in bed, thereby providing the effect of keeping the seated person in a good quality sleep.

[0092] When a seated occupant is sleeping while the vehicle is moving, the posture control unit 114 controls the seat shape adjustment device 44 to increase the holding ability of the seated occupant by the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 and to increase their hardness in response to the traveling acceleration. This prevents the sleeping occupant's body from moving significantly due to the traveling acceleration, and provides the effect of maintaining a stable sleep.

[0093] In the sleep induction mode (when the driver is inclined to sleep), the reclining control unit 116 controls the electric reclining device 32 and the electric ottoman 38 so that the seat device 10 is fully flat or nearly fully flat. This allows the seated person to adopt a body shape that is conducive to sleep and sleep, and this, combined with the sleep-inducing breathing induction effect of the back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42, provides the effect of inducing good sleep and maintaining good quality sleep.

[0094] These actions and effects prevent the seated person from becoming uncomfortable while sleeping, allowing them to sleep comfortably for long periods of time, and preventing them from waking up earlier than planned when taking a nap, etc.

[0095] When the sleep induction mode ends, the posture control unit 114 and the reclining control unit 116 perform wake-up processing, such as rapid operation or vibration of the seat shape adjustment device 44 and uprighting of the reclined seat back 34 by the electric reclining device 32. This control encourages the sleeping seat occupant to wake up.

[0096] During a short sleep such as a nap, if the driver falls into a deep sleep, the driver may feel fatigued after waking up. For this reason, the sleep level calculation unit 104 may calculate the sleep level, and during a short sleep, the driver may be prompted to wake up at a light sleep level, and during a long sleep, the driver may be prompted to wake up at a light sleep level (REM sleep). The driver may be prompted to wake up by the seat shape adjustment device 44 rapidly operating or vibrating, by the electric reclining device 32 raising the reclined seat back 34, by the in-vehicle acoustic device 92 outputting a sound suitable for waking up, by the in-vehicle lighting device 94 lighting the interior of the vehicle suitable for waking up, and the like.

[0097] Deep abdominal breathing relaxes the mind and body by favoring the parasympathetic nervous system, and expands and contracts the abdomen, allowing blood and lymph to circulate smoothly throughout the body, resulting in a sleep-inducing effect. Thoracic breathing favors the sympathetic nervous system, tensing the body and awakening the patient. Thus, abdominal breathing may be induced by the lumbar compression device 42 during sleep induction, and thoracic breathing may be induced by the back compression device 40 at the end of sleep (awakening).

[0098] Appropriate breathing techniques for the seated occupant and whether they are breathing correctly may be displayed on the display device 98 or on the seated occupant's smartphone or tablet device.

[0099] The breathing induction control unit 106 is activated by the seated occupant operating the operation panel 70, and controls the back pressure device 40 and the lumbar pressure device 42 so as to induce the seated occupant's breathing method (abdominal breathing or thoracic breathing) determined by the breathing detection device 72. This encourages the seated occupant to breathe in accordance with his or her current breathing state, allowing the occupant to spend time comfortably breathing appropriately. The seated occupant's breathing state is displayed on the display device 98.

[0100] The breathing induction control unit 106 determines whether the seated person is excited based on information from the breathing detection device 72, the heart rate detection device 74, and the camera 78, and when the seated person is excited, controls the back compression device 40 so that chest breathing is induced. This encourages the seated person to regain composure through breathing techniques.

[0101] The seat temperature control unit 108 is activated in the relaxation mode by the seat occupant operating the operation panel 70. In the relaxation mode, the seat temperature control unit 108 controls the seat temperature adjustment device 52 so that the surface temperatures of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 alternately increase and decrease in temperature at a predetermined cycle. This relaxes the muscles of the seat occupant, providing a relaxing effect to the seat occupant.

[0102] In this relaxation mode, the backs of the knees of the seated person are directly heated by the back-of-knee heater 56, and the feet of the seated person are warmed by hot air from the hot air device 58.

[0103] The massage control unit 112 is activated in the relaxation mode by the seated occupant operating the operation panel 70. In the relaxation mode, the massage control unit 112 controls the seat shape adjustment device 44, the cervical massage device 48, and the calf massage device 50 so as to perform a massage that reduces fatigue of the seated occupant. These massages may be performed in accordance with the rhythm of breathing detected by the breathing detection device 72, or in accordance with the timing of breathing induction by the breathing induction control unit 106.

[0104] The massage using the seat shape adjustment device 44 may be performed with the surface temperatures of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 raised by the seat temperature adjustment device 52, and further, the massage may be performed more strongly on areas where body pressure is high as detected by the body pressure detection device 46, thereby actively improving blood flow in those areas where body pressure is high.

[0105] The massage by the seat shape adjustment device 44 gradually slows down the rhythm of the massage, thereby guiding the breathing rhythm of the seated person and encouraging slow, deep breathing. By performing the massage and deep breathing simultaneously, the relaxation effect is enhanced. This massage may be performed on the armrest (not shown) or the electric ottoman 38, in addition to the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34.

[0106] The posture control unit 114 is activated in the relaxation mode when the seated person operates the operation panel 70. In the relaxation mode, the posture control unit 114 calculates the body pressure distribution based on information from the body pressure detection device 46, and controls the seat shape adjustment device 44 so that the body pressure is evenly distributed. This distributes the body pressure in the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34, and reduces the fatigue of the seated person when sitting for a long time.

[0107] The reclining control unit 116 is activated when the seat occupant operates the operation panel 70, and controls the electric reclining device 32 in accordance with the operation on the operation panel 70. In this way, a reclining state according to the request of the seat occupant can be obtained.

[0108] The exercise control unit 118 is activated by the seated occupant operating the operation panel 70, and controls the seat shape adjustment device 44 in the exercise mode. In the exercise mode, the seat shape adjustment device 44 performs dynamic operation synchronized with breathing so that an exercise in which the hips are moved in synchronization with breathing is performed.

[0109] This allows the seated person to exercise by moving their hips in sync with their breathing, effectively relieving the seated person of lack of exercise, promoting health, and providing a relaxing effect.

[0110] The exercise control unit 118 controls the seat shape adjustment device 44 to match the exercise rhythm with the breathing rhythm, thereby promoting efficient breathing and improving the exercise effect. The exercise may be at an exercise level that matches the breathing and heart rate of the seated person. This allows the seated person to exercise without straining themselves. At the end of the exercise, the lumbar compression device 42 or the like may encourage deep breathing. The exercise control unit 118 can also control the exercise so that a stretching effect that loosens the seated person's body is obtained.

[0111] Next, the operation of the seat device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. The flowchart is executed by the control device 100.

[0112] First, it is determined whether the automobile is an automatic driving vehicle (step S10). If the automobile is an automatic driving vehicle (Yes in step S10), it is determined whether the operation mode of the seat device 10 is the automatic mode (step S11).

[0113] If the operation mode is the automatic mode (step S11, affirmative), a sleep induction determination is performed (step S12). The sleep induction determination is a determination as to whether the seated person is about to fall asleep or not. If it is determined from various input information that the seated person is about to fall asleep (step S12, affirmative), sleep induction breathing induction is performed (step S13), and then each processing step S (steps S14 to S18) of sleep induction seat temperature adjustment, sleep induction reclining, sleep induction massage, sleep induction environment setting, and posture correction is performed until the wake-up time arrives (step S19). Note that at least one of the sleep induction seat temperature adjustment, sleep induction reclining, sleep induction massage, sleep induction environment setting, and posture correction can be selected by the operation panel 70 as the initial setting of the automatic mode, depending on the seated person's preference, etc.

[0114] The sleep-inducing breathing induction process (step S13) induces breathing suitable for sleep induction by applying pressure to the back and lower back of the seated person by the back pressure device 40 and lower back pressure device 42 at a predetermined cycle suitable for sleep induction.

[0115] The sleep-inducing seat temperature adjustment process (step S14) induces sleep by slowly warming the seat surface using the seat temperature adjustment device 52 under sleep-inducing breathing induction, and once the seat occupant falls asleep, the seat temperature is lowered to a level lower than before sleep, creating a comfortable sleeping environment.

[0116] The sleep-inducing reclining process (step S15) uses the electric reclining device 32 and the electric ottoman 38 to place the seat device 10 in a fully flat or nearly fully flat position under sleep-inducing breathing guidance, creating a comfortable sleeping environment.

[0117] In the sleep-inducing massage process (step S16), under sleep-inducing breathing guidance, massage is performed by the seat shape adjusting device 44, the cervical massage device 48, and the calf massage device 50 in synchronization with the sleep-inducing breathing guidance.

[0118] The sleep induction environment setting process (step S17) includes outputting sound suitable for sleep induction from the in-vehicle audio device 92, lighting suitable for sleep induction from the in-vehicle lighting device 94, and a windshield suitable for sleep induction from the windshade device 96.

[0119] The posture correction process (step S18) executes a posture correction control routine shown in FIG.

[0120] The posture correction control routine shown in FIG. 4 will now be described.

[0121] First, the body pressure at each part of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 is detected by each body pressure detection device 46, and body pressure information is obtained (step S41). Next, the body pressure distribution at the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 is calculated based on the body pressure information at each part (step S41), and it is determined whether the body pressure distribution is appropriate or not. One of the conditions for the body pressure distribution to be appropriate is that there is no part where the body pressure is locally higher than other parts.

[0122] If the body pressure distribution is not proper (No at step S42), the seat shape adjusting device 44 performs a correction process to make the body pressure distribution proper (step S43).

[0123] If the body pressure distribution is appropriate (No in step S42), it is determined whether or not to encourage the person to turn over (step S44). The determination of whether or not to encourage the person to turn over is made based on breathing, heart rate, video data of the seated person, etc. If the person should be encouraged to turn over (Yes in step S44), the seat shape adjustment device 44 changes the surface shapes of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 to shapes that encourage turning over and make it easy to turn over (step S45).

[0124] Next, the running acceleration of the vehicle is detected (step S46), and it is determined whether the running acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S47). If the running acceleration is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES in step S47), the seat shape adjustment device 44 increases the hold of the seat occupant by the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34, and increases the hardness of the seat cushion 30 and the seat back 34 (step S48). This ends the posture correction routine.

[0125] 3, it is determined whether or not the predetermined wake-up time has arrived while executing the above-mentioned steps S13 to S18 (step S19). If the wake-up time has arrived (Yes in step S19), the wake-up process is executed (step S20).

[0126] If it is determined in the sleep induction determination in step S12 that the seated occupant is not trying to fall asleep (step S12: No), it is determined whether the seated occupant is excited (step S21). This determination is made based on the changes in the seated occupant's breathing cycle and heart rate, and video data. If it is determined that the seated occupant is excited (step S21: Yes), a process is performed to promote calming of the seated occupant, in other words, to suppress the excitement of the seated occupant. The calming promotion process includes induction of abdominal breathing by the lumbar compression device 42, and massage to improve relaxation by the seat shape adjustment device 44, cervical vertebrae massage device 48, and calf massage device 50.

[0127] If the driving mode of the automobile is determined in step S10 to be not automatic, that is, the automobile is being manually driven by the driver (No in step S10), or if the operating mode of the seat device 10 is determined in step S11 to be not automatic, that is, the seat device 10 is in manual setting mode (No in step S11), then it is determined whether or not a sleep induction mode has been selected (step S23).

[0128] If the sleep induction mode is selected (Yes in step S23), the process proceeds to step S13, and steps S13 to S20 are executed in sequence, similar to when the automatic mode is set.

[0129] If the sleep induction mode is not selected (step S23: No), it is determined whether the seated occupant is excited (step S24). This determination step S24 is the same as step S21, and if it is determined that the seated occupant is excited (step S24: Yes), the same sedation promotion process as in step S22 is executed (step S25).

[0130] It is determined whether or not the hot / cold mode has been selected (step S26). If the hot / cold mode has been selected (step S26: Yes), the hot / cold control routine shown in FIG.

[0131] The hot / cold control routine shown in FIG. 5 will now be described.

[0132] First, the cooling mode using the Peltier element of the seat temperature control device 52 is started (step S50), and the surface temperature of the seat (seat cushion 30 and seat back 34) is monitored to see if it has dropped to a predetermined value (step S51). If the surface temperature of the seat has dropped to the predetermined value, that temperature state is maintained for a predetermined time (step S52).

[0133] If the predetermined temperature state is maintained for a predetermined time, the cold mode is ended (step S53), the warm mode by the heater of the seat temperature adjustment device 52 is started (step S54), and it is monitored whether the seat surface temperature has risen to a predetermined value (step S55). If the seat surface temperature has risen to the predetermined value, that temperature state is maintained for a predetermined time (step S56). If the predetermined temperature state is maintained for a predetermined time, the warm mode is ended (step S57), and the number count is incremented (step S58).

[0134] Steps S50 to S58 are repeatedly executed a specified number of times, and when the specified number of times is reached (step S59), the hot / cold routine is terminated.

[0135] Next, returning to the flowchart shown in Fig. 3, it is determined whether or not the massage mode has been selected (step S28). If the massage mode has been selected (step S28: Yes), the massage control routine shown in Fig. 6 is executed.

[0136] The massage control routine shown in FIG. 6 will now be described.

[0137] First, prior to the massage, the heater of the seat temperature control device 52 starts heating the seat surface temperature (step S60), and it is monitored whether a predetermined temperature is maintained for a predetermined time (step S61). When the predetermined temperature is maintained for the predetermined time, the initial and final rhythms of the massage are determined (step S62). The initial and final rhythms of the massage can be determined by the seat occupant depending on the degree of massage desired by the seat occupant, etc.

[0138] Next, while detecting the breathing of the seated person (step S63), the seat shape adjusting device 44 starts the massage at the initial rhythm (step S64). When a predetermined time has passed since the start of the massage (step S65), the massage rhythm is slowly changed to approach the final rhythm (step S66), and it is monitored whether the massage rhythm and the breathing rhythm are synchronized (step S67).

[0139] If the massage rhythm matches the breathing rhythm (Yes in step S67), it is determined whether the current massage rhythm is the final rhythm (step S68). If it is not the final rhythm (No in step S68), steps S66 and S67 are repeated. If the current massage rhythm is the final rhythm (Yes in step S68), the final rhythm is maintained until a predetermined time has elapsed (step S69), and then the massage routine is terminated.

[0140] 3, it is determined whether or not the exercise mode has been selected (step S30). If the exercise mode has been selected (step S30: Yes), the seat shape adjustment device 44 performs an exercise for the seated occupant (step S31).

[0141] Next, it is determined whether or not the respiration induction mode has been selected (step S32). If the respiration mode has been selected (step S32: Yes), the respiration induction control routine shown in FIG.

[0142] The respiration induction control routine shown in FIG. 7 will now be described.

[0143] First, the current breathing state is detected (step S70), and based on that, if chest breathing is appropriate, chest breathing is induced by the back compression device 40 and the fact that chest breathing is being induced is displayed (step S72). After that, the current breathing state is detected (step S73), and it is determined whether or not chest breathing is being performed (step S74). If chest breathing is performed (step S74: Yes), the process returns to step S73, and if chest breathing is not performed (step S74: No), the seated person is notified that chest breathing is not being performed correctly (step S75), and the process returns to step S73.

[0144] In the judgment of step S71, if it is judged that thoracic breathing is not appropriate (step S71 No), that is, if abdominal breathing is appropriate, lumbar breathing is induced by the lumbar pressing device 42 and the fact that abdominal breathing is being induced is displayed (step S76). After that, the current breathing state is detected (step S77) and it is judged whether abdominal breathing is being performed or not (step S78). If abdominal breathing is performed (step S78 Yes), the process returns to step S77, and if abdominal breathing is not performed (step S78 No), the seated person is notified that abdominal breathing is not being performed correctly (step S79) and returns to step S77. The breathing induction routine ends when the selection of the breathing induction mode is released.

[0145] Next, one embodiment of a power supply mechanism that supplies power to each part of the seat device 10 from a power source (not shown) on the vehicle body side will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0146] The seat cushion 30 has a seat cushion frame 120 having a substantially rectangular frame shape. The seat back 34 has a seat back frame 122 having a substantially rectangular frame shape.

[0147] A power transmitter 132 having a band-shaped power transmitter electrode 130 extending over substantially the entire length of the lower rail 16 is attached to the upper surface of the lower rail 16. A power receiver 136 having a power receiver electrode 134 is attached to the lower surface of the upper rail 18. The power transmitter electrode 130 and the power receiver electrode 134 face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, forming a contactless power supply mechanism using electric field coupling. As a result, power is supplied to each component of the seat device 10 from a power source (not shown) on the vehicle body side.

[0148] A belt-shaped bellows 138 connected to the upper rail 18 is attached to the lower rail 16 so as to close an upper opening of the lower rail 16. The bellows 13 protects the power-transmitting side electrode 130.

[0149] 10, the power transmitter electrode 130 and the power receiver electrode 134 have uneven surfaces that complement each other and face each other in order to increase the facing area between them. The increase in the facing area increases the transmittable power.

[0150] 11 shows another embodiment of the power supply mechanism. In this embodiment, the power transmitter electrode 130 and the power receiver electrode 134 extend between the left and right lower rails 16. This increases the opposing area between the power transmitter electrode 130 and the power receiver electrode 134, thereby increasing the transmittable power.

[0151] In this embodiment, the power transmitting side electrode 130 and the power receiving side electrode 134 may have uneven surfaces that complement each other and face each other, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0152] Fig. 12 shows another embodiment of the power supply mechanism. In this embodiment, the lower rail 16 has a box-shaped cross-sectional portion 17. A power transmitter electrode 130 is provided on the inner surface of the box-shaped cross-sectional portion 17. The upper rail 18 has a slider portion 19 that extends into the box-shaped cross-sectional portion 17 from the inside. A power receiver electrode 134 is provided on the outer surface of the slider portion 19. In this embodiment, the power transmitter electrode 130 is not exposed to the outside.

[0153] Next, another embodiment of a power supply mechanism for supplying power to each part of the seat device 10 from a power source (not shown) on the vehicle body side will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0154] A power transmitter 150 is attached to the floor panel 14 between the left and right lower rails 16. A beam 128 extending in the front-rear direction is attached between the front member 124 and the rear member 126 of the seat cushion frame 120. A power receiver 154 is suspended and supported by a damper 152 on the beam 128.

[0155] The power transmitter 150 and the power receiver 154 face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, and constitute a contactless power supply mechanism using magnetic field resonance. As a result, power is supplied to each part of the seat device 10 from a power source (not shown) on the vehicle body side.

[0156] A magnetic shield member 156 is attached to the beam 128 so as to surround the power receiver 154 .

[0157] In this embodiment, the damper 152 suppresses the propagation of vibration from the seat cushion frame 120 side to the power receiver 154 .

[0158] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a power supply mechanism using magnetic resonance, in which a plurality of power transmitters 150 are provided at predetermined intervals on the inner outer surfaces of the left and right lower rails 16 in the extension direction of the lower rails 16.

[0159] The present invention has been described above in terms of its preferred embodiments, but as can be easily understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the back pressure device 40, the lumbar pressure device 42, and the seat shape adjustment device 44 are not limited to those using air pads, and may be those using electrostrictive elements that deform when power is supplied, or mechanical types using cams, etc. Exercises may be performed by a known electric lumbar support device incorporated in the seat back 34, without relying on the seat shape adjustment device 44.

[0160] Furthermore, not all of the components shown in the above embodiment are necessarily essential, and they can be appropriately selected without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10: Seat device 12: Slide rail device 13: Bellows 14: Floor panel 15: Bracket 16: Lower rail 17: Box-shaped section 18: Upper rail 19: Slider section 20: Side door 22: Window glass 30: Seat cushion 32: Electric reclining device 34: Seat back 36: Head List 38: Electric ottoman 40: Back pressure device 42: Lumbar compression device 44: Seat shape adjustment device (shape adjustment device) 46: Body pressure detector 48: Cervical massage device 50: Calf massage device 52: Seat temperature control device (temperature control device) 56: Knee heater 58: Hot air device 60: Blanket storage box 62: Blanket 64: Locking hole 66: Engagement hook 70: Operation panel 72: Breath detection device 74: Heart rate detector 76: Humidity detector 78: Camera 90: Humidity control device 92: Vehicle interior acoustic system 94: Vehicle interior lighting system 96: Wind shade device 98:Display device 100: Control device 102: Sleep-guided respiration induction control unit 104: Sleep level calculation unit 106: Respiratory induction control unit 108: Seat temperature control unit 110: Vehicle interior environment control unit 112: Massage control unit 114: Attitude control unit 116: Reclining control unit 118: Exercise control section 120: Seat cushion frame 122: Seat back frame 124: Front member 126: Rear member 128: Beam 130: Power transmission electrode 132: Power transmitter 134: Receiving electrode 136: Power receiver 138: Bellows 150: Power transmitter 152: Damper 154: Power receiver 156: Magnetic shielding materials

Claims

1. A seat device, comprising: A seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back; A pressing device provided on the seat back for pressing a back or a waist of a seated person to induce breathing; At least one of a temperature control device that changes a temperature of the seat cushion or the seat back, and a shape control device that changes a surface shape of the seat cushion or the seat back; a control device that controls the pressing device so as to press the back or the lumbar region of the seated person at a cycle set in accordance with a breathing cycle of a human being during sleep, and controls at least one of the temperature adjustment device and the shape adjustment device, The control device determines whether the breathing of the seated occupant is abdominal breathing or thoracic breathing, and controls the pressure device to induce breathing according to the same breathing method as determined by the determined breathing method.

2. A seat device, A seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back; A pressing device provided on the seat back for pressing a back or a waist of a seated person to induce breathing; At least one of a temperature control device that changes a temperature of the seat cushion or the seat back, and a shape control device that changes a surface shape of the seat cushion or the seat back; a control device that controls the pressing device so as to press the back or the lumbar region of the seated person at a cycle set in accordance with a breathing cycle of a human being during sleep, and controls at least one of the temperature adjustment device and the shape adjustment device, The control device is a seat device that controls the pressing device so as to induce abdominal breathing when inducing sleep and to induce thoracic breathing when sleep ends.

3. 3. The seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device corrects the period by learning a breathing cycle of the seated occupant while sleeping.

4. A breath detection device for detecting the breathing of the seated occupant, The seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device controls the pressing device so as to induce breathing that eliminates the breathing disturbance when the breathing detected by the breathing detection device is disturbed.

5. The seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device determines that the seat occupant has a sleep inclination based on information from an external source, and, upon determining that the occupant has a sleep inclination, turns on the pressing device and controls the temperature adjustment device to warm the seat cushion and the seat back.

6. A heating device for heating the feet of the seated person is provided, The control device determines whether the occupant has a sleep inclination based on information from an external source, and, upon determining that the occupant has a sleep inclination, controls the pressing device to be turned on and the warm air device to be turned on.

7. 5. The seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the temperature adjustment device so that the temperatures of the seat cushion and the seat back alternately increase and decrease.

8. The control device determines whether the occupant is sleep-oriented based on information from an external source, and when it determines that the occupant is sleep-oriented, turns on the pressing device and controls the shape adjustment device so that a massage is performed in synchronization with the breathing rhythm of the occupant.

9. The seat apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control device controls the temperature adjustment device so that the temperatures of the seat cushion and the seat back are increased when the occupant is inclined to sleep.

10. The seat apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device controls the shape adjustment device so that a massage is performed in synchronization with a breathing rhythm of the seated occupant.

11. a body pressure detection device that detects the body pressure of the seat occupant in each of the seat cushion and the seat back individually; The seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control device controls the shape adjustment device so as to reduce a difference between the body pressures of the various portions.

12. The seat apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control device controls the shape adjustment device so that surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back are deformed to encourage the seat occupant to change his / her posture.

13. 13. The seat device according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the shape adjusting device so that surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back are deformed to promote awakening at a set awakening time.

14. The seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is a seat device for a vehicle.

15. The seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is a seat device for an autonomously driven automobile.

Images