Vehicle seat

Abstract

To enhance convenience of a vehicular seat by installing a power supply facility that can be used in a state seat arrangements are made, so as to contribute to improvement in commodity value.SOLUTION: A vehicular seat 400 comprises: seat main bodies 410 and 420, configured so that seat arrangements can be made, on which occupants are seated; and wireless power supply units 417 and 427, provided in the seat main bodies 410 and 420, which wirelessly supply electric power to articles 452 and 453 to be supplied with electric power having electric power receiving parts 452a and 453a for wirelessly receiving supply of electric power. The wireless electric power supply units 417 and 427 are arranged on surfaces pointing upward of the seat main bodies 410 and 420 in a state where seat arrangements are made, and the wireless electric power supply units 417 and 427 have electric power transmitting parts 451 that receive supply of electric power from a power supply part 2. The electric power transmitting parts 451 wirelessly supply electric power to the electric power receiving parts 452a and 453a of the articles 452 and 453 to be supplied with electric power.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various mechanisms and devices for arranging the form of a seat have been adopted for vehicle seats in automobiles and the like. And various seat arrangements have been proposed, such as folding the seat to expand the luggage compartment, flattening the seat so that one can lie down, and using the back surface of the seat back as a table (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Among the various proposed seat arrangements, the form in which the seat back is tilted toward the seat cushion and the back surface of the seat back faces upward is widely adopted because items can be placed on the upward-facing back surface or it can be used as a space to lie down.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] So far, various forms of seat arrangements have been proposed. In the future, for vehicle seats capable of seat arrangement, it is required to develop technologies that can enhance convenience and contribute to improving the commercial value by providing functions that can enhance convenience. In particular, in recent years, the opportunity to bring various electronic devices and various devices such as smartphones into the vehicle has increased, so there is a high demand for vehicle seats capable of seat arrangement provided with power supply facilities.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to install a power supply facility that can be used in a state where the seat is arranged, improve the convenience of the vehicle seat, and contribute to the improvement of the product value.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a vehicle seat, To enable the occupant to sit, the seat back in the upright state is tilted toward the seat cushion, and the back surface of the seat back is turned upward to place an article in the forward-tilted state configured to be seat-arrangeable ta shi - a seat body, a wireless power supply unit that is provided on the seat body and wirelessly supplies power to a power supply target article having a power receiving unit for receiving wireless power supply, an arrangement sensor that detects the seat arrangement operation of the seat body, a control device capable of controlling the wireless power supply unit, and is provided with the wireless power supply unit is arranged on the upward-facing surface of the seat body in a seat-arranged forward tilt state, and the wireless power supply unit has a power transmission unit that receives power supply from a power supply unit, the power transmission unit wirelessly supplies power to the power receiving unit of the power supply target article, The control device starts or stops the power supply from the power supply unit to the power transmission unit based on the detection result of the arrangement sensor which is characterized in that.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is the vehicle seat according to claim 1, the seat body is a seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant, a seat back that supports the back of the occupant, and a reclining mechanism that tilts the seat back with respect to the seat cushion, and is characterized in that the wireless power supply unit is provided on the back surface of the seat back, the seat back is from the upright state rotated forward and folded into a forward-falling state by the reclining mechanism so that the seat can be arranged.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is the vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power transmission unit is provided inside the housing constituting the wireless power feeding unit, and a surface of the housing facing upward and the power transmission unit are arranged in parallel.

[0009] The invention according to claim 4 is the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wireless power feeding unit has a holding unit for holding the power feeding target article set in the wireless power feeding unit.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wireless power feeding unit has a notification unit for notifying that the power transmission unit is receiving power supply from the power supply unit.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 is the vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit is constituted by an illumination device including a light source that lights up when the power transmission unit is receiving power supply from the power supply unit, is formed in a long shape along the edge of the wireless power feeding unit, and is provided at the edge of the wireless power feeding unit.

[0013] Claim 7 The invention described in is the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein a positioning unit for positioning at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel in the electric mobility is provided on an upward-facing surface of the seat body in a seat-arranged state. The power feeding target article is an electric mobility having a front wheel, a rear wheel, a mobility body supported by the front wheel and the rear wheel, and the power receiving unit, and a positioning unit for positioning at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel in the electric mobility is provided on an upward-facing surface of the seat body in a seat-arranged state.

[0014] Claim 8 The invention described in is the claim7 In the vehicle seat according to a displacement sensor that detects displacement of the electric mobility that receives wireless power supply from the wireless power supply unit; and a notification means for notifying when displacement of the electric mobility is detected by the displacement sensor.

[0015] Claim 9 The invention according to 8 In the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to Claim 10 is a vehicle seat according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, having a headrest provided at the upper part of the seat back for supporting a person's head, The seat body includes a seat frame constituting a skeleton, a pad supported by the seat frame, and a skin covering the pad, characterized by having a slide mechanism for sliding the seat body at least in the front-rear direction and a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the seat body.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the invention of claim 1, the wireless power supply unit provided on the seat body configured to be seat-arrangeable is arranged on the upward-facing surface of the seat body in the seat-arranged forward tilt state, and the wireless power supply unit has a power transmission unit that receives power supply from a power supply unit, and the power transmission unit wirelessly supplies power to a power reception unit of an article to be powered. Therefore, by arranging the article to be powered on the upward-facing surface of the seat body in the seat-arranged forward tilt state, wireless power supply can be performed from the power transmission unit. Therefore, a wireless power supply facility that can be used in the seat-arranged forward tilt state can be installed on the seat body, improving the convenience of the vehicle seat and contributing to an improvement in product value. In addition, since it further includes an arrangement sensor that detects the seat arrangement operation of the seat body and a control device that starts or stops the power supply from the power supply unit to the power transmission unit based on the detection result of the arrangement sensor, the power supply can be appropriately controlled according to the seat arrangement state of the seat body, which is excellent in convenience.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 2, the wireless power supply unit is provided on the back surface of the seat back, and the seat back can be seat-arranged by a reclining mechanism so as to rotate forward and be folded into a forward-falling state. Therefore, by arranging the power supply target article on the back surface of the seat back arranged in the forward-falling state, power can be wirelessly supplied from the power transmission unit.

[0018] According to the invention described in claim 3, the power transmission unit is provided inside the housing constituting the wireless power supply unit, and the upward-facing surface of the housing and the power transmission unit are arranged in parallel. Therefore, by arranging the power supply target article on the upward-facing surface of the housing, the power receiving unit of the power supply target article and the power transmission unit can be arranged in parallel. Thereby, it is easy to ensure good power transmission efficiency.

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 4, the wireless power supply unit has a holding unit for holding the power supply target article set in the wireless power supply unit. Therefore, the power supply target article is less likely to be displaced, and it is easy to ensure good power transmission efficiency.

[0020] According to the invention described in claim 5, the wireless power supply unit has a notification unit for notifying that the power transmission unit is receiving power supply from the power supply unit. Therefore, the occupant can confirm, by checking the notification by the notification unit, that the power transmission unit is receiving power supply from the power supply unit, and the convenience is excellent.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 6, since the edge of the wireless power supply unit can be bordered by the notification unit provided at the edge of the wireless power supply unit, the fall of the power supply target article from the wireless power supply unit can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the notification unit is constituted by a lighting device including a light source that lights up when the power transmission unit is receiving power supply from the power supply unit, it will function as lighting in the vehicle while performing notification by light.

[0023] Claim 7According to the invention described in , since a positioning portion for positioning at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels in electric mobility is provided on the upward-facing surface of the seat body in the sheet-arranged state, it becomes easier to load the electric mobility on the upward-facing surface of the seat body.

[0024] Claim 8 According to the invention described in , since it further includes a displacement sensor for detecting the displacement of an electric mobility that receives power wirelessly from a wireless power supply unit, and a notification means for notifying when the displacement of the electric mobility is detected by the displacement sensor, when the driver of the vehicle receives the notification from the notification means, safety measures such as temporarily stopping the vehicle and correcting the displacement of the electric mobility can be taken, contributing to the improvement of safety.

[0025] Claim 9 According to the invention described in , since the vehicle seat constitutes the rear seat of the vehicle, even during the operation of the vehicle, wireless power supply to the power supply target item by the wireless power supply unit can be performed, which is excellent in convenience. Furthermore, since a wireless power supply function can be imparted to the vehicle seat of the rear seat that can be sheet-arranged, the convenience of the vehicle seat can be enhanced, contributing to the improvement of the commercial value.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments described below for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0028] In addition, the vehicle seat described below includes vehicle seats for ships, airplanes, snowmobiles, water bikes, etc., but mainly refers to vehicle seats for vehicles. Vehicles include not only straddle-type or non-straddle-type motorcycles and automobiles (passenger cars), but also bicycles, motorized bicycles, construction vehicles, military vehicles, industrial vehicles, railway vehicles, and other agricultural vehicles such as cultivators and tractors. And a passenger sits on the vehicle seat. In the present embodiment, the vehicle seat 400 in an automobile will be described as an example.

[0029] The vehicle seat 400 has left and right seat bodies 410 and 420, and these left and right seat bodies 410 and 420 are in a so-called bench seat state where they are adjacent without a gap or with a small gap.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the ratio of the width dimensions of the left and right seat bodies 410 and 420 is approximately 6 to 4, but it may be 5 to 5. Also, in the present embodiment, the left first seat body 410 is set wider than the right second seat body 420.

[0031] Note that the vehicle seat 400 in the present embodiment is a seat constituting a rear seat, but it may also be a seat constituting a driver's seat and a passenger seat. Also, the rear seat does not only refer to the second row seat of the front and rear two-row seats, but may also refer to the second row seat and subsequent seats of the front and rear three-row or more seats. In addition, the vehicle seat 400 in this embodiment is a three-seater seat.

[0032] The first seat body 410 includes at least a seat cushion 411 that supports a person's thighs and buttocks, a seat back 412 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 411 and serves as a backrest, a reclining mechanism 413 that tilts the seat back 412 with respect to the seat cushion 411, and a headrest 414 that supports a person's head. Such a first seat body 410 is supported by a support base 416 fixed to the vehicle body 1 of the automobile. In addition, if necessary, auxiliary support parts such as armrests that support a person's arms and ottomans that support a person's legs are provided. Note that the support base 416 has a slide mechanism that slides the first seat body 410 at least in the front-rear direction (and the left-right direction), and a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the first seat body 410.

[0033] The second seat body 420 includes at least a seat cushion 421 that supports a person's thighs and buttocks, a seat back 422 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 421 and serves as a backrest, a reclining mechanism 423 that tilts the seat back 422 with respect to the seat cushion 421, and a headrest 424 that supports a person's head. Such a second seat body 420 is supported by a support base 426 fixed to the vehicle body 1 of the automobile. In addition, if necessary, auxiliary support parts such as armrests that support a person's arms and ottomans that support a person's legs are provided. Note that the support base 426 has a slide mechanism that slides the second seat body 420 at least in the front-rear direction (and the left-right direction), and a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the second seat body 420.

[0034] The first seat body 410 and the second seat body 420 are each constituted by a seat frame that forms a skeleton and a pad supported by the seat frame being covered with a seat cover that serves as an outer skin. Electrical components, control devices, etc. necessary for imparting various functions to the vehicle seat 400 are provided on the seat frame and the pad.

[0035] In addition, the first seat body 410 and the second seat body 420 are provided with the above reclining mechanisms 413 and 423 for tilting the seat backs 412 and 422 with respect to the seat cushions 411 and 421, so that the seat back rotates forward from the state where it is almost vertically upright to the forward-tilted state where it is folded so that the seat arrangement is possible. As a result, the seat body can be seat-arranged from the state where the occupant is seated to the state where the back surface of the seat back is turned upward to place an article. More specifically, the seat backs 412 and 422 are rotated forward and folded down to the lowest position to form a forward-tilted state, and the surface that was located on the back side when the occupant was seated can be set as an upward-facing surface. The upward-facing surfaces of the seat backs 412 and 422 in the forward-tilted state can be used to place articles or serve as a space for the occupant to lie down.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, wireless power supply units 417 and 427 for wirelessly supplying power to the power supply target articles 452 and 453 are provided on the back portions (the above upward-facing surfaces) of the seat backs 412 and 422 of the first seat body 410 and the second seat body 420 configured as described above.

[0037] The first wireless power supply unit 417 provided in the first seat body 410 is a table-type wireless power supply unit that can be used when the seat back 412 is rotated forward and folded down to the lowest position. The first wireless power supply unit 417 includes a table-type housing 417a and an LED pipe 417b for the edge.

[0038] The table-type housing 417a has a horizontal plane (upper surface) facing upward when the seat back 412 of the first seat body 410 is in the forward-tilted state, and a power transmission unit 451 that receives power supply from the power supply unit 2 on the vehicle body 1 side is housed and provided inside. The upper surface of the table-type housing 417a is a space for placing the power supply target articles 452 and 453. The power transmission unit 451 is set to an area that can cover the upper surface of the table-type housing 417a so that power can be supplied to the power supply target articles 452 and 453 anywhere on the upper surface of the table-type housing 417a.

[0039] The LED pipe 417b is provided with a plurality of LED lamps arranged inside a translucent pipe material. In the present embodiment, it is formed in a square pipe shape. And such an LED pipe 417b is provided along the four edge portions on the upward horizontal plane of the table-type housing 417a. The length of the LED pipe 417b is substantially equal to the four edge portions on the horizontal plane, and the horizontal plane is bordered by the LED pipe 417b. Note that the LED pipe 417b receives power supply from the same power supply unit 2 as the power transmission unit 451. Therefore, when the power transmission unit 451 is energized, it is in a lighting state, and it is possible to notify the occupant that the upper surface of the table-type housing 417a is in a power supply enabled state. In other words, the LED pipe 417b constitutes the four edge portions on the upward surface of the table-type housing 417a and functions as a notification unit that notifies energization of the power transmission unit 451. In addition, since the plurality of LED lamps of the LED pipe 417b light up, it also functions as illumination inside the vehicle.

[0040] The second wireless power supply unit 427 provided in the second seat body 420 is a holder-type wireless power supply unit that can be used when the seat back 422 is rotated forward and folded down to the lowest position. The second wireless power supply unit 427 includes a holder-type housing 427a and an edge LED pipe 427b.

[0041] The holder-type housing 427a is formed in a concave shape with one side open (open portion). When the seat back 422 of the second seat body 420 is in the forward-falling state, the open portion faces upward. Inside, a power transmission unit 451 that receives power supply from the power supply unit 2 on the vehicle body 1 side is housed and provided. The inner surface of the holder-type housing 427a is a space for inserting and holding the power supply target articles 452 and 453 from the open portion. Of the bottom portion on the inner surface of the holder-type housing 427a, the power transmission unit 451 is set to an area that can cover the bottom portion on the inner surface of the holder-type housing 427a so that power can be supplied to the power supply target articles 452 and 453 anywhere. In this embodiment, a plurality of holder-type housings 427a are provided in the second sheet body 420. The power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the two power transmission units 451 may be performed simultaneously or separately.

[0042] Further, the holder-type housing 427a has a plurality of fixing claws 427c as holding portions for holding the power supply target articles 452 and 453 inserted from the open portion so that they do not shift in position. These plurality of fixing claws 427c are rotatably connected to the four side wall portions of the holder-type housing 427a. When preventing the power supply target articles 452 and 453 from shifting in position, these plurality of fixing claws 427c are rotated inward and protruded, and are brought into contact with the power supply target articles 452 and 453 to hold down the articles for use. In this embodiment, the plurality of fixing claws 427c are adopted as the holding portions for holding the power supply target articles 452 and 453, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0043] The LED pipe 427b is provided along the four side wall portions of the holder-type housing 427a. The length of the LED pipe 427b is set to be substantially equal to the four side wall portions. The LED pipe 427b receives power supply from the same power supply unit 2 as the power transmission unit 451. Therefore, during energization of the power transmission unit 451, it is in a lighting state, and it is possible to notify the occupant that the inner surface of the holder-type housing 427a is in a power supply enabled state. In other words, the LED pipe 427b functions as a notification unit that notifies the energization of the power transmission unit 451, and also functions as illumination inside the vehicle when a plurality of LED lamps are lit.

[0044] Examples of the power supply target articles 452 and 453 include a smartphone 452 having a power receiving unit 452a and a cup 453 having a power receiving unit 453a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any article provided with a power receiving unit capable of wirelessly receiving power supply from the above-described power transmission unit 451 incorporated in each of the wireless power supply units 417 and 427 may be used.

[0045] Examples of the method (wireless power supply method) of wirelessly (i.e., non-contact) supplying power between the power transmission unit 451 and the power receiving units 452a and 453a include an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic field resonance method, an electric field coupling method, a radio wave reception method, and the like. The electromagnetic induction method is a method in which an induction magnetic flux is generated between a transmission-side coil and a reception-side coil by flowing a current through the transmission-side coil in a state where the transmission-side coil and the reception-side coil are close to each other, and an induced electromotive force is generated in the reception-side coil through this induction magnetic flux. The magnetic field resonance method is a method in which a coil and a capacitor are embedded in the power transmission side and the power reception side, and the respective resonators are magnetically resonated to supply power. The electric field coupling method is a method in which electrodes are respectively provided on the power transmission side and the power reception side, and power is supplied by using an electric field generated when the respective electrodes are close to each other. The radio wave reception method is a method in which power is supplied by converting a current into an electromagnetic wave on the power transmission side and sending it to the power reception side. In this radio wave reception method, the power reception side receives an electromagnetic wave from an antenna, converts it into a direct current through a rectifier circuit, and uses it as power.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic induction method is adopted as the wireless power supply method. The power transmission unit 451 is configured such that a transmission-side coil is provided inside the housing, and receives power supply from the vehicle body 1 side. The power receiving units 452a and 453a are configured such that a receiving coil is provided inside the housing (the housing of the smartphone 452, the bottom housing of the cup 453), and they receive wireless power supply from the power transmitting unit 451. More specifically, an electromotive force is generated in the power receiving units 452a and 453a through the mediation of the induced magnetic flux generated by the power supplied to the power transmitting unit 451 from the vehicle body 1 side.

[0047] It is ensured that there is no obstacle, for example, made of metal that inhibits wireless power feeding, or an obstacle is not placed at a position where the magnetic flux passes, between the power transmitting unit 451 and the power receiving units 452a and 453a. Also, the power transmitting unit 451 and the power receiving units 452a and 453a are arranged to maintain a constant interval (constant distance) as much as possible in order to ensure good power transmission efficiency. Further, the interval between the power transmitting unit 451 and the power receiving units 452a and 453a is arranged to be as short as possible in order to ensure good power transmission efficiency. Additionally, the power transmitting unit 451 and the power receiving units 452a and 453a are arranged to be as parallel as possible in a side view in order to ensure good power transmission efficiency. That is, the power transmitting unit 451 is housed inside each of the housings 417a and 427a in a state parallel to the upper surface of the table - type housing 417a or the upper surface of the bottom of the holder - type housing 427a and with the interval as short as possible. In addition, the power transmitting unit 451 and the power receiving units 452a and 453a are arranged such that the displacement in the vertical and horizontal directions is as small as possible in order to ensure good power transmission efficiency. That is, as described above, in the table - type housing 417a, the power transmitting unit 451 is set to an area that can cover the upper surface of the table - type housing 417a, and in the holder - type housing 427a, the power transmitting unit 451 is set to an area that can cover the bottom of the inner side surface of the holder - type housing 427a. As a result, the displacement in the vertical and horizontal directions between the power transmitting unit 451 and the power receiving units 452a and 453a becomes small, and the power transmitting unit 451 and the power receiving units 452a and 453a are arranged in a lapped manner.

[0048] The housing of the power transmission unit 451 is made of a material such as resin that does not impede wireless power supply between the power transmission unit 451 and the power reception units 452a and 453a, at least on the surfaces facing the power reception units 452a and 453a. In this embodiment, the power transmission unit 451 is configured with a transmission-side coil provided inside the housing. However, it may also be configured with a transmission-side coil provided inside the table-type housing 417a and the holder-type housing 427a.

[0049] With the first wireless power supply unit 417 and the second wireless power supply unit 427 configured as described above, the power transmission unit 451 can be used by receiving power supply from the power supply unit 2 on the vehicle body 1 side.

[0050] In this embodiment, the timing at which the power transmission unit 451 receives power supply from the power supply unit 2 on the vehicle body 1 side is automatically started when the seat backs 412 and 422 of the respective seat bodies 410 and 420 are in the forward-fallen state, and automatically stopped when the seat backs 412 and 422 are raised. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle seat 400 includes an arrangement sensor 461 that detects the seat arrangement operation of the seat backs 412 and 422, and a control device 460 that starts or stops the power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the power transmission unit 451 based on the detection result of the arrangement sensor 461.

[0051] The arrangement sensor 461 is a position detection sensor. In this embodiment, it is attached to a member that is displaced when the seat back 412 rotates with respect to the seat cushion 411 in the reclining mechanism 413. For example, it is attached to a shaft rod (not shown) that serves as the rotation axis of the seat back 412 in the reclining mechanism 413, or a reclining adjuster (not shown) that operates together with the seat back 412.

[0052] The control device 460 may be a dedicated control device mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer, or may be composed of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle body 1 side. The control device 460 stores data and programs necessary for controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the power transmission unit 451, and controls the power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the power transmission unit 451 by executing the program. This control device 460 includes a power supply control means (power supply control program) for starting (energization ON) or stopping (energization OFF) the power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the power transmission unit 451.

[0053] In addition, a switch circuit 462 is provided between the power supply unit 2 and the power transmission unit 451 in order to enable the control related to the power supply by the control device 460. In other words, the power supply unit 2 and the power transmission unit 451 are connected via this switch circuit 462. The control device 460 switches the energization ON and OFF from the power supply unit 2 to the power transmission unit 451 by switching the switch of the switch circuit 462.

[0054] In this embodiment, the timing at which the power transmission unit 451 receives power supply from the power supply unit 2 on the vehicle body 1 side is caused by the rotation operation of the seat back 412, but it is not limited to this. For example, an on-off switch for turning on and off the power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the power transmission unit 451 may be provided between the power supply unit 2 and the power transmission unit 451. The on-off switch refers to the operation part of the above switch circuit 462 and is provided so as to be exposed on the surfaces of the seat bodies 410 and 420. For example, an on-off switch may be provided on the housings 417a and 427a of the wireless power feeding units 417 and 427. Also, when the power supply unit 2 is controlled by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that constitutes a control device of an automobile, the on-off switch does not need to be provided between the power supply unit 2 and the power transmission unit 451. That is, for example, a button for operating the power supply unit 2 may be displayed on an in-vehicle navigation system, or a switch for operating the power supply unit 2 may be provided around an instrument panel (so-called IP), so that the power supply to the power transmission unit 451 can be turned on and off.

[0055] In the vehicle seat 400 as described above, when the power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the power transmission unit 451 is performed, the wireless power supply units 417 and 427 provided on the seat backs 412 and 422 of the first seat body 410 and the second seat body 420 can be brought into a state where wireless power supply to the power supply target articles 452 and 453 is possible. The wireless power supply units 417 and 427 have upward surfaces (the upper surface of the table-type housing 417a and the bottom upper surface of the holder-type housing 427a) that face upward when the seat backs 412 and 422 are tilted forward, and function as so-called placement-type power supply units that can wirelessly supply power to the power supply target articles 452 and 453 placed on the upward surfaces. In the case of the second wireless power supply unit 427 constituted by the holder-type housing 427a, since it has the fixing claws 427c as a holding part that can hold the power supply target articles 452 and 453, it is possible to wirelessly supply power to the power supply target articles 452 and 453 without necessarily tilting the seat backs 412 and 422 forward.

[0056] According to the present embodiment, the following excellent effects are achieved. That is, the wireless power supply units 417 and 427 provided on the seat bodies 410 and 420 configured to be seat-arrangeable are arranged on the upward-facing surfaces of the seat bodies 410 and 420 in the seat-arranged state. Moreover, the wireless power supply units 417 and 427 have a power transmission unit 451 that receives power supply from the power supply unit 2. Since the power transmission unit 451 wirelessly supplies power to the power receiving units 452a and 453a of the power supply target articles 452 and 453, by arranging the power supply target articles 452 and 453 on the upward-facing surfaces of the seat bodies 410 and 420 in the seat-arranged state, wireless power supply can be performed from the power transmission unit 451. Therefore, a wireless power supply facility (wireless power supply units 417 and 427) that can be used in the seat-arranged state can be installed on the seat bodies 410 and 420, enhancing the convenience of the vehicle seat 400 and contributing to an improvement in the product value.

[0057] In addition, the wireless power supply units 417 and 427 are provided on the back surfaces of the seat backs 412 and 422. The seat backs 412 and 422 can be seat-arranged so as to be in a forward-tilted state where they rotate forward and are folded by the reclining mechanisms 413 and 423. Therefore, by arranging the power supply target articles 452 and 453 on the back surfaces of the seat backs 412 and 422 seat-arranged to be in the forward-tilted state, wireless power supply can be performed from the power transmission unit 451.

[0058] Further, the power transmission unit 451 is provided inside the housings 417a and 427a (table-type housing 417a, holder-type housing 427a) that constitute the wireless power supply units 417 and 427. Since the upward-facing surface of the housings 417a and 427a and the power transmission unit 451 are arranged in parallel, by arranging the power supply target articles 452 and 453 on the upward-facing surface of the housings 417a and 427a, the power receiving units 452a and 453a of the power supply target articles 452 and 453 and the power transmission unit 451 can be arranged in parallel. Thereby, it is easy to ensure good power transmission efficiency.

[0059] In addition, since the wireless power supply unit 427 has a holding part 427c (fixed claw 427c) that holds the power supply target articles 452 and 453 set in the wireless power supply unit 427, the power supply target articles 452 and 453 are less likely to be displaced, and it is easy to ensure good power transmission efficiency.

[0060] In addition, since the wireless power supply units 417 and 427 have notification parts 417b and 427b (LED pipes 417b and 427b) that notify that the power transmission part 451 is receiving power supply from the power supply part 2, the occupant can confirm the notification by the notification parts 417b and 427b and confirm that the power transmission part 451 is receiving power supply from the power supply part 2, which is excellent in convenience.

[0061] In addition, since the edge parts of the wireless power supply units 417 and 427 can be framed by the notification parts 417b and 427b provided at the edge parts of the wireless power supply units 417 and 427, the fall of the power supply target articles 452 and 453 from the wireless power supply units 417 and 427 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the notification parts 417b and 427b are constituted by lighting devices having light sources that light up when the power transmission part 451 is receiving power supply from the power supply part 2, they will function as lighting in the vehicle while performing notification by light.

[0062] In addition, since it further includes an arrangement sensor 461 that detects the seat arrangement operation of the seat bodies 410 and 420, and a control device 460 that starts or stops the power supply from the power supply part 2 to the power transmission part 451 based on the detection result of the arrangement sensor 461, the power supply can be appropriately controlled according to the seat arrangement state of the seat bodies 410 and 420, which is excellent in convenience.

[0063] In addition, since the vehicle seat 400 constitutes the rear seat of the vehicle, even during the operation of the vehicle, wireless power supply to the power supply target articles 452 and 453 by the wireless power supply units 417 and 427 can be performed, which is excellent in convenience. Furthermore, since a wireless power supply function can be imparted to the vehicle seat 400 of the rear seat that can be seat-arranged, the convenience of the vehicle seat 400 can be enhanced, contributing to the improvement of the commercial value.

[0064] [Modification Example] Note that the embodiments to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Hereinafter, modification examples will be described. The following modification examples may be combined as much as possible. In addition, in each of the following modification examples, elements common to the above-described embodiments are denoted by common reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

[0065] [Modification Example 1] The vehicle seat 510 in this modification example is a seat that constitutes a rear seat, and in particular, is a rear seat located at the rearmost part of the vehicle. Therefore, there is a luggage compartment of the vehicle behind the vehicle seat 510. A recess is provided in the luggage compartment by forming a lower floor surface 1b that is one step lower than the luggage compartment floor surface 1a. The vehicle seat 510 in this modification example is installed on the lower floor surface 1b and can be stored in the recess of the luggage compartment.

[0066] As the seat body, the vehicle seat 510 includes at least a seat cushion 511 that supports a person's thigh and buttocks, a seat back 512 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 511 and serves as a backrest, a reclining mechanism 513 that tilts the seat back 512 with respect to the seat cushion 511, and a headrest 514 that supports a person's head. Such a seat body is supported by a support base 516 fixed to the above-described lower floor surface 1b. In addition, if necessary, auxiliary support parts such as an armrest that supports a person's arm and an ottoman that supports a person's leg are provided. Note that the support base 516 has a slide mechanism that slides the seat body at least in the front-rear direction (and the left-right direction), and a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the first seat body.

[0067] The seat body is composed of a seat frame that constitutes the skeleton and a pad supported by the seat frame, which is covered with a seat cover that serves as the skin. Electrical components, control devices, etc. necessary for imparting various functions to the vehicle seat 510 are provided to the seat frame and the pad.

[0068] In addition, the seat body is provided with a reclining mechanism 513 for tilting the seat back 512 with respect to the seat cushion 511, enabling seat arrangement. More specifically, the seat back 512 is rotated forward and folded down to the lowest position to be in the forward-tilted state, and the surface that was located on the back side when the occupant was seated can be set as the upward-facing surface. The upward-facing surface of the forward-tilted seat back 512 can be used to place articles or serve as a space for the occupant to lie down.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, a wireless power supply unit 517 for wirelessly supplying power to the power supply target article 552 is provided on the back surface part (the above-mentioned upward-facing surface) of the seat back 512 of the seat body configured as described above.

[0070] The wireless power supply unit 517 provided in the seat body is a wireless power supply unit that can be used when the seat back 512 is rotated forward and folded down to the lowest position. The housing of the wireless power supply unit 517 has an upward horizontal plane (upper surface) when the seat back 512 is in the forward-tilted state, and a power transmission unit 551 that receives power supply from the power supply unit 2 on the vehicle body 1 side is housed and provided inside.

[0071] The power supply target article 552 is an electric mobility having a front wheel 552b, a rear wheel 552c, a mobility body supported by the front wheel 552b and the rear wheel 552c, and a power receiving unit 552a. More specifically, the electric mobility 552 in this modification example is an electric wheelchair 552. Note that the main body frame, which is the main body of the mobility device, is equipped with a turning drive unit for turning the front wheels 552b, a rotational drive unit for rotationally driving the rear wheels 552c, and a battery for supplying power to each of these drive units. The power receiving unit 552a is connected to the battery.

[0072] The power receiving unit 552a in this electric wheelchair 552 is provided at a position on the lower side of the main body frame that does not impede the travel of the electric wheelchair 552. Since the power receiving unit 552a is disposed on the lower side of the main body frame, it is easier to face the wireless power feeding unit 517 provided on the back surface of the seat back 512. The electric wheelchair 552 can be charged while being loaded on the vehicle by receiving wireless power feeding from the wireless power feeding unit 517.

[0073] When the vehicle is a car for pick-up and drop-off, it is assumed that the electric wheelchair 552 will be stored in the luggage compartment with a person on it. Therefore, a positioning portion D1 for positioning at least one of the front wheels 552b and the rear wheels 552c of the electric wheelchair 552 is provided on the back surface of the seat back 512. More specifically described, a recess D1, which is a depression for fitting and positioning the front wheels 552b of the electric wheelchair 552, is formed on the back surface of the seat back 512 in this modification. The recess D1 corresponds to the arc of the front wheels 552b and is an arc-shaped depression in a side view. In addition, other than that, position fixing means (not shown) for fixing the position of the electric wheelchair 552 so that it does not move during the travel of the vehicle is provided on the back surface of the seat back 512.

[0074] When the vehicle travels with the electric wheelchair 552 with a person on it loaded, a sufficient improvement in safety is required. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle seat 510 further includes a displacement sensor for detecting a displacement of the electric wheelchair 552 that receives wireless power supply from the wireless power feeding unit 517, and a notification means for notifying when a displacement of the electric wheelchair 552 is detected by the displacement sensor.

[0075] The misalignment sensor is provided on the electric wheelchair 552 and is constituted by a measurement unit 561 that measures the amount of power wirelessly supplied from the power transmission unit 451 to the power reception unit 552a. That is, for the electric wheelchair 552 loaded on the vehicle, the normal loading position is a state in which the front wheels 552b are positioned by the positioning unit D1 and fixed by the position fixing means. When the electric wheelchair 552 is in this normal loading position, wireless power feeding from the power transmission unit 451 to the power reception unit 552a is performed most efficiently. However, if the electric wheelchair 552 is misaligned, the efficiency of wireless power feeding decreases. Since the measurement unit 561 measures the amount of power wirelessly supplied from the power transmission unit 551 to the power reception unit 552a, it can detect such a decrease in the efficiency of wireless power feeding.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, the notification means is constituted by a control device 560, a communication unit 562, and a notification means 563.

[0077] The communication unit 562 is a wireless communication module provided on the electric wheelchair 552, and is communicably connected to the measurement unit 561 which is a misalignment sensor and is wirelessly communicably connected to the control device 560. Thereby, when the communication unit 562 receives a data signal indicating that a decrease in the efficiency of wireless power feeding has been detected from the measurement unit 561, it can transmit the data signal to the control device 560.

[0078] Further, the control device 560 may be, for example, a dedicated control device provided on the wireless power feeding unit 517 side and mainly constituted by a microcomputer, or may be constituted by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle body 1 side. This control device 560 is communicably connected to the notification means 563, and can receive communication from the communication unit 562 and transmit a data signal indicating that a misalignment of the electric wheelchair 552 has occurred to the notification means 563.

[0079] As the notification means 563, for example, a device that performs notification by light, sound, or voice installed around the driver's seat (instrument panel) of the vehicle is adopted. However, it is not limited to this. For example, characters indicating that the displacement of the electric wheelchair 552 has occurred may be displayed on the display unit of the in-vehicle navigation system.

[0080] The vehicle seat 510 configured as described above can bring the height position of the back surface of the seat back 512 closer to the height position of the luggage compartment floor surface 1a when the seat back 512 is stored in the recess of the luggage compartment in the forward-falling state by the seat arrangement. That is, the luggage compartment in the vehicle can be expanded by the seat arrangement. Then, the electric wheelchair 552 with a person on it can be loaded into the expanded luggage compartment. At this time, the power receiving part 552a of the electric wheelchair 552 can receive wireless power supply from the power transmission part 551 of the wireless power supply unit 517 provided on the back surface of the seat back 512.

[0081] According to this modification example, while exhibiting the same effects as the above-described embodiment, a positioning part (recess D1) for positioning at least one of the front wheel 552b and the rear wheel 552c of the electric wheelchair 552 is provided on the upward-facing surface (back surface) of the seat body (seat back 512) in the seat-arranged state. Therefore, it becomes easier to load the electric wheelchair 552 on the upward-facing surface of the seat body.

[0082] Further, a displacement sensor (measurement unit 561) that detects the displacement of the electric wheelchair 552 that receives wireless power supply from the wireless power supply unit 517, and a notification means (control device 560, communication unit 562, notification means 563) that notifies this when the displacement of the electric wheelchair 552 is detected by the displacement sensor are further provided. Therefore, when the driver of the vehicle receives the notification from the notification means, safety measures such as temporarily stopping the vehicle and correcting the displacement of the electric wheelchair 552 can be taken, contributing to the improvement of safety.

[0083] [Modification Example 2] In this modified example, the power supply target article 553 is an electric mobility device having a front wheel 553b, a rear wheel 553c, a mobility body supported by the front wheel 553b and the rear wheel 553c, and a power receiving unit 553a. More specifically, the electric mobility device 553 in this modified example is an electric bicycle 553. Note that the main body frame, which is the mobility body, is equipped with a rotation drive unit for rotationally driving the rear wheel 553c and a battery for supplying power to the rotation drive unit, and the power receiving unit 553a is connected to the battery.

[0084] The mounting position of the power receiving unit 553a changes depending on whether the electric bicycle 553 is loaded into the luggage compartment of the vehicle from the front wheel 553b or the rear wheel 553c. In this modified example, the electric bicycle 553 is loaded into the luggage compartment from the front wheel 553b. Therefore, the power receiving unit 553a is provided near the rotation axis of the front wheel 553b on the lower side of the main body frame. When loading from the rear wheel 553c into the luggage compartment, the power receiving unit 553a is provided near the rotation axis of the rear wheel 553c on the lower side of the main body frame. Note that the power receiving unit 553a in this modified example is provided near both the left and right ends of the rotation axis of the front wheel 553b.

[0085] Since the power receiving unit 553a is arranged on the lower side of the main body frame, it is easier to face the wireless power supply unit 517 provided on the back surface of the seat back 512. The electric wheelchair 552 can be charged while being loaded on the vehicle by receiving wireless power supply from the wireless power supply unit 517.

[0086] Also, the electric bicycle 553 is loaded across between the back surface of the seat back 512 that is in a forward-tilted state due to the seat arrangement and the luggage compartment floor surface 1a. A positioning portion D1 for positioning the front wheel 553b of the electric bicycle 553 is provided on the back surface of the seat back 512. On the other hand, a positioning portion D2 for positioning the rear wheel 553c of the electric bicycle 553 is provided on the luggage compartment floor surface 1a. The positioning parts D1 and D2 are both concave parts D1 and D2 that are arc-shaped depressions in a side view for the front wheel 553b and the rear wheel 553c of the electric bicycle 553 to be fitted and positioned. In addition, on the back surface of the seat back 512 or the floor surface 1a of the luggage compartment, there is also provided positioning means (not shown) for fixing the position of the electric bicycle 553 so that it does not move during the running of the vehicle.

[0087] The wireless power feeding unit 517 provided on the back surface of the seat back 512 has a shape provided with a slit portion 517a into which the front wheel 553b of the electric bicycle 553 is fitted, as shown in Fig. 8(b). Since the front wheel 553b fitted in the slit portion 517a is difficult to move in the left-right direction, the slit portion 517a of the wireless power feeding unit 517 functions as a positioning part for positioning the front wheel 553b in the electric bicycle 553 together with the concave part D1.

[0088] According to this modification, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are exhibited, and a positioning part (concave part D1, slit part 517a of the wireless power feeding unit 517) for positioning at least one of the front wheel 553b and the rear wheel 553c in the electric bicycle 553 is provided on the upward-facing surface (back surface) of the seat main body (seat back 512) in the seat-arranged state. Therefore, it becomes easier to load the electric bicycle 553 on the upward-facing surface of the seat main body.

[0089] Note that the electric mobility is not limited to the above, and for example, an electric cart or a small electric motorcycle may be used.

[0090] 〔Modification 3〕 The seat arrangement of the vehicle seat may be not only a pattern in which the seat back as described above is rotated forward and folded into a forward-falling state, but also other patterns. For example, a seat arrangement pattern may be adopted in which the lower surface of the seat cushion becomes the upward-facing surface after the seat is arranged. In this case, a wireless power feeding unit is provided on the lower surface of the seat cushion. Alternatively, a seat arrangement pattern may be adopted in which, with the seat back in the forward-tilted state, the seat back and the seat cushion are flipped upward to the side. In this case, a wireless power feeding unit is provided on the side surfaces of the seat back and the seat cushion.

Explanation of Signs

[0091] 1 Vehicle body 2 Power supply unit 400 Vehicle seat 410 First seat body 411 Seat cushion 412 Seat back 413 Reclining mechanism 417 Wireless power feeding unit 417a Table-type housing 417b LED pipe 420 Second seat body 421 Seat cushion 422 Seat back 423 Reclining mechanism 427 Wireless power feeding unit 427a Holder-type housing 427b LED pipe 427c Fixed claw 451 Power transmission unit 452 Smartphone 452a Power receiving unit 453 Cup 453a Power receiving unit 460 Control device 461 Arrangement sensor

Claims

Claim 1: A seat body configured to be able to arrange the seat back in an upright state so that an occupant can sit, and to be able to arrange the seat in a forward-leaning state in which the back surface of the seat back faces upward and an article is placed by tilting the seat back toward the seat cushion, a wireless power feeding unit provided on the seat body and configured to wirelessly supply power to a power receiving object article having a power receiving unit for receiving power wirelessly, an arrangement sensor for detecting a seat arrangement operation of the seat body, and a control device capable of controlling the wireless power feeding unit, wherein the wireless power feeding unit is disposed on the upward-facing surface of the seat body in the forward-leaning state in which the seat is arranged, and the wireless power feeding unit has a power transmitting unit that receives power supply from a power supply unit, the power transmitting unit wirelessly supplies power to the power receiving unit of the power receiving object article, and the control device starts or stops power supply from the power supply unit to the power transmitting unit based on the detection result of the arrangement sensor. A vehicle seat characterized by this.

2. The seat body includes a seat cushion for supporting the buttocks and thighs of the occupant, a seat back for supporting the back of the occupant, and a reclining mechanism for tilting the seat back with respect to the seat cushion, the wireless power feeding unit is provided on the back surface of the seat back, and the seat back is seat-arrangeable so as to be in a forward-leaning state where it rotates forward from the upright state and is folded by the reclining mechanism. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The power transmitting unit is provided inside a housing constituting the wireless power feeding unit, and the upward-facing surface of the housing and the power transmitting unit are arranged in parallel. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

4. The wireless power feeding unit has a holding unit for holding the power receiving object article set in the wireless power feeding unit. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by this.

5. The wireless power feeding unit has a notification unit for notifying that the power transmitting unit is receiving power supply from the power supply unit. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by this.

6. The notification unit is constituted by a lighting device including a light source that lights up when the power supply unit receives power supply from the power source unit, and is formed in a long shape along the edge of the wireless power feeding unit and provided at the edge of the wireless power feeding unit. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. The power supply target article is an electric mobility having a front wheel, a rear wheel, a mobility body supported by the front wheel and the rear wheel, and the power receiving unit. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a positioning portion for positioning at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel in the electric mobility is provided on the upward-facing surface of the seat body in the seat-arranged state.

8. A displacement sensor for detecting a displacement of the electric mobility that receives wireless power supply from the wireless power feeding unit. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, further comprising notification means for notifying when a displacement of the electric mobility is detected by the displacement sensor.

9. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it constitutes a rear seat of the vehicle.

10. It is provided at the upper part of the seat back and has a headrest for supporting a person's head. The seat body includes a seat frame constituting a skeleton, a pad supported by the seat frame, and a skin covering the pad. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it has a slide mechanism for sliding the seat body at least in the front-rear direction and a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the seat body.

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