Vehicle seats

Abstract

To enable a crew member to predict shape variation of a seat in the seat for a vehicle.SOLUTION: In a seat 2 for a vehicle which is provided on the vehicle, it includes a seat body 8 which includes a seat cushion 5 and a seat bag 6, an occupant support device 20 which is provided on the seat body so as to make it possible to displace and pressurizes a crew member seated on the seat body, a notification device 21 for notify to the crew member which is provided on the seat body, an information acquisition device 90 which acquires information containing at least one of peripheral environment of the vehicle and operational state of the vehicle and a control device 76 which controls the occupant support device and the notification device on the basis of the information. The notification device may be provided on the occupant support device. The control device may vibrate a vibrator which is disposed on a side opposed to a slewing motion direction when the vehicle slews.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle seat equipped with a seat back having a central frame, left and right side frames rotatable relative to the central frame, and an actuator for rotating the left and right side frames. The amount of rotation of the left and right side frames is controlled based on the turning direction of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-65459 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the seat shape changes unexpectedly, the occupant may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when the seat shape changes based on the vehicle's surrounding environment or driving conditions, it is preferable that the occupant be able to anticipate the change in seat shape.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that allows an occupant to anticipate changes in the shape of the seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) to be installed in a vehicle, comprising: a seat body (8) having a seat cushion (5) and a seat back (6); an occupant support device (20) displaceably mounted on the seat body and pressing against an occupant seated on the seat body; an alarm device (21) mounted on the seat body and alerting the occupant; an information acquisition device (90) that acquires information including at least one of the surrounding environment of the vehicle and the operating state of the vehicle; and a control device (76) that controls the occupant support device and the alarm device based on the information.

[0007] According to this aspect, the notification by the notification device enables the occupant to anticipate the change in the shape of the seat.

[0008] In the above aspect, the notification device may be provided in the occupant support device.

[0009] According to this aspect, the notification is issued from the portion of the seat where the shape of the seat changes, so the occupant can appropriately anticipate the change in the shape of the seat.

[0010] In the above aspect, the occupant support device and the alarm device are provided in pairs on the left and right, the alarm device is a vibrator (31), the information acquisition device includes a turning state acquisition device that acquires the turning state of the vehicle, and the control device may vibrate the vibrator located on the side opposite to the turning direction when the vehicle turns.

[0011] According to this aspect, the portion of the seat that is in close contact with the occupant vibrates, allowing the occupant to appropriately anticipate changes in the seat shape.

[0012] In the above aspect, the seat body may be provided rotatably about a vertical axis (A) relative to a floor (4) of the vehicle.

[0013] According to this aspect, the seat body can rotate to appropriately support the occupant when turning.

[0014] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include a seat rotation angle sensor (92) that detects the rotation angle of the seat body around the vertical axis relative to the floor, and the control device may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device when the rotation angle is large compared to when the rotation angle is small.

[0015] According to this aspect, the amount of movement of the occupant support device is appropriately adjusted in accordance with the rotation angle of the seat body.

[0016] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include a turning state acquisition device (98, 99) that acquires the turning state of the vehicle, and the control device may rotate the seat body around the vertical axis in the same direction as the turning direction when the vehicle turns.

[0017] According to this aspect, the seat body can rotate to appropriately support the occupant when turning.

[0018] In the above aspect, the occupant support devices may be provided in pairs, one on the left and one on the right, and the control device may operate the occupant support device arranged on the side opposite to the turning direction when the vehicle turns.

[0019] According to this aspect, the occupant support device can appropriately support the occupant when the vehicle is turning.

[0020] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include a grip sensor (93) provided on a steering wheel (71) of the vehicle, and the control device may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device when the steering wheel is gripped by the occupant compared to when the steering wheel is not gripped.

[0021] According to this aspect, when the occupant is aware that the vehicle is turning, unnecessary operation of the occupant support device can be omitted, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0022] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include an alertness acquisition device (110, 109) that detects the alertness of the occupant, and the control device may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device when the alertness is high compared to when the alertness is low.

[0023] According to this aspect, when the occupant is aware that the vehicle is turning, unnecessary operation of the occupant support device can be omitted.

[0024] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include a pressure sensor (95) provided in the seat body and detecting the pressure received from the occupant, and the control device may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device when the pressure is high compared to when the pressure is low.

[0025] According to this aspect, when the occupant is in close contact with the seat body, unnecessary operation of the occupant support device can be omitted.

[0026] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include an obstacle sensor (96) that detects obstacles present around the vehicle, and the control device may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device when the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle is close compared to when the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle is far.

[0027] According to this aspect, when there is a risk that the vehicle will collide with an obstacle, the operating force of the occupant support device can be suppressed, thereby reducing the effect on the airbag.

[0028] In the above aspect, the occupant support device may have an air cell (42) that expands when compressed air is supplied, and a support plate (47) provided at the front end of the air cell, and the alarm device may have a vibrator (31) provided on the side of the support plate opposite the air cell side.

[0029] According to this aspect, the vibration of the vibrator can be efficiently transmitted to the occupant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) for installation in a vehicle, comprising: a seat body (8) having a seat cushion (5) and a seat back (6), an occupant support device (20) displaceably mounted on the seat body and pressing against an occupant seated on the seat body, an alarm device (21) mounted on the seat body and alerting the occupant, an information acquisition device (90) that acquires information including at least one of the surrounding environment of the vehicle and the operating state of the vehicle, and a control device (76) that controls the occupant support device and the alarm device based on the information. According to this aspect, the alarm from the alarm device allows the occupant to anticipate a change in the shape of the seat.

[0031] In the above aspect, the notification device may be provided on the occupant support device. According to this aspect, the notification is issued from a portion of the seat where the shape of the seat changes, allowing the occupant to appropriately anticipate the change in the shape of the seat.

[0032] In the above aspect, the occupant support device and the notification device may be provided in pairs, one on the left and one on the right, the notification device may be a vibrator (31), the information acquisition device may include a turning state acquisition device that acquires the turning state of the vehicle, and the control device may vibrate the vibrator located on the side opposite to the turning direction when the vehicle turns. According to this aspect, the part of the seat that is in close contact with the occupant vibrates, allowing the occupant to appropriately anticipate changes in the seat shape.

[0033] In the above aspect, the seat body may be provided rotatably about a vertical axis (A) relative to the floor (4) of the vehicle. According to this aspect, the seat body can rotate to appropriately support the occupant when turning.

[0034] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include a seat rotation angle sensor (92) that detects a rotation angle of the seat body about the vertical axis relative to the floor, and the control device may reduce the amount of actuation of the occupant support device when the rotation angle is large compared to when the rotation angle is small. According to this aspect, the amount of actuation of the occupant support device is appropriately adjusted according to the rotation angle of the seat body.

[0035] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include a turning state acquisition device (98, 99) that acquires the turning state of the vehicle, and the control device may rotate the seat body around the vertical axis in the same direction as the turning direction when the vehicle turns. According to this aspect, the seat body can rotate to appropriately support the occupant during turning.

[0036] In the above aspect, a pair of occupant support devices may be provided on the left and right sides, and the control device may operate the occupant support device disposed on the opposite side to the turning direction when the vehicle turns. According to this aspect, the occupant support devices can appropriately support the occupant when the vehicle turns.

[0037] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include a grip sensor (93) provided on a steering wheel (71) of the vehicle, and the control device may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device when the steering wheel is gripped by the occupant compared to when the steering wheel is not gripped. According to this aspect, unnecessary operation of the occupant support device can be omitted when the occupant recognizes that the vehicle is turning, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0038] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include an alertness acquisition device (110, 109) that detects the alertness of the occupant, and the control device may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device when the alertness is high compared to when the alertness is low. According to this aspect, when the occupant is aware that the vehicle is turning, unnecessary operation of the occupant support device can be omitted.

[0039] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include a pressure sensor (95) provided on the seat body to detect pressure from the occupant, and the control device may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device when the pressure is high compared to when the pressure is low. According to this aspect, unnecessary operation of the occupant support device can be omitted when the occupant is in close contact with the seat body.

[0040] In the above aspect, the information acquisition device may include an obstacle sensor (96) that detects an obstacle present around the vehicle, and the control device may reduce the amount of actuation of the occupant support device when the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle is close compared to when the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle is far. According to this aspect, when there is a risk of the vehicle colliding with the obstacle, the actuation force of the occupant support device can be suppressed to reduce the impact on the airbag.

[0041] In the above aspect, the occupant support device may have an air cell (42) that expands when compressed air is supplied thereto and a support plate (47) provided at the front end of the air cell, and the alarm device may have a vibrator (31) provided on the side of the support plate opposite to the air cell. According to this aspect, vibrations of the vibrator can be efficiently transmitted to the occupant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] Vehicle equipped with a seat according to an embodiment [Figure 2] Perspective view of the seat [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat back frame equipped with a movable frame device; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the movable frame device. [Figure 5] Front view of a seat back frame equipped with an air cell device [Figure 6] Side view of the air cell device [Figure 7] Plan view of the air cell device [Figure 8] Front view of a seat back frame equipped with an inclined plate device [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram showing the operation of the inclined plate device [Figure 10] Block diagram showing the seat control system [Figure 11] Front view of the seat back frame with the Doppler sensor attached [Figure 12] Flow diagram showing the control procedure of the seat control device [Figure 13] Front view of the seat back frame with the Doppler sensor attached [Figure 14] Rear view of lumbar support with Doppler sensor attached [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the movable frame device when the door is opened. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment in which a vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to a seat 2 of a vehicle 1 will be described. In the following description, front, rear, left, right, top and bottom will be defined based on the vehicle 1 in which the seat 2 is installed.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the interior of vehicle 1 is provided with a front right seat 2A, a front left seat 2B, a middle right seat 2C, a middle left seat 2D, and a rear seat 2E. The front right seat 2A, the front left seat 2B, the middle right seat 2C, and the middle left seat 2D are single-seat seats. The rear seat 2E is a two-seat seat. The front right seat 2A is a driver's seat. The front right seat 2A, the front left seat 2B, the middle right seat 2C, and the middle left seat 2D may be configured identically.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the seat 2 has a seat cushion 5 provided on the floor 4, a seat back 6 extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion 5, and a headrest 7 connected to an upper part of the seat back 6. The seat back 6 is rotatably supported by the seat cushion 5. The seat cushion 5 and the seat back 6 constitute a seat main body 8. The seat main body 8 is provided to be rotatable around a vertical axis relative to the floor 4. Specifically, the seat cushion 5 is supported on the floor 4 to be rotatable around a rotation axis A extending in the vertical direction. The seat cushion 5 may be supported rotatably around the rotation axis A by a seat rotation device 9 provided on the floor 4. The seat cushion 5 may also be supported on the floor 4 via a sliding device so as to be movable back and forth. In this case, the rotation axis A may be arranged to be movable back and forth. The sliding device may be interposed between the seat rotation device 9 and the seat cushion 5.

[0046] The seat cushion 5 has a seat cushion frame, a pad supported by the seat cushion frame, and a cover material covering the pad. The seat back 6 has a seat back frame 11, a pad 12 supported by the seat back frame 11, and a cover material 13 covering the pad 12. As shown in Fig. 3, the seat back frame 11 has left and right side members 15 extending vertically, an upper member 16 extending laterally and joined to upper ends of the left and right side members 15, and a lower member 17 extending laterally and joined to lower ends of the left and right side members 15.

[0047] 2, the seat 2 has an occupant support device 20 that is displaceably mounted on the seat main body 8 and presses against an occupant seated on the seat main body 8, and an alarm device 21 that is mounted on the seat main body 8 and alerts the occupant. The alarm device 21 is preferably supported by the occupant support device 20.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3 , an example of the occupant support device 20 includes a movable frame device 23. The movable frame device 23 has left and right movable frames 24 displaceably mounted on the seatback frame 11, and left and right electric motors 25 that operate the left and right movable frames 24. The left movable frame 24 is rotatably supported on the left side member 15, and the right movable frame 24 is rotatably supported on the right side member 15. The left and right movable frames 24 are supported on the corresponding side members 15 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the side members 15. The left and right movable frames 24 extend outward to the left and right relative to the left and right side members 15, forming seatback side portions 27, which are left and right side portions of the seatback 6. The left and right seatback side portions 27 protrude forward relative to a seatback center portion 28, which is the center portion of the seatback 6. The seatback side portions 27 are also called vortex portions or bank portions.

[0049] The left and right electric motors 25 are supported by the corresponding side members 15. The electric motors 25 may be, for example, stepping motors. The drive shaft of each electric motor 25 is connected to the corresponding movable frame 24 via a reduction mechanism or the like. When each electric motor 25 is driven, the corresponding movable frame 24 rotates relative to the seat back 6. As shown in FIG. 4 , when each movable frame 24 rotates, the forward protrusion amount of the corresponding seat back side portion 27 changes. When the forward protrusion amount of the left and right seat back side portions 27 changes, the orientation of the seat cushion, which is the front side surface of the seat back 6, changes left and right.

[0050] The notification device 21 may be at least one of a vibrator 31, a speaker 32, a touch panel display 33, and a warning light. The notification device 21 may be a display device configured, for example, with a touch panel display 33 (see FIG. 10). The touch panel display 33 may be provided on the instrument panel of the vehicle 1. The notification device 21 may also be a speaker 32 provided on at least one of the instrument panel, the door lining, the seat cushion 5, the seat back 6, and the headrest 7 (see FIG. 10). In this embodiment, the notification device 21 is a left and right vibrator 31, each supported by the movable frame 24. The vibrator 31 has an electric motor and an eccentric weight connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor. The vibrator 31 generates vibrations when the electric motor rotates.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 3, the left and right vibrators 31 are coupled to the corresponding movable frames 24. In this case, the thickness of the pad 12 located in front of the vibrators 31 may be formed thinner than other portions. Furthermore, a through-hole may be provided in the portion of the pad 12 corresponding to the vibrator 31. This makes it easier for the vibration of the vibrator 31 to be transmitted to the occupant. Furthermore, the left and right vibrators 31 may be supported by the movable frame 24 via the pad 12. The left and right vibrators 31 may be disposed in front of the movable frame 24, between the pad 12 and the upholstery material 13.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5 , another example of the occupant support device 20 includes a plurality of air cell devices 41 provided on the seatback frame 11. The air cell device 41 is connected to a compressed air supply device and has air cells 42 that are inflated by the supply of compressed air. The air cells 42 may be supported directly on the seatback frame 11, which includes the left and right side members 15 and the upper member 16. A plate-shaped lumbar support 44 may be supported on the left and right upper members 16, and a plurality of air cells 42 may be provided on the front surface of the lumbar support 44. The lumbar support 44 is supported by a wire 45 that is stretched across the left and right side members 15. The wire 45 is flexible.

[0053] A support plate 47 may be provided at the front end of each air cell 42. That is, the air cell 42 is disposed between the lumbar support 44 and the support plate 47. One end of the support plate 47 may be pivotally coupled to the lumbar support 44. When the air cell 42 is inflated, the support plate 47 pivots relative to the lumbar support 44 and moves forward.

[0054] The plurality of air cells 42 include a pair of left and right upper air cells 51 provided at the top of the lumbar support 44 (see FIG. 6), a pair of left and right middle air cells 52 (see FIG. 7) provided in the lumbar support 44 below and laterally outward of the pair of upper air cells 51, and a pair of left and right lower air cells 53 provided in each of the left and right side members 15 below and laterally outward of the pair of middle air cells 52. When inflated, the upper portion of the upper air cell 51 protrudes further forward than the lower portion. When inflated, the left and right outer portions of the middle air cell 52 and the lower air cell 53 protrude further forward than the left and right inner portions.

[0055] Each support plate 47 is provided with a vibrator 31 serving as the alarm device 21. The vibrator 31 is preferably provided on the surface of the support plate 47 opposite the air cell 42 side. This makes it easier for the vibration of the vibrator 31 to be transmitted to the occupant. It also makes it possible to avoid contact between the vibrator 31 and the air cell 42. The vibrator 31 may also be provided on the surface of the support plate 47 facing the air cell 42. This allows the vibration of the vibrator 31 to be transmitted over a wide area to the occupant via the support plate 47.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8 , another example of the occupant support device 20 includes a tilt plate device 61. The tilt plate device 61 includes a tilt plate 62 and a tilting device 63 that tilts the tilt plate 62 relative to the seat back frame 11. The tilt plate 62 is formed in a plate shape and supports the back of the occupant. The tilting device 63 includes left and right electric motors 65 provided on the left and right side members 15, left and right links 66 provided on the drive shafts of the left and right electric motors 65, respectively, a first wire 67 extending laterally and connected to the left and right links 66, and a second wire 68 extending laterally below the first wire 67 and coupled to the left and right side members 15. The left and right electric motors 65 are, for example, stepping motors. The drive shafts of the left and right electric motors 65 extend parallel to the left and right side members 15. The left and right links 66 extend radially from the drive shafts of the left and right electric motors 65. Both ends of the first wire 67 are connected to the tips of the corresponding links 66 on the left and right. The first wire 67 and the second wire 68 have bent portions and are extendable in the longitudinal direction (lateral direction). The inclined plate 62 is supported by the center of the first wire 67 and the center of the second wire 68.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9 , in the initial position, the left and right links 66 extend inward to the left and right. As a result, the first wire 67 extends parallel to the lateral direction, and the inclined plate 62 faces forward. As the left and right electric motors 65 rotate independently, the left and right links 66 rotate independently. When the left link 66 extends rearward and the right link 66 extends forward, the first wire 67 tilts forward from the left end to the right end. As a result, the inclined plate 62 tilts to the left. When the left link 66 extends forward and the right link 66 extends rearward, the first wire 67 tilts rearward from the left end to the right end. As a result, the inclined plate 62 tilts to the right. The second wire 68 deforms in accordance with the tilt of the inclined plate 62.

[0058] Another example of the tilting plate device 61 may include a plurality of tilting plates 62 and a tilting device 63 corresponding to each of the tilting plates 62. According to this embodiment, the plurality of tilting plates 62 can be operated independently of each other. For example, the tilting plates 62 may be arranged side by side.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8 , when the occupant support device 20 includes a tilt plate device 61, the vibrator 31 serving as the notification device 21 may be provided on the tilt plate 62. The vibrator 31 may be provided on the surface of the tilt plate 62 facing the occupant or on the surface facing away from the occupant. The vibrator 31 may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the tilt plate 62. Reinforcement structures 69 may be provided on the left and right side portions of the tilt plate 62. The reinforcing structure 69 may be formed by a plurality of ribs. Alternatively, the reinforcing structure 69 may be formed by increasing the thickness of the tilt plate 62 relative to other portions. The vibrator 31 may be provided on the front or rear surface of the reinforcing structure 69. The tilt plate device 61 may be provided on the seat cushion 5. In this case, the tilt plate 62 may be arranged so as to face up and down, the first wire 67 and the second wire 68 may be arranged in a line in the front and rear directions, and the left and right electric motors 65 and links 66 may be provided on the left and right side members of the seat cushion 5.

[0060] 1, the seat 2 constituting the rear row seat 2E has a plurality of seating sections. Each seating section may be provided with an occupant support device 20 and an alarm device 21 similar to those of the seat 2.

[0061] A steering wheel 71 that is operated by a passenger is provided at the front of the vehicle compartment. A front door 72 and a rear door 73 are provided at the left and right sides of the vehicle 1.

[0062] 1 and 10, the vehicle 1 includes a driving control device 75 and a seat control device 76. The driving control device 75 and the seat control device 76 are electronic control devices each having a processor, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory for storing a program, and an input / output interface. The driving control device 75 and the seat control device 76 communicate with each other.

[0063] The cruise control device 75 can operate in an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode. In the automatic driving mode, the cruise control device 75 controls the drive source, braking device, steering device, etc. of the vehicle 1 based on signals from various sensors to drive the vehicle 1. In the manual driving mode, the cruise control device 75 controls the drive source, braking device, steering device, etc. of the vehicle 1 based on the driver's driving operation of the steering wheel 71, accelerator pedal, and brake pedal to drive the vehicle 1. The cruise control device 75 may switch between the automatic driving mode and the manual driving mode based on the driver's operation. The touch panel display 33 may receive the driver's operation to switch the driving mode.

[0064] The vehicle 1 is provided with an information acquisition device 90 that acquires information including at least one of the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 and the driving state of the vehicle 1. The seat control device 76 controls the occupant support device 20 and the alarm device 21 based on the information acquired by the information acquisition device 90.

[0065] The information acquisition device 90 includes a seat rotation angle sensor 92 that detects the rotation angle of each seat 2 around a vertical axis relative to the floor 4, a grip sensor 93 provided on the steering wheel 71 of the vehicle, a pressure sensor 95 that is provided on the seat 2 and detects pressure from the occupant, and an obstacle sensor 96 that detects obstacles present around the vehicle 1. The information acquisition device 90 may further include a vehicle speed sensor 97 that detects the speed of the vehicle 1, a lateral acceleration sensor 98 that detects the lateral acceleration of the vehicle 1, a steering angle sensor 99 that detects the steering angle of the steering wheel 71, and a door opening / closing sensor 101 that detects the opening and closing of each door.

[0066] At least one of the lateral acceleration sensor 98 and the steering angle sensor 99 functions as a turning state acquisition device that acquires the turning state of the vehicle 1. The turning state includes the turning direction and the lateral acceleration. The seat control device 76 may obtain the turning state based on the lateral acceleration obtained by the lateral acceleration sensor 98. The seat control device 76 may also predict the future turning state based on the steering angle obtained by the steering angle sensor 99 and the vehicle speed obtained by the vehicle speed sensor 97.

[0067] The grip sensor 93 may be any of a capacitance sensor, a pressure sensor, and a membrane switch provided on the steering wheel 71. Based on the signal from the grip sensor 93, the seat control device 76 determines whether the steering wheel 71 is being held.

[0068] The seat 2 has an in-vehicle camera 109 and a Doppler sensor 110 that function as alertness acquisition devices. The in-vehicle camera 109 captures an image of the occupant. The seat control device 76 detects the degree of opening or closing of the occupant's eyelids based on the image of the occupant captured by the in-vehicle camera 109, and acquires the occupant's alertness level from the eyelid opening or closing. The Doppler sensor 110 detects chest movement by irradiating electromagnetic waves toward the occupant's chest and detecting frequency changes in the reflected waves. The seat control device 76 acquires the period of the occupant's chest movement based on the signal from the Doppler sensor 110, and acquires the occupant's respiratory rate. The seat control device 76 then acquires the occupant's alertness level from the occupant's respiratory rate. In another embodiment, a wearable device worn by the occupant may be used as the alertness acquisition device. The wearable device may acquire the occupant's pulse rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, blood pressure, etc.

[0069] The Doppler sensor 110 is preferably disposed inside the seat back 6. As shown in FIG. 5, the Doppler sensor 110 is preferably supported by the seat back frame 11 or the lumbar support 44. As shown in FIG. 5, when an inclined plate 62 is provided instead of the lumbar support 44, the Doppler sensor 110 is preferably provided on the inclined plate 62. The Doppler sensor 110 is preferably attached to the rear surface of the lumbar support 44. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the Doppler sensor 110 is preferably disposed in a position that does not overlap with the wire 45. The Doppler sensor 110 has a locking claw or hook, and is preferably locked to the lumbar support 44 or the inclined plate 62. The Doppler sensor 110 may also be fastened to the lumbar support 44 or the inclined plate 62 by a fastening member such as a screw, clip, or band.

[0070] 11, the lumbar support 44 may be formed as a net structure 113 having a plurality of vertical wires 111 extending vertically and a plurality of horizontal wires 112 suspended over the vertical wires 111. An upper portion of the net structure 113 is connected to the left and right side members 15 by attachment wires 114. Support wires 115 extending laterally and connected to the left and right side members 15 are provided below the net structure 113. The lower portions of the vertical wires 111 are formed in a loop shape through which the support wires 115 pass. This allows the lower portion of the net structure 113 to move back and forth relative to the support wires 115. The left and right lower portions of the net structure 113 are connected to the lower portions of the left and right side members 15 by a pair of control cables 117. A sleeve 118 of each control cable 117 has a first end connected to the lower portion of the left and right vertical wires 111 and a second end connected to a winding device 119 provided on the outer surface of the side member 15. The second ends of the pair of sleeves 118 are bound together, and the first ends of the pair of sleeves 118 diverge from each other. A cable 121 received in each sleeve 118 protrudes from the first end of each sleeve 118 and has a first end coupled to the front edge of the side member 15 and a second end coupled to a reel 119. When the reel 119 reels the cable 121, the first end of the sleeve 118 and the first end of the cable 121 approach each other, and the lower part of the net structure 113 moves forward. The reel 119 may be operated by a vehicle occupant or may be driven by an electric motor.

[0071] When the lumbar support 44 has a net structure 113, the Doppler sensor 110 may be secured to the horizontal wires 112. A securing portion 125 for securing the horizontal wires 112 may be provided at the front of a casing 124 of the Doppler sensor 110. The securing portion 125 may be a hook or a clamp. The casing 124 may be formed of resin, and the securing portion 125 may be integrally formed of resin. The Doppler sensor 110 is disposed behind the horizontal wires 112. The transmitter 126 and receiver 127 of the Doppler sensor 110 may be disposed in positions that do not overlap with the vertical wires 111 and the horizontal wires 112 when viewed from the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the transmitter 126 and receiver 127 of the Doppler sensor 110 may be disposed between two vertically adjacent horizontal wires 112 and between two horizontally adjacent vertical wires 111.

[0072] The pressure sensor 95 may be a membrane switch or a piezoelectric sensor, and the obstacle sensor 96 may be a sonar, laser, or lidar.

[0073] When the vehicle 1 turns, the seat control device 76 controls the occupant support device 20 to orient the seating surface of the seat back 6 in the turning direction. The seat control device 76 acquires the turning state based on the lateral acceleration acquired by the lateral acceleration sensor 98. The seat control device 76 also predicts the future turning state based on the steering angle acquired by the steering angle sensor 99 and the vehicle speed acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 97. The seat control device 76 then controls the occupant support device 20 based on the turning state and the future turning state.

[0074] 12, the seat control device 76 first determines the tilt direction of the seat cushion (front surface) of the seat back 6 based on the turning direction of the vehicle 1 (S1). If the turning direction is to the right, the seat control device 76 determines the tilt direction of the seat cushion of the seat back 6 to the right. On the other hand, if the turning direction is to the left, the seat control device 76 determines the tilt direction of the seat cushion of the seat back 6 to the left.

[0075] Next, the seat control device 76 determines the amount of inclination of the seat surface of the seat back 6 based on the turning state (S2). The seat control device 76 may determine the amount of inclination of the seat surface of the seat back 6 based on the absolute value of the lateral acceleration, for example. The greater the absolute value of the lateral acceleration, the greater the amount of inclination of the seat surface of the seat back 6 is set. The relationship between the absolute value of the lateral acceleration and the amount of inclination of the seat surface of the seat back 6 may be specified in advance in a map.

[0076] Next, the seat control device 76 activates the notification device 21 arranged on the side opposite to the turning direction (S3). The notification device 21 is preferably a vibrator 31. The seat control device 76 preferably vibrates the vibrator 31 for a predetermined period of time.

[0077] Next, the seat control device 76 controls the occupant support device 20 based on the tilt direction and tilt amount of the seat surface of the seat back 6 (S4). When the occupant support device 20 starts to operate, the alarm device 21 may have already completed operation or may continue to operate. If the occupant support device 20 is a movable frame device 23 or an air cell device 41, the movable frame device 23 and the air cell device 41 provided on the side opposite to the turning direction are activated to cause the side of the seat 2 opposite to the turning direction to protrude forward. If the occupant support device 20 is an inclined plate device 61, the inclined plate device 61 is activated so that the front of the inclined plate 62 faces the turning direction. This prevents the occupant from moving to the side opposite to the turning direction when the vehicle 1 turns. Furthermore, because the alarm device 21 notifies the occupant before the occupant support device 20 is activated, the discomfort felt by the occupant can be reduced. Furthermore, the passengers are notified and can recognize that the vehicle 1 is turning, which reduces motion sickness.

[0078] In steps S1 and S2, the seat control device 76 may determine the tilt direction and amount of tilt of the seat cushion of the seat back 6 based on a future turning state that is determined based on the vehicle speed and steering angle. Alternatively, the seat control device 76 may obtain the curvature of the road along which the vehicle 1 will travel in the future, for example, 5 seconds from now, from map information, and predict the future turning state based on the curvature and vehicle speed. The seat control device 76 may then determine the tilt direction and amount of tilt of the seat cushion of the seat back 6 based on the predicted future turning state.

[0079] The seat control device 76 may determine whether the occupant is gripping the steering wheel 71 based on a signal from the grip sensor 93, and when the steering wheel 71 is being gripped by the occupant, reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 compared to when the steering wheel 71 is not being gripped. According to this embodiment, when the occupant is aware that the vehicle is turning, unnecessary operation of the occupant support device 20 can be omitted.

[0080] When the level of arousal is high, the seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 compared to when the level of arousal is low. According to this embodiment, when the occupant is aware that the vehicle is turning, unnecessary operation of the occupant support device 20 can be omitted.

[0081] The seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 when the pressure is high based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 95 provided in the seat main body 8, compared to when the pressure is low. When the occupant is in close contact with the seat main body 8, unnecessary operation of the occupant support device 20 can be omitted.

[0082] When the distance between the vehicle 1 and the obstacle is short, the seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 compared to when the distance between the vehicle 1 and the obstacle is long. According to this embodiment, when there is a risk of the vehicle colliding with an obstacle, the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 is suppressed, thereby reducing the effect on the side airbags provided on the sides of the seat back 6.

[0083] The seat 2 can be rotated around axis A by the occupant's operation. In other words, the angle of the seat 2 around axis A can be set arbitrarily. The occupant may rotate the seat 2 toward the interior of the vehicle or toward the rear. The angle of the seat 2 around axis A is set to 0 degrees (reference) when the seat faces forward, and a positive angle is rotated clockwise and a negative angle is rotated counterclockwise. The angle of the seat 2 is detected by a seat rotation angle sensor 92. The seat rotation angle sensor 92 may be a known rotation sensor such as a potentiostat or rotary encoder.

[0084] The seat rotation device 9 may have an electric motor. The seat control device 76 controls the seat rotation device 9 based on the turning state of the vehicle 1 to rotate the seat 2. When the vehicle 1 turns, the seat control device 76 may rotate the seat 2 about the axis A in the same direction as the turning direction. Furthermore, the seat control device 76 may increase the rotation angle of the seat 2 as the lateral acceleration of the vehicle 1 increases. By rotating the seat 2, the occupant can be properly supported when turning.

[0085] When the rotation angle of the seat 2 is large, the seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 compared to when the rotation angle of the seat 2 is small. This allows the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 to be appropriately adjusted according to the rotation angle of the seat 2.

[0086] The seat control device 76 may operate the seat rotation device 9 to rotate the seat 2 based on at least one of road conditions as the surrounding environment and driving conditions. The road conditions include received road traffic information from various sensors such as radar, lidar, and camera, as well as road shape and curvature included in map information, congestion information, etc. The driving conditions include vehicle speed, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, yaw rate, accelerator operation amount, brake operation amount, turn signal operation information, inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and other vehicles, distance between the vehicle and obstacles, etc. The seat control device 76 may increase the rotation angle of the seat 2 as the radius of curvature of the road becomes smaller.

[0087] The seat control device 76 may arbitrarily set the rotation angle of the seat 2 to, for example, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, etc. depending on the radius of curvature of the road. The seat control device 76 may also limit the upper limit of the rotation angle of the seat 2 to, for example, 30 degrees. The seat control device 76 may also fix the rotation angle of the seat 2 to 0 degrees when the vehicle 1 changes lanes.

[0088] The seat control device 76 acquires the driving mode based on a signal from the driving control device 75. When the driving mode is a manual driving mode, the seat control device 76 prohibits the rotation of the right front seat 2 corresponding to the driver's seat and allows the rotation of the other seats 2. When the driving mode is an automatic driving mode, the seat control device 76 allows the rotation of the right front seat 2 corresponding to the driver's seat, as well as the other seats 2.

[0089] The seat control device 76 may coordinate the operation of the seat rotation device 9 and the occupant support device 20 or may operate them independently.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 2, the occupant support device 20 and the alarm device 21 may be provided on the seat cushion 5 and the headrest 7. Furthermore, if the seat 2 has an ottoman, the occupant support device 20 and the alarm device 21 may be provided on the ottoman. The occupant support device 20 may be the movable frame device 23, the air cell device 41, or the inclined plate device 61 described above, and may be provided on the left and right side portions of the upper part of the seat cushion 5, the left and right side portions of the front part of the headrest 7, and the left and right side portions of the front part of the ottoman. The left and right side portions of the seat cushion 5, the headrest 7, and the ottoman may each protrude from the center.

[0091] When a plurality of occupant support devices 20 are provided, the seat control device 76 may prioritize the operation of the occupant support device 20 provided on the seat back 6. The seat control device 76 may then prioritize the operation of the occupant support device 20 provided on the seat cushion 5. The seat control device 76 may then prioritize the operation of the rotation device of the seat 2. When occupant support devices 20 are also provided on the headrest 7 and ottoman, the seat control device 76 may activate each device in the following order of priority: the occupant support device 20 provided on the seat back 6, the occupant support device 20 provided on the seat cushion 5, the occupant support devices 20 provided on the headrest 7 and ottoman, and the seat 2 rotation device. The seat control device 76 may also activate each device in the following order of priority: the occupant support device 20 provided on the seat back 6, the occupant support device 20 provided on the seat cushion 5, the seat 2 rotation device, the headrest 7 and ottoman. The seat control device 76 may give a higher priority to an occupant support device 20 that consumes less power. The priority of the occupant support device 20 that the seat control device 76 operates can be changed by operating the touch panel display 33.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10 , the seat control device 76 may be connected to a seat belt device 129 that retracts a seat belt that restrains an occupant. The seat control device 76 may operate the seat belt device 129 simultaneously with the occupant support device 20 to retract the seat belt and increase the restraining force of the occupant. By increasing the restraining force of the occupant with the seat belt device 129, the occupant will be in close contact with the occupant support device 20, allowing the occupant support device 20 to efficiently support the occupant. The seat control device 76 may obtain the distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle based on a signal from the obstacle sensor 96, and when the distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the seat belt device 129 retracts the seat belt.

[0093] The occupant support device 20 may be a combination of at least two of the movable frame 24, the air cell 42, and the tilting plate device 61. In this case, the seat control device 76 may select the tilting plate device 61 as the occupant support device 20 to be activated when the occupant's level of alertness is low.

[0094] The seat control device 76 may simultaneously operate a plurality of occupant support devices 20. In this case, the seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of operation of each occupant support device 20 and shorten the operation period. The occupant may operate the touch panel display 33 to select the occupant support device 20 to be used. The seat control device 76 may determine the occupant support device 20 to be operated in accordance with a selection signal from the touch panel display 33. The seat control device 76 may learn the selection result of the occupant support device 20 by the occupant, and determine the occupant support device 20 to be used in accordance with the learning result.

[0095] The seat control device 76 may set a risk level based on the driving situation, and change the alarm device 21 to be activated depending on the risk level. When the risk level is at Level 1, which is relatively low, the seat control device 76 may display a warning image on the touch panel display 33 or generate a warning sound from the speaker 32. When the risk level is at Level 2, which is higher than Level 1, the seat control device 76 may activate the vibrator 31 provided on the seat 2. When the risk level is at Level 3, which is higher than Level 2, the seat control device 76 may activate the occupant support device 20 provided on the seat 2.

[0096] The seat control device 76 may limit the operation of the occupant support device 20 when it detects an abnormality in the information acquisition device 90 based on road conditions or driving conditions as the surrounding environment. In this case, the seat control device 76 may prohibit the operation of the occupant support device 20 or may operate it to a smaller extent than usual. The abnormality may be detected based on, for example, road conditions. For example, when the curvature radius, unevenness, inclination, or branching shape of the road indicates an abnormal value that deviates from a predetermined range, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the obstacle sensor 96 including a camera, radar (millimeter-wave radar), or LIDAR, or in the map information. The abnormality in the occupant support device 20 may be determined based on the current value of the electric motor 25, the pressure of the air cell 42, etc. The seat control device 76 may set an abnormality level depending on the severity of the abnormal value.

[0097] The seat control device 76 may change the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 depending on the abnormality level. The higher the abnormality level, the smaller the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20. Furthermore, the seat control device 76 may prohibit operation of the occupant support device 20 when the abnormality level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0098] The seat control device 76 may be connected to a seat heater 107 provided on the seat surface of the seat cushion 5 and the seat back 6. The seat heater 107 may include a sheet-like member such as a nonwoven fabric and a heating wire connected to the sheet-like member. The seat heater 107 is disposed between the pad 12 and the upholstery material 13. The seat control device 76 controls the supply of power to the seat heater 107. When the occupant support device 20 is used, the seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the seat heater 107 compared to when the occupant support device 20 is not used. Furthermore, when the seat heater 107 is used, the seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 compared to when the seat heater 107 is not used. This makes it possible to suppress a rise in temperature in the portion that comes into close contact with the occupant.

[0099] The seat control device 76 may be connected to a plurality of pressure sensors 95 provided on the seating surfaces of the seat cushion 5 and the seat back 6 for detecting the movement of the occupant. The plurality of pressure sensors 95 may be piezoelectric sensors or membrane switches. The seat control device 76 may store an application for playing games or exercising, and may execute the application based on input from the plurality of pressure sensors 95. The application may display an application image on the touch panel display 33 or on a mobile device such as a smartphone used by the occupant. The seat control device 76 may prohibit the use of an application such as a game when the occupant support device 20 is operating. Furthermore, the seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 when an application such as a game is being used compared to when the application is not being used.

[0100] The seat control device 76 may be connected to an in-vehicle camera 109 that captures images of occupants, and may control the occupant support device 20 based on image information from the in-vehicle camera 109. The seat control device 76 may control the occupant support device 20 according to the driving mode. The seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 in the manual driving mode compared to the automatic driving mode.

[0101] The seat control device 76 may control the occupant support device 20 according to the seat mode. The seat mode includes a normal mode and a relax mode. The seat mode may further include a business mode (learning mode). The seat control device 76 may determine whether the seat is in the normal mode or the relax mode based on the reclining angle of the seat back 6. The reclining angle may be acquired by a reclining angle sensor 131 provided at the joint between the seat cushion 5 and the seat back 6. The seat control device 76 may determine whether the seat is in the normal mode or the business mode based on, for example, the position of a storable table provided in the seat 2 or the state of the interior light. The seat control device 76 may determine that the seat mode is the business mode when, for example, the table is deployed or the interior light is on.

[0102] The seat control device 76 may increase the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 when the seat mode is the relaxation mode compared to when the seat mode is the normal mode. This allows the occupant support device 20 to reliably support the occupant. On the other hand, the seat control device 76 may decrease the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 when the seat mode is the relaxation mode compared to when the seat mode is the normal mode. This reduces the discomfort that the occupant support device 20 may cause to an occupant in a relaxed state.

[0103] The seat control device 76 may increase the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 when the seat mode is in business mode compared to when the seat mode is in normal mode. This allows the occupant support device 20 to reliably support the occupant, making it easier for the occupant to perform tasks. On the other hand, the seat control device 76 may decrease the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20 when the seat mode is in relaxation mode compared to when the seat mode is in normal mode. This reduces the discomfort that the occupant support device 20 may cause to an occupant in a relaxed state.

[0104] The seat control device 76 may be connected to massage devices 133 provided on the seat cushion 5 and the seat back 6. The massage devices 133 may have air cells that expand when compressed air is supplied, for example. The seat control device 76 may increase the amount of operation of the occupant support devices 20 when the massage devices 133 are operating compared to when the massage devices 133 are not operating. This allows the occupant support devices 20 to reliably support the occupant. On the other hand, the seat control device 76 may decrease the amount of operation of the occupant support devices 20 when the massage devices 133 are operating compared to when the massage devices 133 are not operating. This allows the effect of the massage devices 133 to be reliably transmitted to the occupant. The seat control device 76 may prohibit operation of the massage devices 133 based on the turning state. The seat control device 76 may prohibit operation of the massage devices 133 when the lateral acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value or when the curvature radius of the travel path obtained from map information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

[0105] The occupant support device 20 may also function as the alarm device 21. For example, the occupant support device 20 may vibrate to notify the occupant. The occupant support device 20 may perform normal operation after vibrating. This allows the occupant to be notified that the occupant support device 20 will be activated.

[0106] When a plurality of occupant support devices 20 are provided, such as the movable frame device 23 and the air cell device 41, it is preferable that each device be operated independently of each other.

[0107] The seat control device 76 predicts a predicted lateral acceleration value, which is the lateral acceleration that will occur in a predetermined period of time, based on road conditions or driving conditions. Then, when the predicted lateral acceleration value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the seat control device 76 activates the occupant support device 20 and the notification device 21. The seat control device 76 may activate the occupant support device 20 and the notification device 21 at different times. Alternatively, the seat control device 76 may activate the notification device 21 earlier than the occupant support device 20. Alternatively, the seat control device 76 may activate the notification device 21 at the same time as the occupant support device 20.

[0108] The notification device 21 that is activated when the vehicle 1 turns may be changed in accordance with a selection made by the occupant. The touch panel display 33 may receive a selection operation from the occupant, and the seat control device 76 may determine the notification device 21 to be activated in accordance with the selection operation. For example, when the vehicle 1 turns right, the notification device 21 located on the right side of the seat 2 may issue a notification.

[0109] The seat control device 76 may activate the notification device 21 when the vehicle 1 turns, and may also cause the touch panel display 33 to display an image or text indicating the turning direction and the operation of the vehicle 1. The seat control device 76 may also cause the speaker 32 to output a sound indicating the turning direction and the operation of the vehicle 1. The seat control device 76 may activate the touch panel display 33 and the speaker 32 a predetermined time before activating the occupant support device 20. The seat control device 76 may change the predetermined time based on the vehicle speed or the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle 1. The seat control device 76 may set the predetermined time to be longer as the vehicle speed and the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle 1 increase.

[0110] The seat control device 76 may prohibit the activation of the occupant support devices 20 and alarms provided on the same side as the turning direction when the vehicle 1 turns. The occupant support devices 20 and alarms provided on the same side as the turning direction when the vehicle 1 turns have low contact with the occupant, so prohibiting their activation can reduce energy consumption.

[0111] The vibrator 31 serving as the alarm device 21 may be provided on the side of the occupant support device 20 opposite to the pad 12 side. That is, the vibrator 31 may be provided on the rear surface of the movable frame 24, the rear surface of the air cell 42, and the rear surface of the inclined plate 62 in the seat back 6. In this way, the vibrator 31 vibrates the occupant support device 20, and the vibrations are transmitted to the occupant seated in the seat 2 via the occupant support device 20. That is, the occupant can receive the vibrations from a relatively wide area. When the alarm device 21 and the occupant support device 20 are provided on the seat cushion 5, the alarm device 21 is preferably provided below the occupant support device 20.

[0112] The notification device 21 may have both the vibrator 31 and the speaker 32. The seat control device 76 may first activate the speaker 32, and then activate the vibrator 31 after a delay. In this case, the seat control device 76 may activate the speaker 32 and the vibrator 31 that are arranged in the same area. For example, when the vehicle 1 turns right, the seat control device 76 may first activate the speaker 32 provided on the left side of the seat 2, and then, after a predetermined period of time, activate the vibrator 31 provided on the left side of the seat 2. The occupant is first notified by sound from the speaker 32, and then by vibration from the vibrator 31, so that the occupant can reliably recognize the notification.

[0113] The occupant support device 20 and the alarm device 21 may be omitted from the seat back 6. When the occupant support device 20 and the alarm device 21 are provided on the seat back 6, it is preferable that the occupant support device 20 and the alarm device 21 are provided at positions that do not overlap in the horizontal direction with the side airbag device provided on the side of the seat back 6. This allows the occupant support device 20, the alarm device 21, and the side airbag device to be arranged compactly on the side of the seat back 6.

[0114] The vehicle 1 may be provided with an active suspension system 135. The active suspension system 135 is provided between the vehicle body and the wheels, and can change its extension / retraction state or spring characteristics. The active suspension system 135 extends and retracts by receiving driving force from, for example, a hydraulic system, a pneumatic system, or an electric motor 25. The cruise control device 75 controls the active suspension system 135 to suppress vertical movement and vibration of the vehicle body. When the seat control device 76 determines, based on a signal from the cruise control device 75, that the cruise control device 75 is controlling the active suspension system 135, the seat control device 76 may reduce the amount of operation of the occupant support device 20. Furthermore, when the seat control device 76 determines, based on a signal from the cruise control device 75, that the cruise control device 75 is controlling the active suspension system 135, the seat control device 76 may prohibit operation of the occupant support device 20.

[0115] The notification device 21 may include a vibrator 31 provided on the steering wheel 71. The seat control device 76 may vibrate the vibrator 31 provided on the seat 2 and the vibrator 31 provided on the steering wheel 71 in coordination with each other.

[0116] When the driving mode is an autonomous driving mode, the seat control device 76 may activate the notification device 21 when the level of autonomous driving changes. For example, the seat control device 76 may activate the notification device 21 when the level changes from a level where the driver is primarily a vehicle (level 3) to a level where the driver is primarily a person (level 2).

[0117] The occupant support device 20 may be a lumbar support 141 as shown in FIG. 13. The lumbar support 141 has a plate-shaped plate member 142 and a suspension device 143 that connects the plate member 142 to the left and right side members 15. The suspension device 143 has a flexible wire 144 connected to the left and right side members 15, and an adjustment mechanism 145 that adjusts the length of the wire 144. The adjustment mechanism 145 has an adjustment mechanism case 146, and a drum and an electric motor that are received in the adjustment mechanism case 146. A portion of the wire 144 is wound around the drum. The adjustment mechanism case 146 is coupled to the back surface of the plate member 142.

[0118] The electric motor rotates the drum. When the drum rotates in the forward direction, the wire 144 is wound up, and the length of the wire 144 extending from the adjustment mechanism case 146 is shortened. This brings the plate member 142 closer to the joint between the wire 144 and the left and right side members 15. This also reduces the movable range of the plate member 142 relative to the side members 15. On the other hand, when the drum rotates in the reverse direction, the wire 144 is pulled out, and the length of the wire 144 extending from the adjustment mechanism case 146 is lengthened. This allows the plate member 142 to move away from the joint between the wire 144 and the left and right side members 15. This also increases the movable range of the plate member 142 relative to the side members 15.

[0119] The adjustment mechanism case 146 extends left and right. The adjustment mechanism case 146 is disposed in the middle of the plate member 142 in the up-down direction. The wire 144 extends outward to the left and right from the left and right ends of the adjustment mechanism case 146. When viewed from the front, the Doppler sensor 110 as a biosensor is disposed in a position that does not overlap with the adjustment mechanism case 146 and the wire 144. The Doppler sensor 110 may be disposed above or below the adjustment mechanism case 146 and the wire 144.

[0120] The plate member 142 is made of resin. As shown in FIG. 14 , the plate member 142 is provided with a plurality of ribs 148. The ribs 148 increase the rigidity of the plate member 142. The plurality of ribs 148 may extend in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The plurality of ribs 148 may be arranged in a lattice pattern. The plurality of ribs 148 may be provided on the back surface of the plate member 142. A recess 151 surrounded by the plurality of ribs 148 is formed on the back surface of the plate member 142. No ribs 148 are provided in the recess 151. Therefore, the thickness of the plate member 142 in the front-to-rear direction at the recess 151 is thin. The Doppler sensor 110 may be disposed in the recess 151. The Doppler sensor 110 radiates radio waves forward through the plate member 142. In this manner, the Doppler sensor 110 is disposed at a position avoiding the wire 144, the adjustment mechanism case 146, and the ribs 148. Doppler sensor 110 may be disposed at a position offset to the left or right from the center in the left-right direction of plate member 142. The spine portion of the occupant's back is recessed relative to the left and right portions. Therefore, by disposing Doppler sensor 110 at a position offset to the left or right from the center, Doppler sensor 110 is disposed at a portion where the occupant's back and plate member 142 come into close contact with each other.

[0121] Preferably, above the lumbar support 141, a wire 153 is provided that extends to the left and right and is connected to the left and right side members 15.

[0122] Other biological sensors may be provided on the plate member 142 instead of the Doppler sensor 110. The other biological sensors include, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a pressure sensor.

[0123] By disposing the Doppler sensor 110 on the back surface of the plate member 142, the degree of freedom in layout of the Doppler sensor 110 is improved. This allows the Doppler sensor 110 to be disposed at an appropriate position relative to the occupant. Furthermore, because the Doppler sensor 110 is disposed on the back surface of the plate member 142, the Doppler sensor 110 is prevented from interfering with the bending of the plate member 142. Therefore, the plate member 142 can flexibly deform and appropriately support the back of the occupant.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 15 , the seat control device 76 acquires the open / closed state of the door 72 based on a signal from the door sensor 101. When the seat control device 76 detects that the door 72 has been opened, it activates the occupant support device 20 of the seat 2 corresponding to the door 72 and also activates the alarm device 21. Specifically, the movable frame 24 on the door 72 side (right side) of the seat 2 is rotated rearward, and the movable frame 24 on the side opposite the door 72 (left side) of the seat 2 is rotated forward. This reduces the forward protrusion of the seatback side portion 27 on the right side of the seat 2, making it easier for the occupant to move toward the door 72, and increases the forward protrusion of the seatback side portion 27 on the left side of the seat 2, allowing the occupant to face the door 72. At this time, the vibrator 31 vibrates, allowing the occupant to recognize that the door 72 has been opened. The vibrator 31 may be activated before or simultaneously with the activation of the movable frame device 23.

[0125] Although the description of the specific embodiment has been completed above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified and implemented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1: Vehicle 2: Sheet 4: Floor 5: Seat cushion 6: Seat back 8: Seat body 9: Seat rotation device 11: Seat back frame 15: Side member 16: Upper member 17: Lower Member 20: Occupant support device 21: Alarm device 23: Movable frame device 24: Movable frame 25: Electric motor 27: Seat back side 28: Center of seat back 31: Vibrator 32: Speaker 33: Touch panel display 41: Air cell device 42: Air cell 44: Lumbar support 47: Support plate 61: Inclined plate device 62: Inclined plate 63:Tilt device 71: Steering wheel 75: Driving control device 76: Seat control device 90: Information acquisition device 110: Doppler sensor

Claims

1. A vehicle seat provided in a vehicle, a seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back; an occupant support device that is displaceably provided on the seat body and presses against an occupant seated on the seat body; a vibrator provided in the occupant support device for notifying the occupant; an information acquisition device that acquires information including at least one of a surrounding environment of the vehicle and a driving state of the vehicle; a control device that controls the occupant support device and the vibrator based on the information, the vibrator is provided over the occupant support device, The occupant support device includes an air cell that expands when compressed air is supplied thereto, and a support plate provided at a front end of the air cell, The vehicle seat, wherein the vibrator is provided on the support plate.

2. When viewed from the front, a plurality of the air cells and a plurality of the support plates are provided on the left and right sides and an upper portion of the seat back so as to surround the center of the seat back, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator is provided on each of the support plates.

3. The seat back includes a seat back frame and a plate-shaped lumbar support supported by the seat back frame, The vehicle seat according to claim 2 , wherein some of the plurality of air cells are supported by a front surface of the lumbar support.

4. 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of air cells include a pair of left and right upper air cells provided at an upper portion of the lumbar support, and a pair of left and right middle air cells provided below and to the left and right outward of the pair of upper air cells in the lumbar support.

5. The seatback frame has left and right side members extending vertically, and upper members extending laterally and connected to upper ends of the left and right side members, 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein some of the plurality of air cells are directly supported by the seat back frame.

6. 6. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of air cells are provided in each of the left and right side members and include a pair of left and right lower air cells provided below and outwardly of the pair of middle air cells.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein some of the plurality of air cells are disposed between the lumbar support and the support plate.

8. 8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein one end of the support plate is pivotally connected to the lumbar support.

9. 9. The vehicle seat of claim 8, wherein when the air cell is inflated, the corresponding support plate rotates relative to the lumbar support and moves forward.

10. 10. The vehicle seat according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the vibrators is provided on a surface of the corresponding support plate opposite to the air cell side.

11. 10. The vehicle seat according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the vibrators is provided on a surface of the corresponding support plate facing the air cell.

12. A vehicle seat provided in a vehicle, a seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back; an occupant support device that is displaceably provided on the seat body and presses against an occupant seated on the seat body; a vibrator provided in the occupant support device for notifying the occupant; an information acquisition device that acquires information including at least one of a surrounding environment of the vehicle and a driving state of the vehicle; a control device that controls the occupant support device and the vibrator based on the information, The vehicle seat has the vibrator disposed in front of the occupant support device and overlapped therewith.

Images