Vehicle seat device

Abstract

To provide a seat device for a vehicle which makes rising from a seat cushion easier, and can suppress occurrence of a submarine phenomenon.SOLUTION: A seat device 10 for a vehicle includes: a seat cushion 12 on which a driver P seats; a seat airbag part 20 which is provided in the seat cushion 12, and inflates and expands at the time of vehicle collision or vehicle collision prediction and a rising time of the driver P; and a control part which controls a gas supply speed so that an inflation and expansion speed becomes slow at the time of rising of the driver P compared to the time of vehicle collision or vehicle collision prediction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As one type of vehicle equipped with an automatic driving function, development is underway of a front-to-back seating vehicle in which front seats and rear seats are arranged facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an occupant protection device in which an airbag is mounted on the vehicle floor between vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-029218 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a front-facing seating vehicle, occupants sitting in the forward-facing rear seats of the vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle have difficulty standing up from the rear seats because, unlike in a normal vehicle, there is no front seat or other object to hold on to in front of them.Furthermore, since there is no reaction member, such as an inner panel, in front of the rear seats to restrain the lower legs of occupants sitting in the rear seats in the event of a frontal collision, the submarine phenomenon is likely to occur.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat device that allows a occupant to easily stand up from a seat cushion and prevents the occurrence of the submarine phenomenon. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 1 includes a seat cushion on which an occupant sits, a seat airbag unit disposed inside the seat cushion and inflating and deploying when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and when an occupant stands up, and a control unit that controls a gas supply rate so that the rate of inflation and deployment when the occupant stands up is slower than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. The control unit controls the amount of gas supplied so that the height of the seat cushion in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted during the inflation and deployment. .

[0007] In the vehicle seat device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas supply rate of the seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion is controlled by the control unit so that the rate of inflation and deployment is slower when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Therefore, the seat airbag portion can be rapidly inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. This rapid inflation and deployment of the seat airbag portion allows the seat cushion to be lifted quickly, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, the seat airbag portion inflates and deploys more slowly when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby safely assisting the occupant in standing up and allowing the occupant to easily stand up from the seat cushion. In the vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 1, the control unit controls the amount of gas supplied when the seat airbag unit is inflated and deployed so that the height of the seat cushion in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted.As a result, the height of the seat cushion is higher when the occupant stands up, making it easier for the occupant to stand up from the seat cushion.

[0008] The vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 2 is The seat cushion includes: a seat cushion on which an occupant sits; a seat airbag section disposed inside the seat cushion that inflates and deploys in the event of a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted, and when the occupant stands up; and a control unit that controls the gas supply rate so that the rate of inflation and deployment is slower when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision or a vehicle collision is predicted, the seat airbag section comprising a front airbag disposed on the front side in the longitudinal direction of the seat, and a rear airbag disposed on the rear side, the rear airbag having a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag, and the control unit inflates and deploys the front airbag in the event of a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when the occupant stands up.

[0009] In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 2, The gas supply rate of the seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion is controlled by a control unit so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Therefore, the seat airbag portion can be rapidly inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. This rapid inflation and deployment of the seat airbag portion allows the seat cushion to be lifted quickly, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, when the occupant stands up, the seat airbag portion inflates and deploys more slowly than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby safely assisting the occupant in standing up and allowing the occupant to easily stand up from the seat cushion. In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention, the front airbag disposed on the front side of the seat in the longitudinal direction is inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, causing the front of the seat cushion to inflate and lift the occupant's lower legs, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention, the rear airbag disposed on the rear side of the seat in the front-rear direction is inflated and deployed when the occupant stands up, causing the rear of the seat cushion to inflate, thereby lifting the occupant at a location closer to their hip point, thereby making it easier for the occupant to stand up from the seat cushion. In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention, the rear airbag is larger in size in the seat width direction than the front airbag, so that the occupant seated on the seat cushion can be stably raised to a standing position. Also, the front airbag is smaller in size in the seat width direction than the rear airbag, so that the front airbag can be inflated and deployed more quickly while suppressing the occurrence of the submarine phenomenon.

[0010] The vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 3 is or claim 2In the configuration described above, the control unit controls the supply of gas so that when an occupant stands up, gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a first gas supply unit, and when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a second gas supply unit which has a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply unit.

[0011] In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention, when an occupant stands up, gas is supplied to the seat back from the first gas supply unit, which supplies gas at a slower rate than the second gas supply unit. Therefore, unlike the case where an inflator that supplies gas instantaneously, which supplies gas at a faster rate than the first gas supply unit, is used, the first gas supply unit can gradually supply gas to the seat airbag. Therefore, the first gas supply unit can slowly inflate and deploy the seat back, thereby safely assisting the occupant in standing up.

[0012] In addition, in the vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 3, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from the second gas supply section, which has a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply section, so that gas can be supplied to the seat airbag section instantaneously.

[0013] The vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 4 has the configuration described in claim 1, wherein the seat airbag section includes a front airbag arranged on the front side in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat and a rear airbag arranged on the rear side, and the control section inflates and deploys the front airbag when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when an occupant stands up.

[0014] In the vehicle seat device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the front airbag disposed on the front side of the seat in the longitudinal direction is inflated and deployed, causing the front of the seat cushion to inflate and lift the occupant's lower legs, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon.

[0015] In the vehicle seat device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when an occupant stands up, the rear airbag disposed on the rear side of the seat in the front-rear direction is inflated and deployed, causing the rear of the seat cushion to inflate, thereby lifting the occupant at a location closer to their hip point, thereby making it easier for the occupant to stand up from the seat cushion.

[0016] The vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 5 is Claim 2 or In the configuration described in claim 4, the front airbag is disposed at a higher position inside the seat cushion than the rear airbag.

[0017] In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention, the front airbag is disposed higher inside the seat cushion than the rear airbag, so that the lower legs of the occupant can be lifted more quickly during a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted. Also, the rear airbag is disposed lower inside the seat cushion than the front airbag, so that the impact on the comfort of the occupant sitting on the seat cushion can be reduced.

[0018] The vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 6 has the configuration described in claim 3, and is provided with an operating switch located in a position that can be operated when an occupant is seated on the seat cushion, and the control unit controls the supply of gas from the first gas supply unit when the operating switch is operated.

[0019] In the vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 6, when an operating switch located in an operable position when an occupant is seated on the seat cushion is operated, the control unit controls the supply of gas from the first gas supply unit, so that the occupant can be assisted in standing up at any timing by operating the operating switch when standing up.

[0020] A vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 7 is the configuration as set forth in claim 4, wherein the rear airbag is set to have a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag.

[0021] In the vehicle seat device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the rear airbag is designed to have a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag, so that the occupant seated on the seat cushion can be stably raised to a standing position. Also, the front airbag is designed to have a smaller dimension in the seat width direction than the rear airbag, so that the front airbag can be inflated and deployed more quickly while suppressing the occurrence of the submarine phenomenon.

[0022] The vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 8 is or claim 2 In the configuration described above, the seat airbag portion is disposed in the center of the seat surface of the seat cushion and is configured to be able to selectively supply gas supplied from a first gas supply portion and gas supplied from a second gas supply portion having a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply portion.

[0023] In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention, the seat airbag portion is configured to be able to selectively supply gas supplied from the first gas supply portion and gas supplied from the second gas supply portion, so the number of airbags can be reduced compared to an embodiment in which an airbag supplied with gas from the first gas supply portion and an airbag supplied with gas from the second gas supply portion are provided separately. In this way, the reduction in the number of parts can reduce costs.

[0024] The vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 9 is or claim 2 In the configuration described above, the seat is provided with a seat covering in which a rear region in the front-rear direction of the seat is made of a covering material that is more stretchable than other regions.

[0025] In the vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 9, the seat upholstery is made of an upholstery material that is more stretchable in the rear region in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat than in other regions, so that the rear region of the seat cushion can be easily inflated, and the occupant can be easily assisted in standing up.

[0026] The vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 10 is or claim 2 In the configuration described above, the seat cushion is a seat cushion for a rear seat.

[0027] As in the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 10, even in the case of a seat cushion for a rear seat in which the submarine phenomenon is likely to occur because there is no reaction member such as an inner panel in the front, the seat airbag portion can be quickly inflated and deployed to increase the restraining force of the seat belt and prevent the submarine phenomenon from occurring. Furthermore, when an occupant stands up, the seat airbag portion can be inflated and deployed more slowly than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, so the occupant can be safely assisted in standing up and the occupant can easily stand up from the seat cushion.

[0028] The vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 11 is the same as the configuration set forth in claim 10, in which the front seat and the rear seat can be arranged to face each other.

[0029] In general, in front-facing vehicles, among the vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, in forward-facing rear seats, unlike in normal vehicles, passengers have no front seats or other objects to hold on to in front of them, making it difficult for them to stand up from the rear seats.Furthermore, since there is no reaction member, such as an inner panel, in front of the rear seats to restrain the lower legs of passengers seated in the rear seats in the event of a frontal collision, the submarine phenomenon is likely to occur.

[0030] In contrast, in the vehicle seat device according to the present invention, the seat airbag portion of the forward-facing rear seat among the vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is quickly inflated and deployed, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, when an occupant stands up, the seat airbag portion of the forward-facing rear seat is inflated and deployed more slowly than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby safely assisting the occupant in standing up and allowing the occupant to easily stand up from the seat cushion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] As described above, the vehicle seat device according to the present invention has the excellent effect of making it easy to stand up from the seat cushion and suppressing the occurrence of the submarine phenomenon. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle seat device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle seat device of FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a gas supply mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 and shows a state in which a front airbag is activated when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, from the state shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 1, illustrating a state in which the rear airbag is activated when the occupant stands up from the state shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when an occupant stands up in the vehicle seat device of FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes in the vehicle seat device of FIG. 1 when a vehicle collision occurs or when a vehicle collision is predicted. [Figure 8]FIG. 6 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle seat device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle seat device of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a gas supply mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 9 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 8, illustrating a state in which a single airbag is activated when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted from the state shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 12] 9 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 8, illustrating a state in which the single airbag is activated when an occupant stands up from the state shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 13] 9 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when an occupant stands up in the vehicle seat device of FIG. 8. [Figure 14] 9 is a flowchart showing a series of processes performed in the vehicle seat device of FIG. 8 when a vehicle collision occurs or when a vehicle collision is predicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] First Embodiment A vehicle seat device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Arrows UP, FR, LH, and RH, as appropriate, shown in each drawing, respectively indicate the upward direction, forward direction, leftward direction, and rightward direction in the left-right direction (seat width direction) of the vehicle seat device 10 mounted on a vehicle. Hereinafter, when the terms "front-rear," "left-right," and "up-down" are used in the description, they refer to the front-rear direction, left-right direction (seat width direction), and up-down direction of the vehicle seat device 10 mounted on a vehicle, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] (Vehicle seat configuration) The vehicle seat device 10 of the first embodiment is installed in an autonomous vehicle (for example, an automobile, a train, or the like) that does not require a driver to operate the vehicle during autonomous driving. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat device 10 is, for example, for a rear seat in a vehicle in which a front seat and a rear seat can be arranged facing each other, and more specifically, for example, for a left rear seat.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat device 10 includes a seat cushion 12 on which an occupant P sits (supporting the buttocks and thighs of the occupant P), a seat back 14 that supports the back of the occupant P, i.e., forms a backrest, and a headrest 16 that supports the head of the occupant P.

[0036] The seat cushion 12 constitutes the seat surface of the vehicle seat device 10 and is made of, for example, an elastic synthetic resin material such as polyurethane foam (polyurethane foam). The occupant P sits on the upper side (seat surface) of the seat cushion 12. The seat cushion 12 is provided with a seat airbag portion 20 therein.

[0037] When gas is supplied to the seat airbag section 20, the seat airbag section 20 inflates and deploys inside the seat cushion 12. In this embodiment, the seat airbag section 20 includes a front airbag 22 disposed on the front side of the seat and a rear airbag 24 disposed on the rear side of the seat.

[0038] The front airbag 22 in a folded state, i.e., before inflation and deployment, has a width W1 in the seat width direction as shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1, the front airbag 22 is disposed above the center of the seat cushion 12 in the vertical direction of the seat, and is disposed at a position higher than the rear airbag 24 by a height H.

[0039] Similarly, the rear airbag 24 in a folded state, i.e., before inflation and deployment, has a width W2 in the seat width direction that is larger than the width W1, as shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the rear airbag 24 is disposed below the center of the seat cushion 12 in the vertical direction of the seat, and is disposed at a position that is lower than the rear airbag 24 by a height H, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0040] 1 and 2, for example, an operation switch 26 is provided on the front side of the right side surface of the seat cushion 12. The operation switch 26 is a switch that is operated when the occupant P wants to stand up, and is provided in a position where it can be operated when the occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 12. When the operation switch 26 is operated, a signal indicating that the operation switch 26 has been operated (turned on) is output to a control unit 50, which will be described later.

[0041] The seat cushion 12 is also provided with a seating detection sensor (not shown) that detects whether the occupant P2 is seated on the seat cushion 12. Specifically, the seating detection sensor is a sensor that detects the seat pressure of the seat cushion 12, and is composed of one or more pressure-sensitive sensors.

[0042] Furthermore, a vehicle equipped with the vehicle seat device 10 is provided with a collision sensor (not shown) that detects a vehicle collision and a collision prediction sensor (not shown) that predicts a vehicle collision. The collision sensor is a sensor that includes an acceleration sensor or a pressure sensor and detects a vehicle collision, and a signal from this collision sensor is output to an ECU 50 (described later). Then, the ECU 50 determines a vehicle collision based on the signal from the collision sensor.

[0043] The collision prediction sensor is a pre-crash sensor that predicts a collision and is configured to include a millimeter-wave radar, a laser radar, an on-board camera, or the like, and a signal from the collision prediction sensor is output to an ECU 50 (described later). The ECU 50 determines whether a vehicle collision is unavoidable based on the signal from the collision prediction sensor. The collision type detected by the collision sensor and collision prediction sensor in this embodiment is, for example, a frontal collision. In this embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with both a collision sensor and a collision prediction sensor, but it may also be equipped with only one of them.

[0044] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion 12 is covered in an area where the rear airbag 24 is located when viewed from above, i.e., the rear area in the seat longitudinal direction, with a seat upholstery 12A made of a skin material that is more stretchable than other areas. Specifically, the seat upholstery 12A is made of a cloth made of polyester, wool, or the like, artificial leather made of polyester, genuine leather, or the like. In this embodiment, the seat upholstery 12A in the rear area is made of knit, which is an example of a "stretchable skin material." Note that the "stretchable skin material" may be, for example, a skin material that is thinner in the rear area than in other areas, or a different skin material may be used in the rear area so that the rear area is more stretchable than the other areas.

[0045] In this embodiment, the front airbag 22 is inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, i.e., when a vehicle collision is detected by a collision sensor or when a frontal collision is predicted by a collision prediction sensor. The rear airbag 24 is inflated and deployed when the occupant P stands up, i.e., when the operation switch 26 is operated.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, gas is supplied to the front airbag 22 from a compressor 30 serving as a second gas supply unit via a pipe 30A. Gas is supplied to the rear airbag 24 from a pump 40 serving as a first gas supply unit via a pipe 40A. The compressor 30 is a machine that pumps gas by the rotational motion of an impeller or rotor or the reciprocating motion of a piston, and can supply gas instantaneously. On the other hand, the pump 40 is a machine that supplies gas by the action of pressure, and can gradually supply gas at a supply speed slower than that of the compressor 30.

[0047] The compressor 30 and the pump 40 are each connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 50 serving as a control unit. The ECU 50 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each unit. The ECU 50 of the first embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage, etc. (not shown), and each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The CPU reads a program from the ROM or the storage and executes the program using the RAM as a working area.

[0048] The ECU 50 is electrically connected to the above-mentioned operation switch 26, compressor 30, and pump 40, as well as a seating detection sensor, a collision sensor, a collision prediction sensor, etc. (not shown). Output values ​​output from the operation switch 26, the seating detection sensor, the collision sensor, the collision prediction sensor, etc. are input to the ECU 50. The ECU 50 also functions as an automatic driving unit of the vehicle in which the vehicle seat device 10 is mounted. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU of the ECU 50 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM or storage.

[0049] In this embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the gas supply rate so that the seat airbag portion 20 is inflated and deployed at a slower rate when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Specifically, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, that is, when a vehicle collision is detected by a collision sensor or a frontal collision is predicted by a collision prediction sensor, the ECU 50 causes the compressor 30 to instantaneously supply gas to the front airbag 22, thereby instantaneously inflating and deploying the front airbag 22, as shown in FIG. 4 .

[0050] On the other hand, when the occupant P stands up, that is, when the operation switch 26 is operated, the ECU 50 controls the pump 40 to gradually supply gas to the rear airbag 24, thereby slowly inflating and deploying the rear airbag 24, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0051] In this embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the amount of gas supplied so that the height H2 of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction when the occupant P stands up, as shown in Figure 5, is higher than the height H1 of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, as shown in Figure 4.

[0052] Next, a series of processes performed by the vehicle seat device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. In this embodiment, when the occupant P wants to stand up, he or she turns on the operation switch 26.

[0053] When the occupant P stands up, the ECU 50 determines whether the operation switch 26 is turned on (step S11), as shown in Fig. 6. If it is determined that the operation switch 26 is not turned on (step S11; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the process of step S11 until the operation switch 26 is turned on.

[0054] In step S11, when the ECU 50 determines that the operation switch 26 has been turned on (step S11; YES), the ECU 50 operates the pump 40 to gradually supply gas from the pump 40 to the rear airbag 24 (step S12).

[0055] Next, the ECU 50 determines whether the occupant P has stood up (step S13). Specifically, when the seating detection sensor detects that the occupant P is not seated, that is, when the occupant P is not seated, the ECU 50 determines that the occupant P has stood up.

[0056] If it is determined in step S13 that the occupant P has not stood up (step S13; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the process of step S13 until the occupant P stands up. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the occupant P has stood up (step S13; YES), the ECU 50 causes the pump 40 to discharge gas from the rear airbag 24 (step S14), and ends the series of processes.

[0057] Furthermore, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the ECU 50 determines whether a vehicle collision has been detected by the collision sensor or whether a vehicle collision has been predicted by the collision prediction sensor (step S21), as shown in Fig. 7. If it is determined that a vehicle collision has neither been detected nor predicted (step S21; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the processing of step S21 until a vehicle collision is detected or predicted.

[0058] In step S21, if the ECU 50 determines that a vehicle collision has been detected or that a vehicle collision has been predicted (step S21; YES), the ECU 50 activates the compressor 30 to instantaneously supply gas from the compressor 30 to the front airbag 22 (step S22), and ends the series of processes.

[0059] (Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment) Next, the operation and effects of the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0060] In the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the gas supply rate so that the seat airbag section 20 (front airbag 22 and rear airbag 24) disposed inside the seat cushion 12 inflates and deploys at a slower rate when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. This allows the front airbag 22 (seat airbag section 20) to inflate and deploy quickly when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. As the front airbag 22 (seat airbag section 20) inflates and deploys in this manner, the seat front of the seat cushion 12 is lifted, thereby lifting the lower legs of the occupant P. This increases the restraining force of the seat belt on the occupant P and prevents the submarine phenomenon from occurring.

[0061] Furthermore, when the occupant P stands up, the rear airbag 24 inflates and deploys more slowly than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, so the occupant P can be safely assisted in standing up and the occupant P can easily stand up from the seat cushion 12. Furthermore, the rear part of the seat cushion 12 inflates, so that a part of the occupant P closer to the hip point HP can be lifted. This allows the occupant P to stand up more easily from the seat cushion.

[0062] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the amount of gas supplied when the seat airbag portion 20 is inflated and deployed so that the height of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Therefore, the height of the seat cushion 12 behind the seat is higher, which can further raise the hip point HP of the occupant P, making it easier for the occupant P to stand up from the seat cushion 12.

[0063] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, gas is supplied from the pump 40 to the rear airbag 24 when the occupant P stands up, and therefore can be used any number of times, unlike when an inflator or the like that supplies gas instantaneously is used, which has a faster gas supply speed than the pump 40. Furthermore, unlike an inflator or the like that supplies gas instantaneously, the pump 40 can supply gas gradually, and therefore the rear airbag 24 can be inflated and deployed slowly, thereby safely assisting the occupant P in standing up.

[0064] In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the front airbag 22 is supplied with gas from the compressor 30, which instantaneously supplies gas at a faster gas supply speed than the pump 40, so that gas can be instantaneously supplied to the front airbag 22.

[0065] In the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the front airbag 22 is disposed at a higher position inside the seat cushion 12 than the rear airbag 24, so that the lower legs of the occupant P can be lifted more quickly when a vehicle collision occurs or when a vehicle collision is predicted. In addition, the rear airbag 24 is disposed at a lower position inside the seat cushion 12 than the front airbag 22, so that the impact on the comfort of the occupant P seated on the seat cushion 12 can be reduced.

[0066] In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, when the operation switch 26, which is located in an operable position when the occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 12, is operated, the ECU 50 controls the pump 40 to supply gas, so that the occupant P can be assisted in standing up at any timing by operating the operation switch 26 when standing up.

[0067] In the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the rear airbag 24 is set to have a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag 22, so that the occupant P seated on the seat cushion 12 can be stably raised up. In addition, the front airbag 22 is set to have a smaller dimension in the seat width direction than the rear airbag 24, so that the front airbag 22 can be inflated and deployed more quickly while exhibiting the effect of suppressing the occurrence of the submarine phenomenon.

[0068] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the rear region of the seat cover 12A toward the rear of the seat is made of a material that is more stretchable than other regions, so that the rear region of the seat cushion 12 can be easily inflated, and the occupant P can be easily assisted in standing up.

[0069] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the seat cushion 12 is a seat cushion for a rear seat. As described above, even in the case of a rear seat cushion 12 in which the submarine phenomenon is likely to occur because there is no reaction member such as an inner panel in front, the front airbag 22 can be quickly inflated and deployed to increase the restraining force of the seat belt and prevent the submarine phenomenon from occurring. Furthermore, when the occupant P stands up, the rear airbag 24 can be inflated and deployed more slowly than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby safely assisting the occupant P in standing up and allowing the occupant P to easily stand up from the seat cushion 12.

[0070] In general, in face-to-face seating vehicles, among the vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, in forward-facing rear seats, unlike in normal vehicles, the occupant P has no front seat or other object to hold on to in front of them, making it difficult for them to stand up from the rear seat.Furthermore, since there is no reaction member, such as an inner panel, in front of the rear seat to restrain the lower legs of the occupant seated in the rear seat in the event of a frontal collision, the submarine phenomenon is likely to occur.

[0071] In contrast, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the front airbag 22 of the seat cushion 12 of the rear seat is inflated and deployed quickly in the event of a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Also, when the occupant P stands up, the rear airbag 24 of the seat cushion 12 of the rear seat is inflated and deployed more slowly than in the event of a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby safely assisting the occupant P in standing up and allowing the occupant P to easily stand up from the seat cushion 12.

[0072] Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat device 10A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle seat device 10A of the second embodiment differs from the vehicle seat device 10 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the seat airbag portion 20, but the other configurations are the same, so only the different configurations will be described here.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 8, the seat airbag section 20 of the vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment is configured with a single airbag 28. The single airbag 28 in a folded state, i.e., before inflation and deployment, is disposed in the center of the seat surface of the seat cushion 12, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. As an example, the single airbag 28 is disposed in an area corresponding to the hip point HP and lower legs of the occupant P when the occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 12.

[0074] 10, in this embodiment, the single airbag 28 is configured to be able to selectively receive gas from the compressor 30 via a pipe 60 and gas from the pump 40 via the pipe 60. The compressor 30 and the pump 40 are each connected to the ECU 50, which controls the gas supply rate so that the rate of inflation and deployment of the single airbag 28 is slower when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted.

[0075] Specifically, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, i.e., when a vehicle collision is detected by a collision sensor or a frontal collision is predicted by a collision prediction sensor, the ECU 50 causes the compressor 30 to instantaneously supply gas to the single airbag 28, thereby instantaneously inflating and deploying the single airbag 28 so that its height in the seat height direction reaches height H3, as shown in Figure 11.

[0076] On the other hand, when the occupant P stands up, that is, when the operation switch 26 is operated, the ECU 50 causes the pump 40 to gradually supply gas to the single airbag 28, thereby gradually inflating and deploying the single airbag 28 so that its height in the seat height direction reaches a height H4 that is higher than the height H3, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0077] That is, in this embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the amount of gas supplied so that the height H4 of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction when the occupant P stands up, as shown in Figure 12, is higher than the height H3 of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, as shown in Figure 11.

[0078] Next, a series of processes performed by the vehicle seat device 10A of the second embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. In this embodiment, when the occupant P wants to stand up, he or she turns on the operation switch 26.

[0079] When the occupant P stands up, the ECU 50 determines whether the operation switch 26 is turned on (step S31), as shown in Fig. 13. If it is determined that the operation switch 26 is not turned on (step S31; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the process of step S31 until the operation switch 26 is turned on.

[0080] In step S31, if the ECU 50 determines that the operation switch 26 is turned on (step S31; YES), the ECU 50 operates the pump 40 to gradually supply gas from the pump 40 to the single airbag 28 (step S32).

[0081] Next, the ECU 50 determines whether the occupant P has stood up (step S33). Specifically, when the seating detection sensor detects that the occupant P is not seated, that is, when the occupant P is not seated, the ECU 50 determines that the occupant P has stood up.

[0082] If it is determined in step S33 that the occupant P has not stood up (step S33; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the process of step S33 until the occupant P stands up. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the occupant P has stood up (step S33; YES), the ECU 50 causes the pump 40 to discharge gas from the single airbag 28 (step S34), and ends the series of processes.

[0083] Furthermore, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the ECU 50 determines whether a vehicle collision has been detected by the collision sensor or whether a vehicle collision has been predicted by the collision prediction sensor (step S41), as shown in Fig. 14. If it is determined that a vehicle collision has neither been detected nor predicted (step S41; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the processing of step S41 until a vehicle collision is detected or predicted.

[0084] In step S41, if the ECU 50 determines that a vehicle collision has been detected or that a vehicle collision has been predicted (step S41; YES), the ECU 50 activates the compressor 30 to instantaneously supply gas from the compressor 30 to the single airbag 28 (step S42), and ends the series of processes.

[0085] (Actions and Effects of the Second Embodiment) Next, the operation and effects of the vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0086] In the vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment, the seat airbag unit 20, i.e., the single airbag 28, disposed in the center of the seat surface of the seat cushion 12 is configured to be able to selectively supply gas supplied from the pump 40 and gas supplied from the compressor 30, which has a faster gas supply speed than the pump 40. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which an airbag to which gas is supplied from the pump 40 and an airbag to which gas is supplied from the compressor 30 are separately provided, the number of airbags is reduced, and therefore the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in cost reduction.

[0087] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the gas supply rate so that the single airbag 28 disposed inside the seat cushion 12 inflates and deploys at a slower rate when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Therefore, the single airbag 28 can be quickly inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. This rapid inflation and deployment of the single airbag 28 allows the seat cushion 12 to be quickly lifted, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, because the single airbag 28 inflates and deploys more slowly when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the occupant P can be safely assisted in standing up, and the occupant P can easily stand up from the seat cushion.

[0088] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the amount of gas supplied so that the height of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted during inflation and deployment. As a result, the height of the seat cushion is higher when the occupant P stands up, making it easier for the occupant P to stand up from the seat cushion.

[0089] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment, when the occupant P stands up, gas is supplied to the single airbag 28 from the pump 40, which has a gas supply speed slower than that of the compressor 30, and therefore can be used any number of times, unlike when an inflator or the like that supplies gas instantaneously is used, which has a gas supply speed faster than the pump 40. Furthermore, unlike an inflator or the like that supplies gas instantaneously, the pump 40 can supply gas gradually, and therefore the single airbag 28 can be inflated and deployed slowly, thereby safely assisting the occupant P in standing up.

[0090] In addition, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, gas is supplied to the single airbag 28 from the compressor 30, which instantaneously supplies gas at a faster gas supply speed than the pump 40, so that gas can be supplied instantaneously to the single airbag 28.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision is detected by a collision sensor (collision prediction sensor), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision may be detected when an automatic brake that is activated by the detection of the collision sensor (collision prediction sensor) is activated.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the operation switch 26 is provided on the front side of the right side surface of the seat cushion 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The operation switch 26 may be provided in any position as long as it can be operated by the occupant P seated on the seat cushion 12.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the compressor 30 is used as the second gas supply unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an inflator may be used. In this case, the front airbag 22 or the single airbag 28 can be used only once.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle seat device 10, 10A is, for example, for a rear seat in a vehicle in which the front seat and the rear seat can be arranged facing each other, and more specifically, for the left rear seat, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle seat device 10, 10A may be for a right rear seat or a front seat. It may also be installed in a vehicle in which the front seat and the rear seat cannot be arranged facing each other.

[0095] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various other modified forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0096] <Additional Notes> (First aspect) A seat cushion on which an occupant sits; a seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion and inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and when an occupant stands up; a control unit that controls the gas supply rate so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when an occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted; A vehicle seat device comprising: (Second aspect) The vehicle seat device according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit controls the amount of gas supplied so that the height of the seat cushion in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, during the inflation and deployment. (Third aspect) The control unit controls the supply of gas so that gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a first gas supply section when an occupant stands up, and so that gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a second gas supply section, which has a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply section, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. (Fourth aspect) The seat airbag portion includes a front airbag disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction of the seat and a rear airbag disposed on the rear side, The vehicle seat device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the control unit inflates and deploys the front airbag when a vehicle collision occurs or when a vehicle collision is predicted, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when an occupant stands up. (Fifth aspect) The vehicle seat device according to a fourth aspect, wherein the front airbag is disposed at a higher position inside the seat cushion than the rear airbag. (Sixth aspect) an operation switch provided at a position that can be operated when an occupant is seated on the seat cushion; The vehicle seat apparatus according to a third aspect, wherein the control unit controls the gas to be supplied from the first gas supply unit when the operation switch is operated. (Seventh aspect) The vehicle seat apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the rear airbag is set to have a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag. (Eighth aspect) A vehicle seat device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the seat airbag portion is arranged in the center of the seating surface of the seat cushion and is configured to be able to selectively supply gas supplied from a first gas supply portion and gas supplied from a second gas supply portion having a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply portion. (Ninth aspect) The vehicle seat device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a seat covering in which a rear region in the seat longitudinal direction is made of a covering material that is more stretchable than other regions. (Tenth aspect) The vehicle seat apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the seat cushion is a seat cushion for a rear seat. (Eleventh aspect) The vehicle seat apparatus according to a tenth aspect, wherein the front seat and the rear seat can be arranged to face each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10 Vehicle seat device 10A Vehicle seat device 12 seat cushions 12A Seat covering 20 Seat airbag section 22 Front airbag 24 Rear airbag 26 Operation switch 28 Single Airbag 30 Compressor (second gas supply unit) 40 Pump (first gas supply unit) P crew

Claims

1. A seat cushion on which an occupant sits; a seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion and inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and when an occupant stands up; a control unit that controls the gas supply rate so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when an occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted; Including, The control unit controls the amount of gas supplied during inflation and deployment so that the height of the seat cushion in the seat height direction is higher when an occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted.

2. A seat cushion on which an occupant sits; a seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion and inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and when an occupant stands up; a control unit that controls the gas supply rate so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when an occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted; Including, The seat airbag portion includes a front airbag disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction of the seat and a rear airbag disposed on the rear side, The rear airbag is set to have a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag, The control unit inflates and deploys the front airbag when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when an occupant stands up.

3. 3. The vehicle seat device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the supply of gas so that gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a first gas supply unit when an occupant stands up, and gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a second gas supply unit that has a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply unit when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted.

4. The seat airbag portion includes a front airbag disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction of the seat and a rear airbag disposed on the rear side, 2. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit inflates and deploys the front airbag when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when an occupant stands up.

5. 5. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the front airbag is disposed at a higher position inside the seat cushion than the rear airbag.

6. an operation switch provided at a position that can be operated when an occupant is seated on the seat cushion; The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the first gas supply unit to supply gas when the operation switch is operated.

7. 5. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the rear airbag has a dimension in the seat width direction that is larger than that of the front airbag.

8. 3. The vehicle seat device according to claim 1, wherein the seat airbag portion is disposed in a central portion of the seat surface of the seat cushion and is configured to be able to selectively supply gas supplied from a first gas supply portion and gas supplied from a second gas supply portion having a gas supply speed faster than that of the first gas supply portion.

9. 3. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a seat covering in a rear region of the seat in the front-rear direction, the rear region being made of a covering material that is more stretchable than other regions.

10. 3. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seat cushion is a seat cushion for a rear seat.

11. 11. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the front seat and the rear seat are disposed facing each other.

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