Seat device and control method

Abstract

To provide a seat device and a control method of a vehicular seat which can prompt a seated occupant to take a relaxing attitude when a vehicle runs in an automatic operation mode, utilizing a vehicular seat comprising an ottoman.SOLUTION: A seat device 1 is provided with a vehicular seat 10 which has a seat body 11 having a seat cushion 12 and an ottoman 15 that can be displaced with respect to the seat body 11, and an ECU 26 for the vehicular seat. The ECU 26 displaces the ottoman 15 from a storing position where the ottoman is stored below the seat cushion 12 to an expanding position where the ottoman extends toward a front side of the seat cushion 12, and displaces an upper surface of the ottoman 15 at the expanding position to a position which is equal in height to an upper surface of an interior member 30 provided on a front side of the vehicular seat 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat apparatus and a control method, and more particularly to a seat apparatus for a vehicle and a control method for a vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of autonomous driving technology, attention has been focused on technologies that improve passenger comfort when driving in autonomous driving mode. As a specific example, it has been proposed to automatically adjust the interior space so that passengers can assume a relaxed posture when driving in autonomous driving mode.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that allows an interior component (instrument panel) located at the front of a vehicle seat to be lowered to a position at the feet of the occupant, allowing the occupant to use the interior component as a footrest, thereby encouraging the occupant to adopt a relaxed posture when driving in autonomous driving mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-028289 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows occupants to place their feet on interior members and assume a relaxed posture, there is room for further improvement. That is, Patent Document 1 does not describe a vehicle seat equipped with an ottoman, and does not fully consider using a vehicle seat equipped with an ottoman to encourage the seated occupant to assume a relaxed posture.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a seat device and a method for controlling a vehicle seat that utilizes a vehicle seat equipped with an ottoman to encourage the occupant to adopt a relaxed posture when traveling in automatic driving mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a seat device of the present invention, which is a seat device including a vehicle seat having a seat main body with a seat cushion and an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat main body, and a control device that controls the vehicle seat, wherein the control device displaces a front side of the seat cushion to an inclined position higher than a rear side, and displaces the ottoman from a stored position stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position extending forward of the seat cushion in conjunction with the displacement of the seat cushion to the inclined position, and and extending parallel to the upper surface of an interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat. On top of the ottoman Face ,before Inside This problem is solved by displacing the upper surface of the mounting member to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the mounting member.

[0008] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a control method of the present invention, which is a control method executed by a control device for controlling a vehicle seat including a seat body having a seat cushion and an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat body, the control method displacing a front side of the seat cushion to an inclined position higher than a rear side, and displacing the ottoman from a stored position stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position extending forward of the seat cushion in conjunction with the displacement of the seat cushion to the inclined position, and extending parallel to the upper surface of the interior member of the vehicle provided in front of the vehicle seat. On top of the ottoman Face ,before Inside This problem is solved by displacing the upper surface of the mounting member to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the mounting member.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the ottoman can be displaced between a stored position where it is stored below the seat cushion and a deployed position where it extends forward of the seat cushion, and the upper surface of the ottoman in the deployed position is displaced to the same height as the upper surface of the interior member. This allows the seat occupant to place their feet astride the ottoman and the interior member, making it possible for the seat device to encourage the seat occupant to adopt a relaxed posture when traveling in autonomous driving mode. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the seat cushion and ottoman are displaced in unison, which encourages the seated occupant to assume a relaxed posture on the seat cushion, ottoman, and interior components.

[0010] The control device may also lower the interior member, and after the interior member has been lowered, displace the upper surface of the ottoman to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the interior member. According to the above configuration, after the interior member is lowered, the upper surface of the ottoman is displaced to the same height as the upper surface of the interior member, allowing the seated person to place their feet astride the ottoman and the interior member, and making it possible to smoothly lower the interior member without interfering with the lower legs of the seated person.

[0012] The control device may also determine the deployed position of the ottoman based on the inclination angle of the seat cushion displaced to the inclined posture and the lowered position of the interior member. According to the above configuration, the deployed position of the ottoman is determined based on the tilt angle of the seat cushion and the lowered position of the interior member, so that the ottoman can be positioned at an appropriate deployed position.

[0013] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a seat device of the present invention, which is a seat device including a vehicle seat having a seat main body with a seat cushion and an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat main body, and a control device that controls the vehicle seat, wherein the control device displaces the ottoman from a stored position where it is stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position where it extends forward of the seat cushion, and brings the lower surface of the ottoman into contact with an upper surface of a step portion formed above an interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat, thereby and extends parallel to the upper surface of the interior member. On top of the ottoman FaceThis problem is solved by displacing the upper surface of the interior member to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the interior member. The above-mentioned object is achieved by the control method of the present invention, which is a control method executed by a control device for controlling a vehicle seat including a seat body having a seat cushion and an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat body, and which displaces the front side of the seat cushion to a higher inclination position than the rear side, and brings the lower surface of the ottoman into contact with an upper surface of a step portion formed above an interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat, thereby bringing the vehicle seat into the deployed position. and extends parallel to the upper surface of the interior member. On top of the ottoman Face This problem is solved by displacing the upper surface of the interior member to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the interior member. According to the above configuration, the ottoman can be supported from below by the step portion of the interior member, so that the position of the ottoman can be stabilized.

[0014] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a seat device of the present invention, which is a seat device including a vehicle seat having a seat main body with a seat cushion and an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat main body, and a control device that controls the vehicle seat, wherein the control device displaces the ottoman from a stored position stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position extending forward of the seat cushion, and brings an elastic member provided on a lower surface of the ottoman into contact with an upper surface of a step portion of the interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat, thereby bringing the ottoman into the deployed position. and extends parallel to the upper surface of the interior member. On top of the ottoman Face This problem is solved by displacing the upper surface of the interior member to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the interior member. The above-mentioned object is achieved by a control method of the present invention, which is a control method executed by a control device for controlling a vehicle seat including a seat body having a seat cushion and an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat body, the control method displacing the ottoman from a stored position stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position extending forward of the seat body, and bringing an elastic member provided on a lower surface of the ottoman into contact with an upper surface of a step portion formed in an interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat, thereby displacing the ottoman to the deployed position. and extends parallel to the upper surface of the interior member.On top of the ottoman Face This problem is solved by displacing the upper surface of the interior member to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the interior member. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the ottoman from shifting sideways when it is in the deployed position. In addition, it is possible to prevent damage to the contact area between the ottoman and the interior material. do.

[0015] The control device may also slide the seat body in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the displacement of the ottoman to the deployed position. According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily execute control to bring the lower surface of the ottoman into contact with the upper surface of the interior member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the seat device and control method of the present invention, the seat occupant can place their feet astride the ottoman and the interior member, so the seat device can encourage the seat occupant to adopt a relaxed posture when traveling in automatic driving mode. It is possible to position the ottoman in an appropriate deployed position. Furthermore, since the ottoman can be supported from below by the step portion of the interior member, the position of the ottoman can be stabilized. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the ottoman in the deployed position from shifting sideways, and to prevent damage to the contact area between the ottoman and the interior member. Furthermore, it is possible to easily control the lower surface of the ottoman to abut against the upper surface of the interior member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interior space in which a seat device is arranged. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 3]FIG. 4 is a side view of the tilt device with the seat cushion in a horizontal position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the tilt device with the seat cushion in an inclined position. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a structural block diagram of the seat device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of a movable mechanism drive control process. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the vehicle seat in a reclining position. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of heart rate measurement processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the interior of a vehicle in which a seat device according to a first modified example is arranged. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of a movable mechanism drive control process according to a first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example in a reclining position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the ottoman in the deployed position. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a top view of the ottoman in the deployed position. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat in an item-storing position, as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a side view of an interior space in which the seat device is arranged. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of an ottoman inversion process. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 20 taken along line B-B. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a view showing the seat cushion and the ottoman in an exploded state. [Figure 24] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 22. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an ottoman that moves between a stored state and an unfolded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A vehicle seat and a method for controlling a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In the following description, the contents regarding the materials, shapes, and sizes of the seat components are merely examples and do not limit the present invention.

[0019] In the following, a vehicle seat 10 mounted on a vehicle V will be given as an example of a vehicle seat, and an example of its configuration will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to seats mounted on ground vehicles having wheels such as automobiles and trains, and may also be applied to seats mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that move other than on land, for example.

[0020] In the following description, the term "seat front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat 10, and is the direction that coincides with the front-rear direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 10. The term "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat 10, and is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 10. The term "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat 10, and is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle V is traveling on a horizontal plane. The term "outside" simply refers to the side closer to the outside in the direction from the center of the vehicle seat 10 to the outside, and the term "inside" refers to the side closer to the center in the direction from the outside to the center of the vehicle seat 10.

[0021] <Outline of the interior space Rm> FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a vehicle V cut at the center in the vehicle width direction, and schematically shows the interior space Rm of the vehicle V. The vehicle V has a manual driving mode and an automatic driving mode. Here, the manual driving mode refers to a control state in which the vehicle V is controlled to travel based on the driving operation by the driver. On the other hand, the automatic driving mode refers to a control state in which the situation of the vehicle V is determined based on signals output by various sensors, and the vehicle V is controlled to travel autonomously based on the determination result. In the automatic driving mode, the occupants can travel to their destination while viewing video content displayed on the video display device 33. The display surface of the video display device 33 corresponds to the video display area, and the video content corresponds to the video information.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, an interior space Rm is formed between a ceiling Rf and a floor F of a vehicle V. In the interior space Rm, a front seat 10a constituting a vehicle seat 10 and a rear seat 10b located behind the front seat 10a are installed via a slide rail device 20 and the like constituting a movable mechanism 18.

[0023] In manual driving mode, a driver seated in the front seat 10a controls the driving of the vehicle V by operating a steering wheel 31 fixed to an interior member 30 (instrument panel) and foot pedals 32 at the driver's feet. In addition, the driver can switch the driving mode of the vehicle V from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode by operating the interior member 30.

[0024] When the driving mode is switched from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 26 built into the vehicle seat 10 controls the movable mechanism 18 to automatically adjust the vehicle seat 10 to a reclining position. This allows the occupant to enjoy viewing the video content displayed on the video display device 33 in a comfortable position, thereby increasing satisfaction with the travel time in the automatic driving mode. Furthermore, since the occupant does not need to adjust the vehicle seat 10 themselves, they are freed from the hassle of adjusting the vehicle seat 10.

[0025] In Fig. 1, the ECU 26 is built into the vehicle seat 10, but is not limited to this. The ECU 26 may be provided in the vehicle V. The vehicle seat 10 corresponds to a vehicle seat, and the ECU 26 corresponds to a control device. The vehicle seat 10 and the ECU 26 correspond to a seat device 1.

[0026] <Outline of the vehicle seat 10> 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat 10 as seen obliquely from the front. The vehicle seat 10 mainly comprises a seat body 11 having a seat cushion 12, a seat back 13, and a headrest 14, an ottoman 15, and a movable mechanism 18. The movable mechanism 18 includes a reclining device 19, a slide rail device 20, a rotation device 21, a tilt device 22, and an ottoman drive device 23 (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

[0027] The seat cushion 12 is a support member that supports the buttocks of a seated person and is a seating portion that supports the seated person from below. The seat cushion 12 mainly comprises a cushion frame 121 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) that forms the framework of the seat cushion 12, a cushion pad 12a, and a cushion covering material 12b.

[0028] The seat cushion 12 also incorporates an air cell 123, a seating sensor 124, and a first heartbeat sensor 125. The air cells 123 are kneading members that expand when compressed air is injected into them and contract when the compressed air is discharged, thereby stimulating the left and right biceps femoris of the seated person and promoting blood circulation in the seated person. In Fig. 2, the seat cushion 12 has four air cells 123 built in that are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction and the seat width direction, but the number and arrangement of the air cells 123 are not limited to this. The seat cushion 12 may have four or more air cells 123 built in.

[0029] The seating sensor 124 detects an occupant and outputs a detection signal. The seating sensor 124 is built into the center of the seat cushion 12 in the seat width direction. The seating sensor 124 is a pressure sensor that detects the weight of the occupant, but is not limited to this. The seating sensor 124 may also be an optical sensor that detects the state of the upper surface of the seat cushion 12.

[0030] The first heartbeat sensor 125 detects the heartbeat of the seated person's buttocks and outputs a detection signal. The first heartbeat sensor 125 has left and right body movement detection sensors that detect body movement associated with the seated person's heartbeat, and a measurement circuit that measures the heartbeat per unit time based on the detection signal. The heartbeat of the seated person output by the first heartbeat sensor 125 is used to provide the seated person with a comfortable interior space Rm.

[0031] The seat back 13 is a support member that supports the back of the seated occupant and is a backrest portion that supports the back of the seated occupant from behind. The seat back 13 mainly comprises a back frame (not shown) that forms the skeleton of the seat back 13, a pad material 13a that covers the back frame, and a skin material 13b that covers the back frame and the pad material 13a. The seat back 13 may have an air cell or a heart rate sensor built in. By having the air cell built in the seat back 13, it is possible to stimulate the lower back of the seated person and promote blood circulation.

[0032] The headrest 14 is a support member that supports the head of a seated occupant from behind. The headrest 14 mainly comprises a headrest pillar (not shown) that serves as a core material, a padding material (not shown) that covers the headrest pillar, and a skin material (not shown) that covers the headrest pillar and the padding material.

[0033] The ottoman 15 is provided at the front end of the seat cushion 12 so as to be displaceable relative to the seat cushion 12. More specifically, the ottoman 15 displaces between a stored position (see FIG. 1) where it is stored below the seat cushion 12 and an extended position (see FIG. 2) where it extends forward of the seat cushion 12, and in the extended position supports the lower legs of a seated occupant from below. The ottoman 15 mainly comprises an ottoman frame (not shown) that forms the framework of the ottoman 15, an ottoman pad (not shown) that covers the ottoman frame, and an ottoman covering material (not shown) that covers the ottoman frame and the ottoman pad.

[0034] The ottoman 15 incorporates an air cell 151 and a second heart rate sensor 152. The ottoman 15 also has an air outlet 153. The air cells 151 are kneading members that stimulate the left and right triceps surae muscles of the seated person and promote blood circulation in the seated person. In Fig. 2, the ottoman 15 has four air cells 151 built in that are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction and the seat width direction, but the number and arrangement of the air cells 151 are not limited to this. The ottoman 15 may have four or more air cells 151 built in.

[0035] The second heartbeat sensor 152 detects the heartbeat rate of the seated person's lower legs and outputs a detection signal. Like the first heartbeat sensor 125, the second heartbeat sensor 152 has a body movement detection sensor and a measurement circuit. Measuring the heartbeat rate of the seated person with the second heartbeat sensor 152 together with the first heartbeat sensor 125 can improve the reliability of the measurement results. The second heartbeat sensor 152 corresponds to a biological information sensor.

[0036] Air outlet 153 sends out toward the seat occupant an air flow generated by air blower 25 (see FIG. 5) disposed below seat body 11. Air outlet 153 is located in the center of ottoman 15 in the seat width direction, on the rear side of ottoman 15 positioned in the deployed position, and can provide a pleasant cooling sensation to the backs of the knees and calves of the seat occupant. Air outlet 153 is covered with a mesh member. The mesh member has a mesh shape, and prevents foreign matter from entering inside ottoman 15 while ensuring breathability of air outlet 153.

[0037] The vehicle seat 10 has, as a movable mechanism 18, a reclining device 19, a slide rail device 20, a rotation device 21, a tilt device 22, and an ottoman driving device 23. The reclining device 19 rotatably connects the seat back 13 to the seat cushion 12. The reclining device 19 can lock the seat back 13 in a state inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the seat cushion 12. By releasing the lock, the reclining device 19 can fold the seat back 13 forward or tilt it backward.

[0038] The slide rail device 20 has a known structure (the structure of a general slide rail mechanism). In detail, the slide rail device 20 has a lower rail 201 fixed to the floor F and an upper rail 202 that is slidable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the lower rail 201.

[0039] 3, the rotation device 21 supports the seat body 11 and the ottoman 15 so that they can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. The rotation device 21 mainly includes a base plate 211, a rotation member 212, and an upper plate 213.

[0040] The base plate 211 is spanned between the left and right upper rails 202. Therefore, the base plate 211 is fixed and cannot rotate relative to the floor F. The rotating member 212 has an annular shape in a plan view, and is rotatably housed in a circular recess formed in the base plate 211. The upper plate 213 is fixed to the cushion frame 121 via the tilt device 22. More specifically, the upper plate 213 is fixed to the left and right cushion side frames 122 that constitute the cushion frame 121 via the tilt device 22. With the above configuration, the rotation device 21 can rotate the seat main body 11 and the ottoman 15 to face the image display device 33.

[0041] 3 and 4, the tilt device 22 is interposed between the cushion frame 121 and the rotation device 21, and supports the seat cushion 12 so that the seat cushion 12 can tilt in the front-rear direction relative to the floor F. The tilt device 22 corresponds to a tilting device. The tilt device 22 has a connecting bracket 221, a drive motor 222, a gear box 223, a lead screw 224, a first front link 225, a second front link 226, and a rear link 227 as main components.

[0042] The drive motor 222 converts electrical energy into rotational energy and transmits the rotational energy to the lead screw 224 via the gear box 223. The gear box 223 outputs high torque by reducing the rotation speed. A thread groove is formed on the outer periphery of the lead screw 224. Therefore, the rotational energy generated by the drive motor 222 is converted into linear motion of the lead screw 224.

[0043] The lead screw 224 is connected at its upper end to the cushion side frame 122. More specifically, the lead screw 224 is rotatably connected to the cushion side frame 122 via a first front connecting shaft 122a located on the front side of the cushion side frame 122. Therefore, the linear motion of the lead screw 224 raises and lowers the front side of the cushion side frame 122 via the first front connecting shaft 122a, and the seat cushion 12 tilts in the front-rear direction. In this way, the drive motor 222, the gear box 223, and the lead screw 224 constitute a drive mechanism that tilts the seat cushion 12.

[0044] The first front link 225 and the second front link 226 located at the front and the rear link 227 located at the rear form a pair that constitutes a driven mechanism that adjusts the tilting of the seat cushion 12. In other words, the first front link 225, the second front link 226, and the rear link 227 play a role in appropriately adjusting the speed and angle at which the seat cushion 12 tilts.

[0045] The first front link 225 and the second front link 226 are made of metal plate members and have an elongated shape. One longitudinal end of the first front link 225 is rotatably connected to the cushion side frame 122 via a second front connecting shaft 122b located on the front side of the cushion side frame 122. The other end of the first front link 225 is connected to the second front link 226 via a front link connecting shaft 225a. One longitudinal end of the second front link 226 is rotatably connected to the connecting bracket 221 via a front support shaft 221a located on the front side of the connecting bracket 221 fixed to the rotation device 21. The other end of the second front link 226 is connected to the first front link 225 via a front link connecting shaft 225a.

[0046] The rear link 227 is made of a metal plate member and has an elongated shape. One longitudinal end of the rear link 227 is rotatably connected to the cushion side frame 122 via a rear connecting shaft 122c located on the rear side of the cushion side frame 122. The other end of the rear link 227 is rotatably connected to the connecting bracket 221 via a rear support shaft 221b located on the rear side of the connecting bracket 221.

[0047] Next, the tilting operation of the seat cushion 12 will be described. When the seat cushion 12 is in a horizontal position as shown in Fig. 3, the first front link 225 and the second front link 226 are connected to each other in a bent position via the front link connecting shaft 225a. The rear link 227 connects the cushion side frame 122 and the connecting bracket 221 at a predetermined inclination angle. This allows the seat cushion 12 to be held in a horizontal position.

[0048] 4, the lead screw 224 raises the front side of the seat cushion 12. At this time, the first front link 225 and the second front link 226 are connected in an upright position. Meanwhile, the rear link 227 assumes a horizontal position, thereby displacing the rear side of the cushion side frame 122 rearward and downward from the connecting bracket 221. As a result, the seat cushion 12 is maintained in an inclined position with an appropriate inclination angle.

[0049] The ottoman drive device 23 (see FIG. 5) has an electric motor (not shown) and displaces the ottoman 15 from the stored position to the deployed position. As will be described later, the ECU 26 controls the ottoman drive device 23 to displace the ottoman 15 to the deployed position in conjunction with the timing at which the seat back 13 is displaced to the reclining position. This allows the seated occupant to assume a comfortable posture without having to adjust the vehicle seat 10 themselves.

[0050] <Configuration of seat device 1> 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the seat device 1. The ECU 26 is responsible for overall control of the vehicle seat 10. The ECU 26 receives output signals from the seating sensor 124 and the first heartbeat sensor 125 built into the seat cushion 12, and the second heartbeat sensor 152 built into the ottoman 15. The ECU 26 also controls the operation of the reclining device 19, the slide rail device 20, the rotation device 21, the tilt device 22, the movable mechanism 18 having the ottoman drive device 23, the fluid supply device 24, and the air blower device 25.

[0051] A seating sensor 124 built into the seat cushion 12 detects the weight of the seated occupant. A first heartbeat sensor 125 built into the seat cushion 12 and a second heartbeat sensor 152 built into the ottoman 15 detect the heartbeat of the seated occupant.

[0052] The reclining device 19, slide rail device 20, rotation device 21, tilt device 22, and ottoman drive device 23 that constitute the movable mechanism 18 are controlled to change the position and posture of the vehicle seat 10. Specifically, when the driving mode of the vehicle V is switched from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode, the vehicle seat 10 is automatically adjusted so that it faces the image display device 33. This allows the seated occupant to enjoy viewing the video content displayed on the image display device 33 in a comfortable position without having to adjust the vehicle seat 10 themselves.

[0053] The fluid supply device 24 controls the supply and discharge of fluid (compressed air) used to inflate and deflate the air cells 123 of the seat cushion 12 and the air cells 151 of the ottoman 15. Specifically, the fluid supply device 24 is composed of a pump that delivers the fluid, an electromagnetic valve, and the like.

[0054] The air blower 25 is a propeller fan disposed below the seat cushion 12 and generates an airflow by rotating blades. The airflow is sent out from the air outlet 153 of the ottoman 15 toward the backs of the knees and calves of the seated occupant.

[0055] The ECU 26 is a control circuit having a processor, a non-volatile memory, and a volatile memory. The ECU 26 reads out programs stored in the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory and sequentially executes the programs to perform a movable mechanism drive control process and a heart rate measurement process, which will be described later. The ECU 26 also includes a communication I / F that can communicate with electrical components mounted on the vehicle V. Therefore, the ECU 26 can appropriately control the vehicle seat 10 based on the driving mode of the vehicle V and operational inputs by the occupant.

[0056] <Moving mechanism drive control processing> Next, a description will be given of the movable mechanism drive control process executed by the ECU 26 when the driving mode of the vehicle V is switched from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode. 6 shows the flow of the movable mechanism drive control process. First, the ECU 26 determines whether or not a video output operation for the video display device 33 has been received (step S10). Specifically, the ECU 26 determines whether or not a video content output operation by a seat occupant has been received after switching to the autonomous driving mode. Furthermore, if the vehicle V is provided with multiple video display devices 33, the ECU 26 determines whether or not a selection operation for the video display device 33 that outputs the video content has been received. If it is determined that the video output operation has not been received (step S10: No), the ECU 26 waits until the video output operation is received.

[0057] If it is determined that the video output operation has been received (step S10: Yes), the ECU 26 identifies the vehicle seat 10 in which the occupant is seated (step S11). Specifically, the ECU 26 identifies the vehicle seat 10 in which the occupant is seated based on an output signal of the seating sensor 124 built in the seat cushion 12.

[0058] Next, the ECU 26 determines whether the video content is to be output to the video display device 33 on the ceiling Rf (step S12). If it is determined that the video content is to be output to the video display device 33 on the ceiling Rf (step S12: Yes), the ECU 26 determines whether the seat back 13 is in a reclined position inclined backward relative to the seat cushion (step S13).

[0059] If it is determined that the seat back 13 is not in the reclined position (step S13: No), the ECU 26 determines whether or not there is an obstacle behind the vehicle seat 10 (step S14). Specifically, the ECU 26 determines whether or not there is an obstacle based on the position of the rear seat 10b. However, without being limited to this, a contact detection sensor may be provided in the vehicle seat 10, and the presence or absence of an obstacle may be determined based on the output of the contact detection sensor.

[0060] If it is determined that no obstacle is present (step S14: No), the ECU 26 controls the reclining device 19 to tilt the seat back 13 backward (step S15). In other words, the ECU 26 displaces the seat back 13 to a position facing the image display device 33 disposed on the ceiling Rf of the vehicle V. Next, the ECU 26 tilts the seat cushion 12 in conjunction with the displacement of the position of the seat back 13 (step S16). Specifically, while the ECU 26 is changing the seat back 13 to a position facing the image display device 33, the ECU 26 also controls the drive motor 222 of the tilt device 22 in conjunction with this, to displace the seat cushion 12 to a tilted position in which the front side is higher than the rear side.

[0061] Next, the ECU 26 determines whether the ottoman 15 is in the extended position (step S17). Specifically, the ECU 26 determines whether the ottoman 15 is in the extended position extending forward of the seat cushion 12 based on the output of an encoder built into the ottoman drive device 23. However, without being limited thereto, the ECU 26 may determine whether the ottoman 15 is in the extended position based on the output of an optical sensor or an in-vehicle camera.

[0062] If it is determined that the ottoman 15 is not in the deployed position (step S17: No), the ECU 26 controls the interior member 30 to descend (step S18). Specifically, the ECU 26 outputs a control signal to instruct the interior member 30 (instrument panel) provided in front of the vehicle seat 10 to descend. As a result, the foot pedals 32 are stored in the floor F, and the steering wheel 31 rotates below the interior member 30 and descends together with the interior member 30.

[0063] After the interior member 30 has been lowered, the ECU 26 controls the driving of the ottoman driving device 23 to displace the ottoman 15 to the deployed position (step S19). In other words, the ECU 26 displaces the ottoman 15 to the deployed position in conjunction with the displacement of the postures of the seat back 13 and the seat cushion 12, specifically, while the postures of the seat back 13 and the seat cushion 12 are being displaced. The ECU 26 adjusts the height of the ottoman 15 so that the top surface of the ottoman 15 in the deployed position is at the same height as the top surface of the interior member 30. This allows the seated occupant to assume a relaxed posture with their lower legs resting on the top surfaces of the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30. Here, "same height" does not mean that the heights of the top surfaces of the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30 need to be exactly the same; it is sufficient if the heights of the top surfaces of the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30 are adjusted to such an extent that the seated occupant does not feel uncomfortable with their legs resting on the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the ottoman 15 is in the deployed position (step S17: Yes), the ECU 26 ends the movable mechanism drive control process.

[0064] By the above-described movable mechanism drive control process, the vehicle seat 10 is automatically adjusted to a reclining position facing the image display device 33 provided on the ceiling Rf. Fig. 7 shows the vehicle seat 10 automatically adjusted to a reclined position. As shown in Fig. 7, the vehicle seat 10 faces the video display device 33, allowing the occupant to travel to their destination in an automatic driving mode while enjoying viewing video content in a comfortable position.

[0065] In addition, since the front side of the seat cushion 12 is tilted to a higher position than the rear side, the weight of the occupant can be widely distributed over the entire seat cushion 12 in the reclining position, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. 7, the upper surface of the ottoman 15 protrudes forward of the seat cushion 12 so that it is at the same height as the upper surface of the interior member 30. This allows the seated occupant to place their feet on the upper surfaces of the ottoman 15 and the interior member 30 and relax, improving comfort during travel.

[0066] Furthermore, in conjunction with the timing at which the posture of the seat body 11 is changed, i.e., after control to change the seat back 13 to a rearward tilting posture is started, the ottoman 15 is controlled to change to the deployed position. This allows the seat occupant to adjust the orientation and posture of the vehicle seat 10 so that they face the image display device 33 without having to bother with adjusting the vehicle seat 10. Furthermore, when the seat back 13 is being displaced to the reclining position, the seat cushion 12 is displaced so that the front side of the seat cushion 12 is higher than the rear side, and the ottoman 15 is displaced to the deployed position. This makes it possible to shorten the time required to adjust the position of the vehicle seat 10.

[0067] In addition, in the movable mechanism drive control process of Figure 6, if it is determined that the video content is not to be output to the video display device 33 on the ceiling Rf (step S12, No), if it is determined that the seat back 13 is in a reclining position (step S13: Yes), or if it is determined that there is an obstacle behind the vehicle seat 10 (step S14: Yes), the movable mechanism drive control process is terminated.

[0068] In addition, although the description has been given assuming that the seat cushion 12 is displaced to the inclined position in step S16 and then the ottoman 15 is displaced to the extended position in step S19, this is not limiting. The ECU 26 may displace the ottoman 15 to the extended position and then displace the seat cushion 12 to the inclined position (in conjunction with the displacement of the ottoman 15 to the extended position). Even in this case, the vehicle seat 10 can be automatically adjusted to a direction and position facing the image display device 33.

[0069] <Heart rate measurement processing> Next, the heart rate measurement process executed by the ECU 26 will be described. 8 shows the flow of the heart rate measurement process. First, the ECU 26 determines whether or not an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 10 (step S20). Specifically, the ECU 26 determines whether or not an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 10 based on the output signal of the seating sensor 124. If it is not determined that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 10 (step S20: No), the ECU 26 waits until an occupant is seated.

[0070] On the other hand, if it is determined that an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat 10 (step S20: Yes), the ECU 26 determines whether the ottoman 15 is in the deployed position (step S21). If it is determined that the ottoman 15 is in the deployed position (step S20: Yes), the ECU 26 acquires the heart rate output by the second heart rate sensor 152 built into the ottoman 15 (step S22).

[0071] Next, the ECU 26 inflates and deflates the air cells 151 built into the ottoman 15 to massage the triceps surae of the seated person (step S23). More specifically, the ECU 26 inflates and deflates the air cells 151 based on the heart rate measured by the second heart rate sensor 152. This makes it possible to appropriately massage the triceps surae of the seated person and reduce fatigue.

[0072] Furthermore, if it is determined that the ottoman 15 is not in the deployed position (step S21: No), the ECU 26 acquires the heart rate of the seated occupant measured by the first heart rate sensor 125 built into the seat cushion 12 (step S24). In this way, even when the heart rate cannot be acquired from the second heart rate sensor 152 built into the ottoman 15, the heart rate can be acquired by the first heart rate sensor 125, and the interior space Rm can be controlled to a comfortable state. Also, when the ottoman 15 is displaced from the deployed position to the stored position, the process proceeds to step S24. Therefore, after the processing of step S24, the ECU 26 may control the fluid supply device 24 to stop the kneading operation of the air cell 151. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption due to unnecessary kneading operation.

[0073] Although the control method for the vehicle seat 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0074] <First Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the image display device 33 is described as being provided on the ceiling Rf of the vehicle V, but this is not limiting. The image display device 33 may also be provided on the front window W or rear window of the vehicle V. 9 is a plan view of the interior space Rm of the vehicle V according to the first modified example. As shown in FIG. 9, the image display area formed by the image display device 33A is formed in an area spanning the front window W and the ceiling Rf of the vehicle V.

[0075] When the driving mode is switched from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode, the ECU 26A according to the first modification drives the rotation device 21 to rotate so that the vehicle seat 10A faces the center point P of the image display device 33A, and displaces the vehicle seat 10A into a reclining position. This allows the vehicle seat 10A to be automatically adjusted to a position and orientation that faces the image display area within the limited interior space Rm. Therefore, the seated person can enjoy viewing video content in a comfortable position while facing the image display device 33A, without having to adjust the vehicle seat 10A themselves.

[0076] 10 shows the flow of the movable mechanism drive control process executed by the ECU 26A. First, the ECU 26A determines whether or not a video output operation for the video display device 33A has been received (step S30). Specifically, the ECU 26A determines whether or not an operation for outputting video content to the video display device 33A has been received from a passenger after switching to the autonomous driving mode. If it is determined that the video output operation has not been received (step S30: No), the ECU 26A waits until the video output operation is received.

[0077] When it is determined that the video output operation has been received (step S30: Yes), the ECU 26A identifies the vehicle seat 10A in which the occupant is seated (step S31). Specifically, the ECU 26A identifies the vehicle seat 10A in which the occupant is seated, based on an output signal of the seating sensor 124 built in the seat cushion 12.

[0078] Next, the ECU 26A determines whether the video content is to be output to the video display device 33A of the windshield W (step S22). If it is determined that the video content is to be output to the video display device 33A of the windshield W (step S32: Yes), the ECU 26A rotates the vehicle seat 10A so that it faces the center point P of the windshield W (step S33). Specifically, the ECU 26A controls and drives the rotation device 21 to rotate the vehicle seat 10A about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, thereby displacing the vehicle seat 10A so that it faces the video display device 33A.

[0079] Next, the ECU 26A determines whether the seat back 13 is in a reclined position (step S34). If it is determined that the seat back 13 is not in a reclined position (step S34: No), the ECU 26A determines whether an obstacle is present behind the vehicle seat 10 (step S35). Specifically, the ECU 26A determines whether an obstacle is present based on the position of the rear seat 10b. However, without being limited thereto, a contact detection sensor may be provided in the vehicle seat 10, and the presence or absence of an obstacle may be determined based on the output of the contact detection sensor.

[0080] If it is determined that no obstacle is present (step S35: No), the ECU 26A controls the reclining device 19 to tilt the seat back 13 backward (step S36). In other words, the ECU 26A displaces the seat back 13 to a position facing the image display device 33A. Next, the ECU 26A tilts the seat cushion 12 in conjunction with the displacement of the position of the seat back 13 (step S37). Specifically, the ECU 26A controls the drive motor 222 of the tilt device 22 to displace the seat cushion 12 to a tilted position in which the front side is higher than the rear side.

[0081] Next, the ECU 26A determines whether the ottoman 15 is located at the deployed position or not (step S38). Specifically, the ECU 26A determines whether the ottoman 15 is located at the deployed position where the ottoman 15 extends forward of the seat cushion 12, based on the output of an encoder built into the ottoman drive device 23. However, without being limited thereto, the ECU 26A may determine the position of the ottoman 15 based on the output of an optical sensor or an in-vehicle camera.

[0082] If it is determined that the ottoman 15 is not in the deployed position (step S38: No), the ECU 26A controls the interior member 30 to descend (step S39). Specifically, the ECU 26A outputs a control signal to instruct the interior member 30 (instrument panel) provided in front of the vehicle seat 10 to descend. As a result, the foot pedals 32 are stored in the floor F, and the steering wheel 31 rotates below the interior member 30 and descends together with the interior member 30.

[0083] After the interior member 30 has been lowered, the ECU 26 controls the ottoman drive device 23 to displace the ottoman 15 to the deployed position (step S40). In other words, after the vehicle seat 10A has been displaced in a direction facing the image display device 33A, the ECU 26A displaces the seat back 13 and the seat cushion 12 and displaces the ottoman 15 to the deployed position. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ottoman 15 is in the deployed position (step S38: Yes), the movable mechanism drive control process ends.

[0084] By the above-described movable mechanism drive control process, the vehicle seat 10A is automatically adjusted to a direction and posture facing the video display device 33A provided at the front of the vehicle V. Therefore, the seated occupant can travel to the destination in the automatic driving mode while enjoying viewing video content in a comfortable posture.

[0085] Furthermore, after the rotation of the vehicle seat 10 by the rotation device 21 is completed, the ECU 26A changes the position of the seat back 13 and the seat cushion 12 and also changes the position of the ottoman 15 to the deployed position. Therefore, it is possible to automatically adjust the direction and position of the vehicle seat 10 in a limited space inside the vehicle V.

[0086] 10, the vehicle seat 10 is rotated in step S33, and then the seat cushion 12 is displaced to an inclined position in step S37. However, this is not limiting. The ECU 26A may displace the seat cushion 12 to an inclined position, and then control the rotation device 21 to rotate the vehicle seat 10. This makes it possible to automatically adjust the orientation and position of the vehicle seat in a limited space within the vehicle V.

[0087] <Second Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the ottoman 15 is described as being displaced to the extended position by the ottoman drive device 23. However, after the ottoman 15 is displaced to the extended position, the interior member 30 may support the ottoman 15, thereby holding the ottoman 15 in the extended position.

[0088] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a reclining position of a vehicle seat 10A according to a second modified example. As shown in Fig. 11, a step 30a is formed above an interior member 30A, and a flat surface is formed on the upper surface of the step 30a at a position lower than the upper surface of the interior member 30A. More specifically, the step formed by the step 30a has a height substantially equal to the thickness of the ottoman 15A. Therefore, when the ottoman 15A is supported from below by the step 30a, the position of the ottoman 15A is stabilized, and the upper surface of the ottoman 15A and the upper surface of the interior member 30A can be positioned at the same height.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 12, the underside of the ottoman 15A according to the second modification is provided with a plurality of elastic members 15a made of synthetic rubber. Specifically, the elastic members 15a are arranged in a line in the front-to-rear direction on the underside of the ottoman 15A. Therefore, when the ottoman 15A is displaced to the deployed position, the elastic members 15a abut against the step portion 30a of the interior member 30A, preventing the ottoman 15A from shifting sideways. Furthermore, the elastic members 15a prevent damage to the contact portion between the ottoman 15A and the interior member 30A.

[0090] Furthermore, the interior member 30 may have a recess that has approximately the same dimensions as the ottoman 15A and can accommodate the ottoman 15A. This allows the ottoman 15A in the unfolded position to be accommodated in the recess, thereby more stably holding the ottoman 15A. Furthermore, since the top surfaces of the ottoman 15A and the interior member 30 can be at the same height, the seated person can place their feet on the ottoman 15A and the interior member 30 and assume a relaxed posture.

[0091] Furthermore, the ECU 26A may determine an appropriate deployment position for the ottoman 15A based on the tilt angle of the seat cushion 12 (the position of the front side of the seat cushion 12) and the lowered position of the interior member 30, and displace the ottoman 15A based on this. This allows the posture of the vehicle seat 10A to be flexibly and automatically adjusted.

[0092] Furthermore, the ECU 26A may slide the seat body 11 in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the displacement of the ottoman 15A to the deployed position. More specifically, the ECU 26A controls the slide rail device 20 to slide the seat body 11 and the ottoman 15A forward of the vehicle V, causing the lower surface of the ottoman 15A to abut against the upper surface of the step portion 30a. This makes it possible to easily execute control to abut the lower surface of the ottoman 15A against the upper surface of the interior member 30.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the ECU 26A displaces the ottoman 15A so that the upper surface of the ottoman 15A is at the same height as the upper surface of the interior member 30. However, this is not limiting. The ECU 26A may also displace the upper surface of the seat cushion 12 to the same height as the upper surface of the interior member 30. By displacing the upper surface of the seat cushion 12 to the same height as the upper surface of the interior member 30, the seated occupant can place their feet on the upper surface of the interior member 30, as in the above-described embodiment, thereby improving comfort. In this case, the ottoman 15A may be located in either the stored position or the deployed position.

[0094] <Second Example> Next, a vehicle seat 10B according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat 10B equipped with an ottoman 15B according to a second embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. The ottoman 15B can be displaced relative to the seat body 11 between a stored position where it is stored below the seat body 11 and an extended position where it extends forward of the seat body 11. Fig. 13 shows the ottoman 15B in the extended position.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 14, ottoman 15B according to the second embodiment incorporates air cell 151, second heart rate sensor 152, and vibration generator 155. The upper surface of ottoman 15B in the deployed position has air outlet 153 and first cup holder 154. As shown in Fig. 13, end surface 15b of ottoman 15B has second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and article storage unit 158.

[0096] The air cells 151 are kneading members that stimulate the left and right triceps surae muscles of the seated person and promote blood circulation in the seated person. The ottoman 15B has four air cells 151 built in that are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction and the seat width direction, but the number and arrangement of the air cells 151 are not limited to this. The ottoman 15B may have three, five or more air cells 151 built in.

[0097] The second heartbeat sensor 152 detects the heartbeat rate of the seated person's lower leg and outputs a detection signal. More specifically, the second heartbeat sensor 152 has a second left heartbeat sensor 152a that detects the heartbeat rate of the seated person's left lower leg and a second right heartbeat sensor 152b that detects the heartbeat rate of the seated person's right lower leg. By measuring using the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b in combination, it is possible to improve the reliability of the heartbeat measurement results.

[0098] The second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are embedded on either side of a skin hanging groove 159 formed in the center of the ottoman 15B in the seat width direction. Specifically, the skin hanging groove 159 incorporates a plurality of clips 159a (engagement members) for attaching the ottoman skin material 15d to the seat cushion 12. The second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed at positions different from the clips 159a in the front-rear direction of the ottoman 15B in the deployed position. By disposing the second heartbeat sensor 152 in this manner, the heartbeat rate of the lower legs of the seated occupant can be accurately detected. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the clips 159a from reducing the detection accuracy of the second heartbeat sensor 152. The skin hanging groove 159 corresponds to a partition.

[0099] In addition, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed at different positions in the front-to-rear direction of the air cell 151 and the ottoman 15B positioned in the deployed position. This makes it possible to prevent the operation of the air cell 151 from reducing the detection accuracy of the second heartbeat sensor 152.

[0100] The first cup holder 154 accommodates the beverage container of the seated occupant and prevents the beverage container from sliding (shifting laterally) while traveling. The first cup holders 154 are disposed on both the left and right sides in the seat width direction. Therefore, whether the seated occupant is right-handed or left-handed, the beverage container can be easily accommodated in the first cup holder 154. The first cup holder 154 corresponds to an accommodating recess.

[0101] 15, first cup holder 154 is formed by embedding resin cup plate 154a in a recess formed in ottoman pad 15c from above ottoman cover material 15d, thereby improving the design of ottoman 15B.

[0102] 14, second left heartbeat sensor 152a and second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed at least partially at the same position in the front-to-rear direction of ottoman 15B in the deployed position as first cup holder 154. This prevents ottoman 15B from becoming too large in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed at positions that are at least partially different in the front-to-rear direction of the first cup holder 154 and the ottoman 15B that is positioned in the deployed position. This allows for flexibility in setting the detection areas of the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b.

[0103] The air outlet 153 sends out toward the seat occupant an air flow generated by the air blower 25 disposed below the seat body 11. The air outlet 153 is provided on the rear side of the ottoman 15B in the deployed position, and can provide a pleasant cooling sensation to the backs of the knees and calves of the seat occupant.

[0104] Furthermore, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed in positions in the front-to-rear direction of the ottoman 15B in the deployed position that avoid the air outlet 153. Therefore, the provision of the air outlet 153 can prevent the attachment of the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b to the ottoman 15B from being affected.

[0105] Furthermore, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are smaller in the seat width direction than the air outlet 153. This allows for flexibility in setting the detection areas of the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b.

[0106] Vibration generator 155 is made of an eccentric motor and generates vibrations that can be felt by the seated occupant, thereby outputting a notification signal to the seated occupant. More specifically, vibration generator 155 has left vibration generator 155a that outputs a notification signal to the left lower leg of the seated occupant, and right vibration generator 155b that outputs a notification signal to the right lower leg of the seated occupant. By outputting a notification signal using a combination of left vibration generator 155a and right vibration generator 155b, the variation in vibration patterns can be diversified, and the amount of information in the notification signal can be increased.

[0107] As a specific example, when the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b detect that danger is approaching the vehicle V traveling in the autonomous driving mode, they output a notification signal by generating vibrations. As another specific example, when the vehicle V approaches a preset destination, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b output a notification signal by generating vibrations. The left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b have a plurality of vibration patterns with parameters such as vibration intensity, vibration frequency, or vibration timing, and can output various notification signals to the seated occupant.

[0108] The left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are built into the left and right sides of the skin hanging groove 159, which is formed in the center of the ottoman 15B in the seat width direction, and sandwich the skin hanging groove 159. More specifically, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are disposed at positions different from the clip 159a in the front-to-rear direction of the ottoman 15B when it is in the deployed position. By disposing the vibration generators 155 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the clip 159a from reducing the vibration intensity of the vibrations generated by the vibration generator 155.

[0109] Furthermore, left vibration generator 155a and right vibration generator 155b are disposed at positions in the front-to-rear direction of ottoman 15B in the deployed position that are different from first cup holder 154. Therefore, it is possible to prevent vibrations generated by left vibration generator 155a and right vibration generator 155b from being transmitted to the beverage held in first cup holder 154.

[0110] Furthermore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are disposed at least partially at the same position in the seat width direction as the first cup holder 154. This prevents the ottoman 15B from becoming too large in the seat width direction.

[0111] Furthermore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are disposed at positions in the seat width direction different from the air cell 151. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation of the air cell 151 from reducing the vibration intensity of the vibration generated by the vibration generator 155.

[0112] Furthermore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are disposed in positions in the front-to-rear direction of the ottoman 15B in the deployed position that avoid the air outlet 153. Therefore, the provision of the air outlet 153 can be prevented from affecting the ease of mounting the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b.

[0113] Furthermore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are smaller in the seat width direction than the air outlet 153. Therefore, the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b allow the ottoman 15B to be made larger in the seat width direction.

[0114] 13, end surface 15b located at the front end of ottoman 15B in the deployed position has an upper surface parallel to floor F of vehicle V when ottoman 15B is displaced to an item accommodating position (protruding position) in which ottoman 15B protrudes upward from the upper surface of seat cushion 12 as shown in FIG. 16. In other words, ottoman 15B is displaced among a storage position in which it is stored below seat main body 11, a deployed position (see FIG. 13) in which it extends forward of seat main body 11, and an item accommodating position in which it protrudes upward from the upper surface of seat cushion 12. When ottoman 15B is displaced to the item accommodating position, second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and item accommodating unit 158 ​​provided on end surface 15b can accommodate items.

[0115] Second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and item storage unit 158 ​​are formed at the same position in the front-to-rear direction of ottoman 15B when it is positioned at the item storage position, which prevents the size of ottoman 15B when it is positioned at the item storage position from increasing in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, when ottoman 15B is in the storage position, second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and item storage unit 158 ​​are located at the lower end of ottoman 15B. Therefore, when ottoman 15B is in the storage position, second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and item storage unit 158 ​​can be prevented from degrading the design of vehicle seat 10B.

[0116] Second cup holder 156 accommodates a beverage container used by an occupant of rear seat 10b when ottoman 15B is positioned in the item accommodating position, and also holds the beverage container while preventing it from shifting sideways while traveling.

[0117] The wireless power supply unit 157 has an insertion slot 157a into which a mobile terminal (information communication terminal) can be inserted, and has a built-in contactless charging module that can supply electrical energy to the mobile terminal inserted into the insertion slot 157a. The mobile terminal of the seated occupant is a smartphone, but is not limited to this. The contactless charging module may also be capable of charging a tablet terminal. However, the power supply method is not limited to wireless power supply. The insertion slot 157a may have a power supply connector inside, and electrical energy may be supplied to the mobile terminal via the power supply connector. The insertion slot 157a corresponds to the power supply unit. By inserting a mobile terminal into the insertion slot 157a, the seat occupant can charge the mobile terminal and avoid problems such as dropping the mobile terminal while the vehicle V is moving and damaging the mobile terminal.

[0118] The item storage section 158 is a storage recess that can store items. More specifically, the item storage section 158 has a substantially square bottom surface and side walls that surround it on all four sides, forming a storage space for items. A seated person can store items such as cigarettes or lighters in the item storage section 158, but this is not limitative. Storing items in the item storage section 158 can prevent the items from falling or being lost while the vehicle is moving. The second cup holder 156 and the item storage section 158 correspond to a storage recess.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 17, the front seat 10a equipped with the ottoman 15B positioned in the storage position is rotated rearward by the rotation device 21 and slid toward the rear of the vehicle V by the slide rail device 20. This allows an occupant in the rear seat 10b to use the empty front seat 10a as a storage space for placing and storing items, thereby improving the convenience of the interior space Rm.

[0120] <Ottoman inversion processing> Next, an ottoman reversing process executed by the ECU 26B according to the second embodiment will be described. 18 shows the flow of the ottoman reversing process. First, the ECU 26B determines whether an ottoman reversing operation to move the front seat 10a to the item storage position has been received from the occupant of the rear seat 10b (step S50). If it is determined that the ottoman reversing operation has not been received (step S50: No), the ECU 26B waits until the ottoman reversing operation is received.

[0121] If it is determined that the ottoman reversing operation has been received (step S50: Yes), the ECU 26B determines whether or not an occupant is seated on the front seat 10a (step S51). Specifically, the ECU 26B determines whether or not an occupant is seated on the front seat 10a by acquiring an output signal of the seating sensor 124 via the ECU 26B of the front seat 10a. If it is determined that an occupant is seated on the front seat 10a (step S51: Yes), the front seat 10a cannot be used as a space for placing or storing items, and therefore the ECU 26B ends the ottoman reversing process.

[0122] On the other hand, if it is determined that no occupant is seated on the front seat 10a (step S51: No), the ECU 26B tilts the seat cushion 12 in the front-rear direction (step S52). Specifically, the ECU 26B controls the drive motor 222 of the tilt device 22 to displace the seat cushion 12 to an inclined position in which the front side is higher than the rear side.

[0123] Next, the ECU 26B rotates the front seat 10a rearward (step S53). Specifically, the ECU 26B controls the rotation device 21 to rotate the front seat 10a so that it faces rearward in the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the vehicle V. After the front seat 10a has rotated rearward, the ECU 26 may control the slide rail device 20 to slide the front seat 10a rearward. This allows the front seat 10a to be brought closer to the rear seat 10b, improving convenience for the occupant of the rear seat 10b.

[0124] After the rotation control of the front seat 10a is completed, the ECU 26B inverts the ottoman 15B of the front seat 10a to move it to the item storage position (step S54). Specifically, the ECU 26B controls the ottoman drive device 23 to rotate the ottoman 15B so that the end surface 15b faces upward. As a result, second cup holder 156, wireless power supply unit 157, and item storage unit 158 ​​of front seat 10a are positioned in front of the occupant of rear seat 10b, allowing the occupant to use front seat 10a as a space for placing and storing items.

[0125] Finally, the ECU 26B controls the blower 25 to blow the airflow generated by the blower 25 toward the upper surface of the seat cushion 12 of the front seat 10a (step S55). By blowing air toward the seat cushion 12 where no occupant is seated in this way, foreign objects, scattered matter, etc. on the seat cushion 12 can be removed, and the seat cushion 12 can be maintained in a clean state.

[0126] 18, the ECU 26B tilts the seat cushion 12 backward in step S52, and then rotates the front seat 10a in step S53. The ECU 26B also rotates the front seat 10a in step S53, and after the rotation is complete, displaces the ottoman 15B to the item-storing position in step S54. This makes it possible to automatically adjust the position and posture of the front seat 10a within the limited space inside the vehicle V.

[0127] <Third Example> Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat 10C according to the third embodiment, as seen obliquely from the front. As shown in Fig. 19, the vehicle seat 10C according to the third embodiment includes an ottoman 15C provided with a calf support 16. Calf support 16 is provided to prevent the lower legs of the seated person supported by ottoman 15C from sliding sideways on ottoman 15C and falling off ottoman 15C due to centrifugal force or the like while vehicle V is moving. Calf support 16 also increases the contact area between ottoman 15C and the legs, and supports the lower legs in a wrapping manner, thereby reducing the burden on the lower legs.

[0128] The calf support 16 mainly comprises a central calf support 16a located in the center of the seat width direction, a left calf support 16b located on the left side of the central calf support 16a, and a right calf support 16c located on the right side. The central calf support 16a and the left calf support 16b can support the left lower leg of the seated person by sandwiching it therebetween, and the central calf support 16a and the right calf support 16c can support the right lower leg of the seated person by sandwiching it therebetween.

[0129] FIG. 20 shows a top view of the ottoman 15C in the unfolded position. As shown in FIG. 20, the central calf support 16a is longer in the front-to-rear direction of the ottoman 15C in the unfolded position than the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c. This allows the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscles of the seated person to be supported by enveloping them from both the left and right sides according to their lengths. However, this is not limited to this. The central calf support 16a may also be shorter than the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c. This reliably prevents the seated person's lower legs from sliding sideways on the ottoman 15C and falling off the ottoman 15C due to centrifugal force or the like while the vehicle V is moving.

[0130] Furthermore, the central calf support 16a is larger in the seat width direction than the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c. In other words, the thickness Wa of the central calf support 16a is larger than the thickness Wb of the left calf support 16b and the thickness Wc of the right calf support 16c. This allows the seated person to sit in an appropriate posture with both feet spaced approximately shoulder-width apart when placing their lower legs on the ottoman 15C. However, without being limited to this, the central calf support 16a may be thinner than the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c. This improves the supportability of the lower legs provided by the left calf support 16b and the right calf support 16c, enabling the seated person's lower legs to be stably supported from both the left and right sides.

[0131] Furthermore, central calf support 16a, left calf support 16b, and right calf support 16c are formed at positions that avoid skin hanging groove 159 of ottoman skin material 15d. This prevents the supportive ability of calf support 16 from being reduced by skin hanging groove 159.

[0132] The ottoman 15C also incorporates an air cell 151, a second left heartbeat sensor 152a, a second right heartbeat sensor 152b, a left vibration generator 155a, and a right vibration generator 155b. Air cells 151 are kneading members that stimulate the left and right triceps surae muscles of the seated person and promote blood circulation in the lower legs. More specifically, air cell 151 disposed between central calf support 16a and left calf support 16b stimulates the left triceps surae muscle of the seated person, and air cell 151 disposed between central calf support 16a and right calf support 16c stimulates the right triceps surae muscle.

[0133] The second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b detect the heartbeat rate of the lower legs of the seated person and output a detection signal. The second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b are disposed on both sides of the central calf support 16a and can output the heartbeat rates of the left and right lower legs of the seated person.

[0134] The left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b are made up of eccentric motors, and output a notification signal to the seated occupant by generating vibrations that can be sensed by the seated occupant. 21, the vibrations generated by left vibration generator 155a and right vibration generator 155b are transmitted to left calf support 16b and right calf support 16c by vibration transmission member 155c made of hard resin, vibrating the lower legs of the seated person. Therefore, left calf support 16b and right calf support 16c function as notification signal output means, and the vibrations generated by left vibration generator 155a and right vibration generator 155b can be reliably recognized by the seated person.

[0135] It is preferable that left calf support 16b and right calf support 16c contain synthetic resin having a different hardness from that of central calf support 16a. For example, by making the synthetic resin contained in left calf support 16b and right calf support 16c harder than the synthetic resin contained in central calf support 16a, it becomes possible for the seated occupant to reliably perceive the vibrations generated by vibration generator 155. Furthermore, by making the synthetic resin contained in central calf support 16a harder than the synthetic resin contained in left calf support 16b and right calf support 16c, it becomes possible to improve the supportability of central calf support 16a.

[0136] 20 and 21, the central calf support 16a, the air cell 151, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a, the second right heartbeat sensor 152b, the left vibration generator 155a, and the right vibration generator 155b are arranged in overlapping positions in the seat width direction. More specifically, the air cell 151, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a, the second right heartbeat sensor 152b, the left vibration generator 155a, and the right vibration generator 155b are located in the same position in the front-to-rear direction of the ottoman 15C in the deployed position. Therefore, the air cell 151 appropriately kneads the lower leg, whose lateral displacement is suppressed by the calf support 16, and the notification signals output by the left vibration generator 155a and the right vibration generator 155b can be reliably recognized. Furthermore, the second left heartbeat sensor 152a and the second right heartbeat sensor 152b can accurately detect the heartbeats of the lower legs, whose lateral displacement is suppressed by the calf support 16.

[0137] <Fourth Example> Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat 10D according to a fourth embodiment, seen from diagonally forward. As shown in Fig. 22, the vehicle seat 10D mainly comprises a seat cushion 12, a seat back 13, a headrest 14, and an ottoman 15D that can be easily attached to and detached from the seat cushion 12.

[0138] The seat cushion 12 is a support member that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant and serves as a seating portion that supports the seated occupant from below. The seat cushion 12 includes a cushion frame 121D (see FIG. 23) that forms the framework of the seat cushion 12, a cushion pad 12a, and a cushion covering material 12b.

[0139] The ottoman 15D is provided at the front end of the seat cushion 12 so as to be displaceable relative to the seat cushion 12. More specifically, the ottoman 15D has a fixed unit 15D1 and a rotating unit 15D2, and the fixed unit 15D1 is fixed to the cushion frame 121D. On the other hand, the rotating unit 15D2 rotates relative to the fixed unit 15D1 and is displaceable between a stored position where it is stored below the seat cushion 12 and an deployed position where it extends forward of the seat cushion 12. The ottoman 15D mainly comprises an ottoman pad 15c (see FIG. 24) that covers the ottoman frame 17, and an ottoman covering material 15d that covers the ottoman frame 17 and the ottoman pad 15c.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 23, the cushion frame 121D has a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and includes left and right cushion side frames 122D, a pan frame 126, a front pipe 127, and a rear pipe 128.

[0141] The cushion side frames 122D are spaced apart in the left-right direction to define the width of the cushion frame 121D, and extend in the front-rear direction. A front pipe 127 is attached to the front side of the cushion side frame 122D, and a rear pipe 128 is attached to the rear side thereof, and the left and right cushion side frames 122D are connected by the front pipe 127 and the rear pipe 128.

[0142] The upper end of the cushion side frame 122D is formed with a plurality of bent flanges 122d formed by bending the cushion side frame 122D made of a plate material, and first fitting holes 122e penetrating the bent flanges 122d. The first fitting holes 122e are used to attach the side cushion pads 12a2 to the cushion frame 121D by inserting cushion engagement portions provided on the side cushion pads 12a2, which will be described later. In FIG. 23, two first fitting holes 122e are formed in the cushion side frame 122D, but the number and arrangement of the first fitting holes 122e are not limited to the number and arrangement shown in FIG. 21.

[0143] The pan frame 126 is a frame made of a metal plate, and is primarily intended to support the thighs of a seated occupant. The pan frame 126 is fixedly fused to the front sides of the left and right cushion side frames 122D, and the left and right cushion side frames 122D are connected at their front sides by the pan frame 126. More specifically, the ends of the pan frame 126 in the seat width direction are fixed to the cushion side frames 122D by a fixing means such as welding.

[0144] The pan frame 126 has a cushion support portion 126a that supports the cushion pad 12a, and an ottoman support portion 126b that protrudes forward from the cushion support portion 126a and supports the ottoman 15D. The cushion support portion 126a has a second fitting hole 126c formed therein, which penetrates the pan frame 126. The second fitting hole 126c is used to attach the central cushion pad 12a1 to the cushion support portion 126a by inserting a cushion engaging portion provided on the central cushion pad 12a1 into the second fitting hole 126c. The second fitting hole 126c corresponds to the cushion engaged portion.

[0145] A third fitting hole 126d that penetrates the pan frame 126 is formed at the front end of the ottoman support portion 126b. The third fitting hole 126d is used to attach the fixing unit 15D1 to the ottoman support portion 126b by inserting an ottoman engagement portion 15D1a (see FIG. 24) provided on the fixing unit 15D1. The third fitting hole 126d corresponds to an ottoman engagement portion and a fitting hole.

[0146] The cushion pad 12a is composed of a central cushion pad 12a1 and left and right side cushion pads 12a2. The central cushion pad 12a1 has a relatively flat surface shape, is located in the center in the seat width direction, and receives the weight of the seated occupant together with a pressure-receiving member 129 of the cushion frame 121D. The side cushion pads 12a2 have a bank-like protruding shape, and prevent the seated occupant from shifting laterally in the seat width direction. Cushion engaging portions (not shown) that can be inserted into the first fitting hole 122e and the second fitting hole 126c protrude from below the central cushion pad 12a1 and the side cushion pads 12a2. Therefore, by inserting the cushion engaging portions into the first fitting hole 122e and the second fitting hole 126c, the cushion pad 12a can be easily attached to the cushion frame 121D.

[0147] The ottoman 15D is composed of a fixed unit 15D1 fixed to the pan frame 126, and a rotating unit 15D2 rotatably connected to the fixed unit 15D1. An ottoman engagement portion 15D1a (see FIG. 24) that can be inserted into the third fitting hole 126d protrudes from the lower side of the ottoman pad 15c that constitutes the fixing unit 15D1. Therefore, by inserting the ottoman engagement portion 15D1a into the third fitting hole 126d, the fixing unit 15D1 can be easily attached to the cushion frame 121D.

[0148] The ottoman frame 17 mainly comprises a rotation shaft 17a and a rotation frame 17b. The rotation shaft 17a is rotationally driven by an ottoman drive device 23 and supports the rotation unit 15D2 rotatably relative to the fixed unit 15D1. Details of the ottoman drive device 23 will be described later with reference to FIG. 24. The rotating frame portion 17b is a frame material that forms the framework of the rotating unit 15D2.

[0149] Next, the ottoman drive device 23 will be described with reference to Fig. 24. As shown in Fig. 24, the ottoman drive device 23 has an electric motor 23a, an output gear 23c, a driven gear 23d, and a rotating shaft portion 17a, and is built into a fixing unit 15D1 and fixed to the ottoman support portion 126b.

[0150] Electric motor 23a converts electrical energy supplied via power supply line 23f into rotational energy to rotate output gear 23c. Output gear 23c has a gear formed on its outer circumferential surface, and rotates driven gear 23d by meshing with it. This rotates rotating shaft 17a and rotating unit 15D2 connected to driven gear 23d, and rotating unit 15D2 is driven to move between the stored position and the deployed position as shown in FIG. 25.

[0151] Ottoman drive device 23 is built into fixed unit 15D1 and fixed to highly rigid pan frame 126. This allows ottoman drive device 23 to be stably supported, and makes it possible to stabilize the movement of rotating unit 15D2 that moves between the stored position and the deployed position.

[0152] Furthermore, the connector 23e that connects the power supply line 23f to the electric motor 23a is disposed between the third fitting holes 126d in the seat width direction, so that the power supply line 23f does not interfere with the ottoman engagement portion 15D1a, and the power supply line 23f can be reliably connected to the electric motor 23a. Furthermore, the connector 23e and the power supply line 23f are positioned off-center from the center of the fixing unit 15D1 in the seat width direction, which prevents the fixing unit 15D1 from being mistakenly attached to the ottoman support portion 126b in the reversed left-right direction.

[0153] In the above-described embodiment, the air cells 123, 151 are described as being built into the seat cushion 12 and the ottoman 15, but this is not limiting. It is sufficient if the movable members built into the seat cushion 12 and the ottoman 15 can massage the biceps femoris or triceps surae of the seated person, and a rotating member that rotates eccentrically to stimulate the seated person may be built into the seat cushion 12 and the ottoman 15.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the first heartbeat sensor 125 is built into the seat cushion 12, and the second heartbeat sensor 152 is built into the ottoman 15. However, this is not limiting. It is sufficient to be able to detect the biological information of the seated occupant, and a body temperature sensor that detects the body temperature of the seated occupant may be built in. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1 Seat device 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D Vehicle seats 10a Front seat 10b Rear seat 11 Seat body 12 seat cushions 12a cushion pad 12a1 Center cushion pad 12a2 Side cushion pad 12b Cushion covering material 121, 121D cushion frame 122, 122D Cushion side frame 122a First front connecting shaft 122b Second front connecting shaft 122c rear connecting shaft 122d bent flange 122e First fitting hole 123 Air Cell 124 Seat sensor 125 First Heart Rate Sensor 126 Pan Frame 126a Cushion support part 126b Ottoman support 126c Second fitting hole (cushion engaged portion) 126d Third fitting hole (ottoman engagement part) 127 Front Pipe 128 rear pipe 129 Pressure-receiving member 13 Seat back 13a padding 13b Skin material 14 Headrest 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D Ottoman 15D1 Fixed unit 15D1a Ottoman engagement part 15D2 Rotating unit 15a Elastic member 15b End face 15cm Ottoman Pad 15d Ottoman cover material 151 Air Cell 152 Second Heart Rate Sensor (Biometric Information Sensor) 152a Second left heart rate sensor (left vital signs sensor) 152b Second right heart rate sensor (left vital signs sensor) 153 Ventilation vent 154 First Cup Holder 154a Cup Plate 155 Vibration Generator 155a Left vibration generator 155b Right vibration generator 155c Vibration transmission member 156 Second cup holder (recessed portion) 157 Wireless Power Supply Unit 157a Insertion slot (power supply part) 158 Item storage section (storage recess) 159 Skin hanging groove (partition) 159a Clip 16 Calf Support 16a central calf support 16b Left Calf Support 16c Right Calf Support 17 Ottoman frame 17a Rotating shaft 17b Rotating frame part 18 Movable mechanism 19 Reclining device 20 Slide rail device 201 Lower rail 202 Upper Rail 21 Rotating device 211 Base Plate 212 Rotating members 213 Upper Plate 22 Tilt device 221 Connecting bracket 221a Front support shaft 221b Rear support shaft 222 Drive motor 223 Gearbox 224 lead screw 225 First front link 225a Front link connecting shaft 226 Second front link 227 rear link 23 Ottoman drive unit 23a Electric motor 23c output gear 23d Driven gear 23e connector 23f feeder line 24 Fluid supply device 25 Blower 26, 26A, 26B ECU 30, 30A Interior parts (instrument panel) 30a Step 31 Steering wheel 32 Foot Pedal 33, 33A Image display device F Floor P center point Rm Indoor space RF Ceiling V vehicle W front window

Claims

1. A seat device comprising: a vehicle seat having a seat body having a seat cushion; an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat body; and a control device that controls the vehicle seat, The control device The front side of the seat cushion is displaced to a higher inclined position than the rear side thereof, In conjunction with the displacement of the seat cushion to the inclined position, the ottoman is displaced from a stored position where it is stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position where it extends forward of the seat cushion, The seat device is characterized in that the upper surface of the ottoman, which is located in the deployed position and extends parallel to an upper surface of an interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat, is displaced to a height equal to the upper surface of the interior member.

2. The control device The interior member is lowered, 2. The seat device according to claim 1, wherein after the interior member is lowered, the upper surface of the ottoman is displaced to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the interior member.

3. 2. The seat device according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines the deployed position of the ottoman based on the inclination angle of the seat cushion displaced to the inclined posture and the lowered position of the interior member.

4. A seat device comprising: a vehicle seat having a seat body having a seat cushion; an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat body; and a control device that controls the vehicle seat, The control device The ottoman is displaced from a stored position where it is stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position where it extends forward of the seat cushion, The seat device is characterized in that the upper surface of the ottoman, which is positioned in the deployed position and extends parallel to the upper surface of the interior member, is displaced to the same height as the upper surface of the interior member by abutting the lower surface of the ottoman against the upper surface of a step formed above an interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat.

5. A seat device comprising: a vehicle seat having a seat body having a seat cushion; an ottoman displaceable relative to the seat body; and a control device that controls the vehicle seat, The control device The ottoman is displaced from a stored position where it is stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position where it extends forward of the seat cushion, The seat device is characterized in that the upper surface of the ottoman, which is positioned in the deployed position and extends parallel to the upper surface of the interior member, is displaced to the same height as the upper surface of the interior member by abutting an elastic member provided on the lower surface of the ottoman against the upper surface of a step formed in an interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat.

6. The seat device according to claim 4, wherein the control device slides the seat body in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the displacement of the ottoman to the deployed position.

7. A control method executed by a control device for controlling a vehicle seat including a seat body having a seat cushion and an ottoman displaceable with respect to the seat body, the method comprising: The front side of the seat cushion is displaced to a higher inclined position than the rear side thereof, In conjunction with the displacement of the seat cushion to the inclined posture, the ottoman is displaced from a stored position where it is stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position where it extends forward of the seat body, a control method for displacing an upper surface of the ottoman, which is located in the deployed position and extends parallel to an upper surface of an interior member of the vehicle provided in front of the vehicle seat, to a height equal to the upper surface of the interior member.

8. A control method executed by a control device for controlling a vehicle seat including a seat body having a seat cushion and an ottoman displaceable with respect to the seat body, the method comprising: The ottoman is displaced from a stored position where it is stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position where it extends forward of the seat body, a control method for displacing the upper surface of the ottoman, which is positioned in the deployed position and extends parallel to the upper surface of the interior member, to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the interior member by bringing the lower surface of the ottoman into contact with the upper surface of a step formed above an interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat.

9. A control method executed by a control device for controlling a vehicle seat including a seat body having a seat cushion and an ottoman displaceable with respect to the seat body, the method comprising: a control method for displacing the ottoman from a stored position in which it is stored below the seat cushion to a deployed position in which it extends forward of the seat body, and causing an elastic member provided on the underside of the ottoman to abut against an upper surface of a step formed in an interior member provided in front of the vehicle seat, thereby displacing an upper surface of the ottoman, which is located in the deployed position and extends parallel to an upper surface of the interior member, to a height equal to that of the upper surface of the interior member.

Images