Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat that can be easily transformed.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat (a seat 10 and a seat control part 2) with a headrest 13 and a seat back 12 includes: a sensor part 30 that is provided at least in the headrest 13 and detects head movements of a person seated on the vehicle seat; a reclining mechanism (an angle changing part 21) that rotates the seat back 12 in a longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the vehicle seat; and a control part (the seat control part 2) that controls the reclining mechanism based on the head movement of the seated person detected by the sensor part 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the posture of a vehicle seat provided in a vehicle is adjustable in terms of position and orientation. In recent years, there are also cases where the seat is deformed to tilt the seatback of the vehicle seat rearward and relax the seated person while the seated person remains seated on the vehicle seat.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that can suppress variations in the actual movement time required for deformation of a vehicle seat and always perform the same operation even when the load applied to the vehicle seat differs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when deforming a vehicle seat like the invention of Patent Document 1, a vehicle occupant needs to operate an operation switch, which is troublesome.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle seat that allows the seat to be easily deformed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, the vehicle seat according to claim 1 is: A vehicle seat comprising a headrest and a seatback, A sensor unit provided at least on the headrest for detecting the movement of the head of the person sitting in the vehicle seat, A reclining mechanism that rotates the seat back in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle seat, A control unit controls the reclining mechanism based on the head movements of the seated person detected by the sensor unit, Equipped with 、 The sensor unit includes a proximity sensor and a pressure sensor. The system includes a first determination unit that determines whether the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure threshold, When the first determination unit determines that the pressure value is equal to or greater than the pressure threshold, the control unit controls the reclining mechanism to rotate the seat back toward the rear of the vehicle seat. ru.

[0010] Claim 2 The invention described in the claim 1 In the vehicle seats described above, The system includes a second determination unit that determines whether the distance detected by the proximity sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance threshold, When the second determination unit determines that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold, the control unit controls the reclining mechanism to rotate the seat back forward of the vehicle seat.

[0011] Claim 3 The invention described in the claim 2 In the vehicle seats described above, The vehicle seat is equipped with a sliding mechanism for moving the vehicle seat in the front-to-back direction, When the first determination unit determines that the pressure value is equal to or greater than the pressure threshold, the control unit controls the sliding mechanism to move the vehicle seat backward.

[0012] Claim 4 The invention described in the claim 3 In the vehicle seats described above, When the second determination unit determines that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold, the control unit controls the sliding mechanism to move the vehicle seat forward.

[0013] Claim 5 The invention described in is the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the headrest includes a pad that is a cushion material, and a skin material covering the pad, the sensor unit is disposed in a recess provided on the surface of the pad that is in contact with the skin material.

[0014] Claim 6 The invention described in is the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the headrest includes a pad that is a cushion material, and a skin material covering the pad, the proximity sensor is disposed in a recess provided on the surface of the pad that is in contact with the skin material, the pressure sensor is disposed between the pad and the skin material.

[0015] Claim 7 The invention described in is the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the sensor unit is disposed at an upper portion of the seat back to detect movement of the shoulder of a seated person, the control unit controls the reclining mechanism based on the movements of the head and the shoulder of the seated person detected by the sensor unit.

[0016] Claim 8 The invention described in is the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein a vehicle equipped with the vehicle seat is capable of automated driving, the control unit controls the reclining mechanism when the vehicle is performing automated driving.

[0017] The vehicle seat described in claim 9 is A vehicle seat equipped with a headrest and a seatback, A sensor unit provided at least on the headrest for detecting the movement of the head of the person sitting in the vehicle seat, ​​ A reclining mechanism that rotates the seat back in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle seat, A control unit controls the reclining mechanism based on the head movements of the seated person detected by the sensor unit, Modification part for changing the angle of the headrest relative to the seat back. and, Equipped with, The control unit controls the modification unit to change the angle of the headrest based on the angle of the seat back. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the invention described in claim 1, the reclining mechanism can be controlled based on the movement of the occupant's head in the vehicle seat detected by the sensor unit. Therefore, there is no need to operate an operating switch when changing the posture of the vehicle seat, and the seat can be easily changed. Furthermore, proximity sensors and pressure sensors can detect the movement of the seated person's head, allowing for more precise control of the reclining mechanism. Furthermore, since the seatback can be controlled to recline only when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a pressure threshold, the seatback can be controlled to recline only when the occupant is pressing their head against the headrest.

[0021] Claim 2 According to the invention described above, the seat back can be controlled to be raised when the distance detected by the proximity sensor is greater than or equal to a distance threshold, so the seat back can be controlled to be raised only when the seated person attempts to stand up.

[0022] Claim 3 According to the invention described, when the seat back is reclined, the vehicle seat can be moved backward, allowing the occupant to stretch their legs.

[0023] Claim 4 According to the invention described above, when the seat back is raised, the vehicle seat can be moved forward, so the position of the vehicle seat can be set to a position suitable for manual driving.

[0024] Claim 5 According to the invention described above, even if the proximity sensor and pressure sensor are not in film form, they can be housed in the recess, so that the proximity sensor and pressure sensor can be properly installed on the headrest.

[0025] Claim 6 According to the invention described above, even if the proximity sensor is not in the form of a film, it can be housed in the recess, so the proximity sensor can be properly installed on the headrest. Also, if the pressure sensor is in the form of a film, it can be properly installed on the headrest by being placed between the pad and the surface material.

[0026] Claim 7 According to the invention described above, the reclining mechanism can be controlled based on the movement of the head and shoulders of the person sitting in the vehicle seat detected by the sensor unit, thereby enabling more appropriate control of the reclining mechanism.

[0027] Claim 8 According to the invention described above, the reclining mechanism is controlled only when the vehicle is moving automatically, thus preventing the reclining mechanism from being unintentionally activated when the vehicle is being driven manually.

[0028] Claim 9 According to the invention described, The reclining mechanism can be controlled based on the head movements of the occupant in the vehicle seat detected by the sensor unit. Therefore, there is no need to operate an operating switch when changing the posture of the vehicle seat, and the seat can be easily modified. moreover, The angle of the headrest can be adjusted based on the angle of the seatback, allowing the occupant to find a comfortable posture. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a sheet deformation system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an overview of the seat deformation system installed in the vehicle. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an overview of a sheet equipped with proximity sensors and pressure sensors. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the sheet deformation mechanism and sensors. [Figure 5A]This figure shows an example of the overview of proximity sensors and pressure sensors. [Figure 5B] This figure shows an example of the overview of proximity sensors and pressure sensors. [Figure 5C] This figure shows an example of the overview of proximity sensors and pressure sensors. [Figure 5D] This figure shows an example of the overview of proximity sensors and pressure sensors. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the sheet transformation process. [Figure 7] This figure shows an overview of the long rail in modified example 1. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the sheet deformation mechanism and sensors in modified example 1. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the sheet deformation mechanism and sensors in modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0031] In this embodiment, the vehicle is an automobile (passenger car: vehicle V shown in Figures 1 and 2), and the seat 10 below is a vehicle seat in which the driver and their passengers (occupants) sit. However, it is not limited to this, and may also be a vehicle seat in, for example, a ship, airplane, construction vehicle, military vehicle, industrial vehicle, railway vehicle, agricultural vehicle, etc.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle V in this embodiment is equipped with multiple seats 10. These multiple seats 10 are configured to be able to change their orientation. The multiple seats 10 include front seats 10F, which serve as the driver's and passenger's seats, and a rear seat 10R. The rear seat 10R may be a bench seat or separate seats, such as a driver's and passenger's seat. Furthermore, even if it is a bench seat type, it may be configured to recline independently on the left and right sides.

[0033] In the following explanation, "X-axis direction" refers to the front-to-back direction as viewed from the perspective of the person seated in seat 10, and is the direction that coincides with the vehicle's direction of travel. Here, the "positive X-axis direction" is the forward direction, and the "negative X-axis direction" is the backward direction. Furthermore, "Y-axis direction" refers to the width direction of the seat 10, which coincides with the left-right direction as viewed from the perspective of the person sitting in the seat 10. Furthermore, the "Z-axis direction" refers to the height direction of the sheet 10, and coincides with the up and down direction when the sheet 10 is viewed from the front. Here, the "positive Z-axis direction" is the upward direction, and the "negative Z-axis direction" is the downward direction.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the sheet deformation system 100. The seat deformation system 100 of this embodiment deforms the posture of a seat 10 installed in a vehicle V that can switch between an automatic driving mode (automatic driving) and a manual driving mode (manual driving), and is linked to a vehicle control system that controls the entire vehicle V. The vehicle control system includes a driving control unit 1 that switches between an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode for the vehicle V, and also includes appropriate configurations necessary for switching between modes. The sheet deformation system 100 also includes a sheet control unit 2, a storage unit 3, a switching unit 4, a notification unit 5, and a manual operation unit 6. Furthermore, each component of the seat deformation system 100 and the vehicle control system are connected to each other via a wired or wireless communication network established inside the vehicle.

[0035] [Regarding the operation control unit] The driving control unit 1 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). Various devices such as brake lights, auxiliary equipment (e.g., turn signals, headlights, wiper devices, etc.), and actuators are also connected to the driving control unit 1. The operation control unit 1 controls automatic operation by loading a program pre-stored in ROM into RAM and executing it with the CPU to control the operation of various devices. The operation control unit 1 may be composed of multiple electronic control units.

[0036] The driving control unit 1 switches between the automatic driving mode and the manual driving mode of the vehicle V. Manual driving mode is a mode in which the vehicle V is controlled by the driver's actions. The automatic driving mode is a mode in which the driving control unit 1 determines the surrounding conditions of the vehicle V and the condition of the vehicle V itself, and controls the vehicle V.

[0037] [Regarding the seat control unit] The seat control unit 2 is a control device for changing the posture of the seat 10, and is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Furthermore, the seat control unit 2 is connected to the driving control unit 1 and can control the posture of the seat 10 in conjunction with the driving control unit 1's control of the vehicle V. However, it is not limited to this, and the driving control unit 1 and the seat control unit 2 may be an integrated control unit (for example, an ECU: Electronic Control Unit). Furthermore, the seat control unit 2 is located below the seat cushion 11 (on the negative Z-axis side), as shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat includes a seat 10 and a seat control unit 2.

[0038] The seat control unit 2 includes an acquisition unit 2a that acquires detection results from the sensor unit 30 (described later), and a deformation unit 2b that controls the deformation of the seat 10 based on the detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 2a. In other words, the seat control unit 2 executes a program for acquiring detection results from the sensor unit 30 and a program for controlling the deformation of the seat 10 based on the acquired detection results. The acquisition unit 2a continuously or periodically (intermittently) acquires the detection results from the sensor unit 30. The deformation unit 2b controls the deformation mechanism 20 provided in the seat 10 to deform the posture of the seat 10 based on the acquired detection results. The deformation control of the seat 10 by the deformation unit 2b is permitted when the vehicle V is in automatic driving mode and the deformation control is set to ON by the switching unit 4. The driving control unit 1 and the seat control unit 2 are linked and can determine whether the vehicle V is operating in automatic driving mode or manual driving mode.

[0039] [Regarding the memory unit] The memory unit 3 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The memory unit 3 stores various processing programs executed by the sheet control unit 2, as well as the data necessary for executing these programs. Furthermore, the memory unit 3 stores distance thresholds and pressure thresholds, which will be described later. The distance thresholds and pressure thresholds are stored as values ​​for each tilt angle of the seat back 12, which will be described later.

[0040] [About the sheet] The seat 10, whose posture is controlled by the seat control unit 2, comprises, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a seat cushion 11 that holds the seated person's buttocks, a seat back 12 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 11, and a headrest 13 provided at the upper end of the seat back 12 to support the seated person's head. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, such a sheet 10 includes, as an internal structure, a sheet frame (not shown) that constitutes the framework of the sheet 10, a deformation mechanism 20 for deforming the sheet frame, and an operating part 21a for operating the deformation mechanism 20. As shown in Figure 2, the seat cushion 11 is supported on the vehicle floor by a support mechanism 14, with the seat frame (seat cushion frame) being supported by the vehicle floor. As shown in Figure 3, the headrest 13 has a pillar 13a, which is inserted into a headrest guide (not shown) provided on the seat back 12 (seat back frame).

[0041] To enable the seat 10 to change its orientation, the seat 10 has an angle changing section 21 of the deformation mechanism 20 and a seat orientation detection section 22.

[0042] The angle changing unit 21 is a reclining mechanism that changes the angle of the seat back 12, controllable by the seat control unit 2, and has an operating unit 21a that rotates the seat back 12 relative to the seat cushion 11. To explain in more detail, although not shown in the diagram, the lower end of the seat back frame that constitutes the skeleton of the seat back 12 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the seat cushion frame that constitutes the skeleton of the seat cushion 11 via a pivot axis, and the seat back frame can be rotated around the axis of the pivot axis by an actuator, which is the operating part 21a. The seat back 12 can be adjusted by the angle adjustment unit 21, ranging from an angle suitable for manual driving (upright position) to a flat position (seat back 12 fully reclined).

[0043] The seat posture detection unit 22, although not shown in the figure, includes a sensor that detects the angle of the seat back 12. The seat control unit 2 can calculate and derive the posture of the seat 10 based on the detection signal from the seat posture detection unit 22's sensor. In other words, the seat control unit 2 can determine the angle of the seat back 12 using the seat posture detection unit 22.

[0044] [About the sensor unit] As shown in Figure 1, the sensor unit 30 includes a proximity sensor 31 and a pressure sensor 32, and detects the movement of the head and shoulders of the person sitting in the seat 10. As shown in Figure 3, the proximity sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 are provided on the front surface (the surface on the positive X-axis side) of the headrest 13 where the sitter's head makes contact, and on the front surface of the upper part of the seat back 12 where the sitter's shoulders make contact. Furthermore, the proximity sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 are connected by wire to the vehicle's power supply, and power is supplied from the vehicle's power supply. Alternatively, the proximity sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 may be powered by a wireless power supply device. Furthermore, the proximity sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 may be provided only on the headrest 13.

[0045] The proximity sensor 31 is a sensor for detecting the distance to an object located in front of the headrest 13 and in front of the upper part of the seat back 12. In this embodiment, the proximity sensor 31 is an optical sensor that measures the distance to an object based on the reflection time, which is the time it takes for the reflected light to return from an object after irradiating the object with light such as infrared light. The light used for irradiation is not limited to infrared light; it may also be laser light or the like. Furthermore, the proximity sensor 31 is not limited to an optical sensor; for example, it may be an ultrasonic sensor that utilizes the reflection of ultrasonic waves or a radio wave sensor that utilizes the reflection of radio waves.

[0046] The pressure sensor 32 is a sensor for detecting pressure applied to the front of the headrest 13 and the front of the upper part of the seat back 12. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 32 is, for example, a capacitance sensor.

[0047] Figures 5A to 5D show examples of the arrangement of the proximity sensor 31 and pressure sensor 32 on the headrest 13. Figures 5A to 5D are cross-sectional views of the headrest 13 in the plane formed by the X and Z axes. The arrangement of the proximity sensor 31 and pressure sensor 32 on the upper part of the seat back 12 is the same as the arrangement on the headrest 13. As shown in Figures 5A to 5D, the headrest 13 comprises a pad 131 which is a cushioning material and a surface material 132 which covers the pad 131. The pad 131 has a recess 131a on the surface that contacts the surface material 132 (the surface on the positive X-axis side). The surface material 132 has holes 132a that allow light emitted from the proximity sensor 31 and reflected light from an object to pass through. However, if the proximity sensor 31 is an ultrasonic sensor or a radio wave sensor, the holes 132a are not necessary.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 5A, the proximity sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 are provided in the recess 131a. Furthermore, the pressure sensor 32 has a recess 32a on the surface that contacts the surface material 132 (the surface on the positive X-axis side), and the proximity sensor 31 is provided in the recess 32a.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 5B, the proximity sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 are provided in the recess 131a. Furthermore, the pressure sensor 32 has a recess 32a on the negative X-axis side, and a proximity sensor 31 is provided in the recess 32a. Furthermore, the pressure sensor 32 has a hole 32b extending from the recess 32a in the positive X-axis direction, through which light emitted from the proximity sensor 31 and reflected light from an object can pass. The hole 32b and the hole 132a are arranged so as to overlap each other.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 5C, the proximity sensor 31 is provided in the recess 131a. The pressure sensor 32 is in the shape of a film and is placed between the pad 131 and the surface material 132 at a position that does not overlap with the proximity sensor 31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 5D, the proximity sensor 31 is provided in the recess 131a. The pressure sensor 32 is in the shape of a film and is provided between the pad 131 and the surface material 132 at a position where it overlaps with the proximity sensor 31 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the pressure sensor 32 has a hole 32b in the X-axis direction that allows light emitted from the proximity sensor 31 and reflected light from an object to pass through. The hole 32b and the hole 132a are arranged so that they overlap each other.

[0052] [Regarding the switching mechanism] The switching unit 4 receives the occupant's operation related to switching the deformation control of the seat 10 by the deformation unit 2b ON / OFF, and outputs the operation information to the seat control unit 2. The sheet control unit 2 permits deformation control of the sheet 10 by the deformation unit 2b when the deformation control of the sheet 10 by the deformation unit 2b is in the ON state. In this embodiment, the switching unit 4 includes a touch panel provided on a car navigation system (not shown) installed in the vehicle V as an input means. The switching unit 4 may also include switches or the like provided on the seat 10 as input means.

[0053] [About the News Department] In this embodiment, the notification unit 5 is, for example, a navigation device. The seat control unit 2 notifies the driver by displaying a predetermined message on the display unit (not shown) of the navigation device. Furthermore, the seat control unit 2 provides notification to the driver by outputting a predetermined sound from the audio input / output unit (not shown) of the navigation device.

[0054] [Regarding the manual control section] The manual operation unit 6 is for changing the posture of the seat 10 by manual operation by the seated person, and specifically has a controller for operating the operation unit 21a for operating the deformation mechanism 20. The controller includes switches for turning the operating unit 21a on and off, and switches for operating the operating range of the seat 10. Such a controller (manual operation unit 6) may be provided in a visible state on the surface of the seat 10, or it may be provided on an interior component of the vehicle V (e.g., door trim, pillar trim, instrument panel, etc.). Alternatively, it may be displayed on the display unit of the navigation device, allowing the posture of the seat 10 to be changed manually via a touch panel.

[0055] Manual operation of the seat 10 by the manual operation unit 6 is permitted only when the vehicle V is in manual driving mode, but is not limited to this, and may also be permitted when the vehicle is in automatic driving mode.

[0056] [Regarding sheet deformation processing] Next, we will describe the sheet deformation process performed by the sheet control unit 2 in the sheet deformation system 100 configured as described above. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the sheet deformation process.

[0057] First, when the vehicle V switches from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the seat control unit 2 determines whether or not the deformation control of the seat 10 by the deformation unit 2b is ON, based on the operation information from the switching unit 4 (step S1). If the deformation control of the sheet 10 by the deformation unit 2b is in the OFF state (step S1; NO), the sheet control unit 2 terminates this process.

[0058] If the deformation control of the sheet 10 by the deformation unit 2b is ON (step S1; YES), the sheet control unit 2 acquires detection results from the proximity sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 (step S2). Next, the seat control unit 2 determines whether or not it was able to obtain detection results from the proximity sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 in step S2 (step S3). If detection results cannot be obtained due to a malfunction of the proximity sensor 31 or the pressure sensor 32 (step S3; NO), the seat control unit 2 controls the notification unit 5 to notify the system of this fact (step S4), and terminates this process.

[0059] Furthermore, if detection results are obtained from the proximity sensor 31 and the pressure sensor 32 (step S3; YES), the seat control unit 2 obtains the posture of the seat 10 (tilt angle of the seat back 12) from the seat posture detection unit 22 (step S5). Next, the seat control unit 2 determines whether the seat back 12 is in a flat position based on the tilt angle of the seat back 12 obtained in step S5 (step S6). If the seat back 12 is not in a flat position (step S6; NO), the seat control unit 2 obtains a pressure threshold value from the storage unit 3 based on the tilt angle of the seat back 12 acquired in step S5, and determines whether the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 32 is equal to or greater than the said pressure threshold value (step S7). When the seat back 12 is tilted to a predetermined angle, that is, when the occupant has their head resting on the headrest 13, the greater the angle, the greater the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 32. Therefore, the pressure threshold is set so that the greater the tilt angle of the seat back 12, the greater the value. Also, the pressure threshold is greater than the pressure value when the occupant is seated on the seat 10 and their head is in contact with the headrest 13 (the occupant has their head resting on the headrest 13) without pressing their head against it.

[0060] If the pressure value is greater than or equal to the pressure threshold (step S7; YES), that is, if the person sitting in seat 10 is pressing their head against the headrest 13, the seat control unit 2 controls the angle change unit 21 to tilt the seat back 12 by a predetermined angle (step S8), and returns the process to step S1. This predetermined angle is set in advance. As a result, the seat control unit 2 continues to tilt the seat back 12 as long as the person sitting is pressing their head against the headrest 13.

[0061] Furthermore, if the pressure value is less than the pressure threshold (step S7; NO), that is, if the person sitting in seat 10 is not pressing their head against the headrest 13, the seat control unit 2 determines whether the seat back 12 is in an upright position (the seat back 12 is not reclined) based on the tilt angle of the seat back 12 obtained in step S5 (step S9). If the seat back 12 is not in an upright position (step S9; NO), the seat control unit 2 obtains a distance threshold from the storage unit 3 based on the tilt angle of the seat back 12 acquired in step S5, and determines whether the distance to the object (seatee's head or shoulder), which is the detection result of the proximity sensor 31, is greater than or equal to the said distance threshold (step S10). When a sitter stands up from a position where the seatback 12 is reclined to a predetermined angle, the greater the angle, the more force is required to stand up from the seat 10. In other words, the greater the angle, the smaller the distance between the proximity sensor 31 and the sitter's head or shoulders when standing up. Therefore, the distance threshold is set to decrease as the reclining angle of the seatback 12 increases.

[0062] If the distance to the object is greater than or equal to the distance threshold (step S10; YES), that is, if the person sitting in seat 10 has lifted their head off the headrest 13 or lifted their shoulders off the seatback 12 in order to stand up, the seat control unit 2 controls the angle change unit 21 to raise the seatback 12 by a predetermined angle (step S11), and returns the process to step S1. This predetermined angle is set in advance. As a result, the seat control unit 2 keeps the seatback 12 raised as long as the person sitting has lifted their head off the headrest 13 or lifted their shoulders off the seatback 12.

[0063] Furthermore, if the seat back 12 is in a flat position (step S6; YES), the seat control unit 2 proceeds to step S10. Furthermore, if the seat back 12 is in an upright position (step S9; YES), and if the distance to the object is less than the distance threshold (step S10; NO), the seat control unit 2 proceeds to step S1. Furthermore, when vehicle V switches from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode, the seat control unit 2 terminates this process.

[0064] In addition, in the above-described seat deformation process, step S1 may be omitted, and the deformation control of the seat 10 by the deformation unit 2b may always be performed when the vehicle V is in automatic driving mode. Alternatively, instead of step S8 of the above-described seat deformation process, the seat control unit 2 may tilt the seat back 12 until it is flat (step S8A). Alternatively, instead of step S11 of the above seat deformation process, the seat control unit 2 may raise the seat back 12 until it is in an upright position (step S11A). Furthermore, in the seat deformation process, the occupant may be able to select whether to perform step S8 or step S8A, for example, by operating the touch panel of the navigation device. Similarly, in the seat deformation process, the occupant may be able to select whether to perform step S11 or step S11A.

[0065] Furthermore, in steps S8 and S11 of the above-mentioned seat deformation process, if the angle of the seat back 12 cannot be changed due to a malfunction of the angle changing unit 21 or the like, the seat control unit 2 may control the notification unit 5 to notify the user of this fact and terminate the seat deformation process. Furthermore, the memory unit 3 may store distance thresholds and pressure thresholds for each installation position of the sensor unit 30. In this case, the thresholds (distance threshold and pressure threshold) compared with the detection results from the sensor unit 30 provided on the headrest 13 are different from the thresholds compared with the detection results from the sensor unit 30 provided on the upper part of the seat back 12.

[0066] <Example 1> Next, a modification 1 of the above embodiment will be described. For the sake of convenience, common parts with the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the components that differ from the above embodiment.

[0067] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 7, the vehicle V is equipped with a long rail 15. The front seat 10F and the rear seat 10R can move along the long rail 15 in the X-axis direction.

[0068] Furthermore, in this modified example, as shown in Figure 8, the deformation mechanism 20 of the sheet 10 further includes a sheet sliding section 23. The seat slide section 23 is controllable by the seat control unit 2 and slides the seat cushion 11 (and by extension, the entire seat 10) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and is incorporated into the support mechanism 14 described above. The support mechanism 14 includes a mechanism such as a long rail 15 provided on the floor surface of the vehicle body and a slider that moves along the long rail 15, and an operating unit 23a that drives the seat cushion frame, which is joined to the mechanism, to slide. In other words, the seat slide section 23 is a slide mechanism incorporated into the support mechanism 14, and the slide mechanism is operated by the operating unit 23a.

[0069] In step S8 of the seat deformation process in this modified example, the seat control unit 2 controls the angle change unit 21 to tilt the seat back 12 and controls the seat slide unit 23 to move the seat 10 in the rearward direction (negative X-axis direction). When controlling the deformation of the front seat 10F, the distance by which the front seat 10F is moved in the rearward direction by controlling the seat slide unit 23 should be set to a distance that does not collide with the rear seat 10R. This allows the person sitting in seat 10 to stretch their legs when seatback 12 is reclined. Furthermore, in step S11 of the seat deformation process in this modified example, the seat control unit 2 controls the angle change unit 21 to raise the seat back 12 and controls the seat slide unit 23 to move the seat 10 forward (positive X-axis direction). When controlling the deformation of the posture of the front seat 10F, the distance by which the seat slide unit 23 is controlled to move the front seat 10F forward should be set to the distance until the position of the front seat 10F is suitable for manual operation.

[0070] <Modification 2> Next, a modified example 2 of the above embodiment will be described. For the sake of clarity, common parts with the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the components that differ from the above embodiment.

[0071] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 9, the deformation mechanism 20 of the seat 10 further includes a headrest angle changing section 24 (changing section). The headrest angle adjustment unit 24 is controllable by the seat control unit 2 and changes the angle of the headrest 13 relative to the seat back 12. The headrest angle adjustment unit 24 has an operating unit 24a that rotates the headrest 13 relative to the seat back 12. The method for changing the angle of the headrest 13 may be either by changing the angle of the pillar 13a relative to the seat back frame, or by changing the angle of the headrest 13 relative to the pillar 13a.

[0072] In step S8 of the seat deformation process in this modified example, the seat control unit 2 controls the angle changing unit 21 to tilt the seat back 12 and controls the headrest angle changing unit 24 to change the angle of the headrest 13. Furthermore, in step S11 of the seat deformation process in this modified example, the seat control unit 2 controls the angle changing unit 21 to raise the seat back 12 and controls the headrest angle changing unit 24 to change the angle of the headrest 13. The angle of the headrest 13 in steps S8 and S11 is determined based on the angle of the seat back 12, and should be an angle that allows the person sitting in the seat 10 to assume a comfortable posture.

[0073] [Regarding the effects] The vehicle seat (seat 10 and seat control unit 2) in this embodiment is a vehicle seat comprising a headrest 13 and a seat back 12, and includes at least a sensor unit 30 provided on the headrest 13 for detecting the movement of the seater's head, a reclining mechanism (angle changing unit 21) for rotating the seat back 12 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the vehicle seat, and a control unit (seat control unit 2) for controlling the reclining mechanism based on the movement of the seater's head detected by the sensor unit 30. Therefore, since the reclining mechanism can be controlled based on the head movements of the occupant in the vehicle seat detected by the sensor unit, there is no need to operate an operating switch when changing the posture of the vehicle seat, and the seat can be easily changed.

[0074] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat of this embodiment, the sensor unit 30 includes a proximity sensor 31 and a pressure sensor 32. Therefore, since the movement of the seated person's head can be detected by the proximity sensor and pressure sensor, the reclining mechanism can be controlled more appropriately.

[0075] Furthermore, the vehicle seat in this embodiment includes a first determination unit (seat control unit 2) that determines whether the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure threshold. When the first determination unit determines that the pressure value is equal to or greater than the pressure threshold, the control unit controls the reclining mechanism to rotate the seat back 12 toward the rear of the vehicle seat. Therefore, since the seatback can be controlled to recline only when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is above the pressure threshold, the seatback can be controlled to recline only when the occupant is pressing their head against the headrest.

[0076] Furthermore, the vehicle seat in this embodiment includes a second determination unit (seat control unit 2) that determines whether the distance detected by the proximity sensor 31 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance threshold. When the second determination unit determines that the distance is greater than or equal to the distance threshold, the control unit controls the reclining mechanism to rotate the seat back 12 forward of the vehicle seat. Therefore, since the seat back can be controlled to rise only when the distance detected by the proximity sensor is greater than or equal to a distance threshold, the seat back can be controlled to rise only when the seated person attempts to stand up.

[0077] Furthermore, the vehicle seat in this embodiment is equipped with a sliding mechanism (seat slide section 23) that moves the vehicle seat in the front-rear direction, and the control unit controls the sliding mechanism to move the vehicle seat backward when the first determination unit determines that the pressure value is equal to or greater than the pressure threshold. Therefore, when the seatback is reclined, the vehicle seat can be moved backward, allowing the occupant to stretch their legs.

[0078] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat of this embodiment, the control unit controls the sliding mechanism to move the vehicle seat forward when the second determination unit determines that the distance is greater than or equal to a distance threshold. Therefore, when raising the seatback, the vehicle seat can be moved forward, allowing the vehicle seat to be positioned in a location suitable for manual driving.

[0079] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat of this embodiment, the headrest 13 comprises a pad 131 which is a cushioning material and a surface material 132 which covers the pad 131, and the sensor unit 30 is provided in a recess 131a provided on the surface of the pad 131 that is in contact with the surface material 132. Therefore, even if the proximity sensor and pressure sensor are not in film form, they can be housed in the recess, allowing them to be properly installed on the headrest.

[0080] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat of this embodiment, the headrest 13 comprises a pad 131 which is a cushioning material and a surface material 132 which covers the pad 131, the proximity sensor 31 is provided in a recess 131a provided on the surface of the pad 131 that is in contact with the surface material 132, and the pressure sensor 32 is provided between the pad 131 and the surface material 132. Therefore, even if the proximity sensor is not in film form, it can be housed in the recess, allowing it to be properly installed on the headrest. Furthermore, if the pressure sensor is in film form, it can be properly installed on the headrest by placing it between the pad and the surface material.

[0081] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat of this embodiment, the sensor unit 30 is provided on the upper part of the seat back 12 to detect the movement of the seated person's shoulders, and the control unit controls the reclining mechanism based on the movement of the seated person's head and shoulders detected by the sensor unit 30. Therefore, the reclining mechanism can be controlled more appropriately because it is possible to control it based on the head and shoulder movements of the occupant in the vehicle seat detected by the sensor unit.

[0082] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat of this embodiment, the vehicle (vehicle V) equipped with the vehicle seat is capable of automatic driving, and the control unit controls the reclining mechanism when the vehicle is driving automatically. Therefore, since the reclining mechanism is controlled only when the vehicle is in automatic mode, it is possible to prevent the reclining mechanism from being unintentionally activated when the vehicle is being driven manually.

[0083] Furthermore, the vehicle seat in this embodiment includes a modification unit (headrest angle modification unit 24) that changes the angle of the headrest 13 relative to the seat back 12, and the control unit controls the modification unit to change the angle of the headrest 13 based on the angle of the seat back 12. Therefore, since the angle of the headrest can be changed based on the angle of the seatback, it is possible to adjust the headrest angle to one that allows the occupant to assume a comfortable posture.

[0084] The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle V is said to be switchable between an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode, but it is not limited to this. The vehicle V may be capable of manual driving only by the driver's operation. In this case, the seat control unit 2 may perform seat deformation processing while the vehicle V is being driven manually.

[0086] Furthermore, the sensor unit 30 may be provided on the seat 10 at locations other than the headrest 13 and the upper part of the seat back 12. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] V Vehicles (vehicles) 100 Sheet Transformation System 1. Operation Control Unit 2. Sheet control unit (control unit, first decision unit, second decision unit) 2a Acquisition part 2b Deformed part 3 Storage section 4. Switching section 5 Hochi Department 6 Manual operation section 10 sheets 10F Front Seat 10R Rear Seat 11 Seat Cushions 12 seatback 13 Headrest 131 pads 131a Recess 132 Skin material 132a hole 14 Support mechanism 15 Long Rail 20 Transformation Mechanism 21. Angle adjustment section (reclining mechanism) 21a Operating part 22 Seat posture detection unit 23. Seat sliding section (sliding mechanism) 23a Operating part 24. Headrest angle adjustment section (adjustment section) 24a Operating part 30 Sensor section 31 Proximity sensor 32 Pressure Sensor 32a Recess 32b hole

Claims

1. A vehicle seat equipped with a headrest and a seatback, A sensor unit provided at least on the headrest for detecting the movement of the head of the person sitting in the vehicle seat, A reclining mechanism that rotates the seat back in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle seat, A control unit controls the reclining mechanism based on the head movements of the seated person detected by the sensor unit, Equipped with, The sensor unit includes a proximity sensor and a pressure sensor. The system includes a first determination unit that determines whether the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure threshold, The control unit controls the reclining mechanism to rotate the seat back toward the rear of the vehicle seat when the first determination unit determines that the pressure value is equal to or greater than the pressure threshold.

2. The system includes a second determination unit that determines whether the distance detected by the proximity sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance threshold, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the reclining mechanism to rotate the seat back forward of the vehicle seat when the second determination unit determines that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold.

3. The vehicle seat is equipped with a sliding mechanism for moving the vehicle seat in the front-to-back direction, The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the sliding mechanism to move the vehicle seat backward when the first determination unit determines that the pressure value is equal to or greater than the pressure threshold.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the sliding mechanism to move the vehicle seat forward when the second determination unit determines that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold.

5. The headrest comprises a pad which is a cushioning material and a surface material which covers the pad, The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor portion is provided in a recess provided on the surface of the pad that is in contact with the surface material.

6. The headrest comprises a pad which is a cushioning material and a surface material which covers the pad, The proximity sensor is provided in a recess provided on the surface of the pad that is in contact with the surface material, The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure sensor is provided between the pad and the surface material.

7. The sensor unit is provided on the upper part of the seat back and detects the movement of the seated person's shoulders. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit controls the reclining mechanism based on the movement of the seated person's head and shoulders detected by the sensor unit.

8. The vehicle equipped with the aforementioned seat is capable of autonomous driving. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit controls the reclining mechanism when the vehicle is in automatic driving mode.

9. A vehicle seat comprising a headrest and a seat back, A sensor unit provided at least on the headrest for detecting the movement of the head of the person sitting in the vehicle seat, A reclining mechanism that rotates the seat back in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle seat, A control unit controls the reclining mechanism based on the head movements of the seated person detected by the sensor unit, A modification unit that changes the angle of the headrest relative to the seat back, Equipped with, The control unit controls the modification unit to change the angle of the headrest based on the angle of the seat back, for use as a vehicle seat.

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