Vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle capable of more effectively utilizing the internal space of the vehicle.　A vehicle (V1) is provided with: a first vehicle seat (10) that is provided inside the vehicle; a second vehicle seat (20) that is provided inside the vehicle and disposed in a position behind the first vehicle seat (10); and a driving operation unit (40) that is mounted to a driving operation table (30) (vehicle interior component) located between the first vehicle seat (10) and the second vehicle seat (20) and that operates the driving of the vehicle. The driving operation unit (40) is mounted so as to be able to be stored in a storage recess (32) provided in the driving operation table (30).

Description

vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicles, and more particularly to vehicles having multiple vehicle seats.

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle has been known that includes a first vehicle seat (front seat) provided inside the vehicle, a second vehicle seat (rear seat) provided inside the vehicle and positioned rearward of the first vehicle seat, and a driving operation unit (operating handle) attached to the rear surface of the first vehicle seat and used to operate the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vehicle described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a first vehicle seat, a second vehicle seat, a first operating lever operated by an occupant seated in the first vehicle seat, a second operating lever operated by an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat, and a changeover switch that enables driving operations of either the first operating lever or the second operating lever.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-162164

[0005] However, there has been a demand for a technology that enables more effective utilization of the interior space of the vehicle in a vehicle such as that described in Patent Document 1. For example, there has been a demand for a technology that enables an occupant seated in a second vehicle seat (rear seat) to effectively utilize the space around the second vehicle seat when the occupant is not performing driving operations (a demand for an unrestricted interior space).

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that can more effectively utilize the interior space of the vehicle. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that can allow passengers seated in the rear seats to effectively utilize the space around the rear seats when they are not operating the vehicle.

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a vehicle of the present invention, comprising: a first vehicle seat provided inside the vehicle; a second vehicle seat provided inside the vehicle and positioned rearward of the first vehicle seat; and an operating unit attached to the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or to a vehicle interior trim located between the first and second vehicle seats, for operating the vehicle or interior equipment of the vehicle, wherein the operating unit is retractably attached to a storage compartment provided on the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or to a storage compartment provided in the vehicle interior trim. This configuration enables a vehicle to more effectively utilize the interior space of the vehicle. Specifically, in the vehicle, the operating unit is attached to the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or to the vehicle interior trim located between the first and second vehicle seats. The operating unit is storably attached to a storage portion provided on the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or to a storage portion provided in the vehicle interior trim. Therefore, for example, when an occupant sitting in the second vehicle seat (rear seat) does not operate the operating unit, the operating unit can be stored in the storage portion. In other words, the occupant can effectively use the space around the second vehicle seat.

[0008] In this case, it is preferable that the first vehicle seat includes a seat cushion and a seat back attached to the seat cushion, and the operating unit is stored in a storage section provided on a rear surface of the seat back and is switchable between a stored position stored in the storage section and a deployed position deployed from the storage section for driving and operation by the occupant. With the above configuration, when an occupant sitting in the second vehicle seat does not operate the operating unit, the operating unit can be stored on the rear surface of the second vehicle seat.

[0009] In this case, the operating unit may include a steering unit for steering the vehicle and an acceleration / deceleration operating unit for controlling acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle, the steering unit being stored in a storage recess formed in a recessed shape in the rear surface of the seat back as the storage unit, and the acceleration / deceleration operating unit being stored in a storage recess formed in a recessed shape in the rear surface of the first vehicle seat and positioned lower than the storage recess. With the above configuration, when an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat is not performing driving operations, the steering unit (e.g., an operating handle) and the acceleration / deceleration operating unit (e.g., an operating pedal) can be stored in the storage recess.

[0010] In this case, the operating unit is switchable between a stored position stored in the storage section and a deployed position deployed from the storage section for an occupant to operate the operating unit while driving, and includes a switching member attached to the first vehicle seat or the vehicle interior accessory that switches the operating unit between the stored position and the deployed position, the switching member having a link mechanism made up of a plurality of links, and folding the plurality of links moves the operating unit to the stored position. With the above configuration, the operating unit can be switched between the "stored position" and the "deployed position" by operating the switching member. Furthermore, the link mechanism allows the operating unit to be stored compactly.

[0011] In this case, the operation unit may include a steering unit for steering the vehicle, and a display unit disposed near the steering unit for displaying information related to the operation of the vehicle, the steering unit and the display unit being attached so as to be retractable into the storage unit, and the steering unit and the display unit being independently movable and retractable into the storage unit. With the above configuration, the steering unit and the display unit can be independently moved and retracted into the storage unit.

[0012] In this case, the steering unit and the display unit are preferably stored in a storage recess that serves as the storage unit and is formed in a recessed shape on the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or the vehicle interior accessory, a cover that is attached to the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or the vehicle interior accessory and that covers the storage recess is attached, the cover is switched between a state in which the storage recess is exposed and a state in which the storage recess is covered, and the cover covers the storage recess when the steering unit and the display unit are stored in the storage recess. With the above configuration, when the steering unit and the display unit are not in use, the steering unit and the display unit can be stored in the storage portion and covered with the cover, and the internal space around the second vehicle seat can be suitably arranged.

[0013] In this case, the operating unit may include a rear driving operation unit provided in the storage unit and including a locking device that locks the rear driving operation unit when the rear driving operation unit is stored in the storage unit; a front driving operation unit attached to a position forward of the first vehicle seat and that controls driving of the vehicle; and a driving control unit that controls driving of the vehicle. The driving control unit may accept a user's operation selection and control the front driving operation unit and the rear driving operation unit to switch between an operable state where driving operation is possible and an inoperable state where driving operation is impossible, and may control the locking device to lock the rear driving operation unit stored in the storage unit when the rear driving operation unit is in the inoperable state. With this configuration, the driving control unit can lock the rear driving operation unit in the stored state when an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat is not performing driving operations. Therefore, when an occupant performs driving operations using the front driving operation unit, the interior space around the second vehicle seat can be more effectively utilized (the rear driving operation unit can be kept in the stored state).

[0014] In this case, it is preferable that a foot support member be provided in a lower portion of one of the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat, supporting the feet of an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat from below, the foot support member being located below the acceleration / deceleration operating unit provided in the first vehicle seat and extending from one of the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat to the other. By providing the foot support member as described above, the occupant seated in the second vehicle seat can preferably operate the acceleration / deceleration operating unit (operation pedal) while using the foot support member.

[0015] In this case, it is preferable to include a movement device that supports the foot support member so that it can be moved from one of the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat to the other, and the foot support member has an engaging member that can engage with an engaged portion provided on the other of the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat. With the above configuration, the foot support member can be retracted when an occupant sitting on the second vehicle seat does not operate an operating unit (acceleration / deceleration operating unit). Furthermore, when the occupant operates the operating unit, the foot support member can be fixed in an extended position.

[0016] In this case, the vehicle may include a plurality of airbag devices provided inside the vehicle and a driving control unit that controls driving of the vehicle, the operating unit being switchable between a storage position where the airbag devices are stored in the storage unit and a deployment position where the airbag devices are deployed from the storage unit and allowed to be driven by an occupant, and the driving control unit may deploy an airbag of an airbag device among the plurality of airbag devices corresponding to the switching position of the operating unit when the vehicle detects an external impact. With the above configuration, the driving control unit can activate an airbag device corresponding to the switching position (storage position, deployment position) of the operating unit, thereby enabling the airbag to be suitably inflated and deployed. In other words, when an occupant seated in a second vehicle seat (rear seat) drives the vehicle, safety technology during the driving operation can be further improved.

[0017] In this case, the operating unit and the airbag may be disposed at different positions on the rear surface of the seatback of the first vehicle seat, or may be disposed at different positions in the vehicle interior. The airbag may also be disposed at a different position from the storage unit on the rear surface of the seatback of the first vehicle seat, or may be disposed at a different position from the storage unit in the vehicle interior. This configuration allows the airbag to be optimally positioned so as not to interfere with other components on the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or in the vehicle interior. This also further enhances safety technology when rear-seat occupants perform driving operations.

[0018] In this case, the indoor device may be a display unit that displays information about the vehicle, and the operation unit may operate the display content of the display unit. With the above configuration, the display content of the display unit can be operated by the operation unit.

[0019] According to the present invention, a vehicle can be realized that can more effectively utilize the interior space of the vehicle. Specifically, when an occupant seated in a second vehicle seat (rear seat) does not operate an operating unit, the operating unit can be stored in a storage unit. In other words, the space around the second vehicle seat can be effectively utilized by the occupant. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when an occupant seated in a second vehicle seat does not operate the vehicle, the steering unit (operating handle) and acceleration / deceleration operating unit (operating pedals) can be stored in a storage recess. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the operating unit can be switched between a "stored position" and an "extended position" by a switching member. Furthermore, the operating unit can be stored compactly by a link mechanism. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the steering unit and the display unit can be independently moved and stored in the storage unit. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the steering unit and the display unit can be stored in the storage unit and covered with a cover, thereby favorably arranging the interior space around the second vehicle seat. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when an occupant operates the vehicle using the front operating unit, the interior space around the second vehicle seat can be more effectively utilized (the rear driving operating unit can be kept in a retracted state). Furthermore, according to the present invention, an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat can conveniently operate the acceleration / deceleration operating unit (operation pedal) while using the foot support member. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the foot support member can be retracted when the occupant is not operating the operating unit. Furthermore, when the occupant operates the operating unit, the foot support member can be fixed in an extended state. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the airbag can be suitably inflated and deployed. In other words, when an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat (rear seat) operates the vehicle, safety technology during the driving operation can be further improved. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the airbag can be suitably positioned on the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or in the vehicle interior so as not to interfere with other components. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the display content of the display unit can be controlled using the operating unit.

[0020] 1 is a top view of a vehicle according to a first embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of vehicle interior accessories, an operating unit, and a display unit within a vehicle, showing the operating unit and display unit in the "storage position";

[0024] FIG. 2 is a view showing the operating unit and display unit in the "deployed position";

[0025] FIG. 3 is a view showing the operating unit and display unit in the "storage position";

[0026] FIG. 4 is a view explaining how the operating unit and display unit change from the "storage position" to the "deployed position";

[0027] FIG. 5 is a view showing the operating unit and display unit in the "deployed position";

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first vehicle seat, an operating unit, and a display unit of a vehicle according to a second embodiment, showing the operating unit and display unit in the "storage position";

[0029] FIG. 7 is a view showing the operating unit and display unit in the "deployed position";

[0029] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the first vehicle seat, showing the operating unit and display unit in the "storage position";

[0029] FIG. 9 is a view showing the operating unit and display unit in the "deployed position";

[0029] FIG. 10 is a rear view of a first vehicle seat, an operating unit, and a display unit of a vehicle according to a third embodiment, showing the operating unit and display unit in the "storage position"; 1 is a diagram showing the operation unit and display unit in the "deployed position." FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the first vehicle seat, showing the steering unit and display unit in the "storage position." FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the steering unit and display unit in the "deployed position." FIG. 4 is a rear view of the first vehicle seat, operation unit, and display unit of the vehicle of the fourth embodiment, showing the operation unit and display unit in the "storage position." FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation unit and display unit in the "deployed position." FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining the operation unit and display unit in the "storage position." FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining the operation unit and display unit in the "deployed position." FIG. 8 is a side view of the first vehicle seat, showing the operation unit (steering unit, acceleration / deceleration operation unit) and foot support member in the "storage position." FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the steering unit, acceleration / deceleration operation unit, and foot support member in the "deployed position." FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first vehicle seat, operation unit, and display unit of the vehicle of the fifth embodiment, showing the operation unit and display unit in the "storage position." FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining the operation unit and display unit in the "deployed position." FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the first vehicle seat, showing the steering unit and display unit in the "storage position." FIG. 11 is a view showing the steering unit and display unit in the "deployed position." FIG. 12 is a side view of the first vehicle seat, the second vehicle seat, the operating unit, and the display unit of the vehicle of the sixth embodiment, showing the operating unit and the display unit in the "deployed position." FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the interior space of the vehicle of the seventh embodiment.FIG. 10 is a top view of a vehicle according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 11 is an overall view of a vehicle seat system according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a rear view of a vehicle seat illustrating the position of an imaging device. FIG. 13 is a rear view of a vehicle seat according to a modified example illustrating the position of an imaging device. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration and functions of a vehicle seat system. FIG. 15 is a side view of a vehicle seat, a display device, and an imaging device. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display device. FIG. 17 is a side view of a vehicle seat, a display device, and an imaging device. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display device. FIG. 19 is a side view of a vehicle seat, a display device, and an imaging device. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in a vehicle seat system.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 30. First to eighth embodiments relate to a "vehicle" that allows for more effective utilization of the interior space of the vehicle. Note that the "front-rear direction of the vehicle" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle when it is normally running. The "inner side in the width direction of the vehicle" refers to the interior side of the vehicle (inside the vehicle) relative to the vehicle door, and the "outer side in the width direction of the vehicle" refers to the exterior side of the vehicle (outside the vehicle) relative to the vehicle door.

[0022] First Embodiment First, a vehicle V1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle V1 is, for example, a vehicle (automobile) (e.g., an electric vehicle) equipped with two rows of vehicle seats 10, 20 in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle V1. The vehicle V1 may also be equipped with three or four or more rows of vehicle seats. The vehicle V1 is a vehicle in which an occupant seated in the rear row of the vehicle seat 20 can perform driving operations. Furthermore, when the occupant is not performing driving operations, the driving operation unit 40 can be stored in the storage recess 32. This allows occupants seated in the rear seats to effectively utilize the interior space of the vehicle. As described above, the vehicle V1 is a vehicle in which an occupant seated in the rear row can perform driving operations, and the rear seats serve as a cockpit (driver's seat, pilot's seat).

[0023] 1 to 4C, the vehicle V1 includes a vehicle body 1, a vehicle floor 2, a center console 3, a dashboard 4, a first vehicle seat 10, a second vehicle seat 20, a driver's console 30, a driver's operation unit 40, and a display unit 45. The vehicle V1 also includes switching members 50, 55 for switching between the driver's operation unit 40 and the display unit 45, a plurality of airbag devices 60, and a driver control device 70. The driver control device 70 is attached inside the center console 3, and a front driver control unit 5 is attached to the rear surface of the dashboard 4.

[0024] The vehicle main body 1 corresponds to the vehicle body and comprises a side wall portion 1a that forms the side wall of the vehicle V1, a top wall portion 1b that forms the ceiling of the vehicle V1, a bottom wall portion 1c that forms the bottom wall of the vehicle V1, a front wall portion 1d, and a rear wall portion 1e.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle floor 2 is a vehicle body floor for mounting the center console 3, dashboard 4, vehicle seats 10, 20, driver's console 30, etc., and is disposed on the bottom wall 1c of the vehicle body 1. The area enclosed by the vehicle floor 2, side wall 1a, ceiling wall 1b, front wall 1d, and rear wall 1e within the vehicle V1 constitutes the cabin (internal space) of the vehicle V1. Occupants spend time in the cabin while the vehicle V1 is traveling. Note that a vehicle battery (on-board battery) is disposed between the vehicle floor 2 and the bottom wall 1c in the vertical direction of the vehicle V1. The vehicle battery is electrically connected to, for example, the drive system, various electrical devices (electrical equipment), control device, and vehicle seats 10, 20 of the vehicle V1, and supplies power to these devices.

[0026] 1, the first vehicle seat 10 is a seat corresponding to a front seat, and is provided on the vehicle floor 2, and is positioned slightly rearward of the dashboard 4. An occupant seated in the first vehicle seat 10 can drive the vehicle V by operating a front driving operation unit 5 provided on the dashboard 4.

[0027] The first vehicle seat 10 comprises a seat body having a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12 and a headrest 13, a rail device 15 for moving the seat body in the forward and backward directions relative to the vehicle floor 2, a seat rotation device 16 for rotating the seat body around an axis along the vertical direction relative to the vehicle floor 2, a height link device 17 for raising and lowering the seat body relative to the vehicle floor 2, and a reclining device 18 for rotatably connecting the seat back 12 to the seat cushion 11.

[0028] The seat cushion 11 is a seating portion that supports the seated occupant from below and includes a cushion frame as a framework, a padding placed on the cushion frame, and a covering material that covers the cushion frame and the padding. The seat back 12 is a backrest portion that supports the seated occupant from behind and includes a back frame, a padding material, and a covering material. The headrest 13 is a head portion that supports the seated occupant's head from behind.

[0029] 1, by rotating the seat body around an axis along the vertical direction and moving the seat body in the front-to-rear direction, the occupant seated in the first vehicle seat 10 can turn around to face the occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 20 (rear seat), allowing them to come into contact with each other. In other words, the occupants can spend their time comfortably inside the cabin.

[0030] 1, the second vehicle seat 20 is a seat equivalent to a rear seat, and is provided on the vehicle floor 2, and is positioned slightly rearward of the first vehicle seat 10 and the driver's console 30. An occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 20 can drive the vehicle V by operating a driver's console 40 provided on the driver's console 30.

[0031] The second vehicle seat 20 includes a seat body having a seat cushion 21, a seat back 22, and a headrest 23, a rail device 25, a seat rotation device 26, a height link device 27, and a reclining device 28.

[0032] 1 to 3, the driver's control console 30 is an interior vehicle component disposed between the first vehicle seat 10 and the second vehicle seat 20 in the longitudinal direction, and is used to mount the driver's control unit 40, the display unit 45, and the airbag device 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the driver's control console 30 is installed on the vehicle floor 2, and extends from the side wall 1a of the vehicle body 1 toward the center of the center console 3.

[0033] The driver's operation console 30 includes an operation console main body 31, a storage recess 32 (storage section) formed in a concave shape on the rear surface of the operation console main body 31, and a storage recess 33 formed in a concave shape on the rear surface of the operation console main body 31 and positioned below the storage recess 32. In addition, airbag devices 60A (airbag 61A) and 60B (airbag 61A) are attached at different positions inside the operation console main body 31.

[0034] 1 to 4C, the driving operation unit 40 is also referred to as a rear driving operation unit, and is operated by an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 20. The driving operation unit 40 includes a steering unit 41 (steering wheel) for steering the vehicle V1, and an acceleration / deceleration operation unit 42 (operation pedals) for controlling the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle V1.

[0035] The steering unit 41 is switchable between a "storage position" shown in Fig. 2 in which it is stored in the storage recess 32 of the driver's control console 30, and a "deployed position" shown in Fig. 3 in which it is unfolded from the storage recess 32. The steering unit 41 is, for example, a foldable operating handle that is stored in the storage recess 32 in a folded state and unfolds vertically to form the shape of an operating handle that can be operated by a driver when unfolded from the storage recess 32. The steering unit 41 has a first steering portion 41a and a second steering portion 41b that are divided into upper and lower portions, and a joint portion 41c that connects the first steering portion 41a and the second steering portion 41b.

[0036] The acceleration / deceleration operation unit 42 can be switched between a "stored position" shown in FIG. 2 in which it is stored in the storage recess 33 of the driver's operation console 30 and a "deployed position" shown in FIG. 3 in which it is deployed from the storage recess 33. The acceleration / deceleration operation unit 42 is, for example, an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, and is arranged side by side on the left and right. The acceleration / deceleration operation unit 42 may be an organ pedal or a hanging pedal.

[0037] 1 to 4C, the display unit 45 is a display that displays information related to the operation of the vehicle V, and is disposed near the steering unit 41 and stored in the storage recess 32 together with the steering unit 41. The display unit 45 displays information related to the operation of the vehicle V1, such as information on the speedometer, tachometer, fuel meter, etc., as well as the current location information of the vehicle V1, navigation information, etc. The steering unit 41 and the display unit 45 are switched by a switching member 50. In addition, the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 42 is switched by a second switching member 55.

[0038] 4A to 4C, the switching member 50 is attached to the driver's operation console 30 (storage recess 32) and is a member for causing the steering unit 41 and the display unit 45 to protrude rearward from the storage recess 32. In other words, the switching member 50 allows the steering unit 41 and the display unit 45 to be pulled out (exposed) in front of the occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 20.

[0039] The switching member 50 includes a cylindrical first telescopic member 51 attached to the inside of the storage recess 32 and telescopically holding the steering unit 41, and a second telescopic member 52 inserted into the first telescopic member 51 and telescopically holding the display unit 45. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C , the first telescopic member 51 has a structure that extends so as to cause the steering unit 41 to protrude rearward in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle V1. The second telescopic member 52 has a structure that extends so as to cause the display unit 45 to protrude rearward in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle V1. The telescopic members 51 and 52 are connected to a drive unit (drive motor) (not shown), and can be telescopically operated by the operation control device 70, which controls the drive unit in response to a predetermined user operation. The steering unit 41 may be biased in a direction to deploy by a biasing spring (not shown). By doing so, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, when the steering section 41 is released from the state stored in the storage recess 32, it can be automatically deployed by being biased by the biasing spring.

[0040] In the above configuration, the steering unit 41 and the display unit 45 are independently movable by the telescopic members 51, 52 and stored in the storage recess 32. The display unit 45 is located slightly rearward of the steering unit 41 and surrounded by the steering unit 41. This allows the occupant to operate the steering unit 41 while checking the display unit 45. A cutout 41d is formed at the rear end of each of the first steering portion 41a and the second steering portion 41b constituting the steering unit 41 to avoid interference with the display unit 45. The first telescopic member 51 is attached to the driver's console 30 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the direction in which the first telescopic member 51 extends. When the occupant rotates the steering unit 41, the rotation can be transmitted to a gearbox (steering gearbox) (not shown).

[0041] 2 and 3 , the second switching member 55 is attached to the driver's operation console 30 (storage recess 33) and is a member for causing the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 42 to protrude rearward from the storage recess 33. In other words, the second switching member 55 allows the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 42 to be pulled out (exposed) in front of the occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 20.

[0042] The second switching member 55 is attached to the inside of the storage recess 33 and has an extendable rod 56 that extends and retracts the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 42. The extendable rod 56 is connected to a drive unit (drive motor) (not shown), and can be extended and retracted by receiving a predetermined operation from the user and controlling the drive unit with the driving control device 70. When the occupant presses the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 42, the input operation to the acceleration / deceleration operation unit can be transmitted to a gearbox (not shown).

[0043] The airbag device 60 includes airbag devices 60A and 60B, each built into the driver's control console 30. The airbag device 60A is disposed on the driver's control console 30 on the front side of the second vehicle seat 20, i.e., on the front side of the occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 20. Specifically, the airbag device 60A is disposed slightly above the storage recess 32. The airbag device 60A is configured so that, when the vehicle V1 (driver control device 70) detects an external impact, the folded airbag 61A inflates and deploys rearward. This allows the vehicle V1 to be realized with improved safety technology during driving operations by an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 20 (rear seat).

[0044] The airbag device 60B is disposed on the side of the driver's console 30 that faces the second vehicle seat 20, i.e., on the side (right side) of the occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 20. In other words, the airbag device 60B is disposed on the side of the side wall 1a of the vehicle V1. The airbag device 60B is configured so that when the vehicle V1 (driver control device 70) detects an external impact, the folded airbag 61B inflates and deploys from the outside to the inside in the width direction of the vehicle V1.

[0045] As described above, the driving operation unit 40 and the airbag devices 60A, 60B are disposed in different positions on the driving operation console 30. Furthermore, the airbag devices 60A, 60B are disposed in a position on the driving operation console 30 that is different from the storage recess 32. Therefore, the airbag devices 60A, 60B can be appropriately disposed on the driving operation console 30 so as not to interfere with other components.

[0046] The driving control device 70 is a driving control unit (ECU) that controls the driving of the vehicle V1 and performs overall electrical control within the vehicle V1. The driving control device 70 accepts a predetermined selection by the user and controls the front driving operation unit 5 and the driving operation unit 40 (rear driving operation unit) to switch between an "operable state" in which driving operation is possible and an "inoperable state" in which driving operation is impossible.

[0047] Specifically, upon receiving a user's selection of the driving operation unit 40, the driving control device 70 places the front driving operation unit 5 in an "inoperable state" and controls the driving operation unit 40 to be in an "operable state." The driving control device 70 then operates the switching members 50, 55 to switch the driving operation unit 40 and the display unit 45 from the "stored position (stowed position)" to the "deployed position." In addition, upon setting the driving operation unit 40 to the "operable state," the driving control device 70 causes the display unit 45 to display information related to the operation of the vehicle V1. On the other hand, upon receiving a user's selection of the front driving operation unit 5, the driving control device 70 places the front driving operation unit 5 in an "operable state" and controls the driving operation unit 40 to be in an "inoperable state." The driving operation unit 40 and the display unit 45 are then held in the "stored position (stowed position)."

[0048] Furthermore, when an external impact is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) and the driving control device 70 receives a detection signal from the detection sensor, the driving control device 70 deploys the airbags of one of the plurality of airbag devices 60A, 60B corresponding to the switching position of the driving operation unit 40. For example, when the driving operation unit 40 is in the "storage position" shown in FIG. 2, the driving control device 70 may inflate and deploy the airbag devices 60A, 60B (or may deploy only the airbag device 60B). Also, when the driving operation unit 40 is in the "deployment position" shown in FIG. 3, the driving control device 70 may inflate and deploy the airbag device 60B. Note that the vehicle V1 may further include airbag devices other than the airbag devices 60A, 60B.

[0049] In addition, when an external impact is detected by a detection sensor (not shown), the driving control device 70 may operate the switching members 50, 55 to switch the driving operation unit 40 from the "deployed position" to the "storage position (stored position)."

[0050] Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle V2 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7B. Note that a description of the vehicle V2 that overlaps with the vehicle V1 described above will be omitted.

[0051] 5 and 6, vehicle V2 includes a first vehicle seat 110, a second vehicle seat (not shown), a driving operation unit 140 (steering unit 141, acceleration / deceleration operation unit 142), a display unit 145, switching members 150 and 155, a locking device 154, an airbag device 160, and a driving control device (not shown). The driving operation unit 140 is used by an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat (rear seat) to drive the vehicle, and corresponds to a rear driving operation unit.

[0052] The first vehicle seat 110 is a seat equivalent to a front seat and includes a seat cushion 111, a seat back 112, and a headrest 113. The rear surface of the seat back 112 is formed with a recessed storage recess 132 and a recessed storage recess 133 located below the storage recess 132.

[0053] The steering unit 141 and the display unit 145 are stored in the storage recess 132. A cover 153 that covers the storage recess 132 is attached to the opening of the storage recess 132. The acceleration / deceleration operation unit 142 is stored in the storage recess 133. A plate-shaped foot support member 157 that covers the storage recess 133 is attached to the opening of the storage recess 133. In addition, an airbag device 160 (airbag 161) is attached inside the upper part of the seat back 112.

[0054] 5 and 6, the steering unit 141 can be switched between a "storage position" where it is stored in the storage recess 132 and a "deployed position" where it is deployed from the storage recess 132. The steering unit 141 is, for example, a frame-shaped operating handle (operation steering wheel), and is deployed to a position where it protrudes rearward from the storage recess 132.

[0055] 5 and 6, the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 142 can be switched between a "storage position" in which it is stored in the storage recess 133 and a "deployed position" in which it is deployed from the storage recess 133. The acceleration / deceleration operation unit 142 is, for example, an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, and is arranged side by side on the left and right.

[0056] 5 to 7B, the display unit 145 is a display that is disposed within the frame of the steering unit 141 and is stored in the storage recess 132 together with the steering unit 141. The steering unit 141 and the display unit 145 are switched by a switching member 150. In addition, the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 142 is switched by a second switching member 155.

[0057] 7A and 7B, the switching member 150 has a link mechanism (articulated link mechanism) made up of multiple links 151, and is attached to the storage recess 132. The switching member 150 can move the steering unit 141 and the display unit 145 to the "storage position" by folding the multiple links 151.

[0058] The switching member 150 is fixed to the tip end (rear end) of the link 151 and has a plate-shaped holding member 152 that holds the steering unit 141 and the display unit 145. The holding member 152 is provided inside the steering unit 141 and connected to the inner surface of the steering unit 141 in the width direction. The holding member 152 is also connected to the back surface of the display unit 145. Note that the link mechanism may be directly attached to the steering unit 141 or the display unit 145.

[0059] The switching member 150 is connected to a drive unit (drive motor) (not shown), and can perform extension and retraction operations by receiving a predetermined operation from the user and controlling the drive unit with an operation control device. The switching member 150 is attached to the first vehicle seat 110 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the extension and retraction direction of the link mechanism. When the occupant rotates the steering unit 141, the rotational operation can be transmitted to a steering gear box (not shown).

[0060] 7A and 7B, the cover 153 is, for example, a retractable shade (roll curtain) and is attached to the upper end of the opening of the storage recess 132. The cover 153 can be switched between a "covered state" in which the storage recess 132 is covered as shown in FIG. 7A and an "expanded state" in which the storage recess 132 is exposed as shown in FIG. 7B. An engaging member may be fixed to the tip of the cover 153, and an engaged member may be attached to the lower end of the opening of the storage recess 132. The engaging member and the engaged member engage with each other, causing the cover 153 to cover the storage recess 132.

[0061] The locking device 154 is provided at the bottom of the storage recess 132, and is capable of holding the steering unit 141 stored in the storage recess 132 and locking the operation of the steering unit 141. The locking device 154 may lock the steering unit 141 by engaging with a notched portion (not shown) formed in the steering unit 141. The locking device 154 can be locked and unlocked by control of the operation control device. Alternatively, it may be locked and unlocked manually.

[0062] 5 and 6, the second switching member 155 is attached to the inside of the storage recess 133 and has an extendable rod 156 that extends and retracts the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 142. The extendable rod 156 is connected to a drive unit (drive motor) (not shown), and can extend and retract by receiving a predetermined operation from the user and controlling the drive unit with an operation control device.

[0063] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the foot support member 157 is rotatably attached to a lower portion of the first vehicle seat 110 (seat back 112) via a rotation shaft. The foot support member 157 can be switched between a "covered state" in which it covers the storage recess 133 and an "extended state" in which it exposes the storage recess 133 and supports the occupant's feet from below. When in the "extended state" shown in Figure 6, the foot support member 157 extends rearward from the first vehicle seat 110.

[0064] The airbag device 160 is provided at the upper end (upper portion) of the seat back 112, and is disposed in a position facing an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat (rear seat). Specifically, the airbag device 160 is disposed in a position slightly above the storage recess 132. The airbag device 160 is configured so that when the vehicle V2 detects an external impact, the folded airbag 161 inflates and deploys rearward.

[0065] When the driving control device installed inside the vehicle V2 receives a user's selection of the driving operation unit 140, it operates the switching members 150, 155 to switch the driving operation unit 140 and the display unit 145 from the "stored position (storage position)" to the "deployed position." It also causes the display unit 145 to display information related to the driving of the vehicle V2. The driving control device also controls the driving operation unit 140 to switch between an "operable state" and an "inoperable state." When the driving operation unit 140 is in the "inoperable state," it controls the locking device 154 to lock the driving operation unit 140 stored in the storage recess 132.

[0066] Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a vehicle that can effectively utilize the interior space. Specifically, when the passenger sitting in the rear seat is not performing driving operations, the passenger can effectively utilize the space around the rear seat.

[0067] Third Embodiment Next, a vehicle V3 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10B. Note that a description of the vehicle V3 that overlaps with the above-described vehicles V1 and V2 will be omitted.

[0068] 8 and 9, vehicle V3 includes a first vehicle seat 210, a second vehicle seat (not shown), a driving operation unit 240, a display unit 245, a switching member 250, a locking device 254, an airbag device 260, and a driving control device (not shown). The driving operation unit 240 is used by an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat (rear seat) to drive the vehicle, and corresponds to a rear driving operation unit.

[0069] The first vehicle seat 210 is a seat equivalent to a front seat and includes a seat back 212. A recessed storage recess 232 is formed on the rear surface of the seat back 212. A driving operation unit 240, a display unit 245, and a switching member 250 are stored in the storage recess 232. A cover 253 is attached to the opening of the storage recess 232. An airbag device 260 (airbag 261) is attached inside the upper portion of the seat back 212.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10B , the driving operation unit 240 can be switched between a "storage position" where it is stored in the storage recess 232 and an "extended position" where it is extended from the storage recess 232. The driving operation unit 240 is a foldable operating handle that is stored in the storage recess 232 in a folded state. When extended from the storage recess 232, it unfolds vertically to become an operating handle that can be operated by the occupant. The driving operation unit 240 has a first steering portion 241 a and a second steering portion 241 b that are divided into upper and lower portions, and a joint portion 241 c that connects the first steering portion 241 a and the second steering portion 241 b.

[0071] 8 to 10B, the display unit 245 is a display that is disposed within the frame of the driving operation unit 240 and is stored in the storage recess 232 together with the driving operation unit 240. The driving operation unit 240 and the display unit 245 are switched by a switching member 250.

[0072] 8, 10A, and 10B, the switching member 250 has a link mechanism 251 (articulated link mechanism), is attached to the storage recess 232, and is stored in the storage recess 232. The switching member 250 can move the driving operation unit 240 and the display unit 245 to the "deployed position" by rotating rearward so as to rise from the seat back 212.

[0073] The switching member 250 is fixed to the rear end of the link mechanism 251 and has a plate-shaped holding member 252 that holds the driving operation unit 240 and the display unit 245. The holding member 252 is provided within the frame of the driving operation unit 240 and is connected to the inner surface of the driving operation unit 240 in the width direction. The holding member 252 is also connected to the back surface of the display unit 245. The switching member 250 is attached to the first vehicle seat 210 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the front-to-rear direction. When the occupant rotates the driving operation unit 240, the rotation can be transmitted to a steering gear box (not shown).

[0074] 10A and 10B , the cover 253 is, for example, a backboard, and is detachably attached to the seat back 212. The locking device 254 is provided at the bottom of the storage recess 232 and can lock the driving operation unit 240 stored in the storage recess 232. Specifically, the locking device 254 engages with the switching member 250 (link mechanism 251) to lock the engagement.

[0075] The airbag device 260 is provided at the upper end (upper portion) of the seat back 212 and is disposed in a position facing an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat (rear seat). The airbag device 260 is disposed in a position slightly above the storage recess 232.

[0076] Even with the above configuration, a vehicle can be realized that allows for effective use of the interior space. Specifically, when a passenger sitting in the rear seat is not performing driving operations, the passenger can effectively use the space around the rear seat.

[0077] Fourth Embodiment Next, a vehicle V4 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14B. Note that a description of the vehicle V4 that overlaps with the above-described vehicles V1 to V3 will be omitted.

[0078] 11, 12, and 14A, vehicle V4 includes a first vehicle seat 310, a second vehicle seat 320, a driving operation unit 340 (steering unit 341, acceleration / deceleration operation unit 342), a display unit 345, switching members 350 and 355, a locking device 354, a movement device 358, an airbag device 360, and a driving control device 370. The driving operation unit 340 is used by an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 320 (rear seat) to drive and operate the vehicle, and corresponds to the rear driving operation unit.

[0079] The first vehicle seat 310 corresponds to a front seat and includes a seat cushion 311 and a seat back 312. The rear surface of the seat back 312 is formed with recessed storage recesses 332A and 332B and a recessed storage recess 333. The left and right storage recesses 332A store a steering unit 341. The storage recess 332B stores a display unit 345. The storage recess 333 stores an acceleration / deceleration operation unit 342. A plate-shaped foot support member 357 and a movement device 358 that supports the foot support member 357 are provided slightly below the storage recess 333. Airbag devices 360A and 360B are attached to the interior of the upper and lower portions of the seat back 312.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13B , the steering unit 341 can be switched between a "storage position" in which it is stored in the storage recess 332A and a "deployed position" in which it is deployed from the storage recess 332A. The steering unit 341 is a foldable operating handle that is stored in the storage recess 332A in a folded state and is removable from the storage recess 332A. The steering unit 341 has a first steering portion 341a and a second steering portion 341b that are divided into left and right portions, a joint portion 341c that connects the first steering portion 341a and the second steering portion 341b, and a connection portion 341d that connects to the switching member 350 (holding member 352). The first steering portion 341a and the second steering portion 341b each have a rotation portion 341e that allows them to rotate between a folded state and a deployed state.

[0081] The steering section 341 is held by a locking device 354 provided at the bottom of the storage recess 332A. In other words, the locking device 354 clamps the divided steering portion 341a (341b) and locks the steering portion 341a.

[0082] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 342 can be switched between a "storage position" in which it is stored in the storage recess 333 and an "extended position" in which it is extended from the storage recess 333.

[0083] 11 to 13B, the display unit 345 is a display that is disposed within the frame of the steering unit 341 and is stored in the storage recess 332B separately from the steering unit 341. The display unit 345 is held by a switching member 350 (holding member 352).

[0084] 8 , 10A, and 10B , the switching member 350 includes an expandable member 351 that expands and contracts the display unit 345, and a plate-shaped holding member 352 that is fixed to the rear end of the expandable member 351 and holds the display unit 345. The holding member 352 is provided within the frame of the steering unit 341 and is connected to the inner surface of the steering unit 341 in the width direction. The holding member 352 is also connected to the back surface of the display unit 345. The switching member 350 is attached to the first vehicle seat 310 so as to be rotatable around an axis that extends in the fore-and-aft direction. When the occupant rotates the steering unit 341, the rotation can be transmitted to a steering gearbox (not shown).

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B , the second switching member 355 is attached to the inside of the storage recess 333 and includes an extendable rod 356 that extends and retracts the acceleration / deceleration control unit 342. The foot support member 357 is supported by a movement device 358. The foot support member 357 is switchable between a "storage position" in which it is stored within the first vehicle seat 310 and a "support position" in which it protrudes rearward from the first vehicle seat 310 and supports the occupant's feet from below. When in the "support position" shown in FIG. 14B , the foot support member 357 extends from the first vehicle seat 310 toward the second vehicle seat 320. The foot support member 357 includes an engaging member 357a that can engage with an engaged portion 320a provided on the second vehicle seat 320. The foot support member 357 may be provided on the second vehicle seat 320 instead of the first vehicle seat 310. In this case, the foot support member 357 may extend from the second vehicle seat 320 toward the first vehicle seat 310. In other words, the front and rear may be reversed.

[0086] The moving device 358 is, for example, a slide rail device, and includes a fixed rail 358a extending along the fore-and-aft direction of the first vehicle seat 310, and a slider 358b slidably attached to the fixed rail 358a and supporting the foot support member 357.

[0087] Even with the above configuration, a vehicle can be realized that allows for effective use of the interior space. Specifically, when a passenger sitting in the rear seat is not performing driving operations, the passenger can effectively use the space around the rear seat.

[0088] Fifth Embodiment Next, a vehicle V5 of a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17B. Note that a description of the same content as that of the above-described vehicles V1 to V4 will be omitted.

[0089] 15 and 16, vehicle V5 includes a first vehicle seat 410, a second vehicle seat (not shown), a driving operation unit 440, a display unit 445, a switching member 450, an airbag device 460, and a driving control device (not shown). The driving operation unit 440 is used by an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat (rear seat) to drive the vehicle, and corresponds to a rear driving operation unit.

[0090] The first vehicle seat 410 corresponds to a front seat and includes a seat back 412. A recessed storage recess 432 is formed on the rear surface of the seat back 412. A driving operation unit 440 and a display unit 445 are stored in the storage recess 432. Airbag devices 460A, 460B, 460C, and 460D are attached to the rear surface of the seat back 412 so as to surround the driving operation unit 440 and the display unit 445.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17B , the driving operation unit 440 can be switched between a "storage position" in which it is stored in the storage recess 432 and an "extended position" in which it is extended from the storage recess 432. The driving operation unit 440 is a foldable operating handle that is stored in the storage recess 432 in a folded state. When extended from the storage recess 432, it unfolds vertically to become an operating handle that can be operated by the occupant. The driving operation unit 440 has a first steering section 441a and a second steering section 441b that are divided into upper and lower sections, and a joint section 441c that connects the first steering section 441a and the second steering section 441b. The display unit 445 is a display that is disposed within the frame of the driving operation unit 440 and is stored in the storage recess 432 together with the driving operation unit 440.

[0092] 17A and 17B , the switching member 450 has an expandable member 451 that expands and contracts the driving operation unit 440 and the display unit 445, and a plate-shaped holding member 452 that is fixed to the rear end of the expandable member 451. The holding member 452 is provided within the frame of the driving operation unit 440 and is connected to the inner surface of the driving operation unit 440 in the width direction. The holding member 452 is also connected to the back surface of the display unit 445.

[0093] Even with the above configuration, a vehicle can be realized that allows for effective use of the interior space. Specifically, when a passenger sitting in the rear seat is not performing driving operations, the passenger can effectively use the space around the rear seat.

[0094] Sixth Embodiment Next, a vehicle V6 of a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Note that descriptions of the same content as those of the above-described vehicles V1 to V5 will be omitted.

[0095] 18 , the vehicle V6 includes a first vehicle seat 510 (front seat), a second vehicle seat 520 (rear seat), a driving operation unit 540, a switching member 550, a rotation device 519 for rotating the armrest, an ottoman device 529, and a driving control device 570. The driving operation unit 540 is used by an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 520 to drive the vehicle, and corresponds to a rear driving operation unit. The driving operation unit 540 includes a steering unit 541, an acceleration / deceleration operation unit 542, and an operation acceptance unit 543. The rotation device 519 and the ottoman device 529 correspond to a second switching member.

[0096] The first vehicle seat 510 includes a seat cushion 511, a seat back 512, an armrest 514 attached to the seat back 512, and a rotation device 519 that rotatably connects the armrest 514 to the seat back 512. The rotation device 519 enables the armrest 514 to be switched between a "reference position" used by an occupant seated in the first vehicle seat 510 and a "deployed position" in which the armrest 514 rotates rearward from the "reference position" and is used by an occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 520. An operation receiving unit 543 (operation button) for driving operation is provided on the bottom surface of the armrest 514. When the armrest 514 is in the "deployed position," the operation receiving unit 543 is located on the top surface of the armrest 514, as shown in FIG. 18 .

[0097] The second vehicle seat 520 includes a seat cushion 521, a seat back 522, a movable member 529a attached to the front end of the seat cushion 521 and supporting the feet of the occupant from below, and an ottoman device 529 that rotatably connects the movable member 529a to the seat cushion 521. The ottoman device 529 is a device that moves the movable member 529a back and forth between a "storage position" and an "extended position" around a rotation shaft 529b at the front end of the seat cushion 521. When in the "storage position," the movable member 529a is stored on the seat cushion 521 side (the bottom surface of the seat cushion 521). When in the "extended position," the movable member 529a is protruded toward the front of the seat.

[0098] 18, an acceleration / deceleration operation unit 542 and a foot support member 557 for supporting the feet (heels) of the occupant are attached to the upper surface of the movable member 529a. The provision of the foot support member 557 can prevent the occupant's feet from slipping.

[0099] The switching member 550 is attached to the rear surface of the seat back 512 and causes the steering unit 541 to protrude rearward from the seat back 512. The switching member 550 allows the steering unit 541 to be pulled out in front of the occupant seated in the second vehicle seat 520.

[0100] The ottoman device 529 can switch the movable member 529a, the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 542, and the foot support member 557 from the "storage position" to the "extended position" shown in Fig. 18, and can be pulled out to the feet of the occupant. The turning device 519 can switch the armrest 514 from the "standard position" to the "extended position" shown in Fig. 18, and can be pulled out to the hand of the occupant.

[0101] The operation control device 570 receives a predetermined selection by the user and controls the turning device 519, the ottoman device 529, and the switching member 550 to switch to the "deployed position" shown in Fig. 18. Then, it controls the steering unit 541, the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 542, and the operation acceptance unit 543 to switch from the "inoperable state" to the "operable state."

[0102] Even with the above configuration, a vehicle can be realized that allows for effective use of the interior space. Specifically, when a passenger sitting in the rear seat is not performing driving operations, the passenger can effectively use the space around the rear seat.

[0103] Seventh Embodiment Next, a vehicle V7 of a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Note that a description of the same content as the above-described vehicles V1 to V6 will be omitted.

[0104] The vehicle V7 includes a vehicle body 601, a vehicle floor 602, a center console 603, a dashboard 604, a first vehicle seat 610 (front seat), a second vehicle seat (rear seat) (not shown), and a driving operation unit 640. It also includes switching members 650, 655, and a driving control device 670. A display unit 606 capable of displaying vehicle information and an imaging unit 607 capable of capturing images of the interior of the vehicle are attached to the connecting portion between the top wall portion 601b and the front wall portion 601d of the vehicle body 601. A storage unit 603a and an in-vehicle information display unit 603b are attached to the rear surface of the center console 603. The in-vehicle information display unit 603b is also attached to the top surface of the center console 603. The driving control device 670 is attached inside the center console 603. A storage recess 604a is formed on the rear surface of the dashboard 604. The front driving operation unit 605 is stored in the storage recess 604a and can be protruded from the storage recess 604a.

[0105] The first vehicle seat 610 includes a seat cushion 611, a seat back 612, a headrest 613, and an armrest 614. The rear surface of the seat back 612 is formed with a storage recess 632 and a storage recess 633 positioned below the storage recess 632. A steering unit 641 is stored in the storage recess 632, and an acceleration / deceleration operation unit 642 is stored in the storage recess 633. A vehicle component operation unit 643 and a display unit 645 are also attached to the rear surface of the seat back 612. A cutout 613a is formed in the inner widthwise portion of the headrest 613. Therefore, a passenger seated in the rear seat can see the face of a passenger seated in the front seat through the cutout 613a. A transparent member may be provided instead of the cutout 613a.

[0106] The steering unit 641 can be switched between a "storage position" and an "extended position" in which it protrudes rearward from the storage position by a switching member 650. The acceleration / deceleration operation unit 642 can be switched between a "storage position" and an "extended position" in which it protrudes rearward from the storage position by a second switching member 655.

[0107] A floor step portion 602a is formed on the vehicle floor 602 to form a step, which makes it easier to arrange vehicle interior fittings and vehicle seats inside the vehicle V7.

[0108] Even with the above configuration, it is possible to realize a vehicle that can effectively utilize the interior space. Specifically, when the passenger sitting in the rear seat is not performing driving operations, the passenger can effectively utilize the space around the rear seat.

[0109] The driving control device 670 accepts a predetermined selection by the user and controls to change the display contents of the in-vehicle information display unit 603b and the display unit 606. The driving control device 670 also controls to switch the switching members 650, 655 between the "storage position (storage position)" and the "deployed position." The driving control device 670 also controls to switch the steering unit 641, the acceleration / deceleration operation unit 642, and the in-vehicle component operation unit 643 from an "inoperable state" to an "operable state."

[0110] Even with the above configuration, a vehicle can be realized that allows for effective use of the interior space. Specifically, when a passenger sitting in the rear seat is not performing driving operations, the passenger can effectively use the space around the rear seat.

[0111] Eighth Embodiment Next, a vehicle V8 according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Note that a description of the same content as that of the above-described vehicles V1 to V7 will be omitted.

[0112] The vehicle V8 includes a vehicle body 701, a vehicle floor 702, a center console 703, a dashboard 704, a first vehicle seat 710, a second vehicle seat 720, a driver's console 730, operation units 705 and 740, and a display unit 745 (interior equipment). The vehicle V1 also includes a switching member 750 for switching the operation unit 740, a driving control device 770, a projection device 780, and a goggle device 790 (wearable device).

[0113] The display unit 745 is a large display screen (indoor equipment) that is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle body 701 and can be pulled out from the ceiling wall of the vehicle body 701. The display unit 745 may also be pulled out from the vehicle floor 702. A driving control device 770 is attached inside the center console 703, and a projection device 780 (projector) is attached to the upper surface of the center console 703. The projection device 780 is disposed behind the display unit 745 and can project images onto the display unit 745. The goggle device 790 is, for example, virtual reality goggles (VR goggles) and is worn by an occupant (on the occupant's face) seated in the vehicle seat 710, 720. The operation units 705, 740 are used to operate the display content projected on the display unit 745 and are operated by the occupant.

[0114] By providing operation units 705, 740, a display unit 745, a projection device 780, and a goggle device 790, passengers can enjoy, for example, virtual reality games by operating the operation units 705, 740 (operation controllers) while wearing the goggle device 790 (VR goggles).

[0115] Even with the above configuration, a vehicle can be realized that allows for effective use of the interior space. Specifically, when a passenger sitting in the rear seat is not performing driving operations, the passenger can effectively use the space around the rear seat.

[0116] <Manufacturing Method of Vehicle> Next, a manufacturing method of the vehicle V1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C. Note that in the manufacturing method of the vehicle V1, manufacturing steps other than those described below will not be described. First, a driver's control console 30, a first vehicle seat 10, and a second vehicle seat 20 are provided on the vehicle body 1. At this time, the first vehicle seat 10 is positioned forward of the driver's control console 30, and the second vehicle seat 20 is positioned rearward of the driver's control console 30. A storage recess 32 (storage section) is then formed in the driver's control console 30, and a driver's control unit 40 for operating the vehicle V1 is stored in the storage recess 32. At this time, it is preferable that a switching member 50 provided on the driver's control console 30 be configured to switch the driver's control unit 40 between a "storage position" and a "deployed position."

[0117] <Others> In the above embodiment, the driving operation unit 40 (steering unit 41) has the shape of an operating handle as shown in Figures 1 and 3, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the driving operation unit 40 may be a cockpit-type or lever-type driving operation unit.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 4C and 5 to 7B, the driving operation unit 40, 140 is stored in the driving console 30 or the rear surface of the first vehicle seat 110, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the driving operation unit 40, 140 may be detached and stored in an armrest or a center console. Alternatively, the driving operation unit 40, 140 may be detached and attached to all seats, and an occupant may drive the vehicle V1 while seated in a predetermined seat.

[0119] In the above embodiment, an automobile has been described as a specific example, but the invention is not limited to this and can be used for vehicles such as trains, buses, airplanes, ships, and the like.

[0120] <Vehicle Seat and Vehicle Seat System of Ninth Embodiment> Next, a vehicle V9 and a vehicle seat system S of a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 30. Note that descriptions that overlap with the above-described vehicles V1 to V8 will be omitted.

[0121] The vehicle seat system S realizes a system that can control the operation of a seat moving device based on biometric information of an occupant (e.g., facial expression of the occupant), and also realizes a system that allows an occupant seated in a vehicle seat to spend their time comfortably inside the vehicle.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 21 , the vehicle seat system S is mounted on a vehicle V9 and is a device for moving a part or all of a vehicle seat 801 (seat body 801a) in which a passenger sits based on the passenger's facial expression. This system can adjust the seat configuration of the vehicle seat 801 to make the passenger feel more comfortable inside the vehicle V9, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 25 to 28 . It can also enhance the entertainment value inside the vehicle V9. Specifically, the vehicle seat system S recognizes the facial expression of the passenger seated in the vehicle seat 801. It then determines the type of facial expression (e.g., a smile) of the passenger based on the recognition information. It then controls the operation of the movable devices 840, 850, and 860 based on the determination information. For example, the height device 850 raises the seat body 801a. This allows the seat configuration of the vehicle seat 801 in which the passenger sits to be adjusted. It can also enhance the entertainment value inside the vehicle V9.

[0123] <<System Hardware Configuration>> The vehicle seat system S includes a plurality of vehicle seats 801 each arranged inside a vehicle V9, a plurality of image capture devices 870, a plurality of display devices 880, a plurality of audio capture devices 885, a plurality of vibration devices 890, a collision detection sensor 895, and a control device 900. As shown in Fig. 21 , the vehicle V9 is a car (automobile). The vehicle seats 801 include a front seat 801A (driver's seat), a front seat 801B (passenger's seat), a rear seat 801C, and a rear seat 801D. Each vehicle seat 801 includes a seat body 801a having a seat cushion 810, a seat back 820, and a headrest 830, a slide rail device 840 that supports the seat body 801a so that it can move back and forth relative to the vehicle floor V9a, a height device 850 that connects the seat body 801a to the vehicle floor V9a so that it can be raised and lowered, and a reclining device 860 that connects the seat back 820 so that it can rotate relative to the seat cushion 810. The seat cushion 810, seat back 820, and headrest 830 correspond to the seat body 801a. The slide rail device 840, the height device 850, and the reclining device 860 correspond to movable devices.

[0124] 21 and 22 , the seat cushion 810 is a seating portion that supports a seated person (occupant) from below, and includes a cushion frame 811 that forms the framework, a pad material 812 placed on the cushion frame 811, and a cover material 813 that covers the cushion frame 811 and the pad material 812. The cushion frame 811 is a rectangular frame-like body that forms the framework of the seat cushion 810. The cushion frame 811 includes left and right side frames 811a arranged on the sides in the seat width direction, a plate-shaped pan frame 811b that connects front portions of the side frames 811a, a pipe-shaped rear connecting frame 811c that connects rear portions of the side frames 811a, and a plurality of elastic springs 811d that are hooked to the pan frame 811b and the rear connecting frame 811c and extend in a snake-like shape.

[0125] 21 and 22 , the seat back 820 is a backrest portion that supports a seated occupant from behind and includes a back frame 821 that forms the skeleton, a padding material 822, and a cover material 823. The back frame 821 is a rectangular frame-like body that forms the skeleton of the seat back 820. The back frame 821 includes side frames 821a disposed on the sides in the seat width direction, an inverted U-shaped upper frame 821b that connects upper end portions of the side frames 821a, a plate-shaped lower frame 821c that connects lower end portions of the side frames 821a, a plate-shaped connecting frame 821d that connects upper portions of the side frames 821a, a plurality of wire members 821e hooked to the connecting frame 821d and the lower frame 821c, and a support plate 821f that is held by the plurality of wire members 821e and supports the seated occupant. Left and right pillar guides 821g are fixed at a predetermined interval to the center of the width of the upper frame 821b. A reclining device 860 is attached to the connecting portion of the cushion frame 811 and the back frame 821, and a slide rail device 840 is attached to the lower portion of the cushion frame 811 via a height device 850.

[0126] 21 and 22, headrest 830 supports the occupant's head from behind and includes pillar 831 as a core material, padding 832, and cover material 833. Pillar 831 is held by left and right pillar guides 821g. An imaging device 870 (imaging camera) is fixed to the rear surface of headrest 830 (pillar 831).

[0127] 21 and 22 , the slide rail device 840 is mounted between the seat cushion 810 and the vehicle floor V9a in the vertical direction. The slide rail device 840 is fixed to the vehicle floor V9a and includes left and right lower rails 841 extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, left and right upper rails 842 supported slidably along the lower rails 841, a locking member 843 that locks the upper rails 842 to prevent them from sliding relative to the lower rails 841, and a rail operating lever (not shown) that releases the locked state of the locking member 843. The seat cushion 810 (cushion frame 811) is mounted to the upper surfaces of the left and right upper rails 842 via a height device 850.

[0128] 21 and 22, the height device 850 is attached between the slide rail device 840 and the seat cushion 810. The height device 850 includes left and right first links 851 arranged on the front side of the seat, left and right second links 852 arranged on the rear side of the seat, a locking member 853 that locks the seat cushion 810 so that it cannot be raised or lowered, and a height operating lever (not shown) that releases the locked state of the locking member 853. The height device 850 can adjust the height of the seat cushion 810 by using, for example, the second link 852 as a driving link.

[0129] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the reclining device 860 includes a reclining body 861 that is driven when rotating the seat back 820, a back rotation shaft 862, a spiral spring 863 that urges the seat back 820 to rotate forward around the back rotation shaft 862, and a reclining operation lever (not shown) that releases the locked state of the seat back 820.

[0130] Reclining body 861 has a known locking mechanism, and can switch the state of seat back 820 between a "locked state" in which it is fixed to seat cushion 810 and an "unlocked state" in which it is rotatable relative to seat cushion 810. Back rotation shaft 862 is axially supported on the seat cushion 810 side and the seat back 820 side in the seat width direction. One end of spiral spring 863 is anchored on the seat cushion 810 side, and the other end is anchored on the seat back 820 side.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the imaging device 870 is a small camera (wide-angle camera) that captures video of the occupant (the occupant's face) seated in the vehicle seat 801. The imaging device 870 captures video of the occupant, generates "imaging data," and transmits the "imaging data" to the control device 900. The imaging device 870 may be an imaging camera equipped with AI (artificial intelligence) that can analyze and parse the captured video. The imaging device 870 may also be a 360-degree omnidirectional camera (a camera equipped with a fisheye lens), etc.

[0132] The imaging devices 870 are disposed at positions corresponding to the front seat 801A, the front seat 801B, the rear seat 801C, and the rear seat 801D, respectively. Specifically, the imaging devices 870A and 870B are attached to the ceiling V9b and disposed forward of the front seats 801A and 801B. The imaging devices 870C and 870D are attached to the rear surfaces of the front seats 801A and 801B, respectively, and disposed forward of the rear seats 801C and 801D. More specifically, the imaging device 870C (870D) is attached to the rear surface of the headrest 830 of the front seat 801A (801B) via a cover member 834. The number and mounting positions of the imaging devices 870 can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 23 , multiple imaging devices 870 may be attached to one vehicle seat 801.

[0133] FIG. 23 is a rear view of a modified vehicle seat 801. In addition to the imaging device 870, imaging devices 871 to 876 are attached to the rear surface of the vehicle seat 801. The imaging device 871 is attached to the upper end of the headrest 830 via a cover member 834 and is positioned higher than the imaging device 870. The imaging device 872 is attached to the rear surface of the upper frame 821b and is exposed rearward from the vehicle seat 801. The imaging device 873 is attached to left and right side portions of the upper frame 821b and is exposed rearward from the vehicle seat 801. The imaging device 874 is attached to the center portion of the connecting frame 821d and is exposed rearward from the vehicle seat 801. The imaging device 875 is attached to each of the left and right side frames 821a and is exposed rearward from the vehicle seat 801. The imaging device 876 is attached to the rear surface of the support plate 821f, and is exposed rearward from the vehicle seat 801. The imaging devices 872 to 876 penetrate the padding material 832 and the covering material 833 and are exposed rearward, and can capture images of the faces of occupants positioned rearward of the vehicle seat 801 (front seats 801A, 801B).

[0134] As described above, by attaching the imaging device 870 to the seat back 820 (back frame 821) or the headrest 830 (cover member 834), the imaging device 870 can be arranged compactly within the vehicle V9. It is preferable that a vibration suppression device be provided on the portion of the vehicle seat 801 where the imaging device 870 is attached or in the surrounding area to suppress vibrations of the imaging device 870. This can suppress blurring of the image captured by the imaging device 870. The vibration suppression device may be, for example, a gimbal device or an elastic member. The elastic member may be, for example, a spring or a vibration-damping sponge (a soft foam having low resilience). Alternatively, the vibration suppression device may be a variable damping damper that utilizes air pressure, hydraulic pressure, or an oil syringe (a viscous material).

[0135] In addition, the vehicle seat 801 may further include a switching device that switches the imaging device 870 from an exposed state to a stored state inside the vehicle seat 801 when a collision of the vehicle V9 is detected.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 21 , the display device 880 is a display used by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801. As shown in FIGS. 25 to 28 , the display device 880 displays, to the occupant, display information (first display information) related to the facial expression of the occupant and display information (second display information) related to the operation of the movable device. The display devices 880 are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the front seat 801A, the front seat 801B, the rear seat 801C, and the rear seat 801D. Specifically, the display devices 880A and 880B are respectively attached to the ceiling V9b and disposed forward of the front seats 801A and 801B. The imaging devices 880C and 880D are respectively attached to the rear surfaces of the seat backs 820 of the front seats 801A and 801B and disposed forward of the rear seats 801C and 801D (the display devices are omitted in FIG. 22 ).

[0137] As shown in Fig. 21 , the voice acquisition device 885 is a device that acquires the voice of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801, and is, for example, a microphone, a voice recorder, etc. The voice acquisition device 885 acquires the voice of the occupant, generates "voice data," and transmits the "voice data" to the control device 900. The voice acquisition devices 885 are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the front seat 801A, the front seat 801B, the rear seat 801C, and the rear seat 801D. The voice acquisition device 885 may be mounted inside the display device 880. In other words, the voice acquisition device 885 may be configured as a part of the display device 880.

[0138] Vibration device 890 is also called a stimulation device, and as shown in Fig. 21, is a device that applies vibration (stimulation) to an occupant seated in vehicle seat 801, and is, for example, a vibration motor (unbalanced mass motor). Vibration device 890 is arranged on the surface of seat cushion 810, and operates based on a control signal received from control device 900 to apply vibration to the occupant. Vibration device 890 is arranged at positions corresponding to front seat 801A, front seat 801B, rear seat 801C, and rear seat 801D, respectively.

[0139] The collision detection sensor 895 is also called a collision sensor, and is a sensor that detects a collision (a precursor to a collision) of the vehicle V9, such as an acceleration sensor, as shown in Fig. 21. The collision detection sensor 895 is mounted inside the vehicle V9, and transmits a detection signal to the control device 900 when it detects a collision (a precursor to a collision) of the vehicle V9.

[0140] The vehicle seat system S may further include a sound generating device (speaker) that generates predetermined sounds or music for the occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801. The vehicle seat system S may further include an execution sensor (execution switch) that executes image capture by the imaging device 870. In this case, the execution sensor may be disposed on an interior member of the vehicle or on the outer surface of the vehicle seat. For example, the occupant can execute image capture by the imaging device 870 by pressing and operating the execution sensor. At this time, a control process using the image capture data described below may be performed to select the occupant with the most smile from among multiple occupants, and operate the vehicle seat 801 in which the occupant is seated. Alternatively, the occupant's smile may be displayed on the display device 880.

[0141] 21 and 24, the control device 900 is a device that comprehensively controls the electrical components of the vehicle V9, and is, for example, an engine control unit (ECU). The control device 900 is connected to the slide rail device 840, the height device 850, the reclining device 860, the imaging device 870, the display device 880, the audio acquisition device 885, the vibration device 890, and the collision detection sensor 895 via an in-vehicle network. Specifically, the control device 900 is a computer that includes a CPU (processor) as a data calculation / control processing device, ROM and RAM as storage devices, an HDD, and a communication interface that transmits and receives information data via the in-vehicle network.

[0142] In addition to a main program that performs the functions required of a computer, a vehicle seat program according to this embodiment is stored in the storage device of the control device 900. The functions of the vehicle seat system S are realized by the execution of this program by a CPU (processor).

[0143] 23 , the control device 900 is mainly composed of a storage unit 910 that stores various programs and various data, a facial expression recognition unit 911, a facial expression determination unit 912, a calculation unit 913, a movable amount determination unit 914, a movement control unit 915, an output unit 916, and a physique information detection unit 917. These components are composed of a CPU (processor), ROM, RAM, HDD, a communication interface, various programs, etc.

[0144] The storage unit 910 stores "imaging data," "audio data," "occupant physique data," "movement amount data," and the like. The "imaging data" and "occupant physique data" are data obtained from the imaging device 870, and the "audio data" is data obtained from the audio acquisition device 885, and these are stored in a centralized manner. The "movement amount data" is data indicating the amount of movement of the movable devices 840, 850, and 860, and is stored in a centralized manner. By referring to these data, the control device 900 can move the movable devices 840, 850, and 860 in accordance with the facial expression, voice, and physique of each occupant. In addition, the control device 900 can output information regarding the facial expression of the occupant and information regarding the operation information of the movable devices to the display device 880. The storage unit 910 also stores determination criteria data such as "facial expression reference data" and "degree of change reference data," which will be described later.

[0145] The facial expression recognition unit 911 recognizes the facial expression of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801. Specifically, the facial expression recognition unit 911 acquires "imaging data" captured by the imaging device 870, recognizes the facial expression of the occupant based on the "imaging data," and acquires "recognition information related to the facial expression." More specifically, the facial expression recognition unit 911 detects position information of the components of the occupant's face and angle information indicating the tilt angle of the head based on the "imaging data." Then, it acquires recognition information related to the facial expression based on the position information and angle information.

[0146] The recognition information includes, for example, information on the movements of lowering the eyebrows, lifting the outer eyebrows, lifting the cheeks, lifting the chin, making dimples, closing the eyes, opening the eyes, lifting the inner eyebrows, lowering the chin and opening the lips, tensing the eyelids, lifting the corners of the lips, pressing the lips, pursing the lips, pulling the corners of the lips sideways, sucking in the lips, opening the mouth, wrinkling the nose, lifting the upper lip, and blinking. It also includes information on the movements of the head up and down, left and right, and tilting.

[0147] The facial expression determination unit 912 determines the type of facial expression of the occupant (e.g., the occupant's smile) based on the recognition information by the facial expression recognition unit 911. Specifically, the facial expression determination unit 912 determines the type of facial expression of the occupant and the degree of change in the facial expression (the magnitude of the expression) based on the recognition information. For example, the facial expression determination unit 912 determines a "smile" as the predetermined facial expression of the occupant, evaluates the "magnitude of the smile" as the degree of change in the smile into multiple levels (multiple stages), and presents the evaluation level. A higher evaluation level indicates a greater change in the facial expression. It is preferable that "facial expression reference data" for determining the type of facial expression of the occupant and "change degree reference data" for determining the degree of change in the predetermined facial expression are stored in the storage unit 910.

[0148] The facial expression determination unit 912 may determine the type of facial expression of the occupant as a "smile," or may determine the occupant's surprised face, happy face, fearful face, sad face, angry face, contemptuous face, etc., or may determine a blank face.

[0149] The calculation unit 913 calculates the number of times a predetermined facial expression has been determined by the facial expression determination unit 912. Specifically, the calculation unit 913 calculates the number of times a predetermined facial expression (e.g., a smile) has been determined by the facial expression determination unit 912 within a predetermined time period. The calculation unit 913 determines that a smile has occurred once when the smile has exceeded a first reference time period. At this time, the calculation unit 913 may determine that a smile has occurred twice when the smile has occurred continuously for a second reference time period, or three times when the smile has occurred continuously for a third reference time period. The calculation unit 913 may also calculate the time during which a smile has occurred (the time during which it has occurred continuously) within a predetermined time period.

[0150] The movement amount determination unit 914 determines the movement amount of the vehicle seat 801 (seat body 801a) based on the number of times a predetermined facial expression (smile) is determined as calculated by the calculation unit 913. Specifically, the movement amount determination unit 914 determines the movement amount of the movable device (the amount of lift of the height device 850) based on the number of times a smile is determined. The movement amount determination unit 914 may also determine the movement amount of the height device 850 based on the number of times a smile is determined and the degree (magnitude) of change in the smile. For example, the movement amount determination unit 914 may determine a larger movement amount (1.5 times or 2 times the movement amount) if the degree of smile is large when a smile is determined (if the evaluation level is higher than normal). Alternatively, the movement amount determination unit 914 may determine a smaller movement amount (0.5 times the movement amount) if the degree of smile is small when a smile is determined (if the evaluation level is lower than normal).

[0151] The operation control unit 915 controls the operation of the movable devices based on the determination information from the facial expression determination unit 912. Specifically, the operation control unit 915 controls the operation of the movable devices 840, 850, and 860 based on the amount of movement of the seat body determined based on the determination information from the facial expression determination unit 912 and the information on the calculation result from the calculation unit 913. In other words, the operation control unit 915 moves a predetermined movable device based on the amount of movement determined by the movement amount determination unit 914. Note that the operation control unit 915 may control the seat body to return to the "reference position" after moving part or all of the seat body from a "reference position (a position where an occupant can be seated)" to a "first movement position" after a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, the operation control unit 915 may move the seat body from the "first movement position" to the "second movement position" continuously, or may move the seat body from the "reference position" to the "second movement position."

[0152] An example of control by the operation control unit 915 will be described with reference to Figures 25 and 26. The facial expression recognition unit 911 recognizes the facial expressions of multiple occupants. The facial expression determination unit 912 then determines the smile and size of the smile for each occupant based on the recognition information. The operation control unit 915 then raises the height device 850 so as to move the vehicle seat 801 in which a specific occupant is seated, based on the smile and size of the smile for each occupant.

[0153] As can be seen from FIG. 25, the height adjustment device 850 is not operating in the right front seat 801A. On the other hand, the height adjustment device 850 is raising the seat body in the right rear seat 801C. At this time, the display device 880 preferably displays the display screen shown in FIG. 26, as described below. The display screen displays information related to the seat status of the vehicle seats 801A-801D and information related to the facial expressions (smile, degree of smile, number of smiles) of the occupants corresponding to the vehicle seats 801A-801D in conjunction with each other. In other words, when an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801 smiles, the control device 900 controls the height adjustment device 850 to raise the seat body. This allows occupants to compete with each other, enhancing entertainment value.

[0154] The control by the operation control unit 915 may be executed as shown in Figures 27 and 28. The facial expression recognition unit 911 recognizes the facial expressions of multiple occupants. The facial expression determination unit 912 then determines the smile and size of the smile for each occupant based on the recognition information. The operation control unit 915 then raises the height device 850 and the reclining device 860 to move the vehicle seat 801 in which a specific occupant is seated, based on the smile and size (number of times the occupant smiles) for each occupant.

[0155] From FIG. 27 , it can be seen that in the right front seat 801A, the height device 850 is raising the seat body. It can also be seen that in the right rear seat 801C, the height device 850 is raising the seat body, and the reclining device 860 is moving the seat body rearward. At this time, the display screen shown in FIG. 28 can be displayed on the display device 880. The display screen displays information about the seat status of the vehicle seats 801A-801D and information about the facial expressions (smile, size of smile, number of smiles) of the occupants corresponding to the vehicle seats 801A-801D. In other words, when the occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801 smiles, the height device 850 and the reclining device 860 are controlled to move. This can improve entertainment value.

[0156] Furthermore, the operation control unit 915 acquires "occupant voice data" obtained by the voice acquisition device 885, and controls the operation of the vibration device 890 based on the volume of the occupant's voice. In this way, it is possible to recognize that the occupant is laughing out loud by the vibration operation of the vibration device 890. At this time, the vibration device 890 of the vehicle seat 801 in which the relevant occupant is seated may be operated, or the vibration devices 890 of multiple vehicle seats 801 may be operated. In this way, the entertainment value inside the vehicle may be increased.

[0157] The operation control unit 915 may control the movable device (height device 850) to move the seat body based on the occupant's smiling face determined by the facial expression determination unit 912 and the volume of the occupant's voice obtained by the voice acquisition device 885. This allows for more accurate determination of whether the occupant is laughing, and the movable device can be moved based on the determination result. Specifically, the movement amount determination unit 914 multiplies the movement amount of the movable device by a predetermined coefficient based on the voice data (voice volume) obtained by the voice acquisition device 885. For example, the movement amount determination unit 914 increases the movement amount when the occupant's voice is louder than a predetermined voice reference value, and decreases the movement amount when the occupant's voice is quieter than the voice reference value. Alternatively, the movement amount determination unit 914 (which may be referred to as a laughter determination unit) determines whether the occupant's voice is a "normal voice" or a "laughing voice," and if it determines that the voice is a "laughing voice," multiplies the movement amount (reference movement amount) of the movable device by a predetermined coefficient (laughter coefficient). When determining whether a sound is "laughter," the movement amount determination unit 914 may make the determination based on audio waveform data. If the audio waveform is interrupted, it may be determined to be a "fake laugh" rather than "laughter," and multiplication by the laughter coefficient may not be performed. The movement control unit 915 then moves the movable devices 840, 850, and 860 based on the movement amounts determined by the movement amount determination unit 914.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above configuration, when a collision of the vehicle V9 is detected by the collision detection sensor 895, the operation control unit 915 controls the movable devices 840, 850, 860 not to operate, regardless of the determination information by the facial expression determination unit 912 (the amount of movement determined by the amount of movement determination unit 914). In this way, when a collision of the vehicle V9 is predicted or when the vehicle V9 has collided, the operation of the movable devices 840, 850, 860 can be stopped.

[0159] The output unit 916 outputs first display information in which the facial expressions of the occupants determined by the facial expression determination unit 912 are converted into the facial expressions of characters, and second display information based on the operation information of the movable device controlled by the operation control unit 915. Examples of the first display information are as shown in FIGS. 26 and 28. The facial expressions of each occupant are converted into the facial expressions of characters (face marks) and displayed. Specifically, it can be seen that the occupant seated in the right rear seat 801C is smiling. The second display information is as shown in FIG. 26 (FIG. 28). The number of times a smile has been detected for each occupant is counted and displayed. Specifically, it can be seen that the number of times a smile has been detected for the occupant seated in the right rear seat 801C is three (four). Since the movable amount of the movable device is determined based on the number of smile detections, this is equivalent to displaying information based on the operation of the movable device. In other words, it can be seen that the right rear seat 801C has a greater amount of movement than the right front seat 801A and the left front seat 801B.

[0160] More specifically, the output unit 916 outputs display information in which the facial expression of the character is changed based on the change in the facial expression of the occupant determined by the facial expression determination unit 912. In this case, the character may be a face mark, an avatar that pays homage to the face of the occupant, or an animal. The number of times a smile has been determined may be displayed by the number of cushions or by the character's movement (the character gradually standing up).

[0161] The physique information detection unit 917 detects physique information of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801. For example, the physique information detection unit 917 measures the length of the upper body, the length of the thighs, and the length of the lower legs as physique information of the occupant based on image data of the occupant, and then mainly detects the position of the occupant's head.

[0162] By detecting the occupant's physique information, the following control can be performed. The operation control unit 915 controls the operation of the movable devices 840, 850, and 860 based on the occupant's physique information obtained by the physique information detection unit 917, and moves the seat body so that the seat position corresponds to the imaging range of the imaging device 870. This makes it easier for the imaging device 870 to recognize the occupant's facial expression (smile). The operation control unit 915 also controls the height device 850 to limit the lifting and lowering movement of the seat body based on the occupant's physique information. This makes it possible to limit the operation of the height device 850 based on the occupant's physique information, allowing the occupant to sit comfortably.

[0163] More specifically, the control may be performed as follows. When the physique information detection unit 917 detects the position of the occupant's head, the operation control unit 915 limits the lift of the height device 850 so that the top of the occupant's head falls within the imaging range. Furthermore, when the physique information detection unit 917 detects the position of the occupant's head, the operation control unit 915 operates the reclining device 860 so that the occupant's facial expression is easily detected (frontal position) relative to the imaging device 870. Furthermore, when the physique information detection unit 917 detects the position of the occupant's head, the operation control unit 915 limits the lift of the height device 850 based on the occupant's physique so that the head does not come into contact with the ceiling V9b of the vehicle V9. Furthermore, when the physique information detection unit 917 detects the position of the occupant's head, the operation control unit 915 determines the amount of movement based on the occupant's physique information so as not to cause discomfort to the occupant seated in the rear, and moves the movable devices 840, 850, and 860.

[0164] 29 , after the physique information detection unit 917 detects the occupant's physique information, the operation control unit 915 controls the height adjustment device 850 to adjust the height of the seat body so that the occupant's head is within the imaging range. When the imaging device 870 moves in response to the operation of the reclining device 860 of the vehicle seat 801A, the operation control unit 915 controls the height adjustment device 850 of the vehicle seat 801C in which the occupant is seated in accordance with the movement, thereby further adjusting the height of the seat body. In addition to the height adjustment device 850, the slide rail device 840 and the reclining device 860 may also be operated together. This makes it easier to recognize the occupant's facial expression (smile).

[0165] 23, when the vehicle seat system S is equipped with multiple image capture devices 870 to 876, the following control may be performed. When the physique information detection unit 917 detects the position of the occupant's head, if it is difficult for the facial expression recognition unit 911 to recognize the facial expression of the occupant from the image capture data captured by the image capture device 870, the facial expression recognition unit 911 may recognize the facial expression of the occupant from the image capture data captured by another image capture device 871. In other words, the image capture devices 870 to 876 may be switched and used as appropriate.

[0166] <Method for Moving a Vehicle Seat> Next, the processing of a vehicle seat program (method for moving a vehicle seat) executed by the vehicle seat system S will be described with reference to FIG. 30 . The program of this embodiment is a program for realizing the above-mentioned facial expression recognition unit 911, facial expression determination unit 912, calculation unit 913, movement amount determination unit 914, movement control unit 915, output unit 916, and physique information detection unit 917 as functional components of the control device 900 having a storage unit 910. The CPU (processor) of the control device 900 executes this vehicle seat program. Execution of the program is triggered, for example, by acceptance of a start of the system S through an operation by an occupant (user).

[0167] 30, the vehicle seat movement flow begins with step 1 (S1) in which the facial expression recognition unit 911 recognizes the facial expression of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801. Specifically, the facial expression recognition unit 911 acquires "imaging data" captured by the imaging device 870, recognizes the facial expression of the occupant based on the "imaging data," and acquires "recognition information related to facial expression."

[0168] Then, in step 2, the facial expression determination unit 912 determines the type of facial expression of the occupant (for example, whether the occupant is smiling) based on the recognition information by the facial expression recognition unit 911. Specifically, the facial expression determination unit 912 determines the type of facial expression of the occupant and the magnitude of the facial expression based on the recognition information.

[0169] Then, in step 3, the calculation unit 913 calculates the number of times a smile has been determined by the facial expression determination unit 912. Specifically, the calculation unit 913 calculates the number of times a smile has been determined by the facial expression determination unit 912 within a predetermined period of time.

[0170] Then, in step 4, the movement amount determination unit 914 determines the movement amount of the vehicle seat 801 based on the number of smile detections calculated by the calculation unit 913. Specifically, the movement amount determination unit 914 determines the movement amount of the movable device based on the number of smile detections. Note that, as described above, the movement amount determination unit 914 may determine the movement amount of the movable device based on the number of smile detections and the size of the smile.

[0171] Then, in step 5, the movement control unit 915 moves a predetermined movable device based on the amount of movement determined by the movement amount determination unit 914 (see FIG. 25 ). In other words, the movement control unit 915 controls the movement of the movable devices 840, 850, and 860 based on the amount of movement of the seat body determined based on the determination information by the facial expression determination unit 912 and the information on the calculation result by the calculation unit 913.

[0172] Then, in step 6, the output unit 916 outputs first display information in which the facial expression of the occupant determined by the facial expression determination unit 912 is converted into the facial expression of the character, and second display information based on the operation information of the movable device controlled by the operation control unit 915. Note that the second display information can also be said to be information based on the number of smile determinations and the size of the smile. Specifically, it is as shown on the display screen in FIG. 26.

[0173] Then, in step 7, the control device 900 determines whether or not a command to stop the vehicle seat system S has been received through an operation by the occupant. If a command to stop the system S has been received (step 7: Yes), the process of Fig. 30 ends. On the other hand, if a command to stop the system S has not been received (step 7: No), the process returns to step 1 and the above process is repeated.

[0174] The vehicle seat system and vehicle seat program described above make it possible to control the operation of the movable device based on the biometric information of the occupant (e.g., the occupant's facial expression), and also enable the occupant seated in the vehicle seat to spend their time comfortably inside the vehicle.

[0175] <Others> In addition to the above-described embodiments, the vehicle seat system S may perform simple control by recognizing the facial expression of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801, and when a predetermined facial expression (a smiling face of the occupant) of the occupant is determined, control may be performed to operate a predetermined movable device (height device 850). Alternatively, the vehicle seat system S may perform simple control by recognizing the facial expression of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 801, determining that the occupant is smiling, and when the voice of the occupant is recognized, control may be performed to operate the height device 850.

[0176] In addition to the above embodiments, the vehicle seat system S may also include a vehicle seat 801, an imaging device 870, an audio capture device 885, a lighting device for adjusting the brightness inside the vehicle, and a control device 900 for controlling these devices. The control device 900 may then change the illumination color of the lighting device and perform imaging with the imaging device 870 in accordance with the volume of the occupant's voice acquired by the audio capture device 885. This allows the occupant to be captured with a natural expression and reduces energy consumption for lighting. The system S may also determine the occupant with the loudest voice among multiple occupants, adjust the lighting at the seating position of the occupant, and capture the image. This allows the talkative occupant to stand out through lighting and capture the occupant's natural expression. The system S may also further include an audio recording device (audio recording function) for recording the occupant's voice. This allows image data and audio data to be acquired simultaneously, improving entertainment value. The system S may control the operation of the imaging device 870 attached to the rear surface of the seat back 820 based on the position of the seat body (seat back 820). This allows the angle of view of the imaging device 870 (imaging camera) to be suitably maintained in accordance with the position of the seat body. In the system S, when the driving operation unit (operating handle) of the vehicle V9 is attached to the rear surface of the vehicle seat 801, it is preferable that the imaging device 870 is positioned on the rear surface so as not to overlap with the driving operation unit. This allows imaging to be performed without interfering with the driving operation unit.

[0177] In addition to the above-described embodiments, in the vehicle seat system S, the imaging device 870 may be attached to the rear surface of the vehicle seat 801 and to the outer surface of the vehicle interior material (vehicle door). This allows for the selection of an imaging device 870 suitable for imaging (an imaging device 870 that is not in a backlit position). This means that there is no need to adjust the brightness of the lighting inside the vehicle each time. There is also no need to operate the blinds. Note that in the above-described system S, the control device 900 may control the movable device to move the vehicle seat 801 to a position suitable for imaging.

[0178] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat system used in an automobile was described as a specific example, but without being limited thereto, the vehicle seat system can also be used in vehicles such as trains, buses, airplanes, ships, etc.

[0179] <Additional Notes on the Vehicle Seat System of the Ninth Embodiment> The vehicle seat system described above includes a vehicle seat having a seat body on which an occupant can sit and a movable device for moving a part or all of the seat body, and a control device for controlling the operation of the movable device. The control device may include an expression recognition unit that recognizes the facial expression of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat, an expression determination unit that determines the type of facial expression of the occupant based on the recognition information from the expression recognition unit, and an operation control unit that controls the operation of the movable device based on the determination information from the expression determination unit. This configuration realizes a vehicle seat system capable of controlling the operation of the seat movable device based on changes in the occupant's biometric information. Specifically, the control device of this system recognizes the occupant's facial expression, determines the type of facial expression of the occupant based on the recognition information, and controls the operation of the movable device based on the determination information. In other words, the operation of the seat movable device can be controlled according to the type of facial expression (changes in facial expression) of the occupant. This allows the seat configuration of the vehicle seat to be adjusted to provide a more comfortable experience for the occupant in the vehicle. It also improves entertainment value.

[0180] In this case, the facial expression recognition unit recognizes the facial expressions of multiple occupants, the facial expression determination unit determines the degree of change in facial expression for each occupant based on the recognition information for each occupant, and the operation control unit controls the movable device to move the seat body in which a specific occupant is seated based on the type of facial expression and the degree of change in facial expression for each occupant determined by the facial expression determination unit.With the above configuration, the seat body in which a specific occupant is seated can be moved based on the type of facial expression and the degree of change in facial expression.For example, it is possible to appropriately move the seat body in which the occupant with the largest smile is seated, thereby improving entertainment value.

[0181] In this case, the vehicle seat may include an imaging device that captures an image of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat, the control device may have a physique information detection unit that detects physique information of the occupant, and the operation control unit may control the operation of the movable device based on the physique information of the occupant obtained by the physique information detection unit, and move the seat body so that the seat position corresponds to the imaging range of the imaging device. With this configuration, the seat body can be moved based on the physique information of the occupant so that the seat position corresponds to the imaging range of the imaging device. This makes it easier to recognize the facial expression (smile) of the occupant.

[0182] In this case, the movable device is a height device that connects the seat body to the vehicle floor so that it can be raised and lowered, the control device has a calculation unit that calculates the number of times the predetermined facial expression is determined by the facial expression determination unit, and the operation control unit controls the height device to raise the seat body based on the number of times the predetermined facial expression is determined by the calculation unit.With the above configuration, the height device can be operated in accordance with the size of the number of times the predetermined facial expression (e.g., smiling) of the occupant, and the height device can raise the seat body.

[0183] In this case, the vehicle seat may include a display device used by an occupant, and the control device may have an output unit that outputs first display information obtained by converting the occupant's facial expression determined by the facial expression determination unit into the facial expression of a character, and second display information based on operation information of the movable device controlled by the operation control unit, and the display device may display the first display information and the second display information output by the output unit toward the occupant. With the above configuration, the display unit can display a predetermined facial expression (e.g., a smile) of the occupant using the character. Also, the amount of movement of the movable device can be displayed.

[0184] In this case, the vehicle seat may include a display device used by an occupant, and the control device may include a calculation unit that calculates the number of times a predetermined facial expression is determined by the facial expression determination unit, and an output unit that outputs display information based on the number of times the predetermined facial expression is determined by the calculation unit. The display device may display the display information output by the output unit to the occupant. With the above configuration, the number of times the occupant has a predetermined facial expression (e.g., smiling) can be displayed on the display unit. This can improve entertainment value. For example, smiling can be quantified, thereby improving entertainment value.

[0185] In this case, the control device may have a calculation unit that calculates the number of times the predetermined facial expression is determined by the facial expression determination unit, and a movement amount determination unit that determines the amount of movement of the seat body based on the number of times the predetermined facial expression is determined by the calculation unit, and the operation control unit may control the movable device based on the amount of movement of the seat body determined by the movement amount determination unit to move the seat body. With the above configuration, the movable device can be moved based on the number of times the occupant has made the predetermined facial expression (e.g., smiling), and other occupants can know that the occupant is smiling from the amount of movement of the movable device.

[0186] In this case, it is preferable to include a voice acquisition device that acquires the voice of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat, and the operation control unit controls the movable device to move the seat body based on the occupant's smiling expression determined by the facial expression determination unit and the degree of the occupant's voice acquired by the voice acquisition device. With the above configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the occupant is smiling, and to move the movable device based on the determination result.

[0187] In this case, it is preferable to provide a voice acquisition device that acquires the voice of a passenger seated in the vehicle seat and a vibration device that applies vibrations to the passenger seated in the vehicle seat, and the operation control unit controls the operation of the vibration device based on the level of the passenger's voice acquired by the voice acquisition device. With this configuration, it is possible to recognize that the passenger is laughing by the vibration operation of the vibration device, thereby increasing the entertainment value inside the vehicle.

[0188] In this case, it is preferable to include a collision detection unit that detects a vehicle collision, and the operation control unit controls the movable device not to operate when the collision detection unit detects a vehicle collision, regardless of the determination information by the facial expression determination unit. With the above configuration, it is possible to stop the operation of the movable device when a vehicle collision is predicted.

[0189] In this case, the movable device is a height device that connects the seat body to the vehicle floor so that it can be raised and lowered, the control device has a physique information detection unit that detects physique information of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat, and the operation control unit controls the height device to limit the raising and lowering operation of the seat body based on the physique information of the occupant.With the above configuration, the operation of the height device can be limited based on the physique information of the occupant, allowing the occupant to be seated comfortably.

[0190] In the above embodiment, a vehicle and a vehicle seat system according to the present invention have been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0191] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS <First embodiment> V1 Vehicle (vehicle) 1 Vehicle main body (car body) 1a Side wall portion 1b Top wall portion 1c Bottom wall portion 1d Front wall portion 1e Rear wall portion 2 Vehicle floor (vehicle floor) 3 Center console 4 Dashboard 5 Front driving operation unit (front operation unit) 10 First vehicle seat (first vehicle seat) 11 Seat cushion 12 Seat back 13 Headrest 15 Rail device 16 Seat rotation device 17 Height link device 18 Reclining device 20 Second vehicle seat (second vehicle seat) 21 Seat cushion 22 Seat back 23 Headrest 25 Rail device 26 Seat rotation device 27 Height link device 28 Reclining device 30 Driving operation console (vehicle interior equipment) 31 Operation console main body 32 Storage recess (storage section) 33 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Storage recess (storage section) 40 Driving operation section (operation section, rear driving operation section) 41 Steering section (operation handle) 41a First steering section 41b Second steering section 41c Joint section 41d Cutout section 42 Acceleration / deceleration operation section (operation pedal) 45 Display section 50 Switching member 51 First telescopic member 52 Second telescopic member 55 Second switching member 56 Telescopic rod 60, 60A, 60B Airbag device 61, 61A, 61B Airbag 70 Driving control device (driving control section) <Second embodiment> V2 Vehicle 110 First vehicle seat 111 Seat cushion 112 Seat back 113 Headrest 132 Storage recess 133 Storage recess 140 Driving operation section (operation section, rear driving operation section) 141 Steering section 142 Acceleration / deceleration operation unit 145 Display unit 150 Switching member 151 Link 152 Holding member 153 Cover 154 Locking device 155 Second switching member 156 Telescopic rod 157 Foot support member 160 Airbag device 161 Airbag <Third embodiment> V3 Vehicle 210 First vehicle seat 212 Seat back 232 Storage recess 233 Storage recess 240 Driving operation unit (operation unit, rear driving operation unit) 241a First steering portion 241b Second steering portion 241c Joint portion 245 Display unit 250 Switching member 251 Link mechanism 252 Holding member 253 Cover254 Locking device 260 Airbag device 261 Airbag <Fourth embodiment> V4 Vehicle 310 First vehicle seat 311 Seat cushion 312 Seat back 320 Second vehicle seat 320a Engaged portion 332, 332A, 332B Storage recess 333 Storage recess 340 Driving operation unit (operation unit) 341 Steering unit 341a First steering portion 341b Second steering portion 341c Joint portion 341d Connection portion 341e Rotating portion 342 Acceleration / deceleration operation unit 345 Display unit 350 Switching member 351 Link mechanism 352 Holding member 354 Locking device 355 Second switching member 356 Telescopic rod 357 Foot support member 357a Engaging member 358 Moving device 358a Fixed rail 358b Slider 360, 360A, 360B Airbag device 370 Driving control device <Fifth embodiment> V5 Vehicle 410 First vehicle seat 412 Seat back 432 Storage recess 440 Driving operation unit (operation unit) 441a First steering portion 441b Second steering portion 441c Joint portion 445 Display portion 450 Switching member 451 Expandable member 452 Holding member 460, 460A, 460B, 460C, 460D Airbag device <Sixth embodiment> V6 Vehicle 510 First vehicle seat 511 Seat cushion 512 Seat back 514 Armrest 519 Rotating device 520 Second vehicle seat 521 Seat cushion 522 Seat back 529 Ottoman device (movement device) 529a Movable member 529b Rotating shaft 540 Driving operation unit (operation unit) 541 Steering unit 542 Acceleration / deceleration operation unit 543 Operation acceptance unit 550 Switching member 557 Leg support member 570 Driving control device <Seventh embodiment> V7 Vehicle 601 Vehicle body 601b Ceiling wall unit 601d Front wall unit 602 Vehicle floor 602a Floor step unit 603 Center console 603a Storage unit 603b In-vehicle information display unit 604 Dashboard 604a Storage recess 605 Front driving operation unit (front operation unit) 606 Display unit 607 Imaging unit 610 First vehicle seat 611 Seat cushion 612 Seat back613 Headrest 613a Notch 614 Armrest 632 Storage recess 633 Storage recess 640 Driving operation unit (operation unit, rear driving operation unit) 641 Steering unit 642 Acceleration / deceleration operation unit 643 In-vehicle component operation unit 645 Display unit 650 Switching member 655 Second switching member 670 Driving control device (driving control unit) <Eighth embodiment> V8 Vehicle 701 Vehicle body 702 Vehicle floor 703 Center console 704 Dashboard 705 Operation unit 710 First vehicle seat 720 Second vehicle seat 730 Driving operation console 740 Operation unit 745 Display unit (interior equipment) 750 Switching member 770 Driving control device 780 Projection device 790 Goggle device <Ninth embodiment> V9 Vehicle V9a Vehicle floor V9b Ceiling S Vehicle seat system 801 (801A to 801D) Vehicle seat 801A Front seat (driver's seat) 801B Front seat (passenger's seat) 801C, 1D Rear seat 801a Seat body 810 Seat cushion 811 Cushion frame 811a Side frame 811b Pan frame 811c Rear connecting frame 811d Elastic spring 812 Pad material 813 Cover material 820 Seat back 821 Back frame 821a Side frame 821b Upper frame 821c Lower frame 821d Connecting frame 821e Wire member 821f Support plate 821g Pillar guide 822 Pad material 823 Cover material 30 Headrest 831 Pillar 832 Pad material 833 Cover material 834 Cover member 840 Slide rail device (movable device) 841 Lower rail 842 Upper rail 843 Lock member 850 Height device (movable device) 851 First link 852 Second link 853 Lock member 860 Reclining device (movable device) 861 Reclining body 862 Back rotation shaft 863 Spiral spring 870 (870A to 870D) Imaging device 871 to 876 Imaging devices 880 (880A to 880D) Display device 885 Audio acquisition device 890 Vibration device 895 Collision detection sensor (collision detection unit) 900 Control device910 Storage unit 911 Facial expression recognition unit 912 Facial expression determination unit 913 Calculation unit 914 Movable amount determination unit 915 Movement control unit 916 Output unit 917 Physical information detection unit

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a first vehicle seat provided inside the vehicle; a second vehicle seat provided inside the vehicle and positioned rearward of the first vehicle seat; and an operating unit attached to the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or to a vehicle interior accessory located between the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat, for operating the vehicle or interior equipment of the vehicle, wherein the operating unit is attached so as to be storable in a storage section provided on the rear surface of the first vehicle seat, or attached so as to be storable in a storage section provided on the vehicle interior accessory.

2. The vehicle described in claim 1, characterized in that the first vehicle seat comprises a seat cushion and a seat back attached to the seat cushion, and the operating unit is stored in the storage section provided on the rear surface of the seat back, and is switchable between a stored position stored in the storage section and a deployed position deployed from the storage section for an occupant to operate the vehicle while driving.

3. The vehicle described in claim 2, characterized in that the operating unit comprises a steering unit which steers the vehicle and an acceleration / deceleration operating unit which controls the acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle, the steering unit being stored in a storage recess formed in a concave shape in the rear surface of the seat back as the storage unit, and the acceleration / deceleration operating unit being stored in a storage recess formed in a concave shape in the rear surface of the first vehicle seat and positioned lower than the storage recess.

4. The vehicle described in claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit is switchable between a storage position stored in the storage section and a deployment position deployed from the storage section for an occupant to operate the vehicle while driving, and further comprising a switching member attached to the first vehicle seat or the vehicle interior accessory for switching the operating unit between the storage position and the deployment position, the switching member having a link mechanism consisting of a plurality of links, and the operating unit is moved to the storage position by folding the plurality of links.

5. The vehicle described in claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit includes a steering unit that steers the vehicle, and further includes a display unit that is arranged in the vicinity of the steering unit and displays information related to the operation of the vehicle, the steering unit and the display unit are attached so as to be able to be stored in the storage unit, and the steering unit and the display unit are each independently movable and stored in the storage unit.

6. The vehicle described in claim 5, characterized in that the steering unit and the display unit are stored in a storage recess formed in a concave shape as the storage unit in the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or in the vehicle interior accessory, a cover is attached to the rear surface of the first vehicle seat or the vehicle interior accessory and covers the storage recess, the cover is switched between a state in which the storage recess is exposed and a state in which the storage recess is covered, and the cover covers the storage recess when the steering unit and the display unit are stored in the storage recess.

7. The operation unit is a rear driving operation unit provided in the storage unit, and includes a locking device that locks the movement of the rear driving operation unit when the rear driving operation unit is stored in the storage unit; a front driving operation unit that is attached to a forward position of the first vehicle seat and operates the driving of the vehicle; and a driving control unit that controls the driving of the vehicle, wherein the driving control unit accepts a user operation selection and controls each of the front driving operation unit and the rear driving operation unit to switch between an operable state in which it can be driven and an inoperable state in which it cannot be driven, and wherein the driving control unit controls the locking device to lock the rear driving operation unit stored in the storage unit when the rear driving operation unit is in the inoperable state.

8. A vehicle as described in claim 3, further comprising a foot support member provided in a lower portion of one of the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat for supporting the feet of an occupant seated on the second vehicle seat from below, the foot support member being positioned below the acceleration / deceleration operating unit provided on the first vehicle seat and extending from one of the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat to the other.

9. A vehicle as described in claim 8, further comprising a movement device which supports the foot support member so that it can move from one of the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat towards the other, and the foot support member has an engaging member which can engage with an engaged portion provided on the other of the first vehicle seat and the second vehicle seat.

10. A vehicle as described in claim 1, comprising: a plurality of airbag devices provided inside the vehicle; and a driving control unit that controls the driving of the vehicle, wherein the operating unit is switchable between a stored position stored in the storage unit and a deployed position deployed from the storage unit for an occupant to operate the vehicle, and wherein the driving control unit, when the vehicle detects an external impact, deploys an airbag of an airbag device among the plurality of airbag devices that corresponds to the switching position of the operating unit.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the operating unit and the airbag are arranged at different positions on the rear surface of the seat back of the first vehicle seat, or are arranged at different positions in the vehicle interior accessory.

12. The vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the airbag is disposed at a position different from the storage portion on the rear surface of the seat back of the first vehicle seat, or is disposed at a position different from the storage portion in the vehicle interior accessory.

13. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the indoor equipment is a display unit that displays information about the vehicle, and the operation unit operates the display content of the display unit.

Images