Vehicle seat, seat system, vehicle seat control method, and vehicle seat control program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a vehicle seat capable of guiding a driver into a state suitable for driving, a seat system including the vehicle seat, a control method for the vehicle seat, and a control program for the vehicle seat. [Solution] A vehicle seat 1 comprises a seat main body 41 on which a driver sits, a vibrating device 42 which is provided in the seat main body, and a control device 43 which acquires the heart rate of the driver and controls driving of the vibrating device, wherein, when the heart rate is higher than a predetermined upper threshold n2, the control device executes guidance control to cause the vibrating device to vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

Description

Vehicle seat, seat system, vehicle seat control method, and vehicle seat control program

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, a seat system including a vehicle seat, a control method for a vehicle seat, and a control program for a vehicle seat.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a vehicle seat mounted on an autonomous vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a sensor that detects the driver's level of alertness, a vibration source that generates vibrations to wake the driver, and a control device that controls the operation of the vibration source based on the sensor's detection results. When transitioning from autonomous driving to manual driving, the control device acquires the driver's level of alertness from the sensor and determines whether the driver is capable of manual driving. If the control device determines that the driver is not capable of manual driving, it controls the operation of the vibration source to generate vibrations to wake the driver.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-6151

[0004] Even if a driver is awake, if the driver is in an extremely tense or excited state, there is a risk that driving operations will be delayed or that the driver's judgment and cognitive abilities will be impaired. Therefore, there is a need for the development of technology that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations even when the driver is in a tense state.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can guide a driver into a state suitable for driving operations, a seat system including the vehicle seat, a control method for the vehicle seat, and a control program for the vehicle seat.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat body (41) on which a driver sits, a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, and a control device (43) that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the driving of the vibration device, and when the heart rate is greater than a predetermined upper threshold value (n2), the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

[0007] According to this aspect, when the heart rate is higher than the upper threshold, vibrations of a frequency corresponding to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver of tension. Thus, a vehicle seat can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0008] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device sets, in the induction control, the frequency of the vibration output by the vibration device so as to be directly proportional to the heart rate.

[0009] According to this aspect, when the heart rate is higher than the upper threshold and the driver is considered to be excited, the frequency of the vibration to be output by the vibration device is set to be directly proportional to the heart rate, thereby providing appropriate guidance to the driver.

[0010] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device reduces the frequency of the vibration output by the vibration device over time during the induction control.

[0011] According to this aspect, the driver's excitement can be alleviated.

[0012] In the above aspect, preferably, when the heart rate is equal to or lower than a lower threshold (n1) that is lower than the upper threshold, the control device executes awakening control to vibrate the vibration device to awaken the driver.

[0013] According to this aspect, when the heart rate is equal to or lower than the lower threshold, it is possible to encourage the driver to wake up.

[0014] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device sets the frequency of vibrations output by the vibration device to a constant value during the wakefulness control.

[0015] According to this aspect, when the heart rate is equal to or lower than the lower threshold and the driver is considered not to be awake, the frequency of the vibration to be output by the vibration device can be easily determined.

[0016] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device acquires the elapsed time since the driver started operating the vehicle, and when the elapsed time is less than a predetermined time threshold, prohibits activation of the vibration device.

[0017] According to this aspect, when the time that has elapsed since the start of driving is short and it is considered that at least the guidance control is unnecessary, these controls can be stopped.

[0018] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device acquires information regarding whether or not the driver smokes, and when it determines that the driver smokes, it sets the upper threshold higher than when the driver does not smoke.

[0019] According to this aspect, the upper threshold can be set taking into consideration an increase in heart rate due to smoking.

[0020] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat body is provided with a seating sensor (57) that acquires information related to the seating area of ​​the driver, and in the wakefulness control, when the seating area acquired by the seating sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined area threshold, the control device sets the amplitude of the vibration output by the vibration device to be larger than when the seating area is less than the area threshold.

[0021] According to this aspect, the amplitude can be appropriately set in consideration of the physique of the driver.

[0022] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device is connected to an outdoor temperature sensor (19) that acquires the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature outside the passenger compartment, and when the outdoor temperature is below a predetermined temperature threshold, the control device sets the amplitude of the vibration output by the vibration device to be larger in the awakening control than when the outdoor temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold.

[0023] According to this aspect, when it is predicted that the driver is wearing multiple layers of clothing, the amplitude can be set so that the vibration is transmitted to the driver.

[0024] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device is connected to an outdoor temperature sensor (19) that acquires the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature outside the passenger compartment, and an indoor temperature sensor (20) that acquires the indoor temperature, which is the temperature inside the passenger compartment, and when the outdoor temperature is less than a predetermined first temperature threshold and the indoor temperature is less than a predetermined second temperature threshold, the control device sets the amplitude of the vibration output by the vibration device to be larger in the awakening control compared to when the outdoor temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold and the indoor temperature is equal to or greater than the second temperature threshold.

[0025] According to this aspect, when it is predicted that the driver is wearing multiple layers of clothing, the amplitude can be set so that the vibration is transmitted to the driver.

[0026] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat body (41) on which a driver sits, a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, and a control device (43) that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the driving of the vibration device, and the control device sets the frequency of vibrations generated by the vibration device to asymptotically approach a function proportional to the heart rate as the heart rate increases and approaches an upper threshold value (n2).

[0027] According to this aspect, when the heart rate approaches the upper threshold, vibrations having a frequency proportional to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver's tension. Thus, a vehicle seat can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0028] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device sets the frequency of vibration generated by the vibration device to gradually approach a constant output value when the heart rate decreases and approaches a lower threshold value which is smaller than the upper threshold value.

[0029] According to this aspect, it is possible to simply set the frequency of the vibration to be applied when the heart rate approaches the lower threshold value and the driver is prompted to wake up.

[0030] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a seat system (1) comprising a vehicle seat having a seat body (41) on which a driver sits and a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, a heart rate sensor (35) that acquires the driver's heart rate, and a control device (43) that controls the driving of the vibration device, wherein when the heart rate is greater than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

[0031] According to this aspect, when the heart rate approaches the upper threshold, vibrations having a frequency proportional to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver's tension. Thus, a seat system can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0032] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a vehicle seat comprising a seat body (41) on which a driver sits, a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, and a control device (43) that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the driving of the vibration device, wherein when the heart rate is greater than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

[0033] According to this aspect, when the heart rate approaches the upper threshold, vibrations having a frequency proportional to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver's tension. Thus, a seat system can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0034] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a control program for a vehicle seat that includes a seat body (41) on which a driver sits, a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, and a control device (43) that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the drive of the vibration device, and when the heart rate is higher than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

[0035] According to this aspect, when the heart rate approaches the upper threshold, vibrations having a frequency proportional to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver's tension. Thus, a seat system can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0036] Furthermore, a radiant heater device has conventionally been used to heat the interior of a vehicle. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-16703 discloses providing a radiant heater device in an interior member of the vehicle. The radiant heater device described in Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-16703 is installed facing a seat occupant.

[0037] Radiant heat is heat that travels via electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays. Radiant heat emitted from a radiant heater device travels in a straight line. However, the position of an occupant changes depending on the position and shape of the seat, as well as their movements and posture. For this reason, the radiant heater device described in JP 2015-16703 A may not be able to properly warm an occupant with radiant heat depending on their position.

[0038] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a radiant heater that can appropriately heat an object to be heated with radiant heat even when the object to be heated moves.

[0039] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a radiant heater (101) comprising: a housing (102) provided in an interior material (111, 157, 161) of a vehicle (110) and having a heat dissipation opening (112); a heat dissipation section (103) provided within the housing and dissipating radiant heat when current is applied; and at least one reflector (104) provided displaceably in the heat dissipation opening and changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening.

[0040] According to this aspect, the radiant heater can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat. The radiant heater can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the radiant heater in accordance with the movement of the object to be heated. This allows the object to be appropriately heated by the radiant heat even if the object to be heated moves.

[0041] In the above aspect, the plurality of reflecting plates may be arranged rotatably about rotation axes (R) parallel to each other, and may be rotated by a driving device (105).

[0042] According to this aspect, the plurality of reflectors are rotated by the driving device, which makes it possible to easily change the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0043] In the above aspect, the driving device may include at least one cord (125, 141A, 141B, 142A, 142B) coupled to the plurality of reflectors, and an electric motor (126) for moving the cord.

[0044] According to this aspect, the drive device includes a cord connected to the plurality of reflectors and an electric motor that moves the cord, thereby reliably rotating the plurality of reflectors and reliably changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0045] In the above aspect, each of the plurality of reflectors has a first end (151A, 151B) and a second end (152A, 152B) in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and at least one of the cords has a first cord (141A, 141B) coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of reflectors and a second cord (142A, 142B) coupled to the second end of each of the plurality of reflectors.

[0046] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of reflectors is connected to a first cord and a second cord. The electric motor moves the first cord and the second cord. The movement of the first cord and the second cord rotates the reflector. Therefore, the radiation direction of the radiant heat can be reliably changed.

[0047] In the above aspect, the plurality of reflectors may include a first reflector (104A) arranged at the end and a plurality of second reflectors (104B) other than the first reflector, each of the plurality of second reflectors having a through hole (153) formed therein, and at least one of the cords may have a third cord (143A, 143B) passing through the through hole of each of the plurality of second reflectors and connected to the first reflector.

[0048] According to this aspect, the third cord passes through the through-holes of each of the plurality of second reflectors and is connected to the first reflector. By moving the third cord with the electric motor, the first reflector can be moved toward the second reflector, and the first reflector and the plurality of second reflectors can be stacked. This allows all of the reflectors (the first reflector and the plurality of second reflectors) to be arranged in a smaller space, thereby reducing the amount of radiant heat radiated from the heat dissipation section that is blocked by the reflectors. As a result, the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening can more effectively heat the object to be heated.

[0049] In the above aspect, a heat shield (127) may be provided between the cord and the heat dissipation portion.

[0050] According to this aspect, the heat shielding plate blocks radiant heat radiated toward the cord, thereby preventing the cord from being overheated and damaged by the radiant heat.

[0051] In the above aspect, the housing has a first surface (171) facing the interior material and a second surface (172) different from the first surface, the heat dissipation opening has a first heat dissipation opening (173) provided on the first surface and a second heat dissipation opening (174) provided on the second surface, and at least one of the reflectors is provided in the first heat dissipation opening, and at least one of the reflectors is provided in the second heat dissipation opening.

[0052] According to this aspect, the radiant heater has a first heat radiation opening provided with a plurality of reflectors and a second heat radiation opening provided with a plurality of reflectors, thereby changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat and appropriately heating the object to be heated with the radiant heat.

[0053] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the vehicle has a control device (106) that controls the drive device, and the drive device is controlled by the control device, and the control device controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat (130).

[0054] According to this aspect, the radiant heater controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat. The control device controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat to change the radiation direction to a direction in which radiant heat is radiated to the seated occupant. This makes it possible to appropriately warm the seat occupant with radiant heat from the radiant heater, regardless of at least one of the position and angle of the seat.

[0055] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the housing has a control device (106) that controls the drive device, a proximity sensor (115) is provided in the housing, and the control device controls the drive device based on a signal from the proximity sensor.

[0056] According to this aspect, the control device is connected to a plurality of proximity sensors provided in the housing. The control device can calculate the position of an object approaching the radiant heater based on signals output from the plurality of proximity sensors. When an object approaches the radiant heater, the control device can cause the drive device to rotate the plurality of reflectors so that the plurality of reflectors close the heat dissipation openings of the housing. This makes it possible to prevent the object approaching the radiant heater from being excessively heated.

[0057] In the above aspect, the vehicle has a control device (106) that controls the drive device, and the vehicle has a collision prediction unit (131) that predicts a collision of the vehicle, and the control device controls the drive device to close the heat dissipation opening when the collision prediction unit predicts a collision of the vehicle.

[0058] According to this aspect, when the collision prediction unit predicts a vehicle collision, the control device controls the drive unit to close the heat radiation opening, thereby preventing damage to the heat radiation portion of the radiant heater when there is a risk of a vehicle collision.

[0059] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat body (41) on which a driver sits, a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, and a control device (43) that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the driving of the vibration device, and when the heart rate is greater than a predetermined upper threshold value (n2), the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

[0060] According to this aspect, when the heart rate is higher than the upper threshold, vibrations of a frequency corresponding to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver of tension. Thus, a vehicle seat can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0061] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device sets, in the induction control, the frequency of the vibration output by the vibration device so as to be directly proportional to the heart rate.

[0062] According to this aspect, when the heart rate is higher than the upper threshold and the driver is considered to be excited, the frequency of the vibration to be output by the vibration device is set to be directly proportional to the heart rate, thereby providing appropriate guidance to the driver.

[0063] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device reduces the frequency of the vibration output by the vibration device over time during the induction control.

[0064] According to this aspect, the driver's excitement can be alleviated.

[0065] In the above aspect, preferably, when the heart rate is equal to or lower than a lower threshold (n1) that is lower than the upper threshold, the control device executes awakening control to vibrate the vibration device to awaken the driver.

[0066] According to this aspect, when the heart rate is equal to or lower than the lower threshold, it is possible to encourage the driver to wake up.

[0067] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device sets the frequency of vibrations output by the vibration device to a constant value during the wakefulness control.

[0068] According to this aspect, when the heart rate is equal to or lower than the lower threshold and the driver is considered not to be awake, the frequency of the vibration to be output by the vibration device can be easily determined.

[0069] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device acquires the elapsed time since the driver started operating the vehicle, and when the elapsed time is less than a predetermined time threshold, prohibits activation of the vibration device.

[0070] According to this aspect, when the time that has elapsed since the start of driving is short and it is considered that at least the guidance control is unnecessary, these controls can be stopped.

[0071] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device acquires information regarding whether or not the driver smokes, and when it determines that the driver smokes, it sets the upper threshold higher than when the driver does not smoke.

[0072] According to this aspect, the upper threshold can be set taking into consideration an increase in heart rate due to smoking.

[0073] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat body is provided with a seating sensor (57) that acquires information related to the seating area of ​​the driver, and in the wakefulness control, when the seating area acquired by the seating sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined area threshold, the control device sets the amplitude of the vibration output by the vibration device to be larger than when the seating area is less than the area threshold.

[0074] According to this aspect, the amplitude can be appropriately set in consideration of the physique of the driver.

[0075] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device is connected to an outdoor temperature sensor (19) that acquires the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature outside the passenger compartment, and when the outdoor temperature is below a predetermined temperature threshold, the control device sets the amplitude of the vibration output by the vibration device to be larger in the awakening control than when the outdoor temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold.

[0076] According to this aspect, when it is predicted that the driver is wearing multiple layers of clothing, the amplitude can be set so that the vibration is transmitted to the driver.

[0077] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device is connected to an outdoor temperature sensor (19) that acquires the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature outside the passenger compartment, and an indoor temperature sensor (20) that acquires the indoor temperature, which is the temperature inside the passenger compartment, and when the outdoor temperature is less than a predetermined first temperature threshold and the indoor temperature is less than a predetermined second temperature threshold, the control device sets the amplitude of the vibration output by the vibration device to be larger in the awakening control compared to when the outdoor temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold and the indoor temperature is equal to or greater than the second temperature threshold.

[0078] According to this aspect, when it is predicted that the driver is wearing multiple layers of clothing, the amplitude can be set so that the vibration is transmitted to the driver.

[0079] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat body (41) on which a driver sits, a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, and a control device (43) that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the driving of the vibration device, and the control device sets the frequency of vibrations generated by the vibration device to asymptotically approach a function proportional to the heart rate as the heart rate increases and approaches an upper threshold value (n2).

[0080] According to this aspect, when the heart rate approaches the upper threshold, vibrations having a frequency proportional to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver's tension. Thus, a vehicle seat can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0081] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device sets the frequency of vibration generated by the vibration device to gradually approach a constant output value when the heart rate decreases and approaches a lower threshold value which is smaller than the upper threshold value.

[0082] According to this aspect, it is possible to simply set the frequency of the vibration to be applied when the heart rate approaches the lower threshold value and the driver is prompted to wake up.

[0083] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a seat system (1) comprising a vehicle seat having a seat body (41) on which a driver sits and a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, a heart rate sensor (35) that acquires the driver's heart rate, and a control device (43) that controls the driving of the vibration device, wherein when the heart rate is greater than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

[0084] According to this aspect, when the heart rate approaches the upper threshold, vibrations having a frequency proportional to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver's tension. Thus, a seat system can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0085] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a vehicle seat comprising a seat body (41) on which a driver sits, a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, and a control device (43) that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the driving of the vibration device, wherein when the heart rate is greater than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

[0086] According to this aspect, when the heart rate approaches the upper threshold, vibrations having a frequency proportional to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver's tension. Thus, a seat system can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0087] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a control program for a vehicle seat that includes a seat body (41) on which a driver sits, a vibration device (42) provided on the seat body, and a control device (43) that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the drive of the vibration device, and when the heart rate is higher than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

[0088] According to this aspect, when the heart rate approaches the upper threshold, vibrations having a frequency proportional to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby relieving the driver's tension. Thus, a seat system can be provided that can guide the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0089] One aspect for solving the problem of providing a radiant heater that can appropriately heat an object to be heated with radiant heat is a radiant heater (101) that includes a housing (102) that is provided in an interior material (111, 157, 161) of a vehicle (110) and has a heat dissipation opening (112), a heat dissipation section (103) that is provided within the housing and dissipates radiant heat when electricity is applied, and at least one reflector (104) that is displaceably provided in the heat dissipation opening and changes the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening.

[0090] According to this aspect, the radiant heater can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat. The radiant heater can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the radiant heater in accordance with the movement of the object to be heated. This allows the object to be appropriately heated by the radiant heat even if the object to be heated moves.

[0091] In the above aspect, the plurality of reflecting plates may be arranged rotatably about rotation axes (R) parallel to each other, and may be rotated by a driving device (105).

[0092] According to this aspect, the plurality of reflectors are rotated by the driving device, which makes it possible to easily change the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0093] In the above aspect, the driving device may include at least one cord (125, 141A, 141B, 142A, 142B) coupled to the plurality of reflectors, and an electric motor (126) for moving the cord.

[0094] According to this aspect, the drive device includes a cord connected to the plurality of reflectors and an electric motor that moves the cord, thereby reliably rotating the plurality of reflectors and reliably changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0095] In the above aspect, each of the plurality of reflectors has a first end (151A, 151B) and a second end (152A, 152B) in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and at least one of the cords has a first cord (141A, 141B) coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of reflectors and a second cord (142A, 142B) coupled to the second end of each of the plurality of reflectors.

[0096] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of reflectors is connected to a first cord and a second cord. The electric motor moves the first cord and the second cord. The movement of the first cord and the second cord rotates the reflector. Therefore, the radiation direction of the radiant heat can be reliably changed.

[0097] In the above aspect, the plurality of reflectors may include a first reflector (104A) arranged at the end and a plurality of second reflectors (104B) other than the first reflector, each of the plurality of second reflectors having a through hole (153) formed therein, and at least one of the cords may have a third cord (143A, 143B) passing through the through hole of each of the plurality of second reflectors and connected to the first reflector.

[0098] According to this aspect, the third cord passes through the through-holes of each of the plurality of second reflectors and is connected to the first reflector. By moving the third cord with the electric motor, the first reflector can be moved toward the second reflector, and the first reflector and the plurality of second reflectors can be stacked. This allows all of the reflectors (the first reflector and the plurality of second reflectors) to be arranged in a smaller space, thereby reducing the amount of radiant heat radiated from the heat dissipation section that is blocked by the reflectors. As a result, the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening can more effectively heat the object to be heated.

[0099] In the above aspect, a heat shield (127) may be provided between the cord and the heat dissipation portion.

[0100] According to this aspect, the heat shielding plate blocks radiant heat radiated toward the cord, thereby preventing the cord from being overheated and damaged by the radiant heat.

[0101] In the above aspect, the housing has a first surface (171) facing the interior material and a second surface (172) different from the first surface, the heat dissipation opening has a first heat dissipation opening (173) provided on the first surface and a second heat dissipation opening (174) provided on the second surface, and at least one of the reflectors is provided in the first heat dissipation opening, and at least one of the reflectors is provided in the second heat dissipation opening.

[0102] According to this aspect, the radiant heater has a first heat radiation opening provided with a plurality of reflectors and a second heat radiation opening provided with a plurality of reflectors, thereby changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat and appropriately heating the object to be heated with the radiant heat.

[0103] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the vehicle has a control device (106) that controls the drive device, and the drive device is controlled by the control device, and the control device controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat (130).

[0104] According to this aspect, the radiant heater controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat. The control device controls the drive device based on at least one of the position and angle of the seat to change the radiation direction to a direction in which radiant heat is radiated to the seated occupant. This makes it possible to appropriately warm the seat occupant with radiant heat from the radiant heater, regardless of at least one of the position and angle of the seat.

[0105] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the housing has a control device (106) that controls the drive device, a proximity sensor (115) is provided in the housing, and the control device controls the drive device based on a signal from the proximity sensor.

[0106] According to this aspect, the control device is connected to a plurality of proximity sensors provided in the housing. The control device can calculate the position of an object approaching the radiant heater based on signals output from the plurality of proximity sensors. When an object approaches the radiant heater, the control device can cause the drive device to rotate the plurality of reflectors so that the plurality of reflectors close the heat dissipation openings of the housing. This makes it possible to prevent the object approaching the radiant heater from being excessively heated.

[0107] In the above aspect, the vehicle has a control device (106) that controls the drive device, and the vehicle has a collision prediction unit (131) that predicts a collision of the vehicle, and the control device controls the drive device to close the heat dissipation opening when the collision prediction unit predicts a collision of the vehicle.

[0108] According to this aspect, when the collision prediction unit predicts a vehicle collision, the control device controls the drive unit to close the heat radiation opening, thereby preventing damage to the heat radiation portion of the radiant heater when there is a risk of a vehicle collision.

[0109] 1A is a side view showing the interior of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment, and (B) an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion surrounded by a dashed line and (C) a portion surrounded by a two-dot dashed line; FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a seat system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1C is a flowchart of a seat control process according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1D is a table showing an example of setting when amplitude is set based on the temperature outside the vehicle and the temperature inside the vehicle; FIG. 1E is a table showing an example of the heart rate dependency of (A) the amplitude and (B) the frequency of vibration output from a vibration device according to a first embodiment; Graph showing the heart rate dependency of vibration frequency. Graph showing the heart rate dependency of (A) amplitude and (B) frequency of vibration output from a vibration device in a modified example of the second embodiment. Perspective view of a radiant heater according to a fourth embodiment. Cross-sectional view of a heat dissipation section. Cross-sectional view of the radiant heater of FIG. 12. Explanatory diagram for explaining control of the control device when an object approaches the heat dissipation opening of the radiant heater. Explanatory diagram for explaining control of the control device according to the angle of the seat back. Explanatory diagram for explaining control of the control device when a collision prediction unit predicts a vehicle collision. Cross-sectional view of a radiant heater according to a fifth embodiment. Perspective view of multiple reflectors and a drive device of a radiant heater according to a sixth embodiment. Cross-sectional view of a radiant heater according to a seventh embodiment. Cross-sectional view of a radiant heater according to an eighth embodiment. Cross-sectional view of a radiant heater according to a ninth embodiment and a seat incorporating a radiant heater. Cross-sectional view of a radiant heater according to FIG. 23 and a seat incorporating a radiant heater.

[0110] <<First Embodiment>> Hereinafter, embodiments of a vehicle seat, a seat system, a control method for a vehicle seat, and a control program for a vehicle seat according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0111] 1A, a seat system 1 is mounted on a vehicle 2 such as an automobile. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the vehicle 2 to define front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions.

[0112] A vehicle control device 4 is provided on the vehicle body 3. As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle control device 4 is configured by an electronic control unit (ECU) including a processor 5 such as a CPU, a non-volatile memory 6 (ROM), a volatile memory 7 (RAM), a storage 8, a communication interface 9 (communication I / F), and the like.

[0113] The vehicle control device 4 is capable of executing driving modes including an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode. In the automatic driving mode, the vehicle control device 4 controls the drive source, braking device, and steering device of the vehicle 2 based on signals from various sensors to automatically drive the vehicle 2. In the manual driving mode, the vehicle control device 4 controls the drive source, braking device, and steering device of the vehicle 2 based on driving operations of the driver to the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brake pedal to manually drive the vehicle 2.

[0114] The vehicle control device 4 switches the driving mode of the vehicle 2 between an autonomous driving mode and a manual driving mode. For example, when the vehicle 2 approaches an end point of the autonomous driving, the vehicle control device 4 switches the driving mode from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode. The end point of the autonomous driving can be set, for example, at an exit of a highway.

[0115] The vehicle control device 4 stores the time during which the vehicle 2 has been manually driven since it was started as the elapsed time. When the vehicle 2 is stopped (shut down), the vehicle control device 4 resets the elapsed time to zero. When the vehicle control device 4 receives a request from an external device, it transmits the elapsed time to the external device.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 1A , a vehicle 2 is provided with a passenger compartment 10, and a driver's seat 11 where a driver sits is provided within the passenger compartment 10. An instrument panel 12 is disposed in front of the driver's seat 11. The instrument panel 12 is provided with a display device 13 that displays information on a screen and notifies the driver of various pieces of information. In this embodiment, the display device 13 is configured as a liquid crystal display. The vehicle control device 4 is connected to the display device 13 and controls the screen display of the display device 13.

[0117] A door 15 is provided on the side of the driver's seat 11. A door trim 16 is connected to the side of the door 15 on the inside of the vehicle. A speaker 17 is provided on the door trim 16 to output audio and notify the driver of various information. The vehicle control device 4 is connected to the speaker 17 and controls the audio output of the speaker 17.

[0118] A driver camera 18 for capturing an image of the driver may be provided in the vehicle interior 10 (in front of the driver's seat 11 in this embodiment). The driver camera 18 is connected to the vehicle control device 4 and transmits captured images of the driver to the vehicle control device 4 in real time. The vehicle control device 4 may determine whether or not the driver is smoking based on the captured images using a known image analysis technique. When the vehicle control device 4 receives a request from an external device, it may transmit the determination result regarding whether or not the driver is smoking to the external device that made the request.

[0119] The vehicle 2 may be provided with an interior temperature sensor 19 and an exterior temperature sensor 20. The interior temperature sensor 19 is a known interior temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the vehicle compartment 10 (hereinafter referred to as the interior temperature). The exterior temperature sensor 20 is a known exterior temperature sensor that detects the temperature outside the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the exterior temperature). The interior temperature sensor 19 and the exterior temperature sensor 20 may be connected to the vehicle control device 4 and output the detected interior temperature and exterior temperature to the vehicle control device 4. When the vehicle control device 4 receives a request from an external device, the vehicle control device 4 may transmit the interior temperature acquired by the interior temperature sensor 19 and the exterior temperature acquired by the exterior temperature sensor 20 to the external device that made the request in response to the request. As a result, the external device can connect to the interior temperature sensor 19 and the exterior temperature sensor 20 via the vehicle control device 4 and acquire the interior temperature and exterior temperature.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 2 , the seat system 1 includes a wearable terminal 25 and a vehicle seat 26 .

[0121] 1A, the wearable device 25 is a device worn by the driver, and in this embodiment, is a smart watch (wristwatch-type device) worn on the driver's wrist. As shown in FIG. 2, the wearable device 25 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, a communication interface 33 (communication I / F), a touch panel 34, and a heart rate sensor 35.

[0122] The heart rate sensor 35 acquires information related to the driver's heart rate. The heart rate sensor 35 may be an optical heart rate sensor equipped with a light-emitting element that irradiates light toward the driver's skin and a photodiode that detects the intensity of the reflected light. The waveform detected by the heart rate sensor 35 indicates the intensity of the reflected light detected by the photodiode and reflects changes in blood flow due to the heartbeat. Alternatively, the heart rate sensor 35 may be a sensor that uses the Doppler effect using radio waves, or may be a sensor that uses a piezoelectric element.

[0123] The processor 31 of the wearable device 25 acquires the heart rate by performing time series analysis on the waveform acquired by the heart rate sensor 35. The processor 31 may acquire the heart rate, for example, by acquiring the time interval from one peak to the next peak in the waveform output from the heart rate sensor 35. The processor 31 of the wearable device 25 can transmit the acquired heart rate in real time to an external device via the communication interface 33.

[0124] When the driver becomes tense or excited, the driver's heart rate increases. On the other hand, when the driver's level of alertness decreases, the driver's heart rate decreases. To determine the driver's state, the memory 32 of the wearable device 25 stores a lower limit value (hereinafter referred to as the lower heart rate limit value) and an upper limit value (hereinafter referred to as the upper heart rate limit value) of the heart rate suitable for driving operations.

[0125] The lower heart rate limit is set as a heart rate threshold at which the driver's level of alertness is too low, which may cause delays in driving operations or a decline in the driver's judgment or cognitive ability, whereas the upper heart rate limit is set as a heart rate threshold at which the driver is too excited, which may cause delays in driving operations or a decline in the driver's judgment or cognitive ability.

[0126] When the wearable device 25 is always worn by the driver, the processor 31 may estimate the lower and upper heart rate limits based on the standard heart rate acquired by the heart rate sensor 35 and record the estimate in the memory 32. Alternatively, the lower and upper heart rate limits may be set by the processor 31 based on input of the driver's age, blood pressure, physique, etc. via the touch panel 34 and recorded in the memory 32. In this case, unique values ​​for the lower and upper heart rate limits are set for each driver, making it possible to more appropriately determine the driver's condition.

[0127] Alternatively, the lower and upper heart rate limits may be set based on standard values ​​for a healthy person and stored in the memory 32 at the time of factory shipment or when various applications are installed. The processor 31 may also communicate with various servers via the communication interface 33 to acquire the lower and upper heart rate limits and record them in the memory 32.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 1A, the vehicle seat 26 includes a seat body 41, a vibration device 42, and a seat control device 43.

[0129] The seat body 41 constitutes the driver's seat 11. The seat body 41 has a seat cushion 46 provided on a floor 45 that defines the bottom of the vehicle interior 10, a seat back 47 extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion 46, and a headrest 48 connected to an upper part of the seat back 47.

[0130] The seat cushion 46 supports the buttocks of the driver. The seat back 47 is disposed behind the driver and functions as a backrest. The headrest 48 is disposed behind the driver's head. The seat back 47 is rotatably connected to the seat cushion 46 via a reclining device (not shown) and is supported so as to be able to tilt relative to the seat cushion 46.

[0131] The seat cushion 46 includes a frame (not shown) that forms the framework, a pad 51 supported by the frame, and a cover material 52 that covers the upper surface of the pad 51. The pad 51 is made of a cushioning material such as urethane. The cover material 52 is made of a sheet-like material such as cloth or leather.

[0132] The seat back 47 includes a frame (not shown) that forms the framework, a pad 51 supported by the frame, and a cover material 54 that covers the front surface of the pad 53. The pad 53 is made of a cushioning material such as urethane. The cover material 54 is made of a sheet-like material such as cloth or leather.

[0133] The frame that constitutes the seat back 47 is connected at its lower end to the rear part of the frame that constitutes the seat cushion 46 so as to be rotatable about an axis that extends in the left-right direction.

[0134] The seat body 41 may be supported on the floor 45 via a rotation device so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the up-down direction on the floor 45. The seat body 41 may also be supported on the floor 45 via a slide device so as to be movable back and forth.

[0135] The seat main body 41 may be provided with a seating sensor 57 that acquires information related to the physique of the driver. The seating sensor 57 may include a sheet-shaped detection unit 57A. The detection unit 57A may acquire the pressure distribution applied by the driver. The detection unit 57A may be provided between the upper surface of the pad 51 of the seat cushion 46 and the lower surface of the upholstery material 52 of the seat cushion 46. The detection unit 57A may be provided between the front surface of the pad 53 of the seat back 47 and the rear surface of the upholstery material 54 of the seat back 47. The seating sensor 57 may acquire the area of ​​a region where pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is detected as the seating area of ​​the driver based on the pressure distribution detected by the detection unit 57A.

[0136] The seating sensor 57 is preferably connected to the seat control device 43 via a harness (not shown) and outputs the acquired seating area to the seat control device 43 .

[0137] The vibration device 42 (also referred to as a vibration device) includes one or more vibrators 59 that generate vibrations. In this embodiment, the vibration device 42 includes a plurality of vibrators 59 (hereinafter referred to as back-side vibrators 59A) provided on the seat back 47 and a plurality of vibrators 59 (hereinafter referred to as cushion-side vibrators 59B) provided on the seat cushion 46.

[0138] 1B, the back-side vibrator 59A is preferably disposed inside a recess 53A formed in the front surface of a pad 53 constituting the seat back 47. The back-side vibrator 59A is preferably covered from the front by a cover material 54 that covers the front surface of the pad 53 of the seat back 47. The vibrations output by the back-side vibrator 59A are transmitted to the driver via the pad 53 of the seat back 47 and the cover material 54.

[0139] 1C, the cushion-side vibrator 59B is preferably disposed inside a recess 51A formed in the upper surface of a pad 51 constituting the seat cushion 46. The cushion-side vibrator 59B is preferably covered from above by a cover material 52 that covers the upper surface of the pad 51 of the seat cushion 46. The vibrations output by the back-side vibrator 59A are transmitted to the driver via the pad 51 of the seat cushion 46 and the cover material 52.

[0140] At least one of the vibrators 59 is configured by an alternating current motor (AC motor), and the amplitude and frequency of the output vibration are independently changed depending on the amplitude and frequency of the input AC voltage. Hereinafter, such a vibrator 59 with variable amplitude and frequency will be referred to as an independently variable vibrator 59C. The AC motor configuring the independently variable vibrator 59C may be a known motor such as a linear vibration motor or a piezoelectric vibration motor.

[0141] In this embodiment, all of the vibrators 59 included in the vibration device 42 are configured as independent variable vibrators 59C. However, this is not limited to this embodiment, and some of the vibrators 59 in the vibration device 42 may be configured as direct current motors (DC motors), and the frequency and amplitude of the output vibration may be changed in conjunction with each other depending on the magnitude of the applied voltage. Hereinafter, such vibrators 59 whose amplitude and frequency are changed in conjunction with each other will be referred to as interlocking fixed vibrators 59D.

[0142] When the vibration device 42 includes the independent variable vibrator 59C and the interlocking fixed vibrator 59D, it is preferable that at least one independent variable vibrator 59C is provided in the center in the vertical direction and in the center in the horizontal direction of the seat back 47. This makes it possible to arrange the at least one independent variable vibrator 59C in a position where the driver can easily recognize the vibration.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat control device 43 is configured by an electronic control unit (ECU) including a processor 61 such as a CPU, a non-volatile memory 62 (ROM), a volatile memory 63 (RAM), a storage 64, a communication interface 65 (communication I / F), and a digital-to-analog converter 66 (DA converter).

[0144] The processor 61 of the seat control device 43 is configured to be able to communicate with the vehicle control device 4 via the communication interface 65. The processor 61 of the seat control device 43 transmits a request to the vehicle control device 4 via the communication interface 65 and acquires the elapsed time.

[0145] The processor 61 of the seat control device 43 is configured to be able to communicate with the wearable terminal 25 via the communication interface 65. The processor 61 of the seat control device 43 communicates with the wearable terminal 25 and acquires the driver's heart rate from the wearable terminal 25 in real time.

[0146] The seat control device 43 is connected to each of the vibrators 59 via a harness 71. In this embodiment, the seat control device 43 is coupled to the bottom surface of the seat cushion 46. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a harness passage 72 is formed in each of the pad 51 of the seat cushion 46 and the pad 53 of the seat back 47. In the pad 51 of the seat cushion 46, the harness passage 72 extends from its underside to the recess 51A, and in the pad 53 of the seat back 47, the harness passage 72 extends from its rear surface to the recess 51A. The seat control device 43 and each of the vibrators 59 are connected by the harness 71 passing through the harness passage 72.

[0147] The digital-to-analog converter 66 (DA converter) converts the digital signal output from the processor 61 of the seat control device 43 into an analog voltage and outputs it to the corresponding vibrator 59. This makes it possible for the amplitude and frequency of the vibration output from each vibrator 59 to be controlled by the seat control device 43. In detail, the seat control device 43 can independently control the amplitude and frequency of the vibration output from the independent variable vibrator 59C, and can control the amplitude or frequency of the vibration output from the interlocked fixed vibrator 59D.

[0148] The processor 61 of the seat control device 43 executes a control program stored in the non-volatile memory 62 or the storage 64 to perform a control process (hereinafter referred to as the seat control process) for the vehicle seat 26 that controls the drive of the vibration device 42 (more specifically, the independent variable vibrator 59C) based on the heart rate and elapsed time, thereby implementing a control method for the vehicle seat 26.

[0149] Next, details of the seat control process executed by the processor 61 of the seat control device 43 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processor 61 repeatedly executes the seat control process while the vehicle 2 is running.

[0150] 3, in the first step ST1 of the seat control process, the processor 61 of the seat control device 43 acquires the elapsed time from the vehicle control device 4 and determines whether it is equal to or greater than a predetermined time threshold. If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the time threshold, the processor 61 executes step ST2, and if the elapsed time is less than the time threshold, the processor 61 ends the seat control process.

[0151] In step ST2, the processor 61 executes a threshold setting process to set a first threshold n1 (also referred to as a lower threshold) and a second threshold n2.

[0152] In the threshold setting process, the processor 61 acquires the lower and upper heart rate limits from the wearable device 25, sets the lower heart rate limit to the first threshold n1, and sets the upper heart rate limit to the second threshold n2.

[0153] In another embodiment, in the threshold setting process, the processor 61 acquires the lower heart rate limit value and the upper heart rate limit value from the wearable terminal 25, and acquires the determination result regarding whether the driver smokes from the vehicle control device 4. Thereafter, if it is determined that the driver does not smoke, the processor 61 sets the lower heart rate limit value to the first threshold value n1 and the upper heart rate limit value to the second threshold value n2. If it is determined that the driver smokes, the processor 61 sets the lower heart rate limit value to the first threshold value n1 and sets the second threshold value n2 to a predetermined value greater than the upper heart rate limit value. If it is determined that the driver smokes, the processor 61 may set the second threshold value n2 to a value obtained by multiplying the upper heart rate limit value by one or more predetermined constants, or may set the second threshold value n2 to a value obtained by adding a predetermined positive value to the upper heart rate limit value.

[0154] When the setting of the first threshold value n1 and the second threshold value n2 is completed, the processor 61 executes step ST3.

[0155] In step ST3, the processor 61 acquires the heart rate from the wearable device 25 based on the detection result of the heart rate sensor 35, and determines whether the acquired heart rate is equal to or less than the first threshold value n1. If the heart rate is equal to or less than the first threshold value n1, the processor 61 executes step ST4. If the heart rate is greater than the first threshold value n1, the processor 61 executes step ST5.

[0156] In step ST4, the processor 61 performs the awakening control. The awakening control is a control of the vibration device 42, and is performed to awaken the driver.

[0157] In wakefulness control, processor 61 generates a digital signal for causing each vibrator 59 to output vibrations having a first amplitude A1 and a first frequency f1, and outputs the signal to digital-to-analog converter 66. Note that first amplitude A1 and first frequency f1 are each constants that are independent of the heart rate. Digital-to-analog converter 66 generates an AC voltage corresponding to the input digital signal, and inputs the AC voltage to each vibrator 59.

[0158] The processor 61 outputs digital signals to each of the vibrators 59 for a predetermined time to cause the vibrators 59 to output vibrations with a first amplitude A1 and a first frequency f1, and then ends the seat control process.

[0159] In the wakefulness control, the processor 61 may acquire the seating area from the seating sensor 57. In this case, the processor 61 may set the digital signal so that when the seating area is equal to or greater than a predetermined area threshold, the amplitude of the vibration output from each vibrator 59 is larger than when the seating area is less than the area threshold. This allows the amplitude to be set appropriately taking into account the physique of the driver.

[0160] In the wakefulness control, the processor 61 may obtain the outside temperature from the vehicle control device 4. In this case, the processor 61 may set the digital signal so that when the outside temperature is below a predetermined temperature threshold, the amplitude of the vibration output from each vibrator 59 is larger than when the outside temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature threshold. This allows the amplitude to be set so that the vibration is transmitted to the driver when it is predicted that the driver is wearing multiple layers of clothing.

[0161] Alternatively, in the awakening control, the processor 61 may acquire the outside temperature and the inside temperature from the vehicle control device 4. When the outside temperature is less than a predetermined first temperature threshold and the inside temperature is less than a predetermined second temperature threshold, the processor 61 may set the digital signal so that the amplitude of the vibration output from each vibrator 59 is larger than when the outside temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold and the inside temperature is equal to or greater than the second temperature threshold. Even in this case, the amplitude can be set so that the vibration is transmitted to the driver when it is predicted that the driver is wearing multiple layers of clothing.

[0162] 4 shows a table indicating the vibration amplitudes set by the processor 61 at this time. The processor 61 sets the digital signal so that the amplitude is B1 when the outside-vehicle temperature is less than the first temperature threshold and the inside-vehicle temperature is less than the second temperature threshold. The processor 61 sets the digital signal so that the amplitude is B2 when the outside-vehicle temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold and the inside-vehicle temperature is less than the second temperature threshold. The processor 61 also sets the digital signal so that the amplitude is B2 when the outside-vehicle temperature is less than the first temperature threshold and the inside-vehicle temperature is equal to or greater than the second temperature threshold. The processor 61 sets the digital signal so that the amplitude is B3 when the outside-vehicle temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold and the inside-vehicle temperature is equal to or greater than the second temperature threshold. Note that B1 is set to a value greater than B2, and B2 is set to a value greater than B3 (B1 > B2 > B3).

[0163] In step ST5, the processor 61 determines whether the heart rate acquired in step ST3 is greater than the second threshold value n2. As shown in Fig. 3, if the heart rate acquired in step ST3 is greater than the second threshold value n2, the processor 61 executes step ST6. If the heart rate acquired in step ST3 is equal to or less than the second threshold value n2, the processor 61 ends the seat control process.

[0164] The processor 61 performs the guidance control in step ST6. The guidance control is the control of the vibration device 42, and is performed to relieve the driver's tension and excitement.

[0165] In step ST6, the processor 61 generates a digital signal for causing each of the vibrators 59 to output vibrations having a second amplitude A2 and a second frequency f2, and outputs the signal to the digital-to-analog converter 66. The second amplitude A2 is a constant independent of the heart rate, and the second frequency f2 is directly proportional to the heart rate n (i.e., f2 = kn, where k is a proportionality constant). The digital-to-analog converter 66 generates an AC voltage corresponding to the input digital signal and inputs it to each of the vibrators 59. The second amplitude A2 is preferably smaller than the first amplitude A1. Alternatively, the proportionality constant k may be set to 1, and the second frequency f2 may be configured to be equal to the heart rate n.

[0166] The proportionality constant k is not limited to 1, and may be any positive constant, such as 0.5 or 2. For example, by setting the proportionality constant k to a value greater than 1, the second frequency f2 can be set to a value slightly greater than the heart rate in the guidance control.

[0167] The processor 61 may also obtain the second frequency f2 by substituting the heart rate n into a linear function f(x), which may be expressed as f(x) = kx + x0 (where k and x0 are both positive constants).

[0168] Alternatively, in the induction control, the processor 61 may set the second frequency f2 to be directly proportional to the heart rate n, and then generate a digital signal to gradually decrease the second frequency f2 over time, in order to relieve the driver's tension.

[0169] The processor 61 outputs digital signals to each of the vibrators 59 for a predetermined time to cause the vibrators 59 to output vibrations with the second amplitude A2 and the second frequency f2, and then ends the seat control process.

[0170] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 26 configured as above, the seat system 1, the control method for the vehicle seat 26, and the control program for the vehicle seat 26 will be described.

[0171] If the driver's level of alertness is too low, there is a risk of delays in driving operations, or of the driver's judgment and cognitive abilities being impaired. If the driver is too excited, there is a risk of delays in driving operations, or of the driver's judgment and cognitive abilities being impaired. The heart rate decreases when the driver's level of alertness is low, and increases when the driver is excited.

[0172] FIG. 5(A) shows the heart rate dependency of the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration device 42, and FIG. 5(B) shows the heart rate dependency of the frequency of the vibration generated by the vibration device 42.

[0173] When the heart rate obtained from the detection result of the heart rate sensor 35 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value n1 (Yes in ST3), awakening control is performed (ST4), and vibration is generated from the vibration device 42, as shown in Fig. 7. This can encourage the driver to wake up.

[0174] When the heart rate obtained from the detection result of the heart rate sensor 35 is greater than the second threshold value n2 (Yes in ST5), guidance control is performed (ST6). In guidance control, as shown in Fig. 7, vibrations of a frequency corresponding to the heart rate are generated from the vibration device 42. This provides a biofeedback effect in which vibrations corresponding to the heart rate are transmitted to the driver, thereby encouraging the driver to make self-regulation such as relaxing tension.

[0175] Furthermore, in the induction control, when the second frequency f2 of the vibration output gradually decreases over time, the so-called synchronization phenomenon between the vibration rhythm and the heartbeat can calm the driver and reduce the driver's excitement.

[0176] Alternatively, in the induction control, the processor 61 may set the proportionality constant k to a value smaller than 1 and control the frequency of the vibration generated by the vibration device 42 to be smaller than the driver's heart rate. This may result in the driver's heart rate being induced to approach that frequency in the induction control, thereby decreasing the driver's heart rate. In this case, as the driver's heart rate decreases, the frequency of the vibration generated by the vibration device 42 also decreases further, gradually decreasing the driver's heart rate and reducing tension and excitement in the driver.

[0177] In this way, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat 26 that can encourage the driver to become awake when the driver's level of alertness is low and encourage the driver to relax when the driver is excited, thereby guiding the driver into a state suitable for driving operations, a seat system 1 that includes the vehicle seat 26, a control method for the vehicle seat 26, and a control program for the vehicle seat 26.

[0178] Furthermore, when the elapsed time is less than the threshold value (No in ST1), the processor 61 ends the seat control process. Therefore, when the elapsed time from the start of driving is short and it is considered that the awakening control or the guidance control is unnecessary, the processor 61 can stop the awakening control or the guidance control and prohibit the activation of the vibration device 42.

[0179] In the above embodiment, the output is stopped when the output for a predetermined time is completed in the awakening control and induction control, but the processor 61 may continue to output the digital signal even after the predetermined time has elapsed so that vibrations are output at the amplitude and frequency set in the awakening control and induction control.

[0180] Furthermore, in the guidance control, the processor 61 may send a request to the vehicle control device 4 to have the speaker 17 output a sound corresponding to the driver's heart rate. The sound output from the speaker 17 may increase in volume in accordance with the rhythm of the heart rate. The sound output from the speaker 17 may be slightly faster (or slightly slower) than the rhythm of the heart rate and may increase in volume. This allows the driver to be notified of their heart rate by voice, which can calm the driver down through a biofeedback effect.

[0181] Additionally, during guidance control, the processor 61 may send a request to the vehicle control device 4 to have the display device 13 display a screen related to the driver's heart rate. In this case, the driver is notified of their heart rate via the screen display, which can calm the driver down through a biofeedback effect. FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen displaying the heart rate on the display device 13 of the instrument panel 12. In FIG. 7, the size of an icon 80 displayed on the screen may be changed at a cycle corresponding to the heart rate (specifically, at a cycle equal to the inverse of the heart rate, or at a cycle longer (or shorter) than the inverse of the heart rate).

[0182] <<Second Embodiment>> In the vehicle seat 26, seat system 1, control method for the vehicle seat 26, and control program for the vehicle seat 26 according to the second embodiment, the seat control processing executed by the processor 61 of the seat control device 43 is different from that of the first embodiment, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description of the other configurations will be omitted.

[0183] 8, the seat control process according to the second embodiment differs from the seat control process according to the first embodiment in the processes other than steps ST1 and ST2, so a description of steps ST1 and ST2 will be omitted here.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 8, when the processor 61 completes the threshold setting process in step ST2, it executes the output amplitude determination process in step ST11.

[0185] In the output amplitude determination process, the processor 61 determines the output amplitude corresponding to the heart rate acquired in step ST2 using the graph of FIG. 9A showing the relationship between the heart rate and the output amplitude.

[0186] 9A, when the acquired heart rate is sufficiently smaller than the first threshold n1, the output amplitude is set to a first amplitude A1, which is a constant. As the heart rate increases toward the first threshold n1, the set output amplitude gradually decreases, and when the heart rate exceeds the first threshold n1, the set output amplitude becomes zero. Thereafter, as the heart rate increases toward the second threshold n2, the set output amplitude gradually increases, and when the heart rate exceeds the second threshold n2, the set output amplitude is set to a second amplitude A2, which is a constant.

[0187] The curve showing the relationship between heart rate and output amplitude shown in FIG. 9(A) is composed of a combined (connected) curve of a sigmoid curve having an inflection point at the first threshold value n1 and a sigmoid curve having an inflection point at the second threshold value n2.

[0188] In the output amplitude determination process, the processor 61 may determine the output amplitude A(n) corresponding to the heart rate n acquired in step ST2 using the following equation (1).

[0189]

[0190] In equation (1), A1 and A2 are the first amplitude and the second amplitude, respectively, and ζ1(x) and ζ2(x) are both sigmoid functions, and are expressed by the following equation (2).

[0191]

[0192] Here, a １ , a ２ are each positive constants also called gains.

[0193] The processor 61 may determine the output amplitude A(n) by substituting the heart rate n obtained in step ST2 into equation (1).

[0194] When the determination of the output amplitude is completed, the processor 61 executes the output frequency determination process in step ST12 as shown in FIG.

[0195] In the output frequency determination process, the processor 61 determines the output amplitude corresponding to the heart rate acquired in step ST2 using the graph showing the relationship between heart rate and output frequency shown in FIG. 9(B).

[0196] 9(B), when the acquired heart rate is sufficiently smaller than the first threshold n1, the output frequency is set to a first frequency f1, which is a constant output value (i.e., a constant). As the heart rate increases toward the first threshold n1, the set output frequency gradually decreases, and when it exceeds the first threshold n1, the set output frequency becomes zero. Thereafter, as the heart rate increases toward the second threshold n2, the set output frequency gradually increases and gradually approaches a second frequency f2, which is a constant output value (i.e., a constant). As in the first embodiment, the second frequency f2 is proportional to the acquired heart rate n (f2 = kn, where k is a proportionality constant).

[0197] As shown in Figure 9 (B), the output frequency is set to gradually increase from zero when the acquired heart rate decreases and approaches the first threshold value n1, and to asymptotically approach the first frequency f1, which is a constant output value (i.e., a constant).

[0198] Furthermore, the curve showing the relationship between heart rate and output frequency shown in Figure 9 (B) is composed of a curve that combines (connects) a sigmoid curve that has an inflection point at the first threshold value n1 and a curve that has an inflection point at the second threshold value n2 and asymptotically approaches a straight line that passes through the origin.

[0199] In the output frequency determination process, the processor 61 may determine the output frequency f(n) corresponding to the heart rate n acquired in step ST2 using the following equation (3).

[0200]

[0201] In equation (3), f1 and f2 are the first frequency and the second frequency, respectively, and ζ1(x) and ζ2(x) are the same sigmoid functions as in equation (1).

[0202] The processor 61 may determine the output frequency f(n) by substituting the heart rate n obtained in step ST2 into equation (3).

[0203] When the determination of the output amplitude is completed, the processor 61 executes the output process of step ST13 as shown in FIG.

[0204] In the output processing, the processor 61 generates digital signals to cause each of the vibrators 59 to output vibrations with the output amplitude determined in step ST11 and the output frequency determined in step ST12, and outputs the generated signals to the digital-to-analog converter 66. The digital-to-analog converter 66 generates analog signals corresponding to the input digital signals and inputs them to the corresponding vibrators 59. As a result, each of the vibrators 59 outputs vibrations with the output amplitude determined in step ST11 and the output frequency determined in step ST12.

[0205] After the processor 61 outputs the digital signal for a predetermined period of time, it ends the seat control process.

[0206] However, similarly to the first embodiment, the processor 61 may continue to generate a digital signal even after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0207] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 26 configured as above, the seat system 1, the control method for the vehicle seat 26, and the control program for the vehicle seat 26 will be described.

[0208] 9(A) and 9(B), when the heart rate decreases and approaches the first threshold n1, the vibration device 42 generates vibrations. This can encourage the driver to wake up. When the heart rate increases and approaches the second threshold n2, the vibration device 42 generates vibrations at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate. This transmits vibrations corresponding to the heart rate to the driver, encouraging the driver to relax.

[0209] In this way, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat 26 that can encourage the driver to become awake when the driver's level of alertness is low and encourage the driver to relax when the driver is excited, thereby guiding the driver into a state suitable for driving operations, a seat system 1 that includes the vehicle seat 26, a control method for the vehicle seat 26, and a control program for the vehicle seat 26.

[0210] In the second embodiment, when the heart rate approaches the first threshold value n1 or the second threshold value n2, the amplitude and frequency change gradually, thereby improving the comfort of the vehicle seat 26.

[0211] <<Third Embodiment>> In the vehicle seat 26, seat system 1, control method for the vehicle seat 26, and control program for the vehicle seat 26 according to the third embodiment, the seat control processing executed by the processor 61 of the seat control device 43 is different from that of the first embodiment, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description of the other configurations will be omitted.

[0212] The seat control process according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method of setting the amplitudes for the awakening control and the guidance control, but other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, description of the other configurations will be omitted.

[0213] In the wakefulness control (step ST4), the processor 61 sets the frequency to a first frequency f1, which is a constant, in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0214] In wakefulness control, processor 61 sets the output amplitude based on the graph showing the relationship between heart rate and output amplitude shown in Fig. 10(A). In Fig. 10(A), the output amplitude gradually increases and is set to a constant value as the heart rate decreases below first threshold n1. The output amplitude set in wakefulness control may be represented by a sigmoid function (sigmoid curve) with heart rate as a variable.

[0215] In the guidance control (step ST6), the processor 61 sets the frequency to a second frequency f2 proportional to the heart rate, as in the first embodiment.

[0216] In the induction control, the processor 61 sets the output amplitude based on the graph showing the relationship between the heart rate and the output amplitude shown in Fig. 10(A). In Fig. 10(A), as the heart rate decreases below the second threshold n2, the output amplitude gradually increases and is set to a constant value. The output amplitude set in the induction control may be represented by a sigmoid function (sigmoid curve) with the heart rate as a variable.

[0217] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 26 configured as above, the seat system 1, the control method for the vehicle seat 26, and the control program for the vehicle seat 26 will be described.

[0218] 10(A) and 10(B), when the heart rate decreases and becomes smaller than the first threshold value n1, the vibration device 42 generates vibrations. This can encourage the driver to wake up. When the heart rate increases and becomes larger than the second threshold value n2, the vibration device 42 generates vibrations at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate. This transmits vibrations corresponding to the heart rate to the driver, encouraging the driver to relax.

[0219] In this way, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat 26 that can encourage the driver to become awake when the driver's level of alertness is low and encourage the driver to relax when the driver is excited, thereby guiding the driver into a state suitable for driving operations, a seat system 1 that includes the vehicle seat 26, a control method for the vehicle seat 26, and a control program for the vehicle seat 26.

[0220] In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the amplitude is set to gradually approach a constant value from zero when the heart rate decreases and becomes smaller than the first threshold value n1. Also, the amplitude is set to gradually approach a constant value from zero when the heart rate increases and exceeds the second threshold value n2. This gradual change in amplitude improves the comfort of the vehicle seat 26.

[0221] In the first to third embodiments, the seat control device 43 and the vehicle control device 4 are configured as separate devices, but they may be configured as a single control device. Also, the seat control device 43 may be configured as a plurality of devices (computers).

[0222] In the first to third embodiments, the digital signal generated by the processor 61 is converted into an analog signal by the digital-to-analog converter 66 and output directly to the vibrator 59. However, various amplifiers, modulators, and the like may be provided between the digital-to-analog converter 66 and the vibrator 59. The processor 61 may be configured to control the amplifiers, modulators, and the like to cause the vibrator 59 to output vibrations at a set amplitude and frequency.

[0223] In the first to third embodiments, the processor 61 makes the determination in step ST1 based on the elapsed time, which is the time during which the vehicle has been manually driven. However, the determination may be made based on the distance traveled by manual driving instead of the elapsed time. The processor 61 may be configured to execute step ST2 when the distance traveled by manual driving is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance threshold. This makes it possible to prohibit the activation of the vibration device 42 when the distance traveled by manual driving is less than the distance threshold.

[0224] In the above first to third embodiments, examples have been described in which the seat control device 43 controls the independent variable vibrator 59C in both awakening control and induction control, but the seat control device 43 may also be configured to control the amplitude of the interlocking fixed vibrator 59D when performing awakening control, and to control the independent variable vibrator 59C to output vibrations with a frequency corresponding to the heart rate when performing induction control.

[0225] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, in the wakefulness control, the amplitude of the vibration output from the vibration device 42 was configured to be constant regardless of the heart rate, but the amplitude may also be set to increase (or decrease) as the heart rate decreases.

[0226] In the above embodiment, an example in which the heart rate sensor 35 is provided in the wearable terminal 25 (smart watch) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The heart rate sensor 35 may be provided in the seat body 41 (preferably, at least one of the seat back 47, the seat cushion 46, and the armrest). In this case, the heart rate sensor 35 may be connected to the seat control device 43 by a harness or the like, and the seat control device 43 may be configured to obtain the heart rate based on the detection result of the heart rate sensor 35.

[0227] In the first embodiment, the processor 61 is configured to execute the awakening control in step ST4 and the guidance control in step ST6. However, the processor 61 may be configured to terminate the seat control process without executing the awakening control in step ST4. As a result, when the heart rate is higher than the second threshold (upper threshold), the processor 61 executes the guidance control to vibrate the vibration device 42 at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate. This can help an excited driver relax and guide the driver into a state suitable for driving.

[0228] In the second embodiment described above, the processor 61 determines the output amplitude using the graph shown in FIG. 9(A) in the output amplitude determination process, and determines the output frequency using the graph shown in FIG. 9(B) in the output frequency determination process. However, the processor 61 may determine the output amplitude using the graph shown in FIG. 11(A) in the output amplitude determination process, and may determine the output frequency using the graph shown in FIG. 11(B) in the output frequency determination process.

[0229] As a result, as shown in Figure 11 (A), when the heart rate increases and approaches the second threshold value (upper threshold value), the output amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration device 42 gradually increases and is set to gradually approach a constant value.

[0230] 11(B), when the heart rate increases and approaches the second threshold (upper threshold), the frequency of the vibration generated by the vibration device 42 is set to asymptotically approach a function proportional to the heart rate. This can encourage an excited driver to relax, thereby guiding the driver into a state suitable for driving operations.

[0231] In this case, the processor 61 may set the output amplitude A(n) corresponding to the heart rate n using the following equation (4) in the output amplitude determination process.

[0232]

[0233] As in the second embodiment, in equation (4), A2 is a constant, and ζ2(x) is the sigmoid function expressed in equation (2). The graph in Figure 11(A) corresponds to equation (4) shown as a function of heart rate n.

[0234] In addition, in the output amplitude determination process, the processor 61 may set the output frequency f(n) corresponding to the heart rate n using the following equation (5).

[0235]

[0236] In equation (5), n is the heart rate, k is a proportionality constant, n2 is the second threshold (upper threshold), and ζ2(x) is the sigmoid function expressed by equation (2). The graph in Figure 11(B) corresponds to equation (5) shown as a function of heart rate n.

[0237] In the above first to third embodiments, an example was described in which the seat system 1 was applied to a four-wheeled automobile, but the seat system 1 is applicable to various vehicles including buses, trucks, etc. that are equipped with a vehicle seat 26 and operated by a driver.

[0238] <<Fourth Embodiment>> The following describes the configuration of a radiant heater 101 that can appropriately heat an object to be heated with radiant heat. The radiant heater 101 is a radiant heater provided in an interior material of a vehicle. In the following description and drawings, directions are indicated by mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions to explain the positional relationship of the configuration of the radiant heater 101. The width direction of the radiant heater 101 is defined as the X direction, the depth direction of the radiant heater 101 is defined as the Y direction, and the height direction of the radiant heater 101 is defined as the Z direction. Furthermore, in the following description and drawings, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction refer to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction as seen by a person seated in a seat 130 (see FIG. 15 ) of a vehicle 110 (see FIG. 15 ).

[0239] A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 18. Figure 12 is a perspective view of a radiant heater 101 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the radiant heater 101 has a housing 102, a heat dissipation section 103 that is provided within the housing 102 and that radiates radiant heat, a plurality of reflecting plates 104 that change the radiation direction of the radiant heat radiated from the heat dissipation section 103, a driving device 105 (see Figure 14) that rotates the plurality of reflecting plates 104, and a control device 106 that controls the driving device 105.

[0240] The housing 102 is provided on the passenger compartment side of a door trim 111 (interior material) of a vehicle 110 (see FIG. 15 ). The housing 102 has a heat dissipation opening 112 through which radiant heat is emitted. The housing 102 is provided with a plurality of proximity sensors 115 around the heat dissipation opening 112. The proximity sensors 115 can detect the distance between the proximity sensors 115 and an object approaching the proximity sensors 115. The type of the proximity sensors 115 is not particularly limited. An ultrasonic proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, or a capacitance proximity sensor may be used as the proximity sensors 115.

[0241] Heat dissipation section 103 radiates radiant heat when current is applied. As shown in Fig. 12, heat dissipation section 103 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of heat dissipation section 103. As shown in Fig. 13, heat dissipation section 103 has heat generation section 116 that generates heat when current is applied, radiation section 117 that radiates radiant heat using heat supplied from heat generation section 116, and a pair of conductive terminals 118 connected to heat generation section 116.

[0242] The heat generating portion 116 is made of a material that generates heat when electricity is passed through it, such as copper, silver, tin, stainless steel, nickel, or nichrome. The heat generating portion 116 is formed in a plate shape. The heat generating portion 116 may also be formed in a linear shape. The heat generating portion 116 is embedded inside the radiation portion 117.

[0243] The radiation portion 117 is formed in a plate shape. The material of the radiation portion 117 is polyimide resin. It is preferable to use a resin that radiates radiant heat in response to heat, has lower thermal conductivity than the heat-generating portion 116, and is electrically insulating and heat-resistant. The radiation portion 117 radiates radiant heat in response to heat transmitted from the heat-generating portion 116.

[0244] The pair of conductive terminals 118 are connected to a power source (not shown) and supply power to the heat generating portion 116. When electricity flows from the pair of conductive terminals 118 to the heat generating portion 116, the heat generating portion 116 generates heat. The heat generated by the heat generating portion 116 causes the radiation portion 117 to radiate radiant heat toward the heat dissipation opening 112.

[0245] As shown in FIG. 12 , the multiple reflectors 104 are arranged at intervals in the X direction within the heat dissipation opening 112 of the housing 102. The reflectors 104 reflect radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation section 103 and change the radiation direction of the radiant heat. The reflectors 104 are made of a material such as metal or resin. Each of the multiple reflectors 104 is formed in a plate shape extending in the Z direction. Note that the radiant heater 101 has the multiple reflectors 104 arranged inside the housing 102. This makes it possible to prevent liquid such as water from entering the housing 102 when it is poured onto the radiant heater 101.

[0246] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the radiant heater 101. Each of the multiple reflectors 104 has a protrusion 121 and a protrusion 122 at both ends in the Z direction that protrude outward in the Z direction. The housing 102 has holes (not shown) into which the protrusions 121 of the reflectors 104 are fitted. The protrusions 121 of each of the multiple reflectors 104 are rotatably coupled to the holes in the housing 102. The reflectors 104 can rotate around the rotation axis R of the protrusions 121. The protrusions 121 and the rotation axis R are located at the center of the reflector 104 (the center in the X direction and the center in the Y direction). The rotation axis R is parallel to the Z direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the multiple reflectors 104 are arranged to be rotatable around the rotation axes R that are parallel to each other.

[0247] As will be described below, the protrusion 122 is moved in the X direction by the driving device 105. This causes the reflecting plate 104 to rotate about the rotation axis R. The protrusion 122 and the driving device 105 are provided on both one end side in the Z direction (e.g., the lower side) and the other end side in the Z direction (e.g., the upper side). Alternatively, the protrusion 122 and the driving device 105 may be provided only on one end side in the Z direction (e.g., the lower side).

[0248] As shown in FIG. 14 , the driving device 105 includes a cord 125 connected to each of the plurality of reflectors 104, an electric motor assembly 126 (electric motor) that moves the cord 125 in the X direction, and a heat shield 127 provided between the cord 125 and the heat dissipation section 103.

[0249] The cord 125 extends in the X direction. The cord 125 has holes (not shown) into which the protrusions 122 of the reflectors 104 are fitted. The protrusions 122 of each of the reflectors 104 are rotatably coupled to the holes in the cord 125. The electric motor assembly 126 incorporates an electric motor and gears. The electric motor assembly 126 is connected to the cord 125 and moves the cord 125 in the X direction. The electric motor assembly 126 is located between the cord 125 and the housing 102 and is fixed to the housing 102. The cord 125 is supported by the electric motor assembly 126 and the protrusions 122 of the reflectors 104.

[0250] The heat shield 127 is provided between the cord 125 and the heat dissipation unit 103. The heat shield 127 blocks radiant heat emitted toward the cord 125 and the electric motor assembly 126. This prevents the cord 125 and the electric motor assembly 126 from being overheated and damaged by the radiant heat.

[0251] When the electric motor assembly 126 moves the cord 125 in the X direction, the protrusions 122 of each of the plurality of reflecting plates 104 connected to the cord 125 move in the X direction, causing each of the plurality of reflecting plates 104 to rotate about the rotation axis R, changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0252] As shown in FIG. 12 , the control device 106 is connected to the drive device 105, the plurality of proximity sensors 115 provided on the housing 102, the seat 130, and the collision prediction unit 131. As described below, the control device 106 controls the drive device 105 to rotate each of the plurality of reflectors 104 in response to signals output from the proximity sensors 115, the seat 130, and the collision prediction unit 131. Note that when the power supply to the radiant heater 101 is turned off, the control device 106 may cause the drive device 105 to rotate the plurality of reflectors 104 so that the plurality of reflectors 104 close the heat radiation openings 112 of the housing 102. The control device 106 may also change the output of radiant heat from the heat radiation unit 103 in response to the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. The orientation of the plurality of reflectors 104 may also be changed manually.

[0253] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the control of the control device 106 when an object approaches the heat radiation opening 112 of the radiant heater 101. As shown in FIG. 15 , the housing 102 of the radiant heater 101 is provided on the passenger compartment side of the door trim 111 (interior material) of a vehicle 110. The control device 106 can calculate the position of an object (a hand in the example of FIG. 15 ) approaching the radiant heater 101 based on signals output from multiple proximity sensors 115 provided on the housing 102. When an object approaches the radiant heater 101, the control device 106 causes the drive device 105 to rotate the multiple reflectors 104 so that the multiple reflectors 104 close the heat radiation opening 112 of the housing 102. This makes it possible to prevent the object approaching the radiant heater 101 from being excessively heated. When an object approaches the radiant heater 101, the control device 106 may rotate the reflector 104 so that the radiation direction is directed in the opposite direction to the direction in which the object is approaching. For example, when a hand approaches the radiant heater 101 from the right, the control device 106 may direct the radiation direction to the left.

[0254] 16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the control of the control device 106 according to the angle of the seat back 133. As shown in Fig. 16, the radiant heater 101 is provided on the passenger compartment side of the door trim 111 of the vehicle 110. The radiant heater 101 can radiate radiant heat toward the seat 130.

[0255] The seat 130 is disposed on a slide rail (not shown) provided on the floor of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 110. The seat 130 can be moved forward and backward on the slide rail. As shown in FIG. 12 , the seat 130 includes a seat cushion 132 that supports the buttocks of the seated occupant from below, a seat back 133 that is supported at the rear of the seat cushion 132 and supports the back of the seated occupant, and a headrest 134 that is connected to the upper part of the seat back 133 and supports the head of the seated occupant. The seat 130 also includes a reclining device (not shown) that changes the seat back angle, which is the angle of the seat back 133 with respect to the plane, an angle detection device (not shown) that detects the seat back angle, and a slide position detection device (not shown) that detects the slide position, which is the forward or backward position of the seat 130 relative to the slide rail.

[0256] The control device 106 is connected to the angle detection device and the slide position detection device, and changes the radiation direction of the radiant heat according to the seat back angle and slide position. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, when the control device 106 detects that the seat back 133 has been raised based on a signal output from the angle detection device, the control device 106 controls the drive device 105 to rotate the multiple reflectors 104, thereby changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat to a direction in which the radiant heat is radiated to the seat back 133 in the raised position. This allows the occupant D in the seat 130 to be appropriately warmed by the radiant heat from the radiant heater 101 when the seat back 133 is raised.

[0257] 17 , when the control device 106 detects that the seat back 133 has tilted backward based on a signal output from the angle detection device, the control device 106 causes the drive device 105 to rotate the multiple reflectors 104 to change the radiation direction of the radiant heat to a direction in which the radiant heat is radiated toward the seat back 133 that is tilted backward. This makes it possible to appropriately warm the occupant D in the seat 130 with the radiant heat of the radiant heater 101 when the seat back 133 is tilted backward. As described above, the control device 106 controls the drive device 105 based on the seat back angle of the seat 130 (at least one of the seat position and angle) to change the radiation direction to a direction in which the radiant heat is radiated toward the occupant D. This makes it possible to appropriately warm the occupant D in the seat 130 with the radiant heat of the radiant heater 101, regardless of the seat back angle of the seat 130 (at least one of the position and angle).

[0258] The control device 106 may detect the sliding position of the seat 130 (the front or rear position of the seat 130) based on the signal output from the sliding position detection device, and change the radiation direction of the radiant heat to a direction in which the radiant heat is radiated to the seat back 133 or the seat cushion 132. This allows the occupant of the seat 130 to be appropriately warmed by the radiant heat of the radiant heater 101, regardless of the sliding position (position) of the seat 130.

[0259] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the control of the control device 106 when the collision prediction unit 131 predicts a collision of the vehicle 110. In order to calculate the position of an object around the vehicle 110, the vehicle 110 has a camera that captures images of the area around the vehicle 110, and a radar or lidar that detects the position of objects around the vehicle 110 using radio waves. The collision prediction unit 131 uses the camera, radar, or lidar to predict a collision between the vehicle 110 and an object approaching the vehicle 110. When the collision prediction unit 131 predicts a collision of the vehicle 110, it outputs a collision prediction signal to the control device 106. As shown in FIG. 18 , when the control device 106 receives the collision prediction signal output from the collision prediction unit 131, the control device 106 causes the drive device 105 to rotate the multiple reflectors 104 so that the multiple reflectors 104 close the heat dissipation openings 112 of the housing 102. Therefore, when the collision prediction unit 131 predicts a collision of the vehicle 110, the control device 106 controls the drive unit 105 to close the heat radiation opening 112. This makes it possible to prevent the heat radiation unit 103 of the radiant heater 101 from being damaged when there is a risk of the vehicle 110 colliding.

[0260] As described above, the radiant heater 101 can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat. Furthermore, the radiant heater 101 can change the radiation direction of the radiant heat emitted from the radiant heater 101 in accordance with the movement of the object to be heated. This allows the object to be appropriately heated by radiant heat even if the object to be heated moves.

[0261] The plurality of reflecting plates 104 are rotated by a driving device 105. This makes it possible to easily change the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0262] The driving device 105 also has a cord 125 connected to the plurality of reflecting plates 104, and an electric motor assembly 126 (electric motor) that moves the cord 125. This allows the plurality of reflecting plates 104 to be reliably rotated, thereby reliably changing the radiation direction of the radiant heat.

[0263] <<Fifth Embodiment>> Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heater 101 according to a fifth embodiment. In the radiant heater 101 of the fifth embodiment, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the fourth embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. The same applies to the subsequent embodiments unless otherwise specified. The radiant heater 101 of this embodiment differs from the radiant heater 101 of the fourth embodiment in that the protrusions 121 and the rotation axis R of the reflector 104 are located closer to the end (lower in the example shown in Figure 19) than the center of the reflector 104 (the center in the X direction and the center in the Y direction).

[0264] The electric motor assembly 126 is located between the cord 125 and the heat dissipation unit 103 in the Y direction and is fixed to the housing 102. The electric motor assembly 126 is connected to the cord 125, and the cord 125 can be moved in the X direction. This causes the multiple reflectors 104 to rotate and change the radiation direction. In addition, a heat shield 127 is provided between the electric motor assembly 126 and the heat dissipation unit 103. The heat shield 127 blocks radiant heat radiated toward the cord 125 and the electric motor assembly 126.

[0265] <<Sixth Embodiment>> Figure 20 is a perspective view of multiple reflectors 104 and a driving device 105 of a radiant heater 101 according to a sixth embodiment. The reflectors 104 and their rotation axes R in this embodiment extend in the X direction (the width direction of the radiant heater 101). The multiple reflectors 104 are parallel to each other and arranged with a gap between them in the vertical direction. The driving device 105 has two first cords 141A, 141B, two second cords 142A, 142B, two third cords 143A, 143B, a first roller 146, a second roller 147, a first electric motor assembly 148, and a second electric motor assembly 149. The first cords 141A, 141B, the second cords 142A, 142B, and the third cords 143A, 143B extend in the vertical direction.

[0266] Each of the plurality of reflecting plates 104 has a pair of first end portions 151A, 151B and a pair of second end portions 152A, 152B in the Y direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R. Furthermore, the pair of first end portions 151A, 151B and the pair of second end portions 152A, 152B are located at the ends of each of the plurality of reflecting plates 104 in the X direction.

[0267] Of the plurality of reflectors 104, the reflector 104 arranged at the lowest end is referred to as a first reflector 104A, and the plurality of reflectors 104 other than the first reflector 104A are referred to as second reflectors 104B. Each of the plurality of second reflectors 104B has a through-hole 153 formed at each of both ends in the X direction.

[0268] In each of the plurality of reflectors 104 (first reflector 104A and second reflector 104B), a first end 151A is connected to a first cord 141A, and a second end 152A is connected to a second cord 142A. The upper ends of the first cord 141A and the second cord 142A are connected to each other and wound around a first roller 146.

[0269] In each of the plurality of reflectors 104, the first end 151B is connected to the first cord 141B, and the second end 152B is connected to the second cord 142B. The upper ends of the first cord 141B and the second cord 142B are connected to each other and wound around a first roller 146.

[0270] The first electric motor assembly 148 (electric motor) is connected to the first roller 146 and rotates the first roller 146 about a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X direction. When the first roller 146 rotates, the first cords 141A, 141B and the second cords 142A, 142B move up and down, causing each of the multiple reflectors 104 to rotate. This makes it possible to change the radiation direction of the radiant heat from the radiant heater 101.

[0271] Each of the third cords 143A, 143B passes through a corresponding through-hole 153 in each of the plurality of second reflectors 104B and is connected to the first reflector 104A. The upper ends of the third cords 143A, 143B are wound around a second roller 147. A second electric motor assembly 149 (electric motor) is connected to the second roller 147 and can rotate the second roller 147 to wind and unwind the third cords 143A, 143B onto and from the second roller 147.

[0272] When the second electric motor assembly 149 winds the third cords 143A and 143B onto the second roller 147, the first reflector 104A moves toward (above) the second reflector 104B. In this manner, the second electric motor assembly 149 can move the first reflector 104A toward (above) the second reflector 104B, thereby stacking the first reflector 104A and the plurality of second reflectors 104B. This allows all of the reflectors 104 (the first reflector 104A and the plurality of second reflectors 104B) to be arranged in a smaller space, thereby reducing the amount of radiant heat radiated from the heat dissipation portion 103 that is blocked by the reflectors 104. As a result, the radiant heat emitted from the heat dissipation opening 112 can more effectively heat the object to be heated.

[0273] <<Seventh Embodiment>> Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of radiant heater 101 according to a seventh embodiment. As shown in Figure 21, radiant heater 101 according to this embodiment is provided inside center console 157 (interior material) in which drink holders 156A and 156B are provided. The configuration of radiant heater 101 according to this embodiment is similar to that of radiant heater 101 according to the fourth embodiment. Radiant heater 101 according to this embodiment can switch between heating and non-heating drink holders 156A and 156B by opening and closing heat radiation opening 112 using reflector 104. As shown in Figure 21, when heat radiation opening 112 is open, drink holders 156A and 156B and drinks held in drink holders 156A and 156B can be warmed.

[0274] Furthermore, radiant heater 101 can direct the radiation direction of radiant heat toward drink holder 156A or drink holder 156B. When the radiation direction of radiant heat is directed toward drink holder 156A, the beverage held in drink holder 156A can be heated to a higher temperature than the beverage held in drink holder 156B. On the other hand, when the radiation direction of radiant heat is directed toward drink holder 156B, the beverage held in drink holder 156B can be heated to a higher temperature than the beverage held in drink holder 156A. Note that radiant heater 101 of this embodiment has multiple reflectors 104 arranged inside housing 102. This makes it possible to prevent liquid such as water from entering the interior of housing 102 when it is poured onto radiant heater 101.

[0275] Eighth Embodiment Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant heater 101 according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in Fig. 22, the radiant heater 101 according to the present embodiment is provided inside a center console 157 in which drink holders 156A and 156B are provided, similar to the radiant heater 101 according to the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, a reflector 158 is disposed parallel to the heat dissipation opening 112 within the housing 102 and moves in the X direction (the width direction of the radiant heater 101). An electric motor assembly 159 (electric motor) is connected to the reflector 158 and moves the reflector 158 in the X direction. This causes the heat dissipation opening 112 to be opened and closed by the reflector 158. When the heat dissipation opening 112 is closed by the reflector 158, the radiation direction of radiant heat is toward the interior of the radiant heater 101. The radiation direction is changed by opening and closing the heat dissipation opening 112. A roller for winding up the reflector 158 may be provided at the end of the heat dissipation opening 112, and the heat dissipation opening 112 may be opened and closed by winding up and unwinding the reflector 158 onto the roller.

[0276] <<Ninth Embodiment>> A radiant heater 101 according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. The radiant heater 101 according to this embodiment is provided in a seat 130. Figures 23 and 24 are cross-sectional views of the radiant heater 101 according to the ninth embodiment and the seat 130 incorporating the radiant heater 101. As shown in Figure 23, the radiant heater 101 according to this embodiment is coupled to a back plate 161 provided on the back of a seat back 133. The back plate 161 is a type of interior material.

[0277] 24, the seat back 133 has a back plate 161 that covers the back of the seat back 133, a seat back frame 162 that forms the skeleton, a pad 163 supported by the seat back frame 162, a skin material 164 that covers the surface of the pad 163, and a duct 165. The radiant heater 101 is provided to the left (side) of the duct 165. This allows the duct 165 and the radiant heater 101 to be arranged in a small space.

[0278] In the radiant heater 101 of this embodiment, the housing 102 has a first surface 171 facing the back plate 161 (interior material) and a second surface 172 (different from the first surface 171) on the opposite side of the first surface 171. The housing 102 has, as heat radiation openings 112, a first heat radiation opening 173 provided in the first surface 171 and a second heat radiation opening 174 provided in the second surface 172.

[0279] The first heat dissipation opening 173 is provided with a plurality of (at least one) reflecting plates 104 and a driving device 105 (not shown). The driving device 105 can rotate the plurality of reflecting plates 104 provided in the first heat dissipation opening 173 to change the radiation direction of radiant heat emitted from the first heat dissipation opening 173 and open and close the first heat dissipation opening 173. Similarly, the second heat dissipation opening 174 is provided with a plurality of (at least one) reflecting plates 104 and a driving device 105 (not shown). The driving device 105 can rotate the plurality of reflecting plates 104 provided in the second heat dissipation opening 174 to change the radiation direction of radiant heat radiated from the second heat dissipation opening 174 and open and close the second heat dissipation opening 174.

[0280] An opening 175 is provided in the back plate 161 at a position opposite the first heat dissipation opening 173. Radiant heat radiated from the first heat dissipation opening 173 passes through the opening 175 and can warm the pad 163. This warms the occupant of the seat 130. In addition, a seat (not shown) is located behind the second heat dissipation opening 174, and the radiant heat radiated from the second heat dissipation opening 174 can warm the occupant of the seat behind the second heat dissipation opening 174. As shown in FIG. 24 , the radiant heater 101 can open the first heat dissipation opening 173 on the front side and close the second heat dissipation opening 174 on the rear side to warm the occupant of the seat 130 but not the occupant of the seat behind. Conversely, the radiant heater 101 closes the first heat radiation opening 173 on the front side and opens the second heat radiation opening 174 on the rear side so as not to heat the occupant in the seat 130, but can heat the occupant in the rear seat.

[0281] In this way, the radiant heater 101 has a first heat dissipation opening 173 with a plurality of reflectors 104 and a second heat dissipation opening 174 with a plurality of reflectors 104, so that the radiation direction of the radiant heat can be changed and the object to be heated can be appropriately heated with the radiant heat.

[0282] Although the specific embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified and implemented.

[0283] 1: Seat system 19: In-vehicle temperature sensor (an example of an interior temperature sensor) 20: Outside-vehicle temperature sensor (an example of an exterior temperature sensor) 26: Vehicle seat 35: Heart rate sensor 41: Seat body 42: Vibration device 43: Seat control device (an example of a control device) 57: Seating sensor n1: First threshold value n2: Second threshold value

Claims

1. A vehicle seat comprising: a seat body on which a driver sits; a vibration device provided on the seat body; and a control device that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the operation of the vibration device, wherein when the heart rate is higher than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the control device, in the induction control, sets the frequency of the vibration output by the vibration device so as to be directly proportional to the heart rate.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the control device reduces the frequency of the vibration output by the vibration device over time during the induction control.

4. A vehicle seat as described in claim 1, wherein when the heart rate is equal to or lower than a lower threshold value that is lower than the upper threshold value, the control device executes awakening control to vibrate the vibration device to awaken the driver.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the control device sets the frequency of the vibration output by the vibration device to a constant value during the wakefulness control.

6. A vehicle seat as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device acquires the elapsed time since the driver began operating the vehicle, and when the elapsed time is less than a predetermined time threshold, prohibits activation of the vibration device.

7. A vehicle seat as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device acquires information regarding whether or not the driver is smoking, and when it determines that the driver is smoking, it sets the upper threshold higher than when the driver is not smoking.

8. A vehicle seat as described in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the seat body is provided with a seating sensor that acquires information relating to the seating area of ​​the driver, and the control device, in the wakefulness control, sets the amplitude of vibration output by the vibration device to be larger when the seating area acquired by the seating sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined area threshold, compared to when the seating area is less than the area threshold.

9. A vehicle seat as described in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the control device is connected to an outdoor temperature sensor that acquires the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature outside the passenger compartment, and when the outdoor temperature is below a predetermined temperature threshold, the control device sets the amplitude of the vibration output by the vibration device to be larger in the wakefulness control compared to when the outdoor temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold.

10. A vehicle seat as described in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the control device is connected to an outdoor temperature sensor that acquires an outdoor temperature, which is the temperature outside the passenger compartment, and an indoor temperature sensor that acquires an indoor temperature, which is the temperature inside the passenger compartment, and when the outdoor temperature is below a predetermined first temperature threshold and the indoor temperature is below a predetermined second temperature threshold, the control device sets the amplitude of the vibration output by the vibration device to be larger in the wakefulness control compared to when the outdoor temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold and the indoor temperature is equal to or higher than the second temperature threshold.

11. A vehicle seat comprising: a seat body on which a driver sits; a vibration device provided on the seat body; and a control device that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the drive of the vibration device, wherein the control device sets the frequency of vibrations generated by the vibration device to asymptotically approach a function proportional to the heart rate when the heart rate increases and approaches an upper threshold value.

12. The vehicle seat according to claim 11, wherein the control device sets the frequency of vibration generated by the vibration device to gradually approach a constant output value when the heart rate decreases and approaches a lower threshold value that is smaller than the upper threshold value.

13. A seat system comprising: a vehicle seat having a seat body on which a driver sits and a vibration device provided on the seat body; a heart rate sensor that acquires the driver's heart rate; and a control device that controls the driving of the vibration device, wherein when the heart rate is higher than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device performs induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

14. A control method for a vehicle seat comprising a seat body on which a driver sits, a vibration device provided on the seat body, and a control device that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the drive of the vibration device, wherein when the heart rate is higher than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

15. A control program for a vehicle seat comprising a seat body on which a driver sits, a vibration device provided on the seat body, and a control device that acquires the driver's heart rate and controls the operation of the vibration device, wherein when the heart rate is higher than a predetermined upper threshold, the control device executes induction control to vibrate the vibration device at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate.

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