JP2011042293A - Seat state-changing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a seat state-changing device easy in operation of a switch for moving the seat to adjust a space of a trunk room regardless of a degree of adjustment and having high convenience for a user. <P>SOLUTION: The seat state-changing device includes an actuator 4 for changing attitude of a seat back in which change of the attitude is possible between the folded storage state and the sitting state standing to an angle that an occupant can sit; a switch circuit 2 producing an operation instruction signal S for changing the attitude of the seat back between the stored state and the sitting state based on the operation state of the operation switch 3 operated by the user; and a control part 1 for starting drive control of the actuator 4 based on the operation instruction signal S and interrupting the drive control of the actuator 4 at the reference attitude even if the operation instruction signal S is in the effective state, when passing the reference attitude, i.e., the angle allowing the occupant to sit and the space of the trunk room becoming maximum on the midway of changing the attitude of the seat back. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a seat state changing device capable of electrically switching between a seating state in which a user can sit and a storage state in which a space in a vehicle can be expanded.

  Some vehicle seats are electrically switchable between a seated state in which a user can sit and a retracted state in which a space in the vehicle can be expanded using an actuator such as a motor. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-62509 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example of such an electric seat device. The seat device is switched between a seated state and a retracted state by a user operating an operation switch. While the user continues to operate the operation switch, each part of the seat is electrically driven. When the user interrupts the operation of the operation switch, the driving of the actuator that moves each part of the sheet is stopped, and each part of the sheet stops at that position. That is, a momentary operation switch is provided that returns to the initial state when the button is released after the switch operation.

JP 2007-62509 A (paragraphs 16-18, FIGS. 1-5, etc.)

  In the transition from the sitting state to the retracted state, the seat back (backrest portion) is often folded toward the seat cushion (seat portion). In the seated state, the seat back in which the user can comfortably sit is a posture in which the seat is tilted slightly backward rather than perpendicular to the seat cushion. When the vehicle is a wagon or a one-box type and the cargo space is immediately behind the rearmost seat, the space of the cargo space is slightly narrowed by the seat back tilted backward. Although the comfort of the user is somewhat impaired, if the seatback that is tilted backward is raised, the space of the luggage compartment can be expanded while the user can sit on the rearmost seat. As exemplified in Patent Document 1, an operation switch for storing a seat is often provided with a momentary operation switch in order to suppress an inadvertent operation. Therefore, if the hand is released from the operation switch when the seat back is in an appropriate posture, the posture of the seat back can be adjusted at a desired angle.

  However, the operation switch operated in a scene where it is desired to enlarge the space of the cargo compartment is often provided in the vicinity of the back door 700 as indicated by reference numeral 104 in FIG. Even when operation switches are provided at a plurality of locations, operation switches in the vicinity of the back door are often used when loading a load. In this position, the user sees the seat back from behind. That is, since the seat back is not viewed from the side as in FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1, it is difficult for the user to grasp the angle of the seat back.

  In view of the above, it is desired to provide a seat state changing device that is easy for the user to operate the operation switch for moving the seat in order to adjust the space of the luggage compartment, regardless of the degree of adjustment, and has high convenience for the user.

The characteristic configuration of the sheet state changing device according to the present invention is as follows:
The surface opposite the support surface that can support the occupant facing the occupant's back faces the luggage compartment, and the posture is between a folded storage state and a seated state that stands up at an angle at which the occupant can sit An actuator that changes the posture of the seat back that can be changed,
A switch circuit that generates an operation instruction signal for changing a posture of the seat back between the retracted state and the seated state based on an operation state of an operation switch operated by a user;
Based on the actuation instruction signal, drive control of the actuator is started, and on the way the seat back posture is changed, the reference is an angle at which the occupant can be seated and the space of the luggage compartment is maximized A control unit that interrupts drive control of the actuator in the reference posture even when the operation instruction signal is valid when passing through the posture.

  According to this characteristic configuration, when the seat back passes through the reference posture while changing the posture, the drive control of the actuator is interrupted even if the operation instruction signal is valid. Accordingly, the seat back is temporarily stopped in the reference posture. Since the standard posture is an angle at which the occupant can be seated and the space of the cargo compartment is maximized, the capacity of the cargo compartment can be increased while the passenger capacity is maintained. In addition, for example, even if the user continues to operate the operation switch, the change of the seat back posture is temporarily stopped in the reference posture. Is easy. That is, according to this feature configuration, the operation of the operation switch for moving the seat to adjust the space of the cargo compartment is easy regardless of the degree of adjustment, and a seat state changing device having high convenience for the user is realized. Is done. The reference posture is a posture that is located at the boundary between the retracted state and the seated state, and is a posture that realizes both the seating of the occupant and the enlargement of the luggage compartment. Accordingly, the reference posture may be included in both the retracted state and the seated state.

Here, the retracted state includes a retractable range from the reference posture to the fully retracted state in which the seat back is folded,
The seating state is at least a forward seating range from a standard seating position to the reference posture in which the seat back is tilted backward by a predetermined first movable amount from the reference posture, and a predetermined seating position from the standard seating position. A rearward seating range from the seatable last tilted position tilted backward by a second movable amount to the standard seating position;
The operation instruction signal changes the seat back posture from the seating state to the fully retracted state, and changes the seat back posture from the stored state to the standard seating position. Including a return instruction signal,
When the seat back is in the seating state not including the reference posture, the control unit of the seat state changing device according to the present invention is configured such that the actuator in the reference posture is effective even if the storage instruction signal is valid. And when the seat back is in the retracted state including the reference posture, the actuator is driven and controlled until the seat back reaches the fully retracted state based on the retract instruction signal. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, when the posture of the seat back does not reach the reference posture from the seating state and the posture is changed from the seating state to the retracted state, the change of the seat back posture is interrupted in the reference posture. . On the other hand, when the posture of the seat back reaches the reference posture and the posture is changed to the direction of the fully retracted state, the actuator is driven and controlled without interruption if the retracting instruction signal is valid, The seat back posture is changed. As described above, according to this configuration, when the posture is changed to the retracted state, the drive control of the actuator is interrupted only when passing through the reference posture. Therefore, operation of the operation switch for moving the seat to adjust the space of the cargo compartment is easy regardless of the degree of adjustment, and interruptions that cause more trouble than necessary are suppressed, which is highly convenient for the user. It will have.

Further, the retracted state includes a retractable range from the reference posture to the fully retracted state in which the seat back is folded,
The seating state is at least a forward seating range from a standard seating position to the reference posture in which the seat back is tilted backward by a predetermined first movable amount from the reference posture, and a predetermined seating position from the standard seating position. A rearward seating range from the seatable last tilted position tilted backward by a second movable amount to the standard seating position;
The operation instruction signal changes the seat back posture from the seating state to the fully retracted state, and changes the seat back posture from the stored state to the standard seating position. Including a return instruction signal,
When the seat back is in the retractable range that does not include the reference posture, the control unit of the seat state changing device according to the present invention is configured to perform the operation in the reference posture even if the return instruction signal is valid. When the drive control of the actuator is interrupted and the seat back is in the forward movable range including the reference posture, the actuator is driven until the seat back reaches the standard seating position based on the return instruction signal. Control is preferred.

  As in the case of changing the posture to the retracted state, when changing the posture to the seated state, the change of the seat back posture is interrupted in the reference posture. On the other hand, when the posture of the seat back reaches the reference posture and the posture is changed to the direction of the standard seating position, the actuator is driven and controlled without interruption if the return instruction signal is valid. The seat back posture is changed. Thus, according to this configuration, when the posture is changed to the seated state, the drive control of the actuator is interrupted only when the reference posture is passed. Therefore, operation of the operation switch is easy regardless of the degree of adjustment of the seat, and interruptions that cause more trouble than necessary are suppressed, and a seat state changing device having high convenience for the user is provided. .

  In addition, it is preferable that the reference posture of the seat state changing device according to the present invention is a posture in which the seat back is perpendicular to a seat cushion that faces the occupant's buttocks and can support the occupant. Note that vertical is not strictly required, and an error of about 5 ° to 10 ° is allowed.

  When the seat back is tilted backward, the space between the back surface of the seat back and the floor surface of the cargo compartment becomes a useless space, and the capacity of the cargo compartment is substantially reduced. Even if the seat back is not completely folded, if the seat back is almost vertical, the space between the back of the seat back and the floor of the cargo compartment can be used as an effective cargo compartment space. It becomes. Further, when the angle formed between the seat back and the seat cushion becomes an acute angle, the occupant must be seated with his / her waist bent, and cannot substantially be seated. However, if the seat back and the seat cushion are substantially at right angles, the occupant can sit without difficulty. Therefore, when the reference posture is a posture in which the seat back is perpendicular to the seat cushion, it is possible to satisfactorily balance the enlargement of the luggage compartment and the seating of the passenger.

Further, the operation instruction signal of the seat state changing device according to the present invention is in an effective state while the user continues to operate the operation switch, and is in an initial state that is in an invalid state when the operation of the operation switch is interrupted. This is a switch signal for returning momentary operation,
In the course of changing the seat back posture, the control unit interrupts the change of the seat back posture in the reference posture when passing through the reference posture, and the operation instruction signal is output after the interruption. When the actuator returns to the initial state and becomes valid again, it is preferable to resume the drive control of the actuator from the reference posture.

  When the operation instruction signal is a momentary operation switch signal, it is difficult to know how long the operation should be continued when the user wants to change the seat back to the reference posture. However, according to this configuration, even if the operation of the operation switch is continued after the seat back reaches the reference posture, the change of the seat back posture is interrupted. By this interruption, the user can easily understand that the seat back has reached the reference posture. If the user wants to change the posture of the seat back further, it is sufficient to operate the operation switch again. Therefore, the operation of the operation switch is easy regardless of the degree of adjustment, and a seat state changing device having high convenience for the user is provided.

In addition, the operation instruction signal of the seat state changing device according to the present invention is enabled by the first operation of the operation switch by the user, and the effective state is maintained, and the second operation or the control is performed. This is a switch signal for the alternate operation to return to the initial state where the holding is canceled by the release instruction from the unit and is in an invalid state,
In the course of changing the seat back posture, the control unit interrupts the change of the seat back posture in the reference posture and sets the operation instruction signal to an initial state when passing through the reference posture. It is preferable to resume the drive control of the actuator from the reference posture when the operation instruction signal becomes valid again.

  Even when the operation instruction signal is an alternate operation switch signal, it is difficult to know when to perform the second operation when the user wants to change the seat back to the reference posture. However, according to this configuration, when the seat back reaches the reference posture, the change of the seat back posture is interrupted without waiting for the second operation. Similar to the momentary operation, this interruption allows the user to easily understand that the seat back has reached the reference posture. If the user wants to change the posture of the seat back further, it is sufficient to operate the operation switch again. Therefore, the operation of the operation switch is easy regardless of the degree of adjustment, and a seat state changing device having high convenience for the user is provided.

  In addition, the seat state changing device according to the present invention preferably includes a position detection unit that detects the posture of the seat back, and determines that the seat back is in a reference posture based on a detection result of the position detection unit. It is. By providing the position detecting means, the reference posture at which the drive control of the actuator is interrupted can be detected with high accuracy while the seat back posture is changed. As a result, a posture capable of achieving both boarding and enlargement of the luggage compartment is realized with high accuracy, and a seat state changing device having high convenience for the user is realized.

Schematic side view of vehicle seat device The perspective view of the vehicle seat apparatus seen from the luggage compartment of the vehicle Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the storing state of the vehicle seat Explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the storing state of the vehicle seat Block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the sheet state changing device Explanatory drawing that defines the seat back posture Flow chart schematically showing an example of seat back posture change control Timing chart schematically showing an example of operation instruction signal

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the vehicle seat device 20 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as “seat 20”) includes a headrest 21, a seat back 22, and a seat cushion 23. The headrest 21 is a part that can support the head of a passenger to be seated. The seat back 22 is a backrest portion having a support surface 22a that faces the occupant's back and can support the occupant. The seat cushion 23 is a seat that can support an occupant facing the occupant's buttocks. In the present embodiment, the surface (back surface 22 b) opposite to the support surface of the seat back 22 faces the luggage compartment 9. That is, the seat 20 is the rearmost seat in which the back surface 22b of the seat back 22 forms part of the wall surface of the cargo compartment 9 of the vehicle. The seat 20 corresponds to the second row seat if the vehicle is a two-row seat, and the third row seat if the vehicle is a three-row seat.

  The seat 20 is a seat whose posture can be changed between a seating state in which an occupant can be seated and a storage state in which the passenger can be stored in order to enlarge the cargo compartment 9. Since the rear side of the seat 20 is the luggage compartment 9, the seat 20 is in the retracted state, so that the space of the luggage compartment 9 can be expanded and the loading capacity can be increased. There are various forms of the storage state of the sheet 20. As a general storage state, as shown in FIG. 3, the seat back 22 is folded so that the support surface 22 a faces the seat cushion 23. Furthermore, it may be accommodated in the recessed part provided in the floor of the luggage compartment as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D in order, the seat cushion 23 sinks under the floor 9f of the luggage compartment 9, and the seat back 22 is tilted to the position of the seat cushion 23 in the seated state. It is also possible to adopt a form. Since the seat back 22 is in a standing state in the seated state, the seat back 22 needs to be tilted and folded in order to enlarge the luggage compartment 9. Therefore, whatever the storage method, the seat back 22 is folded in the horizontal state in the complete storage state.

  In the present embodiment, the seat 20 is an electric seat. There are various types of electric seats, and those in which the headrest 21, the seat back 22, the seat cushion 23, and the seat 20 are all moved by an actuator such as a motor are known. In the present embodiment, a seat state changing device that changes the posture of the seat back 22 will be described in detail, and therefore, illustration and detailed description of driving of other parts are omitted. Further, as for the form of storage, a form in which the seat back 22 is simply folded as shown in FIG. 3 will be described as a representative example. FIG. 1 is an example of such a sheet 20.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the sheet state changing device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 1, a switch circuit 2, and an actuator 4. The control unit 1 and the switch circuit 2 are realized as a functional unit of an ECU (electronic control unit) 7 that includes a logic circuit and a microcomputer as a core and includes other electronic circuits. Such a functional unit is not limited to a configuration by hardware, and may be configured by cooperation of hardware and software (program). The switch circuit 2 may include an operation switch 3.

  The actuator 4 that changes the posture of the seat back 22 is, for example, a motor. The actuator 4 changes the posture of the seat back 22 by driving the operation mechanism 5. The actuator 4 itself may be provided with a mechanism (for example, a rack and pinion) for converting linear motion into rotational motion, or the operation mechanism 5 may be provided with a similar mechanism. The solenoid is not limited thereto. The actuator 4 is provided with a position sensor 6, and a physical change amount of the motor or solenoid is detected. For example, when the actuator 4 is a motor, a position sensor 6 constituted by a rotation sensor using a Hall IC or the like is provided, and the amount of rotation of the motor is detected. The rotation amount of the motor is converted into a movement amount (movement angle / posture change amount) of the seat back 22 in the control unit 1 described later. In addition, the structure provided with the sensor which detects not only this structure but the seat back 22's position and attitude | position may be sufficient.

  The switch circuit 2 is a functional unit that generates the operation instruction signal S based on the operation state of the operation switch 3 operated by the user. The operation instruction signal S is a switch signal that changes the posture of the seat back 22 between the retracted state and the seated state. The operation switch 3 is provided with two types of a storage switch 31 and a return switch 32. In the present embodiment, the operation switch 3 is constituted by a seesaw switch. When one side is brought into contact, the retractable switch 31 is formed, and when the other side is brought into contact, the return switch 32 is formed. By using a seesaw switch, both the storage and return switches are not operated simultaneously. FIG. 2 shows an example in which two operation switches 3L and 3R are provided in order to instruct the storage and return of the left and right seats 20 divided 1: 1 in the vehicle width direction. Since the movement of the left and right seats is the same, an example in which the posture of any one of the seats 20 is changed will be described below.

  Here, the return means changing the posture from the retracted state to the seated state. Accordingly, the return includes a posture change from the stored state to a reference posture described later and a posture change from the reference posture to a standard seating position described later. Similarly, the storing includes a posture change from the sitting state to the reference posture and a posture change from the reference posture to the completely stored state described later. The reference posture is a posture that may be included in both the retracted state and the seated state, and details will be described later. Details of the standard seating position and the fully retracted state will be described later.

  When the storage switch 31 is operated, the switch circuit 2 generates a storage instruction operation instruction signal S (storage instruction signal S1). That is, the switch signal is generated so that the storage instruction becomes valid. When the return switch 32 is operated, the switch circuit 2 generates a return instruction operation instruction signal S (return instruction signal S2). That is, the switch signal is generated so that the return instruction becomes valid. Details of the operation instruction signal S (S1, S2) will be described later. The operation switch 3 may be installed at a plurality of locations. For example, the retractable switch 31 and the return switch 32 may be provided on the side of the seat 20 together with the reclining switch of the seat back 22 that can be operated by an occupant seated on the seat 20. The operation switch 3B (the storage switch 31B and the return switch 32B) indicated by a broken line in FIG. 5 is an example. In FIG. 5, the reclining switch is omitted. The retractable switches 31 and 31B have a wired OR relationship, and the operation instruction signal S is generated by operating one of them. The relationship between the return switches 32 and 32B is the same.

  The control unit 1 is a functional unit that drives and controls the actuator 4. When a driver circuit or a power conversion circuit (for example, an inverter circuit) is required to drive the actuator 4, these circuits may be included in the control unit 1. The control unit 1 executes drive control of the actuator 4 based on the operation instruction signal S generated by the switch circuit 2. Although details will be described later, when the control unit 1 passes through a reference posture that is an angle at which the space of the luggage compartment 9 can be maximized so that an occupant can be seated while the posture of the seat back 22 is changed. Even if the operation instruction signal S is valid, the drive control of the actuator 4 is interrupted in the reference posture.

  Here, the posture of the seat back 22 is defined with reference to the center line of the seat back 22 in side view, with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, symbol H indicates a horizontal reference. With this horizontal reference as 0 °, the angle θ in the direction in which the seat back 22 tilts backward as shown in FIG. In this example, the horizontal reference H is substantially parallel to the seat cushion 23. Reference numeral N indicates a neutral position and indicates the posture of the seat back 22 at the time of standard sitting. When the seat back 22 is in the neutral position N, it is assumed that the seat 20 is in the “standard seating position”. A range E21 tilted forward from the neutral position N by the forward movable amount (first movable amount) is a seatable front seating range, and a range E22 tilted backward from the neutral position N by the rear movable amount (second movable amount) is seated. Possible rear seating range. The front seating range E21 and the rear seating range E22 are combined to form a seatable range E2. Assume that the seat 20 is in the “sitting state” when the seat back 22 is within the seatable range E2.

  Some of the seat backs 22 can be further tilted backward from the most backward tilted position Q (seatable last tilt position) of the rear seating range E22. In this embodiment, the case where the vehicle can be tilted backward to the position R is illustrated. When it is desired to widen the space above the seat 20, for example, when it is desired to place a load on the seat 20, or when it is desired to lie on the seat 20 during a break, the position R The seat back 22 can be tilted backward to (the last tilt position). The range from the seatable last tilt position Q to the last tilt position R is the last movable range E3. The rearmost movable range E3 may be included in the sitting state. In particular, when the posture of the seat 20 is changed from the seated state to the retracted state, it is preferable that the rearmost movable range E3 is included in the seated state in addition to the seatable range E2. Note that the seat 20 that is the rearmost seat may not be able to tilt backward beyond the rear seating range E22 due to the headrest 21 coming into contact with the back door of the vehicle depending on the vehicle type. E3 may not exist.

  The position P where the seat back 22 tilts most forward in the front seating range E21 is a posture where the occupant can sit and the seat back 22 tilts most forward. At this time, the space of the luggage compartment 9 is maximized in the posture of the seat 20 on which an occupant can be seated. Accordingly, the position P corresponds to a reference posture that is an angle of the seat back 22 at which the passenger can be seated and the space of the luggage compartment 9 is maximized. The reference posture P is preferably a posture (vertical posture V) in which the seat back 22 is substantially perpendicular to the seat cushion 23. When the angle formed between the seat cushion 23 and the seat back 22 is an acute angle, the occupant must sit in a posture in which his / her waist is folded, and cannot substantially sit. However, if the angle formed between the seat cushion 23 and the seat back 22 is approximately equal to or greater than a right angle, the seat can be satisfactorily seated. In this case, the right angle need not be exact, and an error of about ± 5 ° to 10 ° is allowed. In the present embodiment, since the seat cushion 23 is substantially parallel to the horizontal reference H, the reference posture P is also substantially perpendicular to the horizontal reference H.

  Reference numeral F is a position (the most forward tilt position) where the seat back 22 is tilted most forward and the support surface 22a of the seat back 22 is in contact with the seat cushion 23 and folded. A range E1 from the reference posture P to the most forward tilt position F is a storable range. The seat cushion 23 is coupled to the main body and the like of the seat 20 by a lock mechanism. When the seat cushion 23 is tilted forward from the reference posture P, the lock mechanism is released. A storable range E1 indicates a range in which the lock mechanism is released and the seat 20 can be stored. Assume that the seat 20 is in the “stored state” when the seat back 22 is within the storable range E1. Further, it is assumed that the seat 20 is in the “completely retracted state” when the seat back 22 is in the foremost tilt position F.

  As described above, the storing and returning of the seat 20 is performed electrically by operating the operation switch 3. The operation switch 3 is installed on the side or rear of the seat 20. Here, the case where the operation switch 3 is installed above the luggage compartment 9 (rear of the seat 20) as shown in FIG. 2 will be described as an example. Since the user who operates this operation switch 3 sees the seat back 22 from the back surface 22b, it is difficult to grasp the angle of the seat back 22. When the switch circuit 2 generates the operation instruction signal S for the momentary operation that returns to the initial state when the switch operation is stopped and the hand is released as in the case of Patent Document 1, the user can set the seatable forward tilt position P (reference posture P). ), It is difficult to accurately grasp where the hand should be released. In addition, it is possible to accurately know where the second operation should be performed even in the case of the alternate operation in which the switch circuit 2 maintains the operation state at the first operation and is released by the second operation. Have difficulty.

  Further, when the seat back 22 is tilted forward toward the seat cushion 23, the lock mechanism for fixing the seat cushion 23 is often released as described above. Therefore, if the user makes a mistake in the amount of the eye and moves the seatback 22 that is tilted backward more than necessary, the user may assume a forward tilting posture and the lock mechanism may come off. In this case, it becomes necessary to operate the operation switch 3 to drive the seat 20 again toward the standard seating position. That is, the operation of the operation switch 3 is relatively easy when the seat 20 is fully retracted and the cargo space is maximized, but the cargo space can be reduced without completely storing the seat. When enlarging a little, the operation of the operation switch 3 is complicated.

  In the sheet state changing device 10 of the present embodiment, in view of such circumstances, as described above, the control unit 1 performs the following control. That is, the control unit 1 gives an operation instruction when passing through the reference posture P which is an angle at which the passenger can be seated and the space of the luggage compartment 9 is maximized in the course of changing the posture of the seat back 22. Even if the signal S is valid, the drive control of the actuator 4 is interrupted in the reference posture P. Hereinafter, a specific example will be shown using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the case where the position of the seat back 22 is within the range of the rearmost movable range E3 and the seatable range E2 that does not include the reference posture P and the storage switch 31 is operated will be described. The switch circuit 2 generates a storage instruction signal S <b> 1 based on the operation state of the storage switch 31. When a valid operation instruction signal S exists, drive control of the actuator 4 by the control unit 1 is started. The control unit 1 first determines whether the operation instruction is a storage instruction or a return instruction (# 1).

  When there is a valid storage instruction signal S1, the control unit 1 determines the position of the seat back 22. The position of the seat back 22 is detected by the position sensor 6 during the operation so far and is stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the ECU 7 and the control unit 1. When the actuator 4 is actuated by the storing instruction, it is determined whether or not the angle θ of the seat back 22 is larger than the angle of the reference posture P (# 13). When the angle θ is larger than the angle of the reference posture P, the position of the seat back 22 is within the range of the rearmost movable range E3 and the seatable range E2 that does not include the reference posture P. Become. That is, the seat back 22 is in a sitting state that does not include the reference posture P. When the current position of the seat back 22 is determined, the controller 1 starts driving the actuator 4 based on the storage instruction signal S1 (# 14).

  The control unit 1 sequentially determines the position of the seat back 22 whose posture is changed based on the detection result of the position sensor 6. Specifically, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the position of the seat back 22 has reached the reference posture P (# 15). This determination can be performed on condition that the angle θ of the seat back 22 matches the angle of the reference posture P. However, the seat back is also considered in consideration of the detection error of the position sensor 6 and the calculation error of the control unit 1. It is preferable that the angle θ 22 is equal to or smaller than the angle of the reference posture P. The control unit 1 that has determined that the position of the seat back 22 has reached the reference posture P interrupts the drive control of the actuator 4 and stops the actuator 4 (# 9). As a result, the change of the posture of the seat back 22 is also stopped (interrupted) in the reference posture P. Here, it is preferable that the control unit 1 temporarily stores in a storage unit (not shown) that the seatback 22 is currently in the reference posture P. When the user wants to adjust the seat back 22 to an angle at which the passenger can be seated and the space of the luggage compartment 9 is maximized, it is not necessary to operate the operation switch 3 thereafter.

  Note that if the operation instruction signal S becomes invalid during the processes # 13 to # 15, in particular, during the repetition of the processes # 14 and # 15, the actuator 4 does not change regardless of the angle of the seat back 22. Driving is stopped. For example, the switch circuit 2 is a circuit that generates a momentary operation switch signal, and this corresponds to a case where the operation of the operation switch 3 is interrupted. Such interruption processing (stop processing) due to the operation instruction signal S becoming invalid may be executed by interruption processing outside the flowchart of FIG. 7 or may be determined on the path from processing # 15 to # 14. May be. This also applies to the iterative process of processes # 16 and # 17, the iterative process of processes # 24 and # 25, and the iterative process of processes # 26 and # 27 in FIG.

  If the user wants the seat 20 to be completely stored and wants the luggage compartment 9 to have the maximum loading capacity, the storage switch 31 is operated again here. Hereinafter, the case where the position of the seat back 22 is within the storable range E1 including the reference posture P and the storage switch 31 is operated will be described. Similarly to the above, the switch circuit 2 generates the storage instruction signal S1 based on the operation state of the storage switch 31, and the control unit 1 determines whether the operation instruction is a storage instruction or a return instruction (# 1). Based on the detection result of the position sensor 6 and the storage result of the storage unit of the control unit 1, the control unit 1 can recognize that the seat back 22 changes its posture in the storage direction without passing through the reference posture P. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the angle θ of the seat back 22 is equal to or smaller than the angle of the reference posture P (# 13). If the angle θ of the seat back 22 is equal to or smaller than the angle of the reference posture P, the position of the seat back 22 is within the retractable range E1 including the reference posture P. When the current position of the seat back 22 is confirmed, the controller 1 starts driving the actuator 4 in accordance with the storage instruction signal S1 (# 16).

  The control unit 1 sequentially determines the position of the seat back 22 whose posture is changed based on the detection result of the position sensor 6. Specifically, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the position of the seat back 22 has reached the foremost tilt position F (completely stored state) (# 17). This determination can be performed on the condition that the angle θ of the seat back 22 matches the angle of the forward-most tilt position F. It is preferable that the angle θ of the back 22 is equal to or less than the angle of the most forward tilt position F. Further, since the foremost tilt position F is a position that cannot mechanically tilt forward any more, it may be determined by operating a stopper mechanism (not shown) or detecting an increase in the load of the actuator 4. The controller 1 that has determined that the position of the seat back 22 has reached the forward tilt position F ends the drive control of the actuator 4 and stops the actuator 4 (# 9).

  Next, the case where the position of the seat back 22 is in the storable range E1 not including the reference posture P and the return switch 32 is operated will be described. Similarly to the storage, the switch circuit 2 generates the return instruction signal S2 based on the operation state of the return switch 32. When there is a valid operation instruction signal S, the control unit 1 first determines whether the operation instruction is a storage instruction or a return instruction (# 1).

  When there is a valid return instruction signal S2, the control unit 1 determines the current position of the seat back 22. Specifically, when the actuator 4 is operated by a return instruction, it is determined whether or not the angle θ of the seat back 22 is smaller than the angle of the reference posture P (# 23). When the angle θ is smaller than the angle of the reference posture P, the position of the seat back 22 is within the retractable range E1 that does not include the reference posture P. When the current position of the seat back 22 is confirmed, the control unit 1 starts driving the actuator 4 based on the return instruction signal S2 (# 24).

  The control unit 1 sequentially determines the position of the seat back 22 whose posture is changed based on the detection result of the position sensor 6. Specifically, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the position of the seat back 22 has reached the reference posture P (# 25). Similar to the processing # 15 at the time of storage, this determination can be performed on condition that the angle θ of the seat back 22 matches the angle of the reference posture P, but the angle θ of the seat back 22 is equal to the reference posture P. It is preferable that the angle is equal to or greater than the angle. The control unit 1 that has determined that the position of the seat back 22 has reached the reference posture P interrupts the drive control of the actuator 4 and stops the actuator 4 (# 9). As a result, the change of the posture of the seat back 22 is also stopped (interrupted) in the reference posture P. As in the case of storing, it is preferable that the control unit 1 temporarily stores in the storage unit (not shown) that the seatback 22 is currently in the reference posture P. When the user wants to adjust the seat back 22 to an angle at which the passenger can be seated and the space of the luggage compartment 9 is maximized, it is not necessary to operate the operation switch 3 thereafter.

  When the user wants to completely return the seat 20 and change the posture of the seat back 22 to an angle at which the user can comfortably sit, the user operates the return switch 32 again. Hereinafter, the case where the position of the seat back 22 is within the range of the front seating range E21 including the reference posture P and the return switch 32 is operated will be described. Similarly to the above, the switch circuit 2 generates the return instruction signal S2 based on the operating state of the return switch 32, and the control unit 1 determines whether the operation instruction is a storage instruction or a return instruction (# 1). Based on the detection result of the position sensor 6 and the storage result of the storage unit of the control unit 1, the control unit 1 can recognize that the seat back 22 changes its posture in the return direction without passing through the reference posture P. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the angle θ of the seat back 22 is equal to or larger than the angle of the reference posture P (# 23). If the angle θ of the seat back 22 is equal to or greater than the angle of the reference posture P, the position of the seat back 22 is within the front seating range E21 including the reference posture P. When the current position of the seat back 22 is confirmed, the control unit 1 starts driving the actuator 4 in accordance with the return instruction signal S2 (# 26).

  The control unit 1 sequentially determines the position of the seat back 22 whose posture is changed based on the detection result of the position sensor 6. Specifically, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the position of the seat back 22 has reached the neutral position N (# 27). This determination can be performed on condition that the angle θ of the seat back 22 matches the angle of the neutral position N. However, the seat back is also considered in consideration of the detection error of the position sensor 6 and the calculation error of the control unit 1. It is preferable that the angle θ of 22 is equal to or greater than the angle of the neutral position N. The control unit 1 that has determined that the position of the seat back 22 has reached the neutral position N ends the drive control of the actuator 4 and stops the actuator 4 (# 9).

  When the seat back 22 is in a position tilted backward from the neutral position N and the return switch 32 is operated, the actuator 4 does not have to be operated. That is, it is not necessary to drive the actuator 4 in the retracted direction and return it to the neutral position N. However, the return to the neutral position 4 is not prevented. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, such a case is omitted, and detailed description thereof is also omitted. A person skilled in the art can control whether the actuator 4 is driven to return to the neutral position N when the seatback 22 is in a position tilted backward from the neutral position N, or control that does not drive the actuator 4 and does nothing. Can be easily realized.

  The switch signal S includes a momentary operation signal and an alternate operation signal. In the above-described embodiment, the switch signal S is described mainly on the assumption that it is a momentary operation signal. However, the switch signal S in the present invention may be a momentary operation signal or an alternate operation signal. A supplementary explanation will be given below by showing waveform examples of the switch circuit 2. As described above, the operation switch 3 may be considered to be included in the switch circuit 2 of the present invention.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart schematically showing an example of the operation instruction signal S. FIG. 8A shows the operation instruction signal S for the momentary operation, and FIG. 8B shows the operation instruction signal S for the alternate operation. Show. Note that the same applies to an operation instruction in the retracting direction and an operation instruction in the return direction. Therefore, in FIG. 8, the seat back position relating to the operation instruction in the retracted direction is illustrated, and the seat back position in the return direction is shown in parentheses.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the operation instruction signal S is in a valid state while the user continues to operate the operation switch 3, and returns to an initial state that is in an invalid state when the operation of the operation switch 3 is interrupted. This is an operation switch signal. In other words, when the operation switch 3 is operated and turned on, the switch circuit 2 generates the valid operation instruction signal S. The control unit 1 drives and controls the actuator 4 based on the operation instruction signal S in the valid state. When the posture of the seat back 22 is changed, the control unit 1 interrupts the change of the posture of the seat back 22 in the reference posture P when passing through the reference posture P. Then, the control unit 1 resumes the drive control of the actuator 4 from the reference posture P when the operation instruction signal S returns to the initial state after the interruption and becomes valid again.

  Specifically, when the seat back 22 reaches the reference posture P from the neutral position N, the drive control of the actuator 4 is stopped (interrupted) as described above. At this time, if the operation switch 3 continues to be operated, the switch circuit 2 continues to output the operation instruction signal S in the valid state. The control unit 1 that receives the operation instruction signal S may ignore the operation instruction signal S after the seat back 22 reaches the reference posture P. Alternatively, the control unit 1 outputs a release signal C (release instruction) indicating that the seat back 22 has reached the reference posture P to the switch circuit 2 and forcibly outputs the operation instruction signal S as a release instruction. It may be terminated.

  After the seat back 22 reaches the reference posture P, the control unit 1 confirms that the operation instruction signal S is invalid, and when the valid operation instruction signal S is confirmed thereafter, the control unit 1 Based on the operation instruction signal S in the state, the drive control of the actuator 4 is resumed. When the seat back 22 reaches the foremost tilt position F, the drive control of the actuator 4 is stopped as described above. At this time, if the operation switch 3 continues to be operated, the switch circuit 2 continues to output the operation instruction signal S in the valid state. Similarly to the above, the control unit 1 may ignore the operation instruction signal S after the seat back 22 reaches the foremost tilt position F (completely stored state). Alternatively, the control unit 1 outputs a release signal C indicating that the seat back 22 has reached the forward tilt position F to the switch circuit 2, and forcibly terminates the operation instruction signal S using this as a release instruction. Also good.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the operation instruction signal S becomes valid by the first operation of the operation switch 3 by the user and is maintained in the valid state, and is released from the second operation or from the control unit. This is a switch signal of an alternate operation in which the holding is released by an instruction (for example, release signal C) and the initial state is returned to the invalid state. That is, when the operation switch 3 is operated and is turned on, the switch circuit 2 generates the operation instruction signal S that continues in the valid state. The operation in which the operation instruction signal S is in the valid state is set as the first operation, and the valid state is continued unless the second operation is performed while the valid state continues.

  The control unit 1 drives and controls the actuator 4 based on the operation instruction signal S in the valid state. When the posture of the seat back 22 is changed, the control unit 1 interrupts the change of the posture of the seat back 22 in the reference posture P and sets the operation instruction signal S to the initial state when passing through the reference posture P. return. For example, the control unit 1 outputs a release signal C indicating that the seat back 22 has reached the reference posture P to the switch circuit 2, and forcibly ends the operation instruction signal S using this as a release instruction. When the operation instruction signal S becomes valid again, the drive control of the actuator 4 is resumed from the reference posture P. Thus, the present invention can be applied regardless of the operation mode of the operation switch 3 or the switch circuit 2.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the operation of the operation switch for moving the seat to adjust the space of the cargo compartment is easy regardless of the degree of adjustment, and the seat state change has high convenience for the user. An apparatus can be provided.

1: Control unit 2: Switch circuit 3: Operation switch 4: Actuator 6: Position sensor (position detection means)
9: Loading room 10: Seat state changing device 20: Seat 22: Seat back 22a: Support surface 22b: Back surface 23: Seat cushion C: Release signal (release instruction)
E1: retractable range E2: seatable range E21: forward seating range E22: rearward seating range F: forward most tilted position (fully retracted state)
N: Neutral position (standard seating position)
P: Reference posture Q: Seatable last tilt position S: Actuation instruction signal S1: Storage instruction signal S2: Return instruction signal V: Vertical attitude (position where the seat back is vertical)

Claims (7)

Face between the back of the occupant and the opposite side of the support surface that can support the occupant faces the luggage compartment, and the posture is between a folded storage state and a seated state that stands up at an angle at which the occupant can sit An actuator that changes the posture of the seat back that can be changed,
A switch circuit that generates an operation instruction signal for changing a posture of the seat back between the retracted state and the seated state based on an operation state of an operation switch operated by a user;
Based on the actuation instruction signal, drive control of the actuator is started, and on the way the seat back posture is changed, the reference is an angle at which the occupant can be seated and the space of the luggage compartment is maximized A control unit that interrupts drive control of the actuator in the reference posture even when the operation instruction signal is in a valid state when passing through the posture;
A sheet state changing device. The retracted state includes a retractable range from the reference posture to a fully retracted state in which the seat back is folded,
The seating state includes at least a front seating range from a standard seating position where the seatback is tilted backward by a predetermined first movable amount from the reference posture to the reference posture, and a predetermined distance from the standard seating position. A rearward seating range from a seatable last tilted position tilted backward by a second movable amount to the standard seating position;
The operation instruction signal is a storage instruction signal for changing the seat back posture from the seated state to the fully retracted state, and a seat back posture is changed from the stored state to the standard seating position. Including a return instruction signal,
When the seat back is in the seating state not including the reference posture, the control unit interrupts drive control of the actuator in the reference posture even if the storage instruction signal is valid, and the seat 2. The seat state change according to claim 1, wherein when the back is in the retracted state including the reference posture, the actuator is driven and controlled until the seat back reaches the fully retracted state based on the retract instruction signal. apparatus. The retracted state includes a retractable range from the reference posture to a fully retracted state in which the seat back is folded,
The seating state includes at least a front seating range from a standard seating position where the seatback is tilted backward by a predetermined first movable amount from the reference posture to the reference posture, and a predetermined distance from the standard seating position. A rearward seating range from a seatable last tilted position tilted backward by a second movable amount to the standard seating position;
The operation instruction signal is a storage instruction signal for changing the seat back posture from the seated state to the fully retracted state, and a seat back posture is changed from the stored state to the standard seating position. Including a return instruction signal,
When the seat back is in the retracted state not including the reference posture, the control unit interrupts drive control of the actuator in the reference posture even if the return instruction signal is valid, and the seat 3. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein when the back is in the forward movable range including the reference posture, the actuator is driven and controlled until the seat back reaches the standard seating position based on the return instruction signal. Sheet state changing device.   The seat state change according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reference posture is a posture in which the seat back is perpendicular to a seat cushion capable of supporting the occupant facing the buttocks of the occupant. apparatus. The operation instruction signal is a switch signal of a momentary operation that is in an effective state while the user continues to operate the operation switch and returns to an initial state that is in an invalid state when the operation of the operation switch is interrupted.
In the course of changing the seat back posture, the control unit interrupts the change of the seat back posture in the reference posture when passing through the reference posture, and the operation instruction signal is output after the interruption. The seat state changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the actuator returns to the initial state and becomes valid again, the drive control of the actuator is resumed from the reference posture. The operation instruction signal becomes valid by the first operation of the operation switch by the user and is held, and the hold is released by a second operation or a release instruction from the control unit. This is a switch signal for the alternate operation that returns to the initial state, which is invalid,
In the course of changing the seat back posture, the control unit interrupts the change of the seat back posture in the reference posture and sets the operation instruction signal to an initial state when passing through the reference posture. The sheet state changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the operation instruction signal is returned to the valid state again, the drive control of the actuator is resumed from the reference posture.   The position detection means which detects the attitude | position of the said seat back is provided, It judges that the said seat back was in the reference | standard attitude | position based on the detection result of the said position detection means. Sheet state changing device.

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