JP2012224308A - Occupant crash protection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an occupant crash protection device enabling adjustment of a head rest in an appropriate position by an inexpensive configuration.SOLUTION: When a reclining angle of a seat back 15 is within a predetermined range, the head rest 18 is approximately linearly moved in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle by a predetermined amount by a driving force of a single recliner motor 12 disposed within the seat back 15. This can achieve a reclining function of the seat back 15 and enables the adjustment of the position of the head rest 18 by an inexpensive configuration. Thus, the setting of a back set which is a horizontal distance between the back of the head of a seated occupant 1 and a front face of the head rest 18 can be made appropriate.

Description

  The present invention relates to an occupant protection device, and more particularly to an occupant protection device that optimizes the position of a headrest to protect an occupant of a vehicle.

  As a device that protects passengers in the event of a vehicle collision, etc., in addition to seat belts and airbags, predict the danger state around the vehicle, or judge the collision mode of the vehicle and predict the result of the dangerous state or collision An occupant protection device that adjusts the reclining angle of the seat back and the position of the headrest based on the determination result of the form has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, a headrest position adjustment device that calculates the distance between the headrest and the head based on the measurement result of the capacitance between the head of the seated occupant and the headrest and adjusts the headrest to an appropriate position has also been proposed. (For example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-208542 A JP 2010-188974 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, the seatback inclination angle is adjusted to a predetermined target inclination angle in order to make the occupant have an appropriate posture in an emergency such as a vehicle collision. Further, Patent Document 2 obtains the moving distance of the headrest based on the calculated distance between the headrest and the head and a predetermined target value, and changes the position of the headrest. Therefore, when adjusting both the reclining angle and the position of the headrest in these conventional apparatuses, it is necessary to separately provide an actuator for adjusting the reclining angle and an actuator for adjusting the headrest position. As a result, there is a problem that not only the occupant protection device is expensive, but also the occupant protection device itself is increased in size (the mass of the device is increased).

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an occupant protection device that can adjust the position of a headrest to an appropriate state with an inexpensive configuration.

  In order to achieve the above object, an occupant protection device of the present invention includes a first mechanism unit that changes a reclining angle of a seat back that constitutes a backrest of a seat on which an occupant is seated according to a transmitted driving force; A second mechanism portion that moves in a predetermined direction according to a driving force transmitted through a headrest body provided at an upper end portion of the seat back; and the driving force for changing a reclining angle to the first mechanism portion. And a single actuator for applying the driving force for moving the headrest body in a predetermined direction to the second mechanism portion, and the headrest as the reclining angle increases at a reclining angle within a predetermined range. The reclining angle is within a predetermined range so that the amount of movement of the front part of the main body to the front of the vehicle increases. Until the backset, which is the horizontal distance between the head of the occupant and the headrest body, reaches the target value so that the amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body toward the front of the vehicle decreases as the inning angle decreases. The driving force of the single actuator is used to change the reclining angle of the seat back by the first mechanism and to move the headrest body in a predetermined direction by the second mechanism. And a control unit that controls to be applied to the second mechanism unit. According to the occupant protection device of the present invention, the reclining function of the seat back and the position adjustment of the headrest can be achieved with an inexpensive configuration.

  The control unit is configured to move the headrest body substantially linearly in the front-rear direction of the vehicle by the second mechanism unit when the reclining angle is within a predetermined range. Further, the control unit is configured to rotate the headrest body in the front-rear direction about an axis in the vehicle width direction by the second mechanism unit when the reclining angle is within a predetermined range. . By doing so, the position of the headrest can be appropriately adjusted according to the change in the reclining angle.

  The occupant protection device according to the present invention includes a reclining angle changing means for changing a reclining angle of a seat back constituting a backrest of a seat on which the occupant is seated according to a transmitted driving force, and an upper end portion of the seat back. A headrest moving means for moving the received headrest body in a predetermined direction according to the transmitted driving force, a driving force for changing the reclining angle is applied to the reclining angle changing means, and the headrest moving means is provided to the headrest moving means A single actuator for applying a driving force for moving the headrest in a predetermined direction, reclining angle detection means for detecting a reclining angle of the seat back, and headrest movement for detecting the amount of movement of the headrest body in the predetermined direction Quantity detecting means and the reclining angle The amount of movement of the headrest body is calculated based on the reclining angle detected by the exit means and a predetermined set amount of the backset that is a horizontal distance between the occupant's head and the headrest body. If the reclining angle detected by the headrest movement amount calculating means and the reclining angle detecting means is not within a predetermined range at the start of control, the reclining angle of the headrest body increases as the reclining angle increases at the reclining angle within the predetermined range. The backset so that the amount of movement to the front of the vehicle increases, and the amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body to the front of the vehicle decreases as the reclining angle decreases at a predetermined range of reclining angles. Reclining until the target value is reached The reclining angle detected by the reclining angle detecting means is controlled by changing the reclining angle of the seat back by the degree changing means and controlling the single actuator so that the headrest body is moved in a predetermined direction by the headrest moving means. Is within a predetermined range at the start of control, the backset is based on the movement amount of the headrest body calculated by the headrest movement amount calculation means and the movement amount of the headrest body detected by the headrest movement amount detection means. Control means for controlling the single actuator so that the headrest main body is moved in a predetermined direction by the headrest moving means until a target value is reached.

  With such a configuration, the reclining function of the seat back and the adjustment of the position of the headrest can be realized with an inexpensive configuration, and thus the horizontal distance between the back of the seated passenger and the front portion of the headrest. The backset can be optimized. Compared with the configuration in which the reclining angle of the seat back and the movement of the headrest are moved by individual motors, not only the device configuration is simplified, but also the headrest itself is inexpensive, lightweight and compact by not arranging the motor in the headrest. Can be

  Further, the single actuator is disposed in the vicinity of the reclining angle changing means, and the driving force of the single actuator is transmitted to the reclining angle changing means via a gear mechanism, and the single actuator The driving force is transmitted to the headrest moving means via a torque cable. Further, the single actuator is disposed in the vicinity of the reclining angle changing means, and an end of a first torque cable connected to the single actuator and a second torque connected to the headrest moving means. A coupling means for rotatably coupling the end portion of the cable is provided on the upper portion of the seat back. Further, the single actuator is disposed on the upper portion of the seat back, and an active headrest function unit is provided on the headrest body, so that the headrest body can be moved vertically or obliquely upward by the single actuator. This ensures transmission of the driving force of a single actuator.

  The occupant protection device according to the present invention includes a reclining angle changing means for changing a reclining angle of a seat back constituting a backrest of a seat on which the occupant is seated according to a transmitted driving force, and an upper end portion of the seat back. A headrest moving means for moving the headrest body in a predetermined direction according to the transmitted driving force, a single actuator for applying a driving force to the reclining angle changing means and the headrest moving means, and the single actuator Switching means for switching the transmission direction of the driving force to the reclining angle changing means and the headrest moving means, reclining angle detecting means for detecting the reclining angle of the seat back, and the amount of movement of the headrest body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle Headrest movement detection to detect The headrest body based on the reclining angle detected by the means, the reclining angle detection means, and a predetermined set amount of the backset that is a horizontal distance between the occupant's head and the headrest body. If the reclining angle detected by the reclining angle detection means is not within a predetermined range at the start of control, the reclining angle increases as the reclining angle increases at the reclining angle within the predetermined range. The amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body to the front of the vehicle increases, and the amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body to the front of the vehicle decreases as the reclining angle decreases at a predetermined range of reclining angles. So that the backset The reclining angle changing means changes the reclining angle of the seat back until the value reaches a value, and the switching means changes the drive transmission direction of the single actuator so that the headrest body is moved in a predetermined direction by the headrest moving means. When the single actuator is controlled by switching and the reclining angle detected by the reclining angle detection means is within a predetermined range at the start of control, the headrest body movement amount calculated by the headrest movement amount calculation means and the headrest Based on the movement amount of the headrest body detected by the movement amount detection means, the switching means causes the single headrest body to move the headrest body in a predetermined direction until the backset reaches a target value. Acu Control means for controlling the single actuator by switching the drive transmission direction of the tutor. In this way, by switching between the reclining angle changing means and the headrest moving means, it is possible to easily change the reclining angle of the seat back and adjust the position of the headrest, and stably place the headrest in an appropriate state with an inexpensive configuration. Can be adjusted.

  The control means moves the headrest body substantially linearly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the reclining angle is within a predetermined range. The control means rotates the headrest body in the front-rear direction around an axis orthogonal to the traveling direction of the vehicle when the reclining angle is within a predetermined range. Thereby, a headrest main body can be accurately moved to the target position of a backset.

  The occupant protection device of the present invention further includes brake pedal depression detection means for detecting whether or not the brake pedal is depressed, and when the brake pedal depression detection means detects that the brake pedal has been depressed, the control is performed. Means initiate control of the single actuator. Thereby, a passenger | crew can be protected at the time of a rear collision.

  According to the occupant protection device of the present invention, the position of the headrest can be stably and inexpensively configured by moving the headrest with a single actuator so that the backset between the occupant's head and the headrest is a predetermined amount. Can be adjusted to an appropriate state.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an occupant protection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing typically a reclining mechanism etc. in a crew member protection device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the headrest which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the eccentric cam provided in the recliner of the passenger | crew protection apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the reclining mechanism etc. in the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the backset in the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a reclining angle and a backset. It is a figure which shows typically the relationship between a reclining angle and a backset. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a reclining angle and headrest movement amount. It is a figure which shows the modification of the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the reclining mechanism etc. in the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the reclining mechanism etc. in the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the backset in the passenger | crew protection apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an occupant protection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The occupant protection device 11 shown in FIG. 1 has a headrest (H / R) supported on the upper end of the seat back 15 in accordance with a change in the reclining angle of the seat back 15 constituting the back of the seat cushion 10 on which the occupant 1 is seated. ) 18 is moved substantially linearly in the front-rear direction of the vehicle (in FIG. 1, the amount of movement of the headrest 18 is indicated by M), and the back of the seated occupant 1 and the front portion of the headrest 18 (forward of the vehicle) Control is performed so that a horizontal distance L (also referred to as a backset) with the forefront of the direction becomes an appropriate distance S (also referred to as a backset set amount). The reclining angle refers to an angle θ at which the seat back 15 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG.

  A gear box that realizes a reclining mechanism (also referred to as a recliner) so that the seat back 15 rotatably attached to one side of the rear portion of the seat cushion 10 has an arbitrary reclining angle at a lower portion in the seat back 15. 13 is provided. A motor 12 capable of normal rotation and reverse rotation that operates a gear in the gear box 13 as a driving source of the reclining mechanism is attached to a frame of the seat back 15 (a portion indicated by reference numeral 30 in FIG. 2). . Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a gear box 17 that constitutes a mechanism for reciprocating the front portion 19 a of the headrest 18 in the front-rear direction substantially linearly is provided inside the headrest 18. The motor 12 has both ends of the output shaft projecting from the motor body, one output shaft is connected to the gear box 13, and the other output shaft is coupled to a clutch mechanism described later. The clutch mechanism and the gear box 17 in the headrest 18 are coupled by a long flexible torque cable 16 to transmit the rotational force of the motor 12 to the gear box 17.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a reclining mechanism and the like in the occupant protection device 11. As shown in FIG. 2, a worm gear 21 is attached to one end 12 a of the output shaft of the motor 12, and a worm wheel 22 is engaged with the worm gear 21. Furthermore, a predetermined reduction ratio is obtained by combining the worm wheel 22 and a spur gear (also referred to as a reclining gear) 23. In this reclining mechanism, the frame 30 of the seat back 15 is attached to a drive shaft 25 that is coaxially coupled to the reclining gear 23 and rotates integrally with the reclining gear 23, so that the frame 30 is rotationally driven by the reclining gear 23. The reclining function is realized. An eccentric cam 24 that rotates integrally with the reclining gear 23 is disposed on one side surface of the reclining gear 23, and a limit switch 27 that slides along the outer peripheral surface of the cam is disposed above the eccentric cam 24. Is provided.

  The other end 12b of the output shaft of the motor 12 is provided with an electromagnetic clutch 31 for transmitting the rotational power of the motor 12 to the gear box 17 in the headrest 18 or blocking the transmission. The electromagnetic clutch 31 includes a torque cable insertion portion (not shown), and transmits the rotational power of the motor 12 to the gear box 17 by the torque cable 16 fitted in the insertion portion.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the headrest of the occupant protection device 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the headrest 18 includes a headrest front portion 19 a disposed on the front side of the vehicle and a headrest rear portion 19 b disposed on the rear side of the vehicle. Thus, a mechanism for driving the headrest front portion 19a in a substantially linear shape in the front-rear direction is provided. By this drive mechanism, the headrest front portion 19a is reciprocated in a substantially straight line in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the headrest rear portion 19b to adjust the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest front portion 19a.

  In the headrest 18, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of front and rear bases 33 and 34 are connected by a pair of left and right X-shaped links 35 and 36. Specifically, the base 33 is coupled to the headrest front portion 19a, and the other base 34 is coupled to the headrest rear portion 19b. The link 35 includes two link members 35a and 35b, and the link 36 includes two link members 36a and 36b. The substantially central portions of the links 35 and 36 are rotatably connected by pins 37 and 38, and both ends of the links 35 and 36 are side portions 33a, 33b, which are integrally provided on the left and right sides of the bases 33 and 34, respectively. 34a and 34b are connected to each other.

  The front end portions of the link members 35 a and 36 a are coupled to each other by a shaft 41. Both end portions of the shaft 41 are slidably connected to longitudinal guide holes 41a and 41b formed in the side portions 33a and 33b of the base 33, and the rear end portions of the link members 35a and 36a are respectively connected to the base 34. The side portions 34a and 34b are rotatably connected by pins 43a and 43b. On the other hand, the link members 35 b and 36 b are connected to each other by a shaft 44 at their front ends and a shaft 45 at their rear ends. These front end portions are rotatably connected to the side portions 33a and 33b of the base 33 by pins 46a and 46b, respectively. The rear end portions of the link members 35b and 36b are slidably connected to vertically long guide holes 45a and 45b formed in the side portions 34a and 34b of the base 34, respectively.

  A gear box 17 is provided on the inner side of the base 34 on the back side of the headrest 18 for reciprocating the headrest front portion 19a in a substantially straight line in the front-rear direction. A torque cable 16 that transmits the rotational force of the motor 12 described above is connected to the gear box 17, and a distal end portion of the torque cable 16 is connected to a bevel gear 51 disposed in the gear box 17. Further, a bevel gear 53 that meshes with the bevel gear 51 is disposed in the gear box 17, and a pinion gear (not shown) is coaxially joined to the bevel gear 53 on one side surface of the bevel gear 53. The tooth surface of the pinion gear meshes with a rack 55a provided linearly on a part of the lower surface of the rod portion 55 connected to the shaft 41 via the crank portion 47. With such a configuration, since the rotational motion can be converted into a linear motion, the rotational force of the bevel gear 53 is transmitted to the rack 55a through the pinion gear, and the rod portion 55 moves in the direction of the arrow (obliquely front and rear) shown in FIG. . Then, such movement of the rod portion 55 is converted into a lifting operation of the shaft 41. As a result, the rotational force of the motor 12 operates both the X-shaped links 35 and 36 like a pantograph, so that the base 33 moves relative to the base 34.

  The drive mechanism shown in FIG. 3 is an example of a mechanism for moving the headrest front portion 19a. If the mechanism is a mechanism that moves the headrest front portion 19a substantially linearly in the front-rear direction with respect to the headrest rear portion 19b, Any thing may be used.

  Next, adjustment of the backset in the occupant protection device according to the first embodiment will be described. When a seated occupant operates a switch (not shown) to adjust the reclining angle of the seat back 15, the motor 12 described above starts to operate (forward or reverse). The reclining gear 23 receiving the rotational power of the motor 12 rotates in a predetermined direction, and the drive shaft 25 also rotates together with the reclining gear 23. As a result, the frame 30 coupled to the drive shaft 25 is operated, and the seat back 15 is tilted forward or backward from the initial position of the angle adjustment starting position. When the switch operation is stopped, the reclining angle adjustment operation is also stopped. On the other hand, when the eccentric cam 24 integrated with the reclining gear 23 rotates coaxially with the drive shaft 25, a roller lever (not shown) of a limit switch 27 arranged to slide while contacting the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 24. ) Follows the eccentric rotation of the eccentric cam 24 and moves in the vertical direction (direction of contact with and away from the reclining gear 23). The limit switch 27 is urged toward the outer circumferential surface of the eccentric cam 24 by a spring (not shown).

In the occupant protection device 11 according to the first embodiment, when the inclination angle (reclining angle) of the seat back 15 is in a certain range, for example, only when the reclining angle is 20 ° to 28 °, the front surface of the headrest 18 The part 19a moves substantially linearly in the front-rear direction and operates so that the backset between the rear head of the occupant 1 and the front part 19a of the headrest 18 becomes appropriate. Therefore, the eccentric cam 24, the range of angle theta _R to correspond to the reclining angle of 20 ° ~ 28 °, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer peripheral surface 26 of the eccentric cam 24 in that range, the limit switch 27 is ON The eccentricity of the cam is set so that When the limit switch 27 is turned on, the electromagnetic clutch 31 receives an ON signal from the limit switch 27 as shown in FIG. The electromagnetic clutch 31 is clutched and braked while receiving the ON signal. As a result, when the seat back 15 is positioned in the range of the reclining angle of 20 ° to 28 °, the motor 12 and the gear box 17 are connected, and the rotational power of the motor 12 is transmitted to the gear box 17 in the headrest 18.

  When the eccentric cam 24 rotates forward when adjusting the reclining angle, the limit switch 27 is While the roller lever (not shown) is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 26, the ON state is maintained. Further, even when the eccentric cam 24 is rotated in the reverse direction, the limit switch 27 maintains the ON state while the roller lever is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 26. Therefore, during the forward rotation and reverse rotation of the eccentric cam 24, the rotational power of the motor 12 is transmitted to the gear box 13 and the gear box 17 for the time during which the roller lever of the limit switch 27 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 26.

  As a result, as the reclining angle increases, the front surface portion 19a of the headrest 18 moves so that the amount of backset determined in advance corresponding to the reclining angle increases in the forward direction of the vehicle. Similarly, as the reclining angle decreases, the front surface portion 19a of the headrest 18 moves so that the backset amount decreases in the rearward direction of the vehicle. In this way, by making the change in the reclining angle correspond to the movement of the headrest 18 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the headrest front portion 19a is seated by a predetermined amount of movement according to the change in the reclining angle. It moves to the rear head side of the occupant 1 and can adjust the backset appropriately.

  On the other hand, when the inclination angle of the seat back 15 is outside the range of a predetermined reclining angle (for example, 20 ° to 28 °), the roller lever of the limit switch 27 is not the outer peripheral surface 26 of the eccentric cam 24, but other than that. Since it is in contact with the outer peripheral surface, it is not turned on but is turned off. At this time, since the electromagnetic clutch 31 does not receive the ON signal from the limit switch 27, the clutch / brake is released. Therefore, transmission of the rotational power of the motor 12 to the gear box 17 in the headrest 18 is interrupted, the headrest front portion 19a does not operate, and only the reclining angle can be adjusted.

  As described above, the occupant protection device according to the first embodiment allows the headrest to be moved by a predetermined amount by the driving force of the single recliner motor disposed in the seat back only when the reclining angle of the seat back is within a certain range. By moving the vehicle substantially linearly in the longitudinal direction, the reclining function of the seat back and the position adjustment of the headrest can be achieved with an inexpensive configuration. As a result, it is possible to optimize the setting of the backset, which is the horizontal distance between the back of the head of the occupant seated and the front of the headrest. There can be no movement.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an occupant protection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The occupant protection device 111 according to the second embodiment is similar to the occupant protection device 11 according to the first embodiment in that the headrest (H of the upper end portion of the seat back 15 is changed according to the change in the reclining angle θ of the seat back 15. / R) 18 is moved substantially linearly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the distance L between the rear head of the seated occupant 1 and the front portion of the headrest 18 is controlled to an appropriate distance S (target value). To do. In FIG. 5, the same components as those in the occupant protection device 11 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

  A recliner mechanism is provided in the lower part of the seat back 15 of the occupant protection device 111 shown in FIG. 5 so that the seat back 15 rotatably attached to the rear portion of the seat cushion 10 has an arbitrary reclining angle. A gear box 13 is provided. A motor 12 that applies a driving force to the gear box 13 to realize a reclining function is attached to the frame of the seat back 15. The gear box 13 includes a reclining angle detection sensor 102 for detecting the reclining angle.

  On the other hand, inside the headrest 18 is provided the gear box 17 described above, which includes a mechanism for reciprocating the headrest front portion 19a in a substantially straight line in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Further, the gear box 17 includes a headrest movement amount detection sensor 103 for detecting the movement amount of the headrest 18. The motor 12 is connected to a gear box 17 in the headrest 18 via a long flexible torque cable 16.

  Furthermore, in order to detect whether or not the occupant 1 has stepped on the brake pedal 104, the brake pedal 104 includes a brake pedal depression detection sensor 105. The detection results of the reclining angle detection sensor 102, the headrest movement detection sensor 103, and the brake pedal depression detection sensor 105 will be described later as a reclining angle detection signal, a headrest movement detection signal, and a brake pedal depression detection signal, respectively. It is sent to an electronic control unit ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 100. Note that a warning to the occupant 1 (for example, “return the seat back (backrest)”) is visually displayed on the display device 110, for example, a head-up display (HUD).

  The reclining angle detection sensor 102 is a sensor for detecting the inclination angle (reclining angle) θ of the seat back 15 with respect to the vertical direction. For example, an acceleration sensor, a potentiometer, a rotary encoder, or the like can be used. The headrest movement amount detection sensor 103 is for detecting the movement amount from the fully closed position of the headrest front portion 19a (the headrest front portion 19a is closest to the headrest rear portion 19b). As the headrest movement amount detection sensor 103, for example, a potentiometer, a linear sensor, a rotary encoder, or the like can be used. In addition, as the brake pedal depression detection sensor 105, for example, a push-down switch disposed immediately below the brake pedal 104 may be used as the sensor.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a reclining mechanism and the like in the occupant protection device 111 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same components as those in the occupant protection device 11 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here. In the reclining mechanism shown in FIG. 6, the ECU 100 controls activation (connection) / stop (disconnection) of the electromagnetic clutch A (31a) and the electromagnetic clutch B (31b). Therefore, unlike the reclining mechanism according to the first embodiment described above, the reclining mechanism of the occupant protection device 111 does not require a limit switch for controlling the electromagnetic clutch, and the reclining gear 23 includes an eccentric cam. Absent. The motor 12 has a configuration in which both ends of the output shaft protrude to the outside of the motor 12 main body, one output shaft 12a is connected to the gear box 13 via the electromagnetic clutch A (31a), and the other output shaft. 12b is connected to one end of the electromagnetic clutch b (31b). The other end of the electromagnetic clutch b is provided with a torque cable insertion portion (not shown), and is connected to a gear box 17 in the headrest 18 via a torque cable 16 fitted in the insertion portion.

  Next, backset control in the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, an electronic control unit ECU 100 stores a central control unit CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that controls the entire occupant protection device 111, a basic program such as an operating system (OS), a program for a backset control procedure, and the like. A read-only memory (ROM) 120 and a read / write memory (RAM) 121 as needed to temporarily store various data used for backset control and the like. The ECU 100 further includes a motor drive circuit 115 for controlling the motor 12 and a display control circuit 117 for controlling the display device 110 in response to a signal from the CPU 101.

  The CPU 101 receives detection signals from the reclining angle detection sensor 102, the headrest movement amount detection sensor 103, and the brake pedal depression detection sensor 105 described above via an input port (not shown), and the occupant 1 detects the reclining angle. A signal is input from the reclining angle adjustment switch 107 which is operated when starting or stopping the adjustment.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of the backset in the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment. In step S <b> 101 of FIG. 8, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a signal from the reclining angle adjustment switch 107. When the reclining angle adjustment switch 107 is turned on, execution of backset control for adjusting the position of the headrest 18 with respect to the occupant 1 seated on the seat cushion 10 is started. Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a detection signal from the brake pedal depression detection sensor 105 in step S103. When the occupant 1 steps on the brake pedal 104, it means that the succeeding vehicle may collide with the own vehicle at that time. In preparation for such a rear-end collision, the occupant protection device 111 controls to move the headrest 18 to a target position (backset) so that the front portion 19a of the headrest 18 and the back of the occupant 1 have an appropriate distance. Control).

  When the occupant 1 steps on the brake pedal 104, the process proceeds to step S105, where the CPU 101 detects the reclining angle of the seat back 15 based on the detection signal from the reclining angle detection sensor 102. In the subsequent step S107, the movement amount of the headrest is calculated (estimated) based on the reclining angle detected in the above step and the backset setting amount (backset target value).

  Therefore, a method for calculating the headrest movement amount in the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment will be described. 9-11 is a figure for demonstrating the adjustment method to the target position of a headrest. 9 and 10 show the relationship between the reclining angle and the backset. As shown in FIG. 9, the backset increases as the reclining angle increases. From this relationship, a reclining angle corresponding to an appropriate backset range is determined. Here, the range where the reclining angle is A to B (for example, 20 ° to 28 °) corresponds to the range of the appropriate backset, and the headrest 18 is moved in this range. That's it. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when the reclining angle is smaller than A, the current backset is smaller than the appropriate backset, and the headrest position cannot be adjusted any more, so the headrest is out of the headrest operating region. Also, if the reclining angle is larger than B, there may be a situation where the occupant is resting by tilting the back seat, and there is no need to adjust the position of the headrest. Out of range.

  Here, the predetermined angle in the headrest operation region described above is determined as the reference position (standard position) of the seat back 15, and this predetermined angle is stored in the ROM 120 as a reference when adjusting the reclining angle. FIG. 11 shows an example of the headrest movement amount calculated based on the backset setting amount (target value) at each reclining angle. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the amount of headrest movement is changed substantially linearly with respect to a change in the reclining angle of the seat back 15 (for example, 20 ° to 28 °).

  In step S109, the CPU 101 determines whether it is necessary to change the reclining angle of the seat back 15. The reclining angle needs to be changed when, for example, the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is not in the range of the reclining angles A to B described above. If it is determined in step S109 that the reclining angle needs to be changed, a warning that the recliner moves, that is, a warning that the inclination angle of the seat back 15 changes is displayed on the display device 110 in the subsequent step S111. Thereby, the passenger knows that the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is changed.

  In the subsequent step S113, the CPU 101 turns on the electromagnetic clutch A (31a) (“connected” state) and turns off the electromagnetic clutch B (31b) (“disconnected” state), and then operates the motor 12 in step S115. . This is a process for changing only the reclining angle of the seat back 15 without moving the headrest 18 because the seat back 15 is not in the range of the reclining angles A to B described above. Here, when the reclining angle is smaller than A shown in FIG. 10, the motor 12 is controlled so that the reclining angle becomes, for example, 20 degrees. Further, when the reclining angle is larger than B in FIG. 10, the motor 12 is driven so that the seat back 15 falls forward (rises). Such a process is performed when, for example, the occupant tries to drive the vehicle with the seat back 15 down, or when the vehicle is in such a state, a rear-end collision is performed. This is to protect the passengers.

  In step S117, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is within the above-described headrest operating region (range of the reclining angles A to B) based on the detection signal from the reclining angle detection sensor 102. judge. If the determination here is NO (negative), the reclining angle is still not within the headrest operating region, so the process returns to step S115 to continue the operation of the motor 12.

  If the CPU 101 determines in step S117 that the reclining angle of the seat back 15 has entered the headrest operating region due to the movement of the seat back 15, the position of the headrest 18 is adjusted along with the control of the reclining angle, and the backset is set to the target value. Move on to processing. Specifically, the CPU 101 displays a warning that both the seat back 15 and the headrest 18 are moved on the display device 110 in step S119. In step S121, both the electromagnetic clutch A (31a) and the electromagnetic clutch B (31b) are turned on (in the “connected” state), and then the motor 12 is operated in step S131. As a result, the seat back 15 and the headrest 18 move in conjunction with each other, and the headrest 18 (headrest front portion 19a) moves linearly in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the amount of movement of the headrest 18 is controlled to increase as the reclining angle (inclination angle) of the seat back 15 increases. Conversely, the amount of movement of the headrest 18 is controlled to decrease as the reclining angle of the seat back 15 decreases.

  The CPU 101 continues the operation of the motor 12 in step S136, and in the subsequent step S137, based on the detection signal from the reclining angle detection sensor 102, the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is a predetermined angle within the headrest operating region described above. That is, it is determined whether or not the standard position has been reached. If the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is not in the standard position, the motor 12 is continuously operated in step S136. At the same time, for example, referring to FIG. 11, the CPU 101 moves the headrest 18 toward the back of the head of the occupant 1 seated by the amount of movement corresponding to the reclining angle when the seatback 15 is in the standard position. Control to move. Therefore, in step S137, the CPU 101 determines whether the headrest 18 has moved by the amount of movement based on the detection result by the headrest movement amount detection sensor 103. If the headrest 18 has not moved by the amount of movement described above, the process returns to step S136 and the motor 12 continues to operate. Then, when the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is the standard position and the headrest 18 is moved by an amount corresponding to the standard position, the CPU 101 determines in step S137 that the stop condition of the motor 12 is satisfied. In step S139, the motor 12 is stopped and the operation warnings of the seat back 15 and the headrest 18 are reset.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in step S109 that it is not necessary to change the reclining angle of the seat back 15, it determines in step S125 whether or not the headrest 18 needs to be moved. Here, the need for changing the reclining angle means, for example, a case where the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is in the range of the reclining angles A to B described above. And if the determination result in step S125 is NO (negative), the reclining angle is in the standard position from the beginning, and the backset processing is terminated, assuming that the backset is the target value.

  However, if it is determined in step S125 that the headrest 18 needs to be moved, the backset is not at the target value even if the angle of the seat back 15 is in the range of the reclining angles A to B (that is, Since the headrest 18 is not at the target position), a process of moving the headrest 18 is performed. That is, the CPU 101 displays a warning that the headrest 18 moves on the display device 110 in step S127. In step S129, the electromagnetic clutch A (31a) is turned off (“disconnected” state), and the electromagnetic clutch B (31b) is turned on (“connected” state). Then, the motor 12 is operated in step S131. This is a process for moving only the headrest 18 because it is not necessary to change the reclining angle.

  In step S133, the CPU 101 moves the headrest 18 according to the headrest movement amount (headrest movement amount corresponding to the reclining angle shown in FIG. 11) calculated in step S107, and the detection result by the headrest movement amount detection sensor 103 is obtained. First, it is determined whether or not the headrest 18 has reached the target position. That is, the headrest front portion 19a moves to the back of the occupant 1 on which the headrest is seated, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined backset set value is satisfied. The backset set value is set, for example, based on safety requirements for protecting the cervical spine of the occupant 1 and the balance between the restraint of the head of the occupant 1 and the comfort for the occupant 1 at the time of a rear impact, etc. Is determined in advance as a backset setting value.

  If the determination result in step S133 is NO (negative), it is determined that the moving amount of the headrest 18 has not reached the moving amount of the headrest, and the operation of the motor 12 in step S131 is continued. However, if the determination result in step S133 is YES (positive), the amount of movement of the headrest 18 reaches the amount of movement of the headrest, and the headrest front portion 19a moves to the rear head side of the occupant 1 on which the headrest is seated. Is in the target position, it is determined that the stop condition of the motor 12 is satisfied. In step S135, the motor 12 is stopped and the operation warning of the headrest 18 is reset.

  As described above, in the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment, the reclining angle and the headrest position are adjusted with a single motor, so that the device itself is compared with a configuration in which these adjustments are performed with individual motors. In addition to simplifying the configuration, since the motor is not disposed on the headrest, the headrest can be made inexpensive, lightweight, and compact. In addition, since the amount of movement of the headrest is adjusted in conjunction with the change in the reclining angle of the seat back, the headrest can be placed in an appropriate position even if the angle of the seat back changes. The head can be supported by a headrest so that there is no sudden backward movement.

<Modification>
In the occupant protection device 111 according to the second embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 6, one end of the output shaft of the motor 12 is connected to the gear box 17 in the headrest 18 via the electromagnetic clutch B and the torque cable 16. However, the connection configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a coupling (joint) 113 is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the seat back 15, and one end of the output shaft of the motor 12 (the output end opposite to the gear box 13) is connected to the torque cable 16a. The other end of the torque cable 16 a is connected to one end of the coupling 113. Further, the other end of the coupling 113 may be connected to one end of the torque cable 16 b toward the headrest 18, and the other end of the torque cable 16 b may be connected to the gear box 17 of the headrest 18.

  In this way, by connecting the motor 12 and the headrest 18 driven by the rotational force of the motor 12 via the coupling 113, for example, when the seat back 15 is to be used in a horizontal state. When the headrest 18 is removed from the seat back 15, the driving force transmission cable to the headrest 18 can be separated simply by disconnecting the torque cable 16 b and the coupling 113. As a result, it is easy to remove the headrest 18 from the seat back 15. Further, there is an effect that maintenance such as cleaning of the headrest 18 can be performed quickly and easily.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an occupant protection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, the same components as those in the occupant protection device 11 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the occupant protection device 311 according to the third embodiment, the headrest 18 has an active headrest function unit 119, and the motor that drives the active headrest function unit 119 on the upper end of the seat back 15. 12 is arranged. "Active headrest" protects the occupant's head by moving the headrest to the front side of the vehicle when the vehicle is bumped from the rear and narrowing the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest, whiplash etc. It is a headrest aiming at preventing. The active headrest moves the headrest 18 instantaneously, for example, forward and upward when the seatback 15 is subjected to a force to catch the occupant due to, for example, a rear collision of the vehicle. Although it has a function to prevent it in advance, its operation and mechanism are publicly known, and therefore their explanation is omitted here.

  The occupant protection device 311 according to the third embodiment adjusts the position of the headrest 18 according to the change in the reclining angle θ of the seat back 15 in combination with the operation of the active headrest function unit 119, and Control is performed so that the distance L between the back of the head and the front surface portion 19a of the headrest 18 becomes an appropriate distance S. Therefore, the motor 12 of the occupant protection device 311 functions as a power motor that applies the driving force to move the headrest 18 including the active headrest function unit 119 vertically or obliquely upward. Further, the motor 12 applies a driving force for moving the headrest 18 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and adjusting the position thereof, and also applies a driving force for operating the reclining function of the seat back 15.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating a reclining mechanism and the like in the occupant protection device 311 according to the third embodiment. 14, the same components as those of the reclining mechanism and the like according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here. In the reclining mechanism shown in FIG. 14, one end 12 b of the output shaft of the motor 12 is connected to the electromagnetic clutch B (31 b), and one end of the electromagnetic clutch B (31 b) is connected to the support member 20. Since the support member 20 supports the headrest 18 and drives the headrest 18 in the vertical direction or obliquely upward, the other end of the support member 20 is connected to a fixed portion (not shown) of the active headrest function unit 119. Then, forward / reverse rotation of the motor 12 is converted into vertical movement of the support member 20 via an actuator (drive mechanism) (not shown). Thereby, the headrest 18 supported by the support member 20 can move in the vertical direction or obliquely upward together with the active headrest function unit 119. The other end 12a of the output shaft of the motor 12 is connected to a long flexible torque cable 16b via an electromagnetic clutch A (31a). That is, one end of the torque cable 16 b is fitted into an insertion portion (not shown) provided in the electromagnetic clutch A (31 a), and the other end of the torque cable 16 b is connected to the gear box 13.

  The above-described fixing portion of the active headrest function unit 119 refers to, for example, a portion corresponding to the rear end portion of the headrest shown in FIG. Further, the support member 20 that converts the rotational force of the motor 12 into a driving force in the vertical direction or obliquely upward of the headrest and transmits the driving force is omitted here. For example, a worm gear is provided on the output shaft (headrest side) of the motor 12. And a rack that meshes with the worm gear is provided at the fixed portion of the active headrest function unit 119, thereby changing the rotational movement of the worm gear to the vertical movement or obliquely upward movement of the headrest.

  The configuration of the control system of the occupant protection device 311 according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the control system of the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the backset control in the occupant protection device 311 is also the same as the backset control in the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and therefore, illustration and description thereof are omitted here.

  Thus, in the occupant protection device according to the third embodiment, a single motor that applies a driving force in the vertical direction or obliquely upward to the headrest on which the active headrest is disposed, and the headrest of the headrest according to a change in the reclining angle. By adopting a configuration for adjusting the position, the apparatus configuration can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the reclining angle change of the seat back and the position adjustment of the headrest are performed by separate motors. In addition, since the motor is not disposed in the reclining mechanism, the recliner can be made inexpensive, lightweight, and compact.

  Furthermore, the head protection function of the occupant by the active headrest is activated at the time of a rear collision, etc., and the headrest of the occupant is supported by the headrest by adjusting the position of the headrest in the vehicle front-rear direction, so There can be no movement.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an occupant protection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The occupant protection device 411 according to the fourth embodiment moves the headrest 18 back and forth substantially linearly in accordance with the change in the reclining angle θ of the seat back 15, similarly to the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment. The distance L between the rear head of the occupant 1 and the front portion of the headrest 18 is controlled to be an appropriate distance S. In FIG. 15, the same components as those in the occupant protection device 111 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

  In the occupant protection device 411 shown in FIG. 15, the seat back 15 rotatably attached to one side of the rear portion of the seat cushion 10 can have an arbitrary reclining angle at the lower part in the seat back 15. A gear box 13 constituting a recliner mechanism is provided. The gear box 13 includes a reclining angle detection sensor 102 for detecting the reclining angle. On the other hand, a gear box 17 including a mechanism for reciprocating the headrest front portion 19a in the front-rear direction substantially linearly is provided inside the headrest 18. Further, the gear box 17 includes a headrest movement amount detection sensor 103 for detecting the movement amount of the headrest 18.

  A motor 112 is installed approximately in the middle of the seat back 15, and the motor 112 drives a gear in the gear box 13 to provide a driving force for realizing a reclining function, and also has a reclining angle of A driving force is applied to the headrest 18 to move the headrest 18 substantially linearly in the front-rear direction in accordance with the change. In addition, the motor 112 is connected to the clutch unit 131, and as will be described later, the driving force from the motor 112 is changed to one of the recliner and the headrest, or both by clutch switching by an electronic control unit ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 400. Is transmitted to.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a reclining mechanism and the like in the occupant protection device 411 according to the fourth embodiment. In the occupant protection device 411 shown in FIG. 16, the clutch part 131 is coaxially and integrally attached to the two bevel gears 141, 143 arranged at positions opposed in the vertical direction and the shaft tip of the motor 112. 141, 143, a bevel gear 151, a cam mechanism portion 145 having a function of pushing down the bevel gear 141 downward in the axial direction, and a cam mechanism portion 147 having a function of pushing up the bevel gear 143 upward in the axial direction. The bevel gear 141 is connected to a flexible long torque cable 16 c that transmits a driving force to the gear box 13 constituting the recliner mechanism, and the bevel gear 143 transmits a driving force to the gear box 17. A long torque cable 16d having flexibility is connected.

  Cam mechanism portions 145 and 147 operate in response to a control signal (switching signal) from ECU 400. For example, when the control signal for the cam mechanism unit 145 is ON and the control signal for the cam mechanism unit 147 is OFF, the bevel gear 151 connected to the motor 112 and the bevel gear 143 are engaged, and the driving force of the motor 112 is It is transmitted only to the gear box 17 via the torque cable 16d. Such switching of the clutch portion 131 is hereinafter referred to as “headrest side” clutch switching. When the control signal for the cam mechanism unit 145 is OFF and the control signal for the cam mechanism unit 147 is ON, the bevel gear 151 connected to the motor 112 and the bevel gear 141 are engaged, and the driving force of the motor 112 is It is transmitted only to the gear box 13 via the torque cable 16c. Such switching of the clutch portion 131 is hereinafter referred to as “recliner side” clutch switching. Furthermore, when the control signals for the cam mechanism portions 145 and 147 are both OFF, the bevel gear 151 meshes with both the bevel gears 141 and 143, and the driving force of the motor 112 is transmitted to the gear box 13 via the torque cables 16c and 16d. , 17 are transmitted to both.

  Next, backset control in the occupant protection device according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the occupant protection device according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 17, the same components as those in the control system of the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the occupant protection device 411 according to the fourth embodiment, the central control unit CPU101 of the electronic control unit ECU 400 is used to temporarily store a ROM 120 that stores programs and various data. The entire occupant protection device 411 is controlled while exchanging predetermined data with the RAM 121. Further, the CPU 101 inputs a predetermined switching signal to the clutch switching circuit 135 and switches the transmission direction of the driving force of the motor 112 in the clutch portion 131 corresponding to the driving state of the recliner and the headrest, as will be described later.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of the backset in the occupant protection device according to the fourth embodiment. In step S401 of FIG. 18, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a signal from the reclining angle adjustment switch 107. If the reclining angle adjustment switch 107 is ON, the detection signal from the brake pedal depression detection sensor 105 is detected in step S403. Determine presence or absence. If the reclining angle adjustment switch 107 is ON, execution of backset control for adjusting the position of the headrest 18 relative to the occupant 1 seated on the seat cushion 10 is started. Further, when the occupant 1 steps on the brake pedal 104, there is a possibility of a rear-end collision by the following vehicle at that time, so the occupant protection device 411 starts backset control to protect the occupant from such a rear-end collision. .

  If it is determined in step S403 that the occupant 1 has stepped on the brake pedal 104, in step S405, the CPU 101 detects the reclining angle of the seat back 15 based on the detection signal from the reclining angle detection sensor 102. In step S407, the movement amount of the headrest is calculated based on the reclining angle and the backset setting amount detected in the above step. Note that the method for calculating the amount of movement of the headrest here is the same as the method of calculating the amount of movement of the headrest in the occupant protection device according to the second embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, in step S409, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the reclining angle of the seat back 15 needs to be changed. If the reclining angle needs to be changed, the recliner operates on the display device 110 in step S411 ( A warning that the inclination angle of the seat back 15 changes) is displayed. In subsequent step S413, CPU 101 inputs a clutch switching signal to clutch switching circuit 135 in FIG. 17, and switches the clutch to “recliner side” in clutch section 131 shown in FIG. Then, by driving the motor 112 in the subsequent step S415, the driving force of the motor 112 is transmitted to the gear box 13 (recliner side) by the torque cable 16c through the engagement between the bevel gear 151 and the bevel gear 141. The reclining angle of the seat back 15 is changed.

  Here, for example, when the reclining angle is smaller than A shown in FIG. 10, the motor 112 is controlled so that the reclining angle becomes, for example, 20 degrees. Further, when the reclining angle is larger than B in FIG. 10, the seat back 15 is driven to be raised forward. As a result, for example, when the vehicle is driven with the seat back 15 tilted down, an occupant can be protected when a rear-end collision or the like occurs.

  In step S417, based on the detection signal from the reclining angle detection sensor 102, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is within the above-described headrest operating region (the range of the reclining angles A to B). judge. If the determination in step S417 is NO (No), it is determined that the reclining angle is not within the headrest operation region, and the process returns to step S415 to continue the operation of the motor 112.

  If it is determined in step S417 that the reclining angle is within the above-described headrest operating region due to the change in the reclining angle of the seat back 15, the position of the headrest 18 is adjusted to set the backset to the target value. Transition to processing. That is, in step S419, the CPU 101 displays a warning that both the seat back 15 and the headrest 18 are activated on the display device 110. In the subsequent step S421, a clutch switching signal is input to the clutch switching circuit 135 (see FIG. 17), and the clutch is switched to “recliner side and headrest side” in the clutch portion 131 of FIG. Then, in the subsequent step S436, the operation of the motor 112 is continued. In this way, the driving force of the motor 112 is transmitted to the gear box 13 (recliner side) by the torque cable 16c through the engagement between the bevel gear 151 and the bevel gear 141, and the bevel gear 151 It is transmitted to the gear box 17 (headrest side) by the torque cable 16d through the engagement with the bevel gear 143.

  By switching the clutch in step S421, the seat back 15 and the headrest 18 move in conjunction with each other, and the headrest 18 moves linearly forward or backward of the vehicle. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the amount of movement of the headrest 18 is controlled to increase as the reclining angle of the seat back 15 increases. On the other hand, the amount of movement of the headrest 18 is controlled to be smaller as the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is smaller.

  In step S436, the CPU 101 continues the operation of the motor 112, and in subsequent step S437, based on the detection signal from the reclining angle detection sensor 102, the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is set to a predetermined angle within the headrest operating region (that is, It is determined whether or not the standard position is reached. If the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is not at the standard position, the motor 112 is continuously operated in step S436. At the same time, for example, referring to FIG. 11, the CPU 101 moves the headrest 18 toward the back of the head of the occupant 1 seated by the amount of movement corresponding to the reclining angle when the seatback 15 is in the standard position. Control to move. Therefore, in step S437, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the headrest 18 has moved by the amount of movement based on the detection result by the headrest movement amount detection sensor 103. If the headrest 18 has not moved by the amount of movement described above, the process returns to step S436 and the motor 112 continues to operate.

  When the reclining angle of the seat back 15 becomes the standard position and the headrest 18 moves by the amount of movement corresponding to the standard position, the CPU 101 determines in step S437 that the stop condition of the motor 112 is satisfied. In step S439, the motor 112 is stopped, and the operation warning of the seat back 15 and the headrest 18 is reset. As described above, when the stop condition of the motor 112 is satisfied, the CPU 101 determines that further movement of the seat back 15 and the headrest 18 is unnecessary, and ends the back setting process.

  On the other hand, if the reclining angle of the seat back 15 is within the above-described reclining angles A to B from the detection result of the reclining angle in step S405, the CPU 101 changes the reclining angle of the seat back 15 in step S409. Judge as unnecessary. In step S425, it is determined whether the headrest 18 needs to be moved. If the determination result in this step S425 is NO (negative), it is assumed that the reclining angle is at the standard position from the beginning and the backset is the target value, and this backset processing is ended.

  However, if it is determined in step S425 that the headrest 18 needs to be moved, the headrest is not at the target value even if the angle of the seat back 15 is within the range of the reclining angles A to B. The process which moves 18 is performed. Therefore, the CPU 101 displays a warning that the headrest 18 moves on the display device 110 in step S427. In step S429, a clutch switching signal is input to the clutch switching circuit 135 in FIG. 17, and the clutch is switched to the “headrest side” in the clutch section 131 in FIG. In step S431, the motor 112 is operated. As a result, the driving force of the motor 112 is transmitted to the gear box 17 (headrest side) by the torque cable 16d through the engagement between the bevel gear 151 and the bevel gear 143, and the reclining angle of the headrest 18 is changed.

  In step S433, the CPU 101 moves the headrest 18 according to the headrest movement amount (headrest movement amount corresponding to the reclining angle shown in FIG. 11) calculated in step S407. Then, based on the detection result by the headrest movement amount detection sensor 103, it is determined whether or not the headrest 18 has reached the target position. That is, the headrest front portion 19a moves to the back of the occupant 1 on which the headrest is seated, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined backset set value is satisfied. The backset set value is set, for example, based on safety requirements for protecting the cervical spine of the occupant 1 and the balance between the restraint of the head of the occupant 1 and the comfort for the occupant 1 at the time of a rear impact, etc. Is determined in advance as a backset setting value.

  If the determination result in step S433 is NO (No), the operation of the motor 112 in step S431 is continued assuming that the movement amount of the headrest 18 has not reached the headrest movement amount. However, if the determination in step S433 is YES (affirmative), the amount of movement of the headrest 18 has reached the amount of movement of the headrest (the headrest 19a moves to the back of the occupant 1 on which the headrest is seated and backset) Is at the target position), it is determined that the stop condition of the motor 112 is satisfied. In step S435, the motor 112 is stopped and the operation warning of the headrest 18 is reset.

  As described above, in the occupant protection device according to the fourth embodiment, the driving force of a single motor is transmitted by switching the adjustment of the reclining angle and the position adjustment of the headrest by a clutch. Compared to a configuration in which the motor is performed by an individual motor, the device configuration can be simplified. In addition, since the motor is not disposed on the headrest, the headrest can be made inexpensive, lightweight, and compact. Furthermore, by moving the headrest in conjunction with the change in the reclining angle of the seat back and adjusting the headrest to an appropriate position, the headrest of the passenger is supported by the headrest at the time of a rear impact, etc. Can be avoided.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the headrest movement amount is substantially linearly changed with respect to the change in the reclining angle, and the headrest is substantially linearly moved in the front-rear direction of the vehicle so that the movement locus of the headrest is substantially linear corresponding to the change. Although it is moved linearly, the relationship between the reclining angle and the backset amount may be non-linear depending on how the occupant sits on the seat cushion (sitting posture). Therefore, in order to cope with non-linear changes in the backset, a mechanism for rotating the headrest in the front-rear direction around a horizontal axis orthogonal to the traveling direction of the vehicle is provided so that the movement locus of the headrest is non-linear. Good.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the recliner and the headrest move, a warning to that effect to the occupant is visually displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a warning that the recliner or the like moves may be given by voice, or a warning such as “There may be a whiplash at the time of rear-end collision” is displayed or voiced. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Crew 10 Seat cushion 11, 111, 211, 311, 411 Crew protection device 12, 112 Motor 13, 17 Gear box 15 Seat back 16, 16a-16d Torque cable 18 Headrest 19a Headrest front part 19b Headrest rear part 20 Support member 21 Worm gear 22 Worm wheel 23 Reclining gear 24 Eccentric cam 25 Drive shaft 26 Outer peripheral surface 27 Limit switch 30 Frame 31 Electromagnetic clutch 51 Bevel gear 53 Bevel gear 55a Rack 55 Rod section 100, 400 Electronic control unit (ECU)
101 Central control unit (CPU)
102 Reclining Angle Detection Sensor 103 Headrest Movement Amount Detection Sensor 104 Brake Pedal 105 Brake Pedal Detection Sensor 107 Reclining Angle Adjustment Switch 110 Display Device 113 Coupling 115 Motor Drive Circuit 117 Display Control Circuit 119 Active Headrest Function Unit 131 Clutch Unit 135 Clutch Switching Circuit

Claims (11)

A first mechanism unit that changes a reclining angle of a seat back that constitutes a backrest of a seat on which an occupant is seated according to the transmitted driving force;
A second mechanism portion that moves in a predetermined direction in accordance with a driving force transmitted through a headrest body provided at an upper end portion of the seat back;
A single actuator for applying the driving force for changing the reclining angle to the first mechanism unit and for applying the driving force for moving the headrest body in a predetermined direction to the second mechanism unit; ,
As the reclining angle increases at a predetermined range of reclining angles, the amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body toward the vehicle front increases, and as the reclining angle decreases at a predetermined range of reclining angles, the reclining angle decreases. The first mechanism unit until the backset, which is a horizontal distance between the head of the occupant and the headrest body, reaches a target value so that the amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body to the front of the vehicle is reduced. The driving force of the single actuator is applied to the first mechanism portion and the second mechanism portion so that the reclining angle of the seat back is changed and the headrest body is moved in a predetermined direction by the second mechanism portion. A control unit that controls to be given,
An occupant protection device. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein when the reclining angle is within a predetermined range, the control unit moves the headrest main body in a substantially straight line in the vehicle front-rear direction by the second mechanism unit. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein when the reclining angle is in a predetermined range, the control unit causes the second mechanism unit to rotate and move the headrest body in the front-rear direction about an axis in the vehicle width direction. Reclining angle changing means for changing the reclining angle of the seat back constituting the back of the seat on which the occupant is seated according to the transmitted driving force;
Headrest moving means for moving the headrest body provided at the upper end of the seat back in a predetermined direction according to the transmitted driving force;
A single actuator for applying a driving force for changing the reclining angle to the reclining angle changing means, and for applying a driving force for moving the headrest body in a predetermined direction to the headrest moving means;
Reclining angle detecting means for detecting a reclining angle of the seat back;
Headrest movement amount detecting means for detecting the amount of movement of the headrest body in the predetermined direction;
The amount of movement of the headrest body based on the reclining angle detected by the reclining angle detection means and a preset amount of the backset that is a predetermined horizontal distance between the head of the occupant and the headrest body. A headrest movement amount calculating means for calculating
When the reclining angle detected by the reclining angle detection means is not within a predetermined range at the start of control, the amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body toward the front of the vehicle increases as the reclining angle increases at the reclining angle within the predetermined range. Until the backset reaches a target value so that the amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body to the front of the vehicle decreases as the reclining angle decreases in a predetermined range of reclining angles. The reclining angle changing means changes the reclining angle of the seat back, and the headrest moving means controls the single actuator so that the headrest body is moved in a predetermined direction. The reclining angle detecting means Based on the movement amount of the headrest body calculated by the headrest movement amount calculation means and the movement amount of the headrest body detected by the headrest movement amount detection means when the outputted reclining angle is within a predetermined range at the start of control. Control means for controlling the single actuator so that the headrest body is moved in a predetermined direction by the headrest moving means until the backset reaches a target value;
An occupant protection device. The single actuator is disposed in the vicinity of the reclining angle changing means, and the driving force of the single actuator is transmitted to the reclining angle changing means via a gear mechanism, and the driving force of the single actuator is The occupant protection device according to claim 4, wherein is transmitted to the headrest moving means via a torque cable. The single actuator is disposed in the vicinity of the reclining angle changing means, the end of the first torque cable connected to the single actuator, and the second torque cable connected to the headrest moving means. The occupant protection device according to claim 4, wherein coupling means for rotatably coupling the end portion is provided on an upper portion of the seat back. 5. The single actuator is disposed on an upper portion of the seat back, and an active headrest function unit is provided in the headrest body, and the headrest body can be moved vertically or obliquely upward by the single actuator. The occupant protection device described. Reclining angle changing means for changing the reclining angle of the seat back constituting the back of the seat on which the occupant is seated according to the transmitted driving force;
Headrest moving means for moving the headrest body provided at the upper end of the seat back in a predetermined direction according to the transmitted driving force;
A single actuator for applying a driving force to the reclining angle changing means and the headrest moving means;
Switching means for switching the transmission direction of the driving force from the single actuator to the reclining angle changing means and the headrest moving means;
Reclining angle detecting means for detecting a reclining angle of the seat back;
Headrest movement amount detection means for detecting the amount of movement of the headrest body in the vehicle longitudinal direction;
The amount of movement of the headrest body based on the reclining angle detected by the reclining angle detection means and a preset amount of the backset that is a predetermined horizontal distance between the head of the occupant and the headrest body. A headrest movement amount calculating means for calculating
When the reclining angle detected by the reclining angle detection means is not within a predetermined range at the start of control, the amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body toward the front of the vehicle increases as the reclining angle increases at the reclining angle within the predetermined range. Until the backset reaches a target value so that the amount of movement of the front portion of the headrest body to the front of the vehicle decreases as the reclining angle decreases in a predetermined range of reclining angles. The reclining angle changing means changes the reclining angle of the seat back, and the switching means switches the drive transmission direction of the single actuator so that the headrest body is moved in a predetermined direction by the headrest moving means. When the single actuator is controlled and the reclining angle detected by the reclining angle detection means is within a predetermined range at the start of the control, the movement amount of the headrest body and the movement amount of the headrest calculated by the headrest movement amount calculation means Based on the movement amount of the headrest body detected by the detection means, the single actuator is moved by the switching means so that the headrest body is moved in a predetermined direction by the headrest movement means until the backset reaches a target value. Control means for controlling the single actuator by switching the drive transmission direction of
An occupant protection device. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control means moves the headrest body substantially linearly in the vehicle front-rear direction when the reclining angle is within a predetermined range. The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control means rotates the headrest body in the front-rear direction around an axis in the vehicle width direction when the reclining angle is within a predetermined range. Brake pedal depression detecting means for detecting whether or not the brake pedal is depressed,
The occupant protection device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein when the brake pedal depression detecting means detects that the brake pedal is depressed, the control means starts control of the single actuator.

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