JP2018079840A - Vehicle seat - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle seat which performs appropriate fatigue recovery measures according to a degree of fatigue of an occupant.SOLUTION: A seat S on which an occupant can be seated comprises: a detection part 100 for detecting biological information of an occupant; a degree of fatigue estimation part 110 for estimating a degree of fatigue of the occupant on the basis of the biological information detected by the detection part 100; and a control part 120 for switching between a first processing of assisting the occupant in breathing and a second processing of assisting the occupant in sleeping according to the degree of fatigue. The control part 120 performs the first processing when the degree of fatigue is not smaller than a first threshold value and is not larger than a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value and performs the second processing when the degree of fatigue is not smaller than the second threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a function of recovering a passenger's fatigue.

  In order to recover the occupant's fatigue in a vehicle such as an automobile, for example, as in the invention described in Patent Document 1 below, a massage machine is mounted on a seat to attempt to eliminate the occupant's physical fatigue.

Special table 2013-518632 gazette

The occupant fatigue is not limited to physical fatigue, and there is mental fatigue such as stress due to driving, for example. However, the above-described conventional technology does not eliminate such mental fatigue.
In addition, the appropriate fatigue recovery measures differ depending on how much the occupant is tired, whereas the conventional technology has not been able to take a fatigue recovery measure according to the occupant's fatigue level.

  This invention is made | formed in view of said subject, The objective is to provide the vehicle seat which can take the suitable fatigue recovery measures according to the passenger | crew's fatigue degree.

According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the above-described problem is a vehicle seat on which an occupant can be seated, and is based on a detection unit that detects biological information of the occupant and biological information detected by the detection unit. A fatigue level estimation unit that estimates the fatigue level of the occupant, a first process that supports breathing of the occupant, and a control unit that switches a second process that supports sleep of the occupant according to the fatigue level; It is solved by having.
According to the vehicle seat described above, appropriate fatigue recovery measures can be taken for the occupant according to the degree of occupant fatigue. Thereby, a passenger | crew's fatigue can be reduced effectively.

In the above vehicle seat, the detection unit includes a heart rate detection unit that detects a heart rate of the occupant, and the fatigue level estimation unit is configured to determine the fatigue level based on the occupant's heart rate detected by the heart rate detection unit. May be estimated.
By doing so, the degree of fatigue of the occupant can be estimated based on the occupant's heartbeat.

In the above vehicle seat, the control unit executes the first process when the degree of fatigue is not less than a first threshold and not more than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. The second process may be executed when the degree of fatigue is equal to or greater than the second threshold.
In this way, when the occupant's fatigue level is low, the occupant's breathing is supported, and when the occupant's fatigue level is high, the occupant sleep is supported, so that the fatigue recovery measures suitable for the occupant's fatigue level are achieved. Can be taken.

Said vehicle seat WHEREIN: The said detection part is equipped with the respiration detection part which detects the said passenger | crew's respiration, and the press part which can press a part of said back part to a part of the seat back which supports the said passenger | crew's back part In the first process, based on the detection result by the breath detection unit, the control unit presses the part of the back by the pressing unit in accordance with the timing when the occupant breathes. It is good.
By doing so, the occupant's thorax can be opened by pushing the back in time with the occupant's breathing timing, so the occupant can easily take a deep breath. As a result, the breathing of the occupant can be stabilized and relaxed.

In the above vehicle seat, in the first process, the control unit may release the pressing by the pressing unit in accordance with a timing when the occupant exhales.
By carrying out like this, a passenger | crew becomes easy to exhale by releasing the press of a back part according to the timing which a passenger | crew exhales. Thereby, it can suppress that a passenger | crew's respiration is prevented, a passenger | crew's respiration can be stabilized, and can be relaxed.

In the above vehicle seat, the second process includes a sleep support process for supporting the occupant to transition to a sleep state, and the occupant after a predetermined time has elapsed since the occupant transitioned to a sleep state. And awakening support processing for supporting the transition to the awakening state.
In this way, when assisting the occupant's sleep, the occupant can wake up before going into deep sleep. Thereby, a short nap can be realized and the fatigue recovery effect can be enhanced.

In the above vehicle seat, the sleep state may be determined based on the occupant's heartbeat detected by the heartbeat detection unit.
By doing so, it is possible to detect when the occupant falls asleep.

Said vehicle seat WHEREIN: It is good also as having a head support part which supports the said passenger | crew's head from both sides, after the said passenger | crew transfers to the said sleep state.
By doing so, while the occupant is sleeping, the movement of the occupant's head can be suppressed so that sleep is not hindered. Thereby, a passenger | crew's fatigue recovery effect can be heightened.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, according to a passenger | crew's fatigue degree, an appropriate fatigue recovery measure can be taken with respect to a passenger | crew.
According to the present invention, the degree of occupant fatigue can be estimated based on the occupant's heartbeat.
According to the present invention, when the occupant's fatigue level is low, the occupant's breathing is supported, and when the occupant's fatigue level is high, the occupant's sleep is supported, so that the fatigue recovery suitable for the occupant is achieved. Measures can be provided.
According to the present invention, the occupant can be encouraged to take a deep breath and relax.
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can suppress that a passenger | crew's respiration is prevented and can stabilize a passenger | crew's respiration.
According to the present invention, a short nap can be realized and the fatigue recovery effect can be enhanced.
According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the timing when an occupant falls asleep.
According to the present invention, while the occupant is sleeping, the movement of the occupant's head can be suppressed so that sleep is not hindered.

It is a figure explaining the composition of the sheet concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the state where the passenger | crew sat down on the seat. It is a figure which shows the support state of the head by a headrest when the head support part does not protrude ahead. It is a figure which shows the support state of the head by a headrest in case the head support part protrudes ahead. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the sheet | seat in a 1st fatigue recovery process. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the sheet | seat in the sleep support process which concerns on a 2nd fatigue recovery process. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of a sheet | seat when a passenger | crew is in a sleep state. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the sheet | seat in the awakening assistance process which concerns on a 2nd fatigue recovery process. It is a figure explaining the function with which ECU is equipped. It is a figure explaining the flow of the process performed by ECU.

Hereinafter, the sheet S according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. The seat S according to the present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle seat, but the seat S is only an example for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and limits the present invention. is not. That is, the shape, dimensions, arrangement, and the like of the members described below can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.
In the following description, the front / rear, left / right, and upper / lower directions are the same as those viewed from the seated person of the seat S.

[1. Configuration of sheet S]
First, the configuration of the sheet S will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the seat S, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of the seat S and an occupant 20 seated on the seat S.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat S supports a seat back S1 that supports the back of the occupant 20, a seat cushion S2 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant 20, and a head of the occupant 20. The headrest S3 is provided.

  The seat S is provided with a heart rate sensor 1, a respiration sensor 2, a pressing unit 3, a reclining mechanism 4, a speaker 5, a heater 6, a head support unit 7, a vibration motor 8, and an ECU 10.

  The ECU 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, and an input / output IF 13 (input / output interface), and is a control device (computer) that controls a fatigue recovery function of an occupant seated on the seat S. The ECU 10 may be built in the seat S or may be provided as an external device of the seat S.

The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that executes various arithmetic processes based on programs and data stored in the memory 12. The CPU 11 presses the pressing unit 3 connected via the input / output IF 13 according to the processing result based on the body signal of the occupant 20 input from the heart rate sensor 1 and the respiratory sensor 2 via the input / output IF 13 (input / output interface). The operation of the reclining mechanism 4, the speaker 5, the heater 6, the head support portion 7, and the vibration motor 8 is controlled.
The memory 12 stores various programs and data, and also functions as a work memory for the CPU 11.
The input / output IF 13 is connected to the heart rate sensor 1, the respiration sensor 2, the pressing unit 3, the reclining mechanism 4, the speaker 5, the heater 6, the head support unit 7, and the vibration motor 8, and communicates with each device.

The heart rate sensor 1 is a sensing device that measures a seated person's electrocardiographic signal in a non-contact manner using a capacitively coupled electrode. Here, the electrocardiogram signal refers to an action potential signal generated with the beat of the seated person's heart.
The electrocardiographic signal detected by the heart rate sensor 1 is input to the ECU 10 via the input / output IF 13.
In the present embodiment, the heart rate sensor 1 is provided on the seat back S1, but the heart rate sensor 1 may be provided on the seat cushion S2.

The respiration sensor 2 is provided on the seat cushion S2 with electrodes on the top and bottom, and is a resistance pressure-sensitive sensor (pressure sensor) that detects an electrical resistance that changes according to the breathing of the occupant 20 seated on the seat S. is there.
Here, when the contact resistance is increased due to the upper electrode being deformed downward by the pressure applied to the electrode on the upper surface of the respiration sensor 2, the electrical resistance value between the electrodes is decreased. An electrical signal related to this electrical resistance value is input from the respiratory sensor 2 to the ECU 10 via the input / output IF 13. ECU10 calculates a pressure based on the electric signal which concerns on an electrical resistance value, and obtains respiration data based on the calculated pressure.

The pressing part 3 is a mechanism that is provided on the seat cushion S2 and that partially presses the back of the occupant 20 by protruding (protruding) toward the occupant 20 side. For example, the pressing unit 3 may be provided at a position facing the fourth thoracic vertebra of the occupant 20 in the seat back S1, and may press the fourth thoracic vertebra of the occupant 20 when protruding to the occupant 20 side.
As an example, the pressing portion 3 may be realized by an air pump, an air cell connected to the air pump via a tube. In this case, the air pump injects air into the air cell in accordance with the drive signal from the ECU 10, and the air cell bulges toward the occupant 20, thereby pressing the back of the occupant 20. On the other hand, the ECU 10 stops the injection of air into the air pump, so that the air in the air cell is released by the load from the occupant 20 and the back state of the occupant 20 is released.
As another example, the pressing portion 3 may be realized by a lumbar support mechanism. In this case, by increasing the amount of protrusion of the lumbar support mechanism toward the front side of the seat, the back portion of the occupant 20 is pressed by projecting the lumbar support mechanism toward the occupant 20 side. Further, by reducing the amount of protrusion of the lumbar support mechanism to the front side of the seat, the pressing of the back of the occupant 20 is released. Note that the operation of the lumbar support mechanism may be controlled based on a control signal from the ECU 10 input via the input / output IF 13.

The reclining mechanism 4 is a mechanism that rotatably connects the seat back S1 and the seat cushion S2. The reclining mechanism 4 makes the angle of the seat back S1 relative to the seat cushion S2 variable.
The reclining mechanism 4 may be an electric mechanism, and an angle (reclining angle) of the seat back S1 with respect to the seat cushion S2 is controlled based on a control signal from the ECU 10 input via the input / output IF 13.

The speaker 5 outputs a sound based on a sound signal input from the ECU 10 via the input / output IF 13.
In the present embodiment, the speaker 5 is provided on the upper portion of the seat back S1, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided on the seat cushion S2 and the headrest S3. Further, the speaker 5 may be a speaker mounted on the vehicle without being mounted on the seat S.

The heater 6 is a device that generates heat based on a control signal input from the ECU 10 via the input / output IF 13 and warms the legs 20C of the occupant 20.
In the present embodiment, the heater 6 is provided at a position facing the leg portion 20 </ b> C of the occupant 20 in the seat S. Note that the function of heating the legs 20C of the occupant 20 without mounting the heater 6 on the seat S may be realized by an air conditioner installed in the vehicle.

The head support portion 7 is a member that is provided on both sides of the headrest S3, bulges forward based on a control signal input from the ECU 10 via the input / output IF 13, and supports both sides of the head 20A of the occupant 20. is there.
For example, the head support portion 7 may be realized using an air cell similarly to the pressing portion 3, or may be realized using a mechanism that projects forward by a motor.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are diagrams for explaining the support state of the head 20 </ b> A by the headrest S <b> 3 according to the state of the head support portion 7.
FIG. 3A shows a support state of the head 20A by the headrest S3 in a state where the head support portion 7 does not protrude forward.
FIG. 3B shows a state in which the head 20A is supported by the headrest S3 in a state in which the head support portion 7 protrudes forward.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the state where the head support portion 7 does not protrude forward, the rear portion of the head portion 20A is supported by the headrest S3, but the side portion of the head portion 20A is not supported. . In this case, the left and right wobbling of the head 20A cannot be suppressed.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, in the state where the head support part 7 protrudes forward, the side part of the head 20A is sandwiched by the head support part 7, so that the head 20A is It will be supported on the three sides of the side and the rear. Thereby, the right and left wobble of the head 20A can be suppressed, and the stability of holding the head 20A by the headrest S3 can be improved.

The vibration motor 8 is a device that gives vibration stimulation to the occupant 20 and is switched between driving and stopping based on a control signal received from the ECU 10. For example, the vibration motor 8 may be an unbalanced mass type motor.
In the present embodiment, when the occupant 20 is awakened from the sleep state, the vibration motor 8 is operated to give a vibration stimulus to the occupant 20.
In the present embodiment, the vibration motor 8 is provided on the headrest S3, but may be provided on the seat back S1 or the seat cushion S2.

[2. Operation of sheet S]
Next, the operation of the sheet S will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 to 7.
In the present embodiment, the ECU 10 estimates the fatigue level of the occupant 20 based on the body signals of the occupant 20 acquired from the heart rate sensor 1 and the respiratory sensor 2, and executes the fatigue recovery process of the occupant 20 based on the estimated fatigue level. . Specifically, the ECU 10 executes the first fatigue recovery process when the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 is equal to or higher than the first level and lower than the second level (> first level). If the second level or higher, the second fatigue recovery process is executed.

[2.1. First fatigue recovery process]
First, based on FIG.2 and FIG.4, operation | movement of the sheet | seat S in a 1st fatigue recovery process is demonstrated. The first fatigue recovery process is a process that supports deep breathing of the occupant 20.

  The ECU 10 determines the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 based on heartbeat information detected by the heartbeat sensor 1 and respiration information detected by the respiration sensor 2. Then, the ECU 10 determines that the first fatigue recovery process is to be executed when the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 is not less than the first threshold (L1) and less than the second threshold (L2> L1).

When it is determined that the first fatigue recovery process is to be executed, the ECU 10 operates the pressing unit 3 in accordance with the breathing timing of the occupant 20 detected by the breathing sensor 2.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the back part 20 </ b> B of the occupant 20 is pressed by the pressing unit 3 in accordance with the timing when the occupant 20 inhales, and the chest is opened, so that it is easy to inhale greatly.
On the other hand, at the timing when the occupant 20 exhales, as shown in FIG. 2, the pressing of the back part 20 </ b> B of the occupant 20 by the pressing unit 3 is released to make it easy to exhale.
In this way, the ECU 10 can relax the occupant 20 by repeatedly pressing the pressing portion 3 in accordance with the breathing timing of the occupant 20 and making the occupant 20 easily breathe deeply. Thereby, mental fatigue of the occupant 20 can be removed.

[2.2. Second fatigue recovery process]
Next, the operation of the sheet S in the second fatigue recovery process will be described based on FIGS. The second fatigue recovery process is a process for assisting the passenger 20 to take a nap. The nap here means sleep of about 20 minutes.
As described above, the ECU 10 determines to execute the second fatigue recovery process when the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 is the second threshold (L2).

[2.2.1. Sleeping support process]
If it is determined that the second fatigue recovery process is to be executed, the ECU 10 first executes a sleep support process described below. The sleep support process is a process executed until the occupant 20 enters a sleep state. The sleep support process will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ECU 10 operates the reclining mechanism 4 to tilt the seat back S1 backward to a predetermined angle. The rearward tilt angle may be set in advance for the occupant 20.
At this time, the ECU 10 operates the heater 6 to warm the leg portion 20C of the occupant 20. Note that the operation of the heater 6 may be controlled such that the temperature of a thermometer (not shown) for measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the leg 20C becomes a predetermined temperature.
Further, the ECU 10 outputs a sound for notifying the occupant 20 of the breathing timing suitable for falling asleep from the speaker 5. For example, the ECU 10 alternately outputs a first sound notifying the timing of breathing from the speaker 5 and a second sound notifying the timing of exhalation.
And ECU10 operates the press part 3 according to the respiration timing suitable for falling asleep. That is, the ECU 10 presses the back part 20B of the occupant 20 by the pressing part 3 in accordance with the timing when the occupant 20 inhales, opens the chest, and makes it easier to inhale greatly. In addition, at the timing when the occupant 20 exhales, the pressing of the back portion 20B of the occupant 20 by the pressing unit 3 is released to make it easy to exhale.

  The ECU 10 continues the above sleep support process until the occupant 20 enters a sleep state. Whether or not the occupant 20 has entered a sleep state may be determined based on information on the heartbeat detected by the heartbeat sensor 1 and the information on breathing detected by the respiration sensor 2.

[2.2.2. Sleep support processing]
Next, a process (sleep support process) performed after the occupant 20 enters a sleep state will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the sleep support process is a process for maintaining the sleep state of the occupant 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, after it is determined that the occupant 20 has entered the sleep state, the ECU 10 moves the left and right head support portions 7 provided on the side portions of the headrest S3 forward as shown in FIG. 3B. The left and right sides and the rear part of the head 20A of the occupant 20 are supported.
Further, the ECU 10 operates the heater 6 so that the temperature in the vicinity of the leg portion 20C maintains a predetermined temperature.

  The ECU 10 continues the above sleep support process until a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) elapses after the occupant 20 falls asleep, and then starts the awakening support process described below.

[2.2.3. Awakening support processing]
Next, a process for awakening the occupant 20 in the sleep state (awakening support process) will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the ECU 10 operates the reclining mechanism 4 to return the seat back S1 to the original position (position shown in FIG. 2).
Here, the ECU 10 outputs sound (music, alarm sound, etc.) suitable for awakening from the speaker 5 and vibrates the vibration motor 8 inside the headrest S3 to apply vibration stimulation to the head 20A.

  The ECU 10 continues the above wake-up support process until the occupant 20 returns to the wake-up state. It should be noted that whether or not the occupant 20 has returned to the awake state may be determined based on information on heartbeats detected by the heartbeat sensor 1 and respiration detected by the respiration sensor 2.

[3. Function of ECU 10]
Next, functions provided in the seat S (particularly the ECU 10) for realizing the above-described processing will be described with reference to FIG.

As FIG. 8 shows, ECU10 is provided with the detection part 100, the fatigue degree estimation part 110, and the control part 120 as a function.
The functions of the above-described units included in the ECU 10 are realized by the CPU 11 of the ECU 10 executing processes based on programs and data stored in the memory 12. The program stored in the memory 12 may be read from the information storage medium, or may be acquired from another device by the input / output IF 13 or the communication unit.

[3.1. Detection unit 100]
The detection unit 100 is mainly realized by the CPU 11, the memory 12, and the input / output IF 13.
The detection unit 100 has a function of detecting biological information of the occupant 20 seated on the seat S. The biological information is physiological and anatomical information generated by the living body, and includes, for example, information such as heartbeat, respiration, brain waves, and body temperature.
In the present embodiment, information on the heartbeat and respiration of the occupant 20 is handled as the biological information. Therefore, the detection unit 100 includes a heartbeat detection unit 101 and a respiration detection unit 102.

The heartbeat detection unit 101 detects information about the heartbeat of the occupant 20. Specifically, the heartbeat detection unit 101 acquires an electrocardiogram signal detected by the heartbeat sensor 1.
The heartbeat detection unit 101 calculates various data such as waveform data of the electrocardiogram signal and a peak (R wave) interval (RRI) in the waveform data based on the electrocardiogram signal acquired from the heartbeat sensor 1. As good as

The respiration detection unit 102 detects respiration information of the occupant 20. Specifically, the respiration detection unit 102 acquires a pressure signal (electric resistance value) detected by the respiration sensor 2.
The respiration detecting unit 102 receives various data such as waveform data of the pressure signal acquired from the respiration sensor 2, respiration interval (RI) based on the waveform data, and RrMSSD (Respiration root Mean Square Successive Difference) indicating variation in RI. It may be calculated.

  In the present embodiment, the detection unit 100 detects heartbeat and respiration information as an example of biometric information, but may detect other information such as brain waves.

[3.2. Fatigue degree estimation unit 110]
The fatigue level estimation unit 110 is mainly realized by the CPU 11 and the memory 12.
The fatigue level estimation unit 110 estimates the fatigue level of the occupant 20 based on the biological information detected by the detection unit 100. For example, the fatigue level estimation unit 110 may estimate the fatigue level of the occupant 20 based on the information on the heart rate of the occupant 20 detected by the heart rate detection unit 101.

As an example, the fatigue level estimation unit 110 measures the sympathetic nerve activity of the occupant 20 based on the heart rate information detected by the heart rate detection unit 101. Specifically, the fatigue level estimation unit 110 obtains the ratio (LF / HF) between the low frequency fluctuation wave (LF) and the high frequency fluctuation wave (HF) in the heartbeat fluctuation as the sympathetic nerve activity. . The fatigue level estimation unit 110 sets the above sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) as the fatigue level.
That is, according to the above index, it is estimated that the fatigue level of the occupant 20 is higher as the sympathetic nerve activity is more active than the parasympathetic nerve activity.

  The method of estimating the fatigue level of the occupant 20 by the fatigue level estimation unit 110 is not limited to the above example. For example, the fatigue level estimation unit 110 is based on the breathing interval detected by the breathing detection unit 102 and the wakefulness level determined based on the breathing (at least a level indicating whether the wakefulness state or the low wakefulness state). The degree of fatigue may be determined. Specifically, the fatigue level may be determined to be higher as the breathing interval of the occupant 20 is shorter, or the fatigue level may be determined to be higher when the wakefulness level of the occupant 20 is in a low wakefulness state.

  Further, the fatigue level estimation unit 110 may use the total of the individual fatigue levels determined based on the sympathetic nerve activity based on the heartbeat, the breathing interval, and the arousal level as the total fatigue level of the occupant 20. Good.

[3.3. Control unit 120]
The control unit 120 is mainly realized by the CPU 11, the memory 12, and the input / output IF 13.
The control unit 120 performs a first fatigue recovery process (corresponding to the first process) that supports the breathing of the occupant 20 and a second fatigue recovery process (corresponding to the second process) that supports the sleep of the occupant 20. The switching is executed in accordance with the fatigue level estimated by the fatigue level estimation unit 110.
For example, the control unit 120 performs the first fatigue recovery process when the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 is greater than or equal to the first threshold (L1) and less than or equal to the second threshold (L2) that is greater than the first threshold. Execute.
Moreover, the control part 120 performs a 2nd fatigue recovery process, when the passenger | crew 20's fatigue degree is more than a 2nd threshold value (L2).
In addition, said 1st threshold value and 2nd threshold value may be set for every passenger | crew 20, for example, may be set based on the result of machine learning based on the input from the passenger | crew 20. FIG. For example, the first threshold value and the second threshold value are set and updated based on the value of the fatigue level when the first fatigue recovery process and the second fatigue recovery process are required from the occupant 20 in the past. As good as

[3.3.1. First fatigue recovery process]
In the first fatigue recovery process, the control unit 120 supports deep breathing of the occupant 20 and reduces mental fatigue of the occupant 20.
For example, the control unit 120 operates the pressing unit 3 in accordance with the breathing timing of the occupant 20 detected by the breathing sensor 2.
Specifically, the control unit 120 presses the back of the occupant 20 with the pressing unit 3 in accordance with the timing at which the occupant 20 inhales, opens the chest, and makes it easier to inhale greatly.
Moreover, the control part 120 cancels | releases the press of the back part 20B of the passenger | crew 20 by the press part 3 at the timing which the passenger | crew 20 exhales, and makes it easy to exhale.

Thus, the control part 120 can relax the passenger | crew 20 by repeating the press of the press part 3 according to the breathing timing of the passenger | crew 20, and making it easy for the passenger | crew 20 to breathe deeply.
As described above, when the fatigue level of the occupant 20 is equal to or higher than the first level and lower than the second level, the first fatigue recovery process restores fatigue by adjusting and relaxing the breathing of the occupant 20. Can do.

[3.3.2. Second fatigue recovery process]
In the second fatigue recovery process, the control unit 120 assists the occupant 20 to take a nap and increases the amount of recovery of fatigue compared to the first fatigue recovery process. As will be described later, the second fatigue recovery process includes a sleep support process, a sleep support process, and an awakening support process. Details of each process will be described below.

[3.3.2 (1) Sleep support processing]
First, the control part 120 performs the process (sleeping support process) which assists the passenger | crew 20 so that it may become easy to enter a sleep state.
Specifically, the control unit 120 operates the reclining mechanism 4 to tilt the seat back S1 backward to a predetermined angle. The rearward tilt angle may be set in advance according to the occupant 20.
At this time, the control unit 120 operates the heater 6 to warm the legs 20C of the occupant 20. Note that the operation of the heater 6 may be controlled such that the temperature of a thermometer (not shown) for measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the leg 20C becomes a predetermined temperature.
Furthermore, the control unit 120 outputs a sound for notifying the occupant 20 of the breathing timing suitable for falling asleep from the speaker 5. For example, the ECU 10 alternately outputs a first sound notifying the timing of breathing from the speaker 5 and a second sound notifying the timing of exhalation.
And the control part 120 operates the press part 3 according to the breathing timing suitable for falling asleep. That is, the control unit 120 presses the back part 20B of the occupant 20 by the pressing unit 3 in accordance with the timing when the occupant 20 inhales, opens the chest, and makes it easier to inhale greatly. In addition, at the timing when the occupant 20 exhales, the pressing of the back portion 20B of the occupant 20 by the pressing unit 3 is released to make it easy to exhale.

The control unit 120 continues the above sleep support process until the occupant 20 enters a sleep state. Whether or not the occupant 20 has entered a sleep state may be determined based on the biological information of the occupant 20 detected by the detection unit 100.
For example, based on the heart rate variability of the occupant 20, the control unit 120 causes the occupant 20 to sleep when the parasympathetic nerve activity continues to be superior to the sympathetic nerve activity. It may be determined that there is.
As another example, the control unit 120 may determine whether or not the occupant 20 is in a sleep state based on the breathing state of the occupant 20.

[3.3.2 (2) Sleep support processing]
After the occupant 20 enters the sleep state, the control unit 120 executes a process (sleep support process) for maintaining the sleep of the occupant 20.

Specifically, the control unit 120 bulges the left and right head support portions 7 provided on the side portions of the headrest S3 forward to support the left and right and rear portions of the head 20A of the occupant 20, and Stabilize 20A support.
In addition, the control unit 120 operates the heater 6 so that the temperature in the vicinity of the leg portion 20C maintains a predetermined temperature.

  The control unit 120 continues the above sleep support process until a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) elapses after the occupant 20 falls asleep.

[3.3.2 (3) Awakening support processing]
After a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) after the occupant 20 falls asleep, the control unit 120 executes a process for awakening the occupant 20 in the sleep state (awakening support process).

Specifically, the control unit 120 operates the reclining mechanism 4 to raise the seat back S1. The standing angle of the seat back S1 may be determined in advance for each occupant 20.
Furthermore, the control unit 120 outputs sound (music, alarm sound, etc.) suitable for awakening from the speaker 5 and vibrates the vibration motor 8 inside the headrest S3 to apply vibration stimulation to the head 20A. In this way, the passenger 20 can be easily awakened from the sleep state.

  The control unit 120 continues the above wake-up support process until the occupant 20 returns to the wake-up state. Whether or not the occupant 20 has returned to the awake state may be determined based on the biological information of the occupant 20 detected by the detection unit 100.

  As described above, when the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 is equal to or higher than the second level, it is possible to recover from fatigue by allowing the occupant 20 to take a nap through the second fatigue recovery process. In addition, by awakening for a predetermined time (about 20 minutes) after falling asleep, it is possible to prevent deep sleep and prevent the occupant 20 from following activities.

[4. Description of processing executed by ECU 10]
Next, the flow of the fatigue recovery process executed by the ECU 10 will be described based on FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the ECU 10 detects the heart rate of the occupant 20 seated on the seat S by the heart rate sensor 1 (S11). Further, the ECU 10 detects the breathing of the occupant 20 by the breathing sensor 2 (S21). Note that the processing of S11 and S12 is executed by the detection unit 100.

  Next, the ECU 10 estimates the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 based on at least one of the heartbeat and breathing of the occupant 20 (S13). The process of S13 is executed by the fatigue level estimation unit 110.

  When the fatigue level of the occupant 20 estimated in S13 is greater than or equal to the first threshold (L1) and less than the second threshold (L2> L1) (S14: Y), the ECU 10 proceeds to S15, otherwise In the case (S14: N), the process proceeds to S16.

In S15, the ECU 10 executes a breathing support process that supports deep breathing of the occupant 20 as the first fatigue recovery process (S15).
Specifically, the ECU 10 operates the pressing unit 3 in accordance with the breathing timing of the occupant 20 detected by the breathing sensor 2.
That is, the ECU 10 presses the back of the occupant 20 with the pressing unit 3 in accordance with the timing when the occupant 20 inhales, opens the chest, and makes it easier to inhale greatly.
Moreover, ECU10 cancels | releases the press of the back part 20B of the passenger | crew 20 by the press part 3 at the timing which the passenger | crew 20 exhales, and makes it easy to exhale.

  In S16, if the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 is greater than or equal to the second threshold (S16: Y), the process proceeds to S17, and if not (S16: N), the process proceeds to S22.

Here, in S17 to S21, the ECU 10 executes a second fatigue recovery process.
First, the ECU 10 executes a sleep support process as the second fatigue recovery process (S17).
Specifically, the ECU 10 operates the reclining mechanism 4 to tilt the seat back S1 backward to a predetermined angle.
At this time, the ECU 10 operates the heater 6 to warm the leg portion 20C of the occupant 20.
Further, the ECU 10 outputs a sound for notifying the occupant 20 of the breathing timing suitable for falling asleep from the speaker 5. For example, the ECU 10 alternately outputs a first sound notifying the timing of breathing from the speaker 5 and a second sound notifying the timing of exhalation.
And ECU10 operates the press part 3 according to the respiration timing suitable for falling asleep. That is, the ECU 10 presses the back part 20B of the occupant 20 by the pressing part 3 in accordance with the timing when the occupant 20 inhales, opens the chest, and makes it easier to inhale greatly. In addition, at the timing when the occupant 20 exhales, the pressing of the back portion 20B of the occupant 20 by the pressing unit 3 is released to make it easy to exhale.

  Next, the ECU 10 determines whether or not the occupant 20 has entered the sleep state (S18). If the passenger 10 has not entered the sleep state (S18: N), the process returns to S17. (S18: Y), the process proceeds to S19.

In S19, the ECU 10 executes a sleep support process that supports the maintenance of the sleep state of the occupant 20 (S19).
Specifically, the ECU 10 supports the left and right and rear portions of the head 20A of the occupant 20 by causing the left and right head support portions 7 provided on the side portions of the headrest S3 to protrude forward.
Further, the ECU 10 operates the heater 6 so that the temperature in the vicinity of the leg portion 20C maintains a predetermined temperature.

  The ECU 10 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) has elapsed since the sleep of the occupant 20 (S20). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S20: N), the processing of S19 is continued. If the predetermined time has elapsed (S20: Y), the process proceeds to S21.

In S21, ECU10 performs the awakening assistance process for awakening the passenger | crew 20 in a sleep state (S21).
Specifically, the ECU 10 operates the reclining mechanism 4 to tilt the seat back S <b> 1 that has been tilted backward to the original position.
Further, the ECU 10 outputs a sound (music, alarm sound, etc.) for awakening the occupant 20 from the speaker 5 and vibrates the vibration motor 8 inside the headrest S3 to vibrate the head 20A of the occupant 20. Give.

  After S15, when the fatigue level of the occupant 20 is less than L1, and after S21, when the process is not terminated (S22: N), the process returns to S11, and when the process is terminated (S22: Y). ) Finish the process.

According to the seat S according to the present embodiment described above, an appropriate fatigue recovery measure corresponding to the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 can be provided to the occupant 20. Thereby, the fatigue recovery measure which is not excessive and insufficient with respect to the passenger | crew 20 can be provided, and the fatigue recovery effect can be heightened.
Further, according to the seat S according to the present embodiment, the degree of fatigue of the occupant 20 can be estimated based on the heartbeat of the occupant 20.
Further, according to the seat S according to the present embodiment, when the occupant 20 has a low degree of fatigue, the occupant 20 supports a deep breath, and when the occupant 20 has a high degree of fatigue, the occupant 20 takes a nap. Thus, it is possible to provide the occupant 20 with a fatigue recovery measure suitable for the degree of fatigue.
Further, according to the seat S according to the present embodiment, in the first fatigue recovery process, the chest of the occupant 20 can be opened by pressing the back part 20B of the occupant 20 in accordance with the timing when the occupant 20 breathes. Therefore, the occupant 20 can take a deep breath easily. This stabilizes the breathing of the occupant and makes it easier to relax.
Further, according to the seat S according to the present embodiment, in the first fatigue recovery process, the occupant 20 exhales by releasing the pressing of the back portion 20B of the occupant 20 in accordance with the timing when the occupant 20 exhales. It becomes easy. Thereby, since the breathing of the occupant 20 is not hindered, the breathing of the occupant 20 is stabilized and it becomes easy to relax.
Further, according to the sheet S according to the present embodiment, in the second fatigue recovery process, the fatigue recovery effect due to the nap can be enhanced by preventing the occupant 20 from going into deep sleep.
Further, according to the seat S according to the present embodiment, the timing when the occupant 20 falls asleep can be detected.
Further, according to the seat S according to the present embodiment, while the occupant 20 is sleeping, the head 20A of the occupant 20 is stably held, thereby preventing the head 20A from wobbling and the occupant 20 sleeping. It can be unimpeded. Thereby, the quality of sleep of crew member 20 can be improved and the fatigue recovery effect by nap can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, the vehicle seat according to the present invention is not limited to a vehicle, and is applicable to a vehicle seat such as an aircraft, a vehicle, and a ship.
Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the cushion hardness of the seat S may be variable, and the cushion hardness may be changed between the first fatigue recovery process and the second fatigue recovery process.

S Seat S1 Seat back S2 Seat cushion S3 Headrest 1 Heart rate sensor 2 Respiration sensor 3 Pressing part 4 Reclining mechanism 5 Speaker 6 Heater 7 Head support part 8 Vibration motor 10 ECU
11 CPU
12 Memory 13 Input / output IF
20 occupant 20A head 20B back 20C leg 100 detection unit 101 heart rate detection unit 102 respiration detection unit 110 fatigue estimation unit 120 control unit

Claims (8)

A vehicle seat on which a passenger can sit,
A detection unit for detecting biological information of the occupant;
Based on the biological information detected by the detection unit, a fatigue level estimation unit that estimates the fatigue level of the occupant,
A control unit that switches between a first process for supporting breathing of the occupant and a second process for supporting sleep of the occupant according to the degree of fatigue;
A vehicle seat characterized by comprising: The detection unit includes a heartbeat detection unit that detects a heartbeat of the occupant,
The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the fatigue level estimation unit estimates the fatigue level based on the occupant's heart rate detected by the heart rate detection unit.   The control unit executes the first process when the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and equal to or less than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and the fatigue level is equal to the first threshold value. 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the second process is executed when the threshold is equal to or greater than 2. The detection unit includes a respiration detection unit that detects respiration of the occupant,
A part of the seat back that supports the back of the occupant has a pressing part capable of pressing a part of the back,
In the first process, the control unit presses the part of the back by the pressing unit in accordance with a timing at which the occupant inhales based on a detection result by the breath detection unit. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein in the first process, the control unit releases the pressing by the pressing unit in accordance with a timing at which the occupant exhales.   The second process includes a sleep support process for assisting the occupant in transition to a sleep state, and assists the occupant in transition to an awake state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the occupant transitioned to the sleep state. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, further comprising: an awakening support process.   The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein the sleep state is determined based on a heartbeat of the occupant detected by the heartbeat detection unit.   The vehicle seat according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a head support portion that supports the head of the occupant from both sides after the occupant transitions to the sleeping state.

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