WO2013180089A1

WO2013180089A1 - Seat device, and control device of on-board seat device

Info

Publication number: WO2013180089A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/064693
Authority: WO
Inventors: 広瀬　悟; 雅夫山根; 慎一西岡; 義治紙透; 廣人中嶋; 小林　誠一; 信芝野
Original assignee: 日産自動車株式会社
Priority date: 2012-05-29
Filing date: 2013-05-28
Publication date: 2013-12-05

Abstract

A seat device installed in a moving body and having a seat cushion and a seat back, the seat device characterized in comprising movable mechanisms (21, 22) in positions in the seat back (10) that correspond to the spinal column of the occupant sitting in the seat device (100), the movable mechanisms being able to form protrusions extending parallel to the spinal column of the occupant.

Description

Seat device and control device for in-vehicle seat device

The present invention relates to a seat device and a control device for a vehicle seat device. The present application is Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-121530 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-121566 filed on May 29, 2012, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012- Japanese Patent Application filed on July 12, 2012. Patents claiming priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 156572, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-156574, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-156576, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-156579, and designated countries where incorporation by reference is permitted are described in the above application The content is incorporated by reference into the present application and is part of the description of the present application.

Conventionally, in order to improve the riding comfort of a moving body, a seat device that supports the posture of the occupant by detecting the posture of the occupant and controlling the seat cushion and the seat back according to the posture of the occupant is known. (Patent Document 1).

JP, 2006-8098, A

It is desirable to perform a certain amount of exercise for maintenance and improvement of health. However, when the user is in a vehicle, the movement of the occupant is limited, and there is a problem that the amount of exercise necessary for maintenance and improvement of health can not be obtained. In particular, the prior art supports the posture of the occupant to reduce the exercise load (muscle load required for the occupant to maintain the posture during travel of the moving object) applied to the occupant by the traveling of the moving object. However, it was difficult for crew members to obtain the amount of exercise necessary to maintain and improve their health.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a seat device capable of causing a passenger to appropriately perform passive movement.

According to the present invention, in the seat apparatus mounted on the movable body, a movable mechanism capable of forming a protrusion extending parallel to the spine of the occupant is provided at a position corresponding to the spine of the occupant seated in the seat apparatus. Solve the above problems.

According to the present invention, by changing the posture of the occupant by the movable mechanism, it is possible to increase the amount of exercise in passive movement of the occupant utilizing the kinetic energy of the moving body during traveling, thereby maintaining and improving the health of the occupant. Can be

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a seat apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the protrusion amount of the thoracic spine air bag to the occupant side and the air supply amount supplied into the thoracic spine air bag. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a seat apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the side surface of the seat apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the sheet | seat apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 6A is a graph showing an example of a change in the amount of protrusion of the seat back air bag at the time of air supply into the seat back air bag and at the time of air discharge from the inside of the seat back air bag. is there. FIG. 6B shows another example of the change in the amount of protrusion of the seat back air bag at the time of air supply into the seat back air bag and when the air is discharged from the inside of the seat back air bag It is a graph. FIG. 7 shows another example of the change in the protrusion amount of the seat back air bag at the time of air supply into the seat back air bag and at the time of the air discharge from the inside of the seat back air bag. It is a graph. FIG. 8 shows another example of the change in the amount of protrusion of the seat back air bag at the time of air supply into the seat back air bag and at the time of air discharge from the inside of the seat back air bag. It is a graph. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system of the seat apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control processing of the seat apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control system of the seat apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control processing of the seat apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control system of the seat apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control method of the seat apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a seat device 100 according to the present embodiment. The seat device 100 according to the present embodiment is mounted on the vehicle 1 so that a passenger who gets on the vehicle can sit. In addition, although the sheet | seat apparatus mounted in a vehicle is demonstrated below, this invention is applicable also to mobile bodies other than a vehicle. Further, the seat device 100 described below may be applied to a seat device of a driver's seat on which a driver is seated, or may be applied to a seat device of a seat on which a passenger other than the driver is seated. .

As shown in FIG. 1, the seat device 100 includes a seat cushion 10 for supporting the lower body of the occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat device 100, a seat back 20 for supporting the upper body of the occupant, and a head of the occupant. And a headrest 30 for supporting the head.

The seat back 20 is provided with a thoracic spine air bag 21 and a lumbar spine air bag 22 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the thoracic spine air bag 21 is provided at a position corresponding to the thoracic spine of the occupant when the occupant leans on the seat back 20, and the lumbar spine air bag 22 is provided on the seat back 20 for the occupant. When leaning, it is provided at a position corresponding to the lumbar spine of the occupant.

The thoracic spine air bag 21 is connected to the air pump 40 via a hose 41. The shape of the thoracic spine air bag 21 is variable by sending air into the thoracic spine air bag 21 or discharging the air from the thoracic spine air bag 21 by the air pump 40. Similarly, the lumbar region air bag 22 is connected to the air pump 40 via a hose 42, and the air pump 40 feeds air into the lumbar spine air bag 22 or discharges air from the lumbar spine air bag 22. Thus, the shape of the lumbar spine air bag 22 is variable.

For example, when air is supplied into the thoracic spine air bag 21 by the air pump 40, the thoracic spine air bag 21 expands and protrudes in the occupant direction (X-axis direction). Here, FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the relationship between the amount of air supplied by the air pump 40 and the amount of projection of the thoracic spine air bag 21 when the occupant is seated on the seat device 100. Further, FIG. 2 also shows an example of the relationship between the air supply amount supplied by the air pump 40 and the air pressure in the thoracic spine air bag 21. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when air supply from the air pump 40 to the thoracic spine air bag 21 is started, the thoracic spine air bag 21 starts to project in the occupant direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the projecting thoracic spine air bag 21 pushes a part of the occupant's body in the X-axis direction, and as a result, the posture of the occupant is changed such that the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant increases while the vehicle is traveling. be able to. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the air supply amount by the air pump 40 exceeds the predetermined amount Qp, the thoracic spine portion airbag 21 is pushed back by the occupant's body, and the protrusion of the thoracic spine portion airbag 21 is suppressed. The air pressure in the thoracic spine air bag 21 becomes high. That is, the rate at which the thoracic spine air bag 21 protrudes in the occupant direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the air supply amount from the air pump 40 decreases, and the rate at which the air pressure in the thoracic spine air bag 21 increases.

Similarly, when air is supplied into the lumbar spine air bag 22 by the air pump 40, the lumbar spine air bag 22 expands and begins to project in the occupant direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the protruding lumbar spine air bag 22 pushes a part of the occupant's body in the X-axis direction, and as a result, the occupant's posture is changed such that the amount of exercise by the occupant's passive movement increases while the vehicle is traveling be able to.

That is, by causing the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 to protrude in the occupant direction (X-axis direction), the upper body of the occupant is the thoracic spine air bag 21 or the like that protrudes to the occupant side among the seatbacks 20. It will be supported by the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the contact area between the seat back 20 and the occupant's body will be small and localized. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle changes lanes or travels in a curve with the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 protruding in the occupant direction (X-axis direction), the centrifugal force causes the occupant to move. The upper body can easily move in the lateral direction (approximately Y-axis direction), and the exercise load (muscle load) necessary for the occupant to maintain the posture can be increased. Further, in the present embodiment, the amount of projection of the thoracic spine air bag 21 or the lumbar spine air bag 22 can be freely adjusted by control of the controller 200 described later, and the thoracic spine air bag 21 or the lumbar spine air bag 22 The amount of movement of the occupant in the passive movement can be adjusted according to the amount of protrusion of

In the seat device 100 according to the present embodiment, the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 may be simultaneously projected, or one of the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 may be used. It is also possible to make only the projection. For example, when the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 are simultaneously protruded, compared with the case where only one of the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 is protruded, The amount of movement by passive movement can be further increased.

Further, when the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 are in a state of projecting toward the occupant side (the X-axis direction), the air pump 40 discharges air from the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22. Thus, the amount of protrusion of the thoracic spine air bag 21 or the lumbar spine air bag 22 can be reduced. For example, when the amount of protrusion of the thoracic spine air bag 21 or the lumbar spine air bag 22 is made zero, the contact area between the upper body of the occupant and the seat back 20 becomes large, and the upper body of the occupant is supported by the entire seat back 20 To be able to move in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) while the vehicle is traveling, and to reduce the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain its posture. Can. Similarly, in this case, since the distance (space) to which the occupant's body can be moved decreases in the substantially X-axis direction, the upper body of the occupant becomes difficult to move (hard to rotate), and the exercise load of the occupant becomes Can be reduced.

The air pump 40 is connected to the

hoses

41 and 42, and air is fed into the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 through the

hoses

41 and 42, or the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine Air can be discharged from the air bag 22. The air pump 40 may be a dedicated air pump for adjusting the amount of air in each of the

air bags

21 and 22, or may be an air pump which is also used as an in-vehicle air conditioner.

The controller 200 functions as a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program for controlling the sheet device 100 is stored, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the program stored in the ROM, and an accessible storage device. And a random access memory (RAM). Note that as an operation circuit, a micro processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., instead of or in addition to a central processing unit (CPU) Can be used.

For example, when the driver's driving load is low, such as when the vehicle travels on an expressway, the controller 200 controls the thoracic spine airbag 21 and the lumbar spine airbag 22 in the seat device 100 on which the driver sits. The operation of the air pump 40 is controlled to feed air into the inside. As a result, when the driver's driving load is low, the controller 200 causes the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 to protrude toward the occupant, thereby providing the exercise load necessary for the occupant to maintain the posture. It is possible to change the posture of the driver sitting on the seat device 100 so as to increase (muscle load), and to increase the amount of exercise of the occupant when the vehicle is traveling.

On the other hand, for example, when the driver's driving load is high, for example, when the vehicle travels a narrow street, the controller 200 controls the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air in the seat device 100 on which the driver sits. The operation of the air pump 40 is controlled so as to discharge the air from the back 22. Thus, when the driver's driving load is high, the controller 200 can support the driver's body with the entire seat cushion 10 and the entire seat back 20 to support the driver's posture. You can drive safely.

In the present embodiment, the exercise intensity of the passive exercise desired by the occupant can be selected via the input unit (not shown), and when the exercise intensity of the passive exercise is selected by the occupant, the controller 200 selects The amount of protrusion of the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 is controlled so as to obtain an amount of exercise corresponding to the determined exercise intensity.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1,

air valves

51 and 52 are respectively provided in the

hoses

41 and 42, and the controller 200 controls the

air valves

51 and 52 to open and close the thoracic spine air bag 21. The air volume can be adjusted by the lumbar spine air bag 22 and the air pump 40. For example, when the driver's driving load is high, the controller 200 can connect the air valve 51 connected to the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the air valve connected to the lumbar spine air bag 22 so that the driver can drive safely. The driver's posture can be quickly supported by simultaneously opening the air bags 52 and simultaneously discharging the air from the

air bags

21 and 22 by the air pump 40.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 are provided in the seat back 20, and the air pump 40 is installed in the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22. By feeding the air, the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 can be protruded to the occupant side. Then, by pushing the upper body of the occupant seated in the seat device 100 with the thoracic spine air bag 21 or the lumbar spine air bag 22 that has been protruded, the posture of the occupant is determined in the lateral direction of the occupant's upper body (Y axis direction) It can be made easy to move. As described above, the seat device 100 according to the first embodiment is configured such that, when the occupant is seated on the seat device 100, the vertebral portion is increased to increase the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture. By projecting the air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 to the occupant side, it is possible to increase the amount of exercise by the passive movement of the occupant using kinetic energy by traveling the vehicle.

Further, in the first embodiment, the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 can be individually controlled, and the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 can be projected by different amounts of projection. . As described above, in the first embodiment, by individually controlling the motions of the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22, the occupant can perform passive motion of a momentum suitable for the occupant.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, for example, when the driver's driving load is high, the air in the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 is exhausted to allow the driver's body to be covered by the entire seat cushion 10. By supporting with the above, when the driver's driving load is high, it is possible to support the driver's posture and allow the driver to drive safely.

Second Embodiment
Subsequently, a sheet device according to a second embodiment will be described. The sheet device 100a according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the sheet device 100a according to the second embodiment is different from the sheet device 100 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the seat device 100a according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the configuration of the seat device 100 according to the first embodiment, the seat device 100a according to the second embodiment includes a seat cushion rear portion air bag 11 and a seat front in front of the seat cushion The

air bag

12, 13 is provided.

The seat back air bag 11 is on the rear side (X-axis negative direction side) of the center of the seat cushion 10a or the center of the seat cushion 10a and corresponds to the buttocks of the occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat cushion 10a. Provided at the

The seat back air bag 11 is connected to the air pump 40 via a hose 43, and the air pump 40 feeds air into the seat back air bag 11 or air from the inside of the seat back air bag 11 By discharging, the shape of the seat surface rear portion air bag 11 is variable.

For example, when air is supplied into the seat back air back 11 by the air pump 40, the seat back air back 11 expands, and the seat back air back 11 projects in the occupant direction (Z-axis direction). And, by thus causing the seat surface rear portion air bag 11 to project in the occupant direction (Z-axis direction), the seat surface rear portion air bag 11 protruding toward the occupant side makes the seat seat surface and the occupant's body different. The contact area is reduced. Therefore, for example, it is easy for the occupant's body to move forward and backward (left and right) (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction) due to centrifugal force when the vehicle changes lanes and curve travel, and inertial force when the vehicle accelerates or decelerates As a result, while the vehicle is traveling, the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture can be increased. As described above, the seat apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment projects the amount of momentum in passive movement of the occupant utilizing the kinetic energy of the vehicle by causing the seat surface rear portion air bag 11 to project in the occupant direction (Z-axis direction). It can be increased.

On the other hand, when the seat back air bag 11 protrudes toward the occupant side, the air pump 40 discharges air from the inside of the seat back air bag 11 to reduce the projection amount of the seat back air bag 11. can do. For example, when the amount of protrusion of the seat back portion air bag 11 is made zero, the lower body of the occupant is supported by the entire seat cushion 10a, the body pressure distribution becomes even in the seat cushion 10a, and contact with the occupant's body Since the area is increased, it is difficult for the occupant's body to move in the longitudinal and lateral directions (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) even while the vehicle is traveling, and the posture of the occupant can be supported. In the present embodiment, the amount of projection of the seat back air bag 11 can be freely adjusted by the control of the controller 200, and the passiveness of the occupant can be achieved according to the amount of projection of the seat back air back 11. It is possible to adjust the amount of exercise by exercise.

The pair of

front seat airbags

12 and 13 are forward of the center of the seat cushion 10a (X-axis direction side), and correspond to the left and right thighs of the occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat cushion 10a. Are provided at the respective positions.

The seat

front air bags

12 and 13 are connected to the air pump 40 via

hoses

44 and 45. Then, the air pump 40 feeds air into the seat

front air bag

12 or 13 or discharges air from the seat

front air bag

12 or 13 to form the shape of the seat

front air bag

12 or 13 Is variable.

Here, FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the side surface of the seat apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment (showing the seat apparatus 100a viewed from the Y-axis direction), and FIG. FIG. 4B shows the seat apparatus 100 a in a situation where a sufficient amount of air is supplied to the

backs

12 and 13, and FIG. 4B shows that a sufficient amount of air is discharged from inside the seat surface front

part air bags

12 and 13. Shows the seat apparatus 100a of the scene where

For example, as shown in FIG. 4 (A), when a sufficient amount of air is supplied in the front

seat air bag

12, 13, the

front air bag

12, 13 bulges, and the occupant's direction ( It projects in the approximate Z-axis direction). As described above, when a sufficient amount of air is supplied into the seat

front air bag

12, 13, the seat

front air bag

12, 13 protrudes in the occupant direction (approximately Z-axis direction) As a result, the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a can be made substantially horizontal (so that the seat surface is inclined backward). As a result, the exercise load (muscle load) of the occupant when the vehicle is traveling can be reduced, and the occupant can drive safely.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), when a sufficient amount of air is discharged from the inside of the seat surface front

part air bag

12, 13, the occupant direction of the seat surface front part air bag 12, 13 (approximately The protrusion amount in the Z axis direction is zero. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a is entirely inclined forward (in the X-axis direction). As described above, when the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a is inclined forward, the posture of the occupant sitting on the seat cushion 10a is also inclined forward (in the X-axis direction). For example, inertia when the vehicle accelerates or decelerates The force facilitates movement of the occupant's body in the back and forth direction (X-axis direction), and can increase the exercise load (muscle load) necessary for the occupant to maintain posture. In particular, by tilting the posture of the occupant forward so that the occupant does not lean on the seat back 20, the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture can be further increased. As described above, the seat device 100a according to the present embodiment uses the kinetic energy of the vehicle by discharging air from inside the seat surface front

portion air bags

12 and 13 and tilting the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a forward. Can increase the amount of exercise in the passive movement of the occupant.

In the second embodiment, the air pump 40 is connected to the hoses 43 to 45 in addition to the

hoses

41 and 42, and the seat surface rear portion air bag 11 and the hoses 43 to 45 are connected to each other. The air can be fed into the pair of seat

front air bags

12 and 13, or the air can be discharged from the seat rear air bag 11 and the pair of seat

front air bags

12 and 13.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, for example, when the driver's driving load is low, for example, when the vehicle is traveling on an expressway, the thoracic air portion of the seat device 100a on which the driver is seated In addition to feeding air into the back 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22, the operation of the air pump 40 is controlled to feed air into the seat rear air bag 11. As a result, when the driver's driving load is low, the controller 200 causes the seat back air bag 11 to protrude toward the passenger, thereby providing an exercise load (muscle load) necessary for the passenger to maintain the posture. Thus, it is possible to change the posture of the driver sitting on the seat device 100a so as to increase the amount of movement of the occupant when the vehicle is traveling.

In addition, for example, when the driver's driving load is low, the controller 200 causes the air pump 40 to discharge air from inside the pair of seat surface

front air bags

12 and 13 in the seat device 100a on which the driver is seated. Control the operation of Thereby, when the driver's driving load is low, the controller 200 discharges the air from the inside of the pair of seat surface

front air bags

12 and 13 to incline the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a forward. It is possible to change the posture of the driver sitting on the seat device 100a so as to increase the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture, and to increase the amount of exercise of the occupant when the vehicle is traveling it can.

On the other hand, when the driver's driving load is high, for example, when the vehicle travels a narrow street, controller 200 causes thoracic spine air bag 21 and lumbar spine air in seat apparatus 100a on which the driver sits. In addition to exhausting air from the bag 22, the operation of the air pump 40 is controlled to exhaust air from within the seat back air bag 11. As a result, when the driver's driving load is high, the controller 200 can support the driver's body with the entire seat cushion 10a in addition to the entire seat back 20, thereby the driver's posture Support and allow the driver to drive safely.

Similarly, when the driver's driving load is low, the controller 200 sends air into the pair of front seat back

air bags

12 and 13 in the seat device 100a on which the driver is seated. Control the operation. As a result, when the driver's driving load is low, the controller 200 supports the driver's posture by making the inclination of the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a substantially horizontal, and the driver can be driven safely. You can

As shown in FIG. 3, the air valves 53 to 55 are respectively provided to the hoses 43 to 45, and the controller 200 controls the air valves 53 to 55 to open and close the seat surface rear portion air. The air amounts of the back 11 and the front air-

bags

12, 13 can be adjusted. For example, when the driver's driving load is high, the controller 200 can connect the air valve 51 connected to the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the air valve connected to the lumbar spine air bag 22 so that the driver can drive safely. At the same time, by opening the air valve 53 connected to the seat back portion air bag 11 at the same time and simultaneously discharging the air from each

air bag

21, 22, 11 by the air pump 40, the driver's posture can be quickly determined. Can be supported.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the seat cushion rear portion air bag 11 is provided on the seat cushion 10a, and the air pump 40 feeds air into the seat rear surface air bag 11 so that the seat surface rear portion The air bag 11 can be protruded to the occupant side. Then, by pushing the lower body of the occupant seated in the seat device 100a in the Z-axis direction by the protruding seat surface rear air bag 11, the occupant's body can be easily moved forward, backward, leftward, and rightward when traveling. Thus, in the second embodiment, it is possible to increase the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture while the vehicle is traveling, and the passive exercise of the occupant using kinetic energy by the traveling of the vehicle is possible. The amount of exercise can be increased.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the seat cushion

front portion airbags

12 and 13 are provided on the seat cushion 10a, and the air pump 40 discharges air from the inside of the seat cushion

front portion airbags

12 and 13 as shown in FIG. As shown in (B), the seat cushion 10a can be tilted forward. Accordingly, the posture of the occupant seated in the seat device 100a can be inclined forward, and the posture of the occupant can be easily moved back and forth and to the left and right when the vehicle is traveling. As a result, it is possible to increase the exercise load (muscle load) necessary for the occupant to maintain the posture when the vehicle is traveling, and to increase the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant using kinetic energy by the traveling of the vehicle. it can. In particular, by tilting the posture of the occupant seated in the seat device 100a forward so that the occupant does not lean on the seat back 20, the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture is further increased. It can be done.

Third Embodiment
Subsequently, a sheet device according to a third embodiment will be described. The sheet device 100b according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that it is different from the sheet device 100 according to the first embodiment in the points described below.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a seat apparatus 100b according to the third embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the seat device 100 according to the first embodiment, the seat device 100b according to the third embodiment does not change the posture of the occupant by a certain amount or more. And

knee support portions

61 and 62, a heel support portion 71, arm support portions 81 and 82 (not shown), elbow support portions 83 and 84 (not shown), and a neck support portion 31.

As shown in FIG. 5, the

lumbar support portions

23 and 24 are respectively provided in the region of the left and right sides of the spinal airbag 21 corresponding to the vicinity of the waist of the occupant seated on the seat device 100 b. An actuator (not shown) is connected to the

lumbar support portions

23 and 24, and driving the actuators causes the

lumbar support portions

23 and 24 to bend forward and inward (toward the occupant), whereby the

lumbar support portions

23 and 24 cross the occupant's waist The movement in the direction is suppressed to prevent the posture of the occupant from changing by a certain amount or more. In addition, each

lumbar support part

23 and 24 can operate | move independently. Further, as an actuator for operating the

lumbar support portions

23, 24, a reversible actuator such as an electric motor is used which is driven reversibly, whereby the

lumbar support portions

23, 24 are operated as a reversible operation to the passenger side. Can be returned to the normal state from the protruding state.

As shown in FIG. 5, the

side support portions

25 and 26 are respectively provided in the region outside the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the

lumbar support portions

23 and 24. An actuator (not shown) is connected to the

side support portions

25 and 26, and driving the actuators causes the

side support portions

25 and 26 to bend forward and inward (toward the occupant), whereby the lateral direction of the upper body of the occupant is obtained. To prevent the occupant's posture from changing by more than a fixed amount. In addition, each

side support part

25 and 26 can operate independently. In addition, as an actuator for operating the

side support portions

25 and 26, a reversible actuator such as an electric motor which is driven reversibly is adopted, whereby the

side support portions

25 and 26 are projected to the occupant side as a reversible operation. Can be restored to the normal state.

The

knee support portions

61 and 62 are provided on the door and the center console in such a manner as to face each other at a height corresponding to the knees of the occupant seated on the seat device 100b. The individual

knee support portions

61 and 62 are configured to be able to protrude toward the occupant side, and are connected with an actuator (not shown), and by driving this actuator, the

knee support portions

61 and 62 project toward the occupant side. The

knee support portions

61 and 62 constitute a part of the surface shape of the inner panel or center console of the door in the normal state (initial state), and project toward the occupant by operating toward the occupant. Do. As a result, the end faces of the

knee support portions

61 and 62 abut on the knees of the occupant, thereby suppressing lateral movement of the legs of the occupant and preventing changes in the posture of the occupant by a certain amount or more. It is possible to improve the support performance in the vicinity of the knee. The individual

knee support portions

61 and 62 can operate independently. In addition, as an actuator for operating the

knee support portions

61 and 62, a reversible actuator such as an electric motor that reversibly drives is adopted. Thus, the

knee support portions

61 and 62 perform reversible operation to the occupant side. Can be returned to the normal state from the protruding state.

The heel support portion 71 is provided on a floor around the foot of an occupant seated on the seat device 100b. Although the heel support portion 71 constitutes a part of the surface shape of the floor around the foot of the occupant in the normal state (initial state), the heel support portion 71 is operated by an actuator (not shown) toward the occupant side. The front end portion (the end portion in the X-axis direction) can be lifted up from the floor to the occupant side, and functions as a stopper that prevents the posture of the occupant from changing by a predetermined amount or more. That is, the occupant can prevent the posture of the occupant from changing by a certain amount or more by using the protruding heel support portion 71 as a step. In addition, as an actuator for operating the heel support portion 71, a reversible actuator such as an electric motor which is driven reversibly is adopted, whereby the heel support portion 71 is projected to the occupant side as a reversible operation. It is possible to return from the state to the normal state.

The arm support portions 81 and 82 are provided on the door and the center console in such a manner as to face each other at a height corresponding to the arm of the occupant seated on the seat device 100 b. Further, the elbow support portions 83 and 84 are provided on the door and the center console in such a manner as to face each other at a height corresponding to the elbow portion of the occupant seated on the seat device 100b. Further, actuators (not shown) are respectively connected to the arm support portions 81 and 82 and the elbow support portions 83 and 84, and the arm support portions 81 and 82 and the elbow support portions 83 and 84 are driven by driving the actuators. The lateral movement of the upper body of the occupant is suppressed, and the posture of the occupant is prevented from changing by a predetermined amount or more. The arm support portions 81 and 82 and the elbow support portions 83 and 84 can operate independently. Further, as actuators for operating the arm support portions 81, 82 and the elbow support portions 83, 84, a reversible actuator, such as an electric motor, reversibly driving is adopted, whereby the arm support portions 81, 82 and the elbow support The portions 83 and 84 can return to the normal state from the state of projecting to the occupant side as a reversible operation.

The neck support portion 31 is provided in the headrest 30 at a position corresponding to the neck portion of the occupant seated on the seat device 100 b. The neck support portion 31 incorporates a wire whose left and right ends are movable by an actuator (not shown), and the left and right ends of the wire are bent forward and inward (to the occupant) to suppress movement of the neck of the occupant. It is possible to prevent the posture of the occupant from changing by more than a predetermined amount. As an actuator for operating the neck support portion 31, a reversible actuator such as an electric motor is used which is driven reversibly, and as a result, the neck support portion 31 is also reversibly operated from the state of projecting toward the occupant side It is possible to return to the state.

The controller 200 operates the

lumbar support sections

23 and 24,

side support sections

25 and 26,

knee support sections

61 and 62, heel support section 71, arm support sections 81 and 82, elbow support sections 83 and 84, and neck support section 31. Control. For example, when the driver's driving load is high, the controller 200 operates the support portions toward the occupant side to suppress the movement of the driver's body, and the posture of the occupant changes by a certain amount or more. Can be prevented. As a result, when the driver's driving load is high, the driver can drive safely. When, for example, the driver's driving load is low and it is not necessary to support the driver's posture, the controller 200 restores these support portions to a normal state, whereby the driver can exercise a certain amount of exercise while driving. Control to get the

As described above, the seat device 100b according to the third embodiment includes the

lumbar support portions

23, 24, the

side support portions

25, 26, the

knee support portions

61, 62, the heel support portion 71, the arm support portions 81, 82, and the elbow support. The units 83 and 84 and the neck support unit 31 are provided. Thus, in the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when the driver's driving load is high, these support portions are operated toward the occupant to prevent movement of the occupant's body. Can support the posture of the occupant. As a result, when the driver's driving load is high, the driver can drive safely.

Fourth Embodiment
Subsequently, a sheet device according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The sheet device 100a according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the sheet device 100a according to the second embodiment, and is similar to the sheet device 100a according to the second embodiment except that it operates as described below. To work.

In the fourth embodiment, the controller 200 supplies air into the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back aft air bag 11; The air pump 40 is controlled so that the amount of protrusion of each

air bag

21, 22, 11 changes in a different manner in the case where the air is discharged from the inside of the seat back portion air bag 11. Here, FIG. 6A shows a change in the amount of protrusion of the seat back air bag 11 at the time of air supply into the seat air back 11 and at the time of air discharge from the seat air back 11. It is a graph which shows an example. In the following, although the change in the amount of protrusion of the seat back portion air bag 11 is illustrated and explained, the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 operate similarly to the seat back air portion 11.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, when air is supplied into the seat back air bag 11, the controller 200 is divided into a plurality of times every predetermined time and the inside of the seat air back 11 is divided. Supply a fixed amount of air to the As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A, the amount of projection of the seat surface rear portion air bag 11 changes at a constant displacement amount, and the seat surface rear portion air bag 11 gradually protrudes toward the occupant (in the X-axis direction). It becomes. Then, by making the seat back air bag 11 gradually protrude toward the passenger side (X-axis direction), the passenger can get used to the stimulus received from the seat back air bag 11, so The protrusion of the air bag 11 can reduce the discomfort that the occupant feels.

Further, when air is discharged from inside the seat back air bag 11, as shown in FIG. 6A, the controller 200 starts the change of the protrusion amount of the seat back air back 11 immediately after the change of the projection amount of the seat air 11 The displacement amount of the protrusion amount of the air bag 11 is increased, and the displacement amount of the protrusion amount of the seat surface rear portion air bag 11 increases as time passes from the start of discharging the air in the seat surface rear portion air bag 11 Make Thereby, when air is discharged from the inside of the seat back air bag 11, most of the air in the seat back air bag 11 can be discharged in a short time, and as a result, the posture of the passenger can be quickly Can be supported.

When changing the amount of protrusion of seat back air bag 11, as shown in Drawing 6A, it is not limited to the composition which changes the amount of protrusions of seat back air bag 11 in steps, for example, a figure As shown to 6B, it can also be set as the structure to which the protrusion amount of seat surface back part air bag 11 is changed continuously. That is, when air is supplied into the seat back air bag 11, as shown in FIG. 6B, a configuration may be adopted in which a fixed amount of air is continuously supplied into the seat air back 11. Also in this case, as in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the seat back air bag 11 can be gradually projected to the occupant side (X-axis direction), so the passenger receives from the seat back air back 11 It is possible to get used to the stimulus, and the protrusion of the seat back air bag 11 can reduce the discomfort that the occupant feels.

Further, also in the case where the air is discharged from the inside of the seat back air bag 11, as shown in FIG. 6B, the air may be continuously discharged from the inside of the seat back air bag 11. Also in this case, as in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the amount of air discharged immediately after the start of the discharge of air in the seatback rear portion air bag 11 can be increased, so that the posture of the occupant can be supported quickly. it can. FIG. 6B shows the time variation of the amount of protrusion of the seat rear aft air bag 11 at the time of air supply into the seat rear alebag 11 and when the air is discharged from the seat rear aleb 11. It is a graph which shows another example.

Furthermore, the controller 200 similarly supplies air to the seat

front air bags

12 and 13 for the seat

front air bags

12 and 13, and air from the inside of the seat

front air bags

12 and 13. The air pump 40 is controlled such that the amount of projection of the

front air bag

12, 13 changes in a different manner in the case of discharging the air bag. Specifically, when air is discharged from the seat

front air bag

12, 13, by gradually discharging the air from the seat

front air bag

12, 13, the occupant can receive the air in front of the seat air. It is possible to make the driver accustomed to the change in the amount of protrusion of the

backs

12 and 13, and to reduce the discomfort felt by the occupant due to the change in the amount of protrusion of the

front air bag

12 and 13. Further, when air is supplied into the seat

front air bag

12, 13, the air supply amount immediately after the supply of the air into the seat

air front bag

12, 13 is started is increased, The front air-

bags

12, 13 can be inflated in a short time, so that the posture of the occupant can be supported quickly.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, air is supplied to the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back air bag 11, and the thoracic spine In the case where air is discharged from the inside of the part air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back part air bag 11, the protruding state of each

air bag

21, 22, 11 is changed in different manners. Specifically, when increasing the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant, as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the amount of air in each of the

air bags

21, 22, and 11 is proportional to The

air bags

21, 22, 11 are gradually protruded to the occupant side by increasing them. As a result, the occupant can get used to the stimuli received from the

air bags

21, 22, 11, and the discomfort of the occupant can be reduced by the projections of the

air bags

21, 22, 11. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 21 are reduced as compared with the case where the passive exercise of the occupant is increased. 22 and the displacement of the air in each of the

air bags

21, 22, and 11 after the discharge of the air in the seat back portion air bag 11 is started and the predetermined time passes, and The amount of displacement of the air in each of the

air bags

21, 22, and 11 is reduced as time passes after the start of discharging the air in the air bags. As a result, when reducing the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant, the air in each

air bag

21, 22, 11 can be discharged in a short time, so that the posture of the occupant can be supported quickly. .

Similarly, in the fourth embodiment, in the case where air is supplied into the seat

front air bag

12, 13 and in the case where air is discharged from the seat

front air bag

12, 13, the seat front part When the amount of movement by the passive movement of the occupant is increased by changing the change mode when changing the protrusion state of the

air bags

12 and 13, the change of the protrusion amount of the

front air bag

12, 13 causes the occupant to change. While being able to reduce the sense of discomfort, it is possible to quickly support the posture of the occupant when reducing the amount of exercise caused by the passive movement of the occupant.

In the fourth embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, when air is supplied into the seat back air bag 11, the seat air back air bag 11 has a fixed displacement amount. On the other hand, when air is discharged from the seat back air bag 11, the displacement amount of the seat back air back 11 is greatly increased immediately after the discharge of the air in the seat air back 11 is started. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may have the following configuration.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when air is discharged from inside the seat back air bag 11, the seat air back 11 is changed by a fixed displacement amount, and the inside of the seat air back 11 is changed. Immediately after the supply of the air in the seatback aft airbag 11 is started, the displacement amount of the seatback aft airbag 11 may be increased.

In this case, the amount of displacement per unit time of the seatback aft airbag 11 when discharging air from inside the seatback aft air bag 11 is supplied to the inside of the seatback aft air bag 11 shown in FIG. 6B. It is preferable to make it larger than the displacement amount per unit time of the seat back air bag 11 at the time of doing. As a result, when increasing the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant, the seat back air bag 11 gradually protrudes toward the occupant, thereby reducing the discomfort that the occupant receives from the seat air back 11. In addition, when reducing the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant, it is possible to quickly support the posture of the occupant.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when air is supplied into the seat back air bag 11, the amount of displacement per unit time is the first displacement, so that When changing the amount of protrusion and discharging the air from the seat back air bag 11, the seat back aft so that the displacement per unit time becomes a second displacement larger than the first displacement. The projection amount of the part air bag 11 may be changed. Also in this case, when increasing the amount of movement by the passive movement of the occupant, the seat back air bag 11 will gradually project to the occupant side, and the occupant feels discomfort due to the projection of the seat back air back 11. While being able to reduce, while reducing the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant, the posture of the occupant can be quickly supported. Further, although not shown, when the air is discharged from the inside of the seat back air bag 11, all the air in the seat back air bag 11 may be discharged at one time.

Fifth Embodiment
Subsequently, a control system of a seat apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle 1 (hereinafter, also referred to as a host vehicle 1) having a control system of a seat apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The vehicle 1 includes a seat device 100 a, a controller 200, a camera 300, a GPS unit 400, a map database 500, and a communication device 600. These devices are connected by a CAN (Controller Area Network) or other in-vehicle LAN, and exchange information with each other. The sheet device 100a according to the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the sheet device 100a according to the second embodiment, and operates in the same manner. Hereinafter, each configuration of the control system according to the fifth embodiment will be described in detail.

The camera 300 is installed in the front part of the host vehicle 1 and captures an image of a predetermined area in front of the host vehicle 1. The captured image in front of the host vehicle 1 captured by the camera 300 is transmitted to the controller 200 and used for determining the traveling scene of the host vehicle 1.

The GPS unit 400 detects radio waves transmitted from a plurality of satellite communications and periodically acquires the position information of the vehicle 1 and also acquires the acquired position information of the vehicle 1 and a gyro sensor (not shown). The current position of the vehicle 1 is detected based on the angle change information and the vehicle speed information acquired from the vehicle speed sensor (not shown). The position information of the host vehicle 1 detected by the GPS unit 400 is transmitted to the controller 200 and used to determine the traveling scene of the host vehicle 1.

The map database 500 stores map information including road information such as narrow roads, slopes and bends, and facility information such as stations and parks. The road information stored in the map database 500 also stores information such as intersections, pedestrian crossings, school zones, and the like.

The communication device 600 communicates with an external server installed outside the host vehicle 1 and acquires traffic information such as traffic congestion information from the external server. The traffic information acquired by the communication device 600 is transmitted to the controller 200 and used to determine the traveling scene of the vehicle 1.

The controller 200 according to the fifth embodiment executes a program stored in the ROM by the CPU to obtain a travel information acquisition function of acquiring travel information of the host vehicle 1 and a determination function of determining a travel scene of the host vehicle 1 And a motion control function that changes the posture of the passenger so that the amount of movement in the passive movement of the passenger changes. Below, each function with which the controller 200 is provided is demonstrated.

The traveling information acquisition function of the controller 200 acquires information on the traveling state of the vehicle 1 as traveling information. Specifically, the travel information acquisition function includes, as travel information of the host vehicle 1, image information obtained by imaging the front area of the host vehicle 1, position information of the host vehicle 1, map information including road information, and traffic information. It is acquired from the camera 300, the GPS unit 400, the map database 500, and the communication device 600, respectively.

The determination function of the controller 200 determines the traveling scene of the own vehicle 1 based on the traveling information of the own vehicle 1 acquired by the traveling information acquisition function. For example, in the fifth embodiment, the determination function is a traveling scene in which the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a narrow road where the width of the road is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the host vehicle 1 is congested, or A running scene on a congested road, a running scene on which a host vehicle 1 is running on a slope, a running scene in which a host vehicle 1 is running on a bend, a host vehicle 1 approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing It is possible to determine a traveling scene, a traveling scene in which the host vehicle 1 is traveling in a school zone, around a park, or around a station, and the like. In addition, the judgment method of the driving | running | working scene by a judgment function is mentioned later.

The motion control function of the controller 200 is such that the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat rear space air bag 11, and the pair of seat fronts are controlled so that the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant changes when the vehicle travels Control of the

unit airbags

12 and 13 is performed. For example, the motion control function operates the air pump 40 so as to open the

air valves

51, 52, 53 and pump air into the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, or the seat back air bag 11. By doing this, the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back air bag 11 are made to project toward the occupant side, and the exercise load (muscle load) necessary for the occupant to maintain the posture increases. As a result, the posture of the occupant can be changed. Similarly, the motion control function operates the air pump 40 so as to open the

air valves

54 and 55 and discharge the air from inside the pair of

front cushions

12 and 13 so that the seating surface of the seat cushion 10a is By tilting the occupant's posture forward, the occupant's posture can be changed such that the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture is increased. .

On the other hand, the motion control function opens the

air valves

51, 52, 53, and discharges the air pump 40 so as to discharge air from the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back air bag 11. The occupants are supported by the seat cushion 10a and the seatback 20 by supporting the occupant's body with the seat cushion 10a and the seatback 20 by reducing the amount of protrusion of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back air bag 11 The occupant's posture can be changed so that the exercise load (muscle load) required to maintain the posture is reduced. Similarly, the motion control function operates the air pump 40 so as to open the

air valves

54 and 55 and supply sufficient air into the front seat cushions 12 and 13 so that the seat cushion 10a is seated. The posture of the occupant can be changed such that the inclination of the surface is substantially horizontal and the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture is reduced.

Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, in the motion control function, the traveling scene of the vehicle 1 determined by the determination function avoids obstacles such as other vehicles and pedestrians while the vehicle 1 is traveling, for example. In the case of a traveling scene where there is a high possibility of performing the avoidance operation, the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back aft air bag 11, and the seat so that the momentum of the passive movement of the occupant decreases Control of front

surface air bags

12, 13 is performed. A method of controlling the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air bag 11, and the seat air forward covers 12, 13 based on the traveling scene of the vehicle 1 will be described later. .

Next, a control method of the sheet device 100a according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control processing of the fifth embodiment. The control process of the sheet device 100a described below is executed by the controller 200. Also, in the following, control processing in the seat device 100a on which the driver is seated will be described.

First, in step S101, the travel information acquisition function of the controller 200 acquires travel information of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the travel information acquisition function includes image information obtained by imaging the front of the vehicle 1 from the camera 300, position information of the vehicle 1 from the GPS unit 400, map information from the map database 500, and communication device 600. Traffic information is acquired as travel information.

In step S102, it is determined by the determination function of the controller 200 whether or not the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a narrow road. For example, the determination function is based on the image information captured by the camera 300, the map information stored in the map database 500, and the position information of the vehicle 1 detected by the GPS unit 400. It can be determined whether the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a narrow road by determining whether the road on which the vehicle is traveling is a narrow road whose width is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a narrow road, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the host vehicle 1 is not traveling on the narrow road, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S103, the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, the seat back aft airbag 11, and the pair of seats so that the amount of movement by the driver's passive motion is reduced by the motion control function of the controller 200. Control of the surface

front air bags

12 and 13 is performed. Specifically, the motion control function can support the driver's body with the seat cushion 10a and the seat back 20, such as the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, and the seat back aft airbag 11 to discharge air from inside to reduce the amount of protrusion of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back air bag 11, or air inside the front seat air backs 12 and 13 By setting the seating surface of the seat cushion 10a substantially horizontal, thereby reducing the exercise load (muscle load) required for the driver to maintain the posture. Change. As described above, when the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a narrow road, the driver can reduce the amount of movement by the passive movement in advance, so that the driver can appropriately avoid the obstacle and the like. It can be done.

Furthermore, when it is determined that the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a narrow road, the motion control function is to support the driver's body with the seat cushion 10a and the seat back 20, and the thoracic spine airbag 21 and lumbar spine air By supplying a certain amount of air into the bag 22 and causing the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 to protrude toward the occupant (in the X-axis direction), the driver's body is pushed forward to Change posture to forward lean posture. As a result, the driver's view can be broadened, and therefore, even when the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a narrow road, the driver can appropriately drive.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the vehicle 1 is not traveling on a narrow road, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, it is determined by the determination function whether or not the host vehicle 1 is congested or is traveling on a congested road that is prone to congestion. Specifically, the determination function is based on traffic information acquired from the external server by the communication device 600, map information stored in the map database 500, and position information of the vehicle 1 detected by the GPS unit 400. To determine whether the vehicle 1 is traveling on a congested road by judging whether the road on which the vehicle 1 is traveling is congested or prone to congestion. Can. When it is determined that the vehicle 1 is traveling on a congested road, the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle 1 does not travel on a congested road, the process proceeds to step S106.

In step S105, since it is determined that the vehicle 1 is traveling on the congested road, the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine are controlled so that the amount of movement by the driver's passive movement becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value by the movement control function. Control of the part air bag 22, the seat back air bag 11, and the pair of

front air bags

12 and 13 is performed. Here, when the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a congested road, it is predicted that another vehicle will cut in front of the host vehicle 1 in comparison with other traveling scenes, and in such a case, the driver avoids An operation may be required. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, for example, when the other vehicle breaks in front of the host vehicle 1, the maximum amount of movement among the amounts of movement of the passive movement that the driver can perform the avoidance operation for avoiding the other vehicle The air from the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, and the seat back aft airbag 11 is set as the above predetermined value so that the amount of movement by the driver's passive movement becomes equal to or less than the set predetermined value. The air is discharged or supplied into the front air-

bags

12, 13. As a result, when the own vehicle 1 is traveling on a congested road, when the other vehicle actually breaks in front of the own vehicle 1, the driver can appropriately perform the avoidance operation for avoiding the other vehicle as described above. It can be done.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S104 that the vehicle 1 is not traveling on the congested road, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, it is determined by the determination function whether or not the vehicle 1 is traveling on a slope. Specifically, based on the position information of the vehicle 1 detected by the GPS unit 400 and the map information stored in the map database 500, the determination function determines whether the vehicle 1 is located on a slope. By determining whether or not the own vehicle 1 is traveling on a slope, it can be determined. When it is determined that the vehicle 1 is traveling on a slope, the process proceeds to step S107, and an increase in the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant due to a change in acceleration in the front-rear direction due to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle 1 Control of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back aft air bag 11, and the pair of seat front aft

air bags

12 and 13 is performed so as to reduce the amount. For example, in step S107, the motion control function supplies air into the pair of

front seat airbags

12 and 13 and brings the seat cushions 10a close to the horizontal plane, and from within the rear seat airbag 11 By discharging air and reducing the amount of protrusion of the seat back air bag 11, the occupant's body is supported by the seat cushion 10a, and it is difficult for the occupant's body to move forward and backward while the vehicle is traveling, It is possible to reduce the amount of increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant caused by the change in acceleration in the front-rear direction due to the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle 1. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the vehicle 1 is not traveling on a slope, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, it is determined by the determination function whether or not the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a bend road. For example, the determination function determines whether or not the own vehicle 1 is located on a bend based on the position information of the own vehicle 1 detected by the GPS unit 400 and the map information stored in the map database 500. By doing this, it can be determined whether or not the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a curved road. Then, if it is determined that the vehicle 1 is traveling on a bending road, the process proceeds to step S109, and the passive movement of the occupant due to the change in the acceleration of the vehicle 1 in the lateral direction due to the turning of the vehicle 1 Control of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back aft air bag 11, and the seat front aft

air bags

12 and 13 is performed so that the increase in the amount of movement is reduced. For example, in step S109, the motion control function discharges air from inside the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 to reduce the protrusion amount of the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22. The occupant's body is supported by the seat back 20, making it difficult for the occupant's body to move in the lateral direction, and an increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant due to a change in lateral acceleration of the subject vehicle 1 due to turning of the subject vehicle The amount can be reduced. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S108 that the host vehicle 1 is not traveling on the bending road, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, it is determined whether the vehicle 1 is approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing by the determination function. For example, based on the map information stored in the map database 500 and the position information of the vehicle 1 detected by the GPS unit 400, the determination function positions the vehicle 1 within a predetermined distance from the intersection or pedestrian crossing If so, it can be determined that the host vehicle 1 is approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing. When it is determined that the vehicle 1 is approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle 1 is not approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing, the process proceeds to step S112. Go to S111.

In step S111, it is determined by the determination function whether or not the vehicle 1 travels in the school zone, the vicinity of the park, or the vicinity of the station. For example, based on the map information stored in the map database 500 and the position information of the host vehicle 1 detected by the GPS unit 400, the determination function may position the host vehicle 1 in a school zone, or When the vehicle 1 is located within a predetermined distance from the park or the station, it can be determined that the host vehicle 1 is traveling in the school zone, around the park, or around the station. Then, if it is determined that the vehicle 1 is traveling in the school zone, around the park, or around the station, the process proceeds to step S112, while the vehicle 1 is in the school zone, around the park or in the station If it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling in the surrounding area, the process proceeds to step S113.

If it is determined in step S110 that the host vehicle 1 is approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing, or if the host vehicle 1 is traveling in a school zone, a park area, or an area in front of a station in step S111. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the thoracic spine air bag 21 such that the increase in the amount of movement caused by the

air bags

11, 12, 13, 21, 22 out of the amount of movement of the driver by the movement control function becomes zero. The control of the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air bag 11, and the seat

air front bags

12, 13 is performed. Here, at intersections, pedestrian crossings, school zones, around parks, and around stations, there is a high possibility that other vehicles or pedestrians will jump out compared to other driving scenes, and the driver's avoidance operation is It is likely to be necessary. Therefore, if it is determined that the vehicle 1 approaches the intersection or pedestrian crossing or travels around a school zone, a park, or an area in front of the station, the motion control function operates the thoracic spine airbag 21. The amount of protrusion of the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat air back 11 and the

seat air front

12, 13 is zero, and a sufficient amount of air is supplied into the

seat air front

12, 13 Thus, the driver's posture is supported in advance so that the driver can easily perform the driving operation. Thereby, in the fifth embodiment, even if another vehicle or a pedestrian actually jumps out at an intersection, a pedestrian crossing, a school zone, a park zone, or a vicinity of a station, the driver appropriately performs an avoidance operation. And the driver can drive properly.

On the other hand, in step S113, it is determined that the traveling scene of the host vehicle 1 is not a traveling scene where there is a high possibility of performing an avoidance operation or the like, and the thoracic spine airbag 21 according to the driver's driving load The control of the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air bag 11, and the seat

air front bags

12, 13 is performed. For example, when the driver's driving load is low, air is fed into the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat rear air bag 11, or a pair of front air front seats 12, By discharging the air from the inside of the vehicle 13, the driver's posture is changed such that the exercise load (muscle load) required for the passenger to maintain the posture increases. On the other hand, when the driver's driving load is high, air is discharged from the inside of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back air bag 11, or the front seat air backs 12 and 13. By supplying sufficient air to the inside, the entire seat cushion 10a and the entire seat back 20 support the driver's body so that the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture is reduced. , Change the driver's attitude. In addition, the well-known method can be used for the determination method of a driver | operator's driving load.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the traveling scene of the vehicle 1 is determined, and, for example, in the traveling scene where the driver is highly likely to perform the avoidance operation, the driver's exercise amount due to the passive movement is reduced. Thus, the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back aft air bag 11, and the seat back

aft air bags

12 and 13 are controlled. For example, in the present embodiment, when the host vehicle 1 travels on a narrow road, the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, the seat back aft so as to reduce the amount of movement by the driver's passive movement. The air is discharged from the inside of the head airbag 11 to reduce the amount of protrusion of the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, and the seat back airback 11, and the inside of the seat back airbacks 12 and 13 To supply a sufficient amount of air to bring the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a horizontally close to the front. Thus, when the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a narrow road, the driver's body can be supported in advance by the seat cushion 10a and the seat back 20, and the driver can appropriately avoid obstacles and the like. You can Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, when the host vehicle 1 travels along a narrow road, the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 while supporting the driver's posture with the seat cushion 10a and the seat back 20. Is projected to the occupant side (X-axis direction), and the driver's view can be widened by changing the posture of the occupant to the forward posture, and as a result, the vehicle 1 travels along a narrow road. Even when the driver is driving, the driver can properly drive the vehicle.

Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, in the traveling scene in which the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a congested road, the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 such that the amount of movement by the driver's passive motion becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. And the seat back air back 11 and the seat back air backs 12 and 13 are controlled. As a result, for example, even when another vehicle breaks in front of the host vehicle 1, the driver can properly perform an avoidance operation for avoiding such another vehicle, and as a result, the driver can drive Can be done properly.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the host vehicle 1 travels on a slope, the thoracic spine is reduced so that the amount of increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant due to a change in acceleration in the front-rear direction of the host vehicle 1 It controls the part air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat rear part air bag 11, and the seat front

part air bags

12 and 13. As a result, in the present embodiment, when the vehicle 1 travels on a slope, the slope of the slope makes it easy for the occupant's body to move forward and backward, and the amount of exercise caused by the passive movement of the occupant becomes too large. Can be effectively prevented. Further, in the present embodiment, when the host vehicle 1 travels on a bending road, an increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant caused by a change in acceleration in the lateral direction of the host vehicle 1 is reduced. The thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air back 11, and the seat air front backs 12 and 13 are controlled. As a result, in the present embodiment, when the host vehicle 1 travels on a bending road, the body of the occupant can easily move in the lateral direction due to the centrifugal force when the host vehicle 1 travels on the bending road. It is possible to effectively prevent the amount of movement of the occupant in the passive movement from becoming too large.

Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, when the subject vehicle 1 is approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing, or when the subject vehicle 1 travels around a school zone, a park, or a station front, thoracic spine air The thoracic spine is such that the amount of increase in the amount of movement of the occupant in the passive movement caused by the back 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air bag 11, and the seat back air backs 12 and 13 becomes zero. The air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air bag 11, and the seat back

air bags

12 and 13 are controlled. Thereby, in the present embodiment, other vehicles and pedestrians actually jump out in an area where other vehicles and pedestrians are expected to jump out, such as intersections, school zones, pedestrian crossings, around parks, around stations, etc. In such a case, the driver can appropriately cause the driver to perform the avoidance operation for avoiding the other vehicle or the pedestrian. As a result, the driver can appropriately drive.

Sixth Embodiment
Subsequently, a control system of a seat apparatus according to a sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle 1a (hereinafter, also referred to as a host vehicle 1a) having a control system of a seat apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. The control system of the seat apparatus according to the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment except that it is different from the fifth embodiment in the points described below, and operates in the same manner.

Specifically, in the sixth embodiment, the vehicle 1 a includes a vehicle speed sensor 700 instead of the camera 300 and the communication device 600 of the fifth embodiment. The vehicle speed sensor 700 detects the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 1a, and transmits the detected vehicle speed information to the controller 200.

Next, control processing of the sheet device 100a according to the sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control processing of the sheet device 100 a according to the sixth embodiment. The control process of the sheet device 100a described below is executed by the controller 200. Also, in the following, control processing in the seat device 100a on which the driver is seated will be described.

First, in step S201, the travel information acquisition function of the controller 200 acquires travel information of the host vehicle 1a. Specifically, the travel information acquisition function acquires vehicle speed information of the host vehicle 1a from the vehicle speed sensor 700, position information of the host vehicle 1a from the GPS unit 400, and map information from the map database 500 as travel information. .

In step S202, it is determined by the determination function of the controller 200 whether or not the vehicle 1a is traveling on an expressway. Specifically, the determination function includes the vehicle speed information of the host vehicle 1a acquired from the vehicle speed sensor 700 and the position information of the host vehicle 1a acquired from the GPS unit 400 among the traveling information acquired in step S1a. Based on the map information acquired from the map database 500, when it is determined that the host vehicle 1a is located on a highway and the host vehicle 1a is at a predetermined speed or more, the host vehicle 1a is I judge that I am traveling. If it is determined that the vehicle 1a is traveling on a freeway, the process proceeds to step S203. If it is not determined that the vehicle 1a is traveling on a freeway, the process proceeds to step S209.

In step S203, it is determined by the determination function whether or not the vehicle 1a is approaching the junction. For example, based on the map information stored in the map database 500 and the position information of the vehicle 1a detected by the GPS unit 400, the determination function determines whether the vehicle 1a is within a predetermined distance from the junction point If it is determined that the vehicle 1a is within a predetermined distance from the junction, it can be determined that the vehicle 1a is approaching the junction. If it is determined that the vehicle 1a is approaching the junction, the process proceeds to step S208. If it is determined that the vehicle 1a is not approaching the junction, the process proceeds to step S204.

Then, in step S204, it is determined by the motion control function of the controller 200 whether a control pattern to be described later is selected. If the control pattern is not selected, the process proceeds to step S205. If the control pattern is selected, the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S205, since the control pattern is not selected, the motion control function selects a control pattern. In the present embodiment, the motion control function randomly selects an unspecified control pattern from among a plurality of control patterns stored in the memory of the controller 200.

Then, in step S206, the thoracic spine portion airbag 21, the lumbar spine portion airbag 22, the seat surface rear portion airbag 11, and the seat surface front portion airbag 12 based on the control pattern selected in step S205 by the motion control function. , 13 are controlled. Specifically, the motion control function supplies air into the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, and the seat back aft airbag 11 based on the selected control pattern, and the selected control is performed. Adjust the amount of protrusion of the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, and the rear seat airbag 11 so that the amount of movement according to the selected control pattern can be obtained at the occupant's exercise site according to the pattern Do. Similarly, based on the selected control pattern, the motion control function exhausts air from within the front

seat air bags

12 and 13 and selects a selected exercise site according to the selected control pattern. The amount of air in the

front cushions

12 and 13 is adjusted so that the amount of movement corresponding to the control pattern can be obtained.

As described above, by controlling the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air band 11, and the seat air

front air bags

12 and 13 based on the control pattern, passive movement of the occupant is achieved. It is possible to change the posture of the occupant so as to increase the amount of movement. Further, with a plurality of control patterns stored in the memory of the controller 200, the amount of protrusion of the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 is large so that the momentum in the upper body of the occupant increases in a certain control pattern. In another control pattern, control is performed such that sufficient air is discharged from the front air-

bags

12 and 13 so as to increase the amount of movement in the lower occupant's body. As described above, the plurality of control patterns are set so that the amount of exercise in the passive movement of the occupant and the movement site are different from each other, so that the body part (movement site) of the occupant according to the control pattern corresponds to the control pattern You can exercise with a certain amount of exercise.

Then, after control is performed based on the control pattern in step S206, the process returns to step S201, and travel information of the host vehicle 1a is acquired again (step S201). Then, if it is determined that the subject vehicle 1a is traveling on the expressway (step S202 = Yes) and it is determined that the subject vehicle 1a is not approaching the junction (step S203 = No), then again. In step S204, it is determined whether a control pattern is selected. Here, after the control pattern is selected in step S205, if the process returns to step S204, it is determined that the control pattern is selected in step S204, and the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the motion control function performs processing to change the currently selected control pattern into a new control pattern. The new control pattern selected in step S207 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a control pattern randomly selected from among a plurality of control patterns stored in the memory of the controller 200, or The control pattern may be a control pattern selected before selecting the currently selected control pattern.

Then, after the control pattern is changed in step S207, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S206, and based on the new control pattern changed in step S207, the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, the seat back portion Control of the air bag 11 and the seat surface front

part air bags

12 and 13 is performed. As a result, it is possible to exercise a part (exercise part) of the body of the occupant corresponding to the new control pattern with an amount of movement corresponding to the new control pattern. That is, the content of the driver's passive exercise can be changed. Then, after the control is performed based on the new control pattern in step S206, the process returns to step S201 again, and the above-described process is repeated.

Thus, in the sixth embodiment, while the host vehicle 1a is traveling on the expressway, steps S201 to S204, S207, and S206 are repeated except when the host vehicle 1a is approaching the junction. It will be. That is, in the sixth embodiment, while the host vehicle 1a is traveling on the expressway, a plurality of control patterns are repeatedly switched except for the case where the host vehicle 1a is approaching the junction point, and the driver's passive movement is performed. Content of the driver, that is, the amount of exercise and movement site in the driver's passive movement can be changed with the passage of time. The amount of exercise and the exercise site in the passive exercise may be changed intermittently as time passes, or may be changed continuously.

When it is determined that the host vehicle 1a is approaching the junction in step S203 when the host vehicle 1a is traveling on the expressway (step S202 = Yes), the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the motion control function reduces the amount of movement in the passive movement from among the plurality of control patterns stored in the controller 200, as compared with the currently selected control pattern, and the movement portion in the passive movement. A control pattern which does not change is selected. Then, the motion control function changes the currently selected control pattern to the newly selected control pattern, and proceeds to step S206. Thereby, in step S206, based on the new control pattern changed in step S208, the thoracic spine portion airbag 21, the lumbar spine portion airbag 22, the seat back portion air bag 11, and the seat front portion air bag 12, Thirteen controls will be performed. For example, when the thoracic spine airbag 21 and the lumbar spine airbag 22 are protruded toward the occupant side, the motion control function is based on the new control pattern changed in step S8, the thoracic spine airbag 21 and the lumbar spine air By reducing the protrusion amount of the back 22, it is possible to reduce only the amount of exercise in the driver's passive movement without changing the movement site in the driver's passive movement.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, it is determined that the host vehicle 1a is traveling on the expressway (step S202 = Yes) and it is determined that the host vehicle 1a is approaching the junction. (Step S203 = Yes), the processing of steps S201 to S203, S208, and S206 is repeated. That is, in the sixth embodiment, in the case where the host vehicle 1a is traveling on the expressway, the control pattern in which the movement part in the passive movement of the occupant does not change while the host vehicle 1a approaches the junction. By changing to, it is possible to make the driver concentrate on driving without giving a stimulus to a new part of the driver. In addition, while the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a freeway, while the host vehicle 1a is approaching the junction, change the control pattern so that the driver's amount of movement in the passive movement decreases. At the junction, the driver can properly drive the vehicle.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S201 or step S207 that the host vehicle 1a is not traveling on the expressway, the process proceeds to step S209. In step S209, it is judged by the judgment function whether or not the road on which the vehicle 1a is traveling is congested. Specifically, the determination function includes traffic information acquired from an external server by a communication device (not shown), position information of the vehicle 1a detected by the GPS unit 400, and map information stored in the map database 500. Based on the determination, it is determined whether or not the road on which the host vehicle 1a is traveling is congested. When it is determined that the road on which the vehicle 1a is traveling is congested, the process proceeds to step S204, and a new control pattern is selected. Thereby, in the sixth embodiment, while the road on which the vehicle 1a is traveling is congested, a plurality of control patterns are repeatedly switched, and the content of the passive movement of the driver, that is, the amount of movement in the passive movement of the driver And exercise sites can be changed over time. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S209 that the road on which the vehicle 1a is traveling is not congested, the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, it is determined by the determination function whether or not the vehicle 1a is traveling on a slope. Specifically, based on the position information of the vehicle 1a detected by the GPS unit 400 and the map information stored in the map database 500, the determination function determines whether the vehicle 1a is located on a slope. By determining whether or not the own vehicle 1a is traveling on a slope, it can be determined. Then, if it is determined that the vehicle 1a is traveling on a slope, the process proceeds to step S211, and an increase in the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant due to a change in acceleration in the front-rear direction due to acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle 1a. Control of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back aft air bag 11, and the seat forward

awning air bags

12 and 13 is performed so that a large amount of them becomes large. For example, in step S211, the motion control function discharges sufficient air from the inside of the seat cushions 12 and 13 and tilts the seat cushion 10a forward to lean the occupant's posture forward. At the same time, air is supplied into the seat back rear air bag 11 and the seat back air back 11 is made to project toward the occupant, thereby making it easier for the occupant's body to move in the longitudinal direction while the vehicle is traveling. It is possible to increase the amount of increase in the amount of movement caused by the passive movement of the occupant, which is caused by the change in acceleration in the front-rear direction due to the acceleration / deceleration. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the vehicle 1a is not traveling on a slope, the process proceeds to step S212.

In step S212, it is determined by the determination function whether or not the vehicle 1a is traveling on a curved road. For example, the determination function determines whether or not the host vehicle 1a is located on a bend based on the position information of the host vehicle 1a detected by the GPS unit 400 and the map information stored in the map database 500. By doing this, it can be determined whether or not the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a curved road. If it is determined that the vehicle 1a is traveling on a bend, the process proceeds to step S213, and the passive movement of the occupant due to the change in the acceleration of the vehicle 1a in the lateral direction due to the turning of the vehicle 1a Control of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back aft air bag 11, and the seat front aft

air bags

12 and 13 is performed so as to increase the amount of movement. For example, in step S213, the motion control function supplies sufficient air into the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 to move the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 to the occupant side (X axis direction By making the body of the occupant easy to move in the left and right direction, the amount of increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant caused by the change in acceleration of the vehicle 1a in the lateral direction due to turning of the vehicle 1a is increased. be able to. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S212 that the host vehicle 1a is not traveling on the bend road, the process proceeds to step S214.

In step S214, according to the driving load of the driver by the motion control function, the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, the seat back aft air bag 11, and the seat forward

awning air bags

12 and 13 Control is performed. For example, when the driver's driving load is low, air is fed into the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat rear air bag 11, or a pair of front air front seats 12, By discharging the air from the inside of the vehicle 13, the posture of the driver sitting on the seat device 100a is changed so that the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture increases. On the other hand, when the driver's driving load is high, air is discharged from the inside of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back air bag 11, or the seat front air backs 12, 13 By supplying sufficient air to the inside, the entire seat cushion 10 a and the entire seat back 20 can support the driver's body. In addition, the well-known method can be used for the determination method of a driver | operator's driving load.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, when the traveling scene of the host vehicle 1a is a predetermined traveling scene such as when traveling on a freeway, the amount of exercise by the passive movement of the occupant increases. The thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air back 11, and the seat back air backs 12 and 13 are controlled. As a result, it is possible to increase the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant in the traveling scene where the necessity of performing the emergency operation is low when driving the own vehicle 1a. For example, in the sixth embodiment, the traveling scene in which the own vehicle 1a is traveling on the expressway is determined as a traveling scene in which the necessity of performing an emergency operation is low when driving the own vehicle 1a. When 1 is traveling on a freeway, one control pattern is randomly selected from a plurality of control patterns stored in the memory of the controller 200, and the thoracic spine airbag is selected based on the selected control pattern. By controlling the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air back 11, and the seat back air backs 12 and 13, it is possible to increase the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant.

In particular, in the sixth embodiment, while the host vehicle 1a is determined to be traveling on a freeway, the amount of exercise and the movement site in the passive movement of the occupant are continuously made by repeatedly switching the plurality of control patterns. Alternatively, by changing intermittently, the occupant can be made aware of the passive movement, and the exercise effect of the passive movement of the occupant can be further enhanced. Further, in the sixth embodiment, in a monotonous traveling scene in which the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a freeway, the driver can change the amount of exercise and the moving part in the passive movement of the driver intermittently or continuously. It is possible to effectively prevent falling asleep. Furthermore, by switching the amount of exercise and the exercise site in the passive movement of the occupant at a constant cycle, the occupant can perform the passive movement at a constant rhythm, which can reduce stress during driving of the occupant.

Further, in the sixth embodiment, even when the host vehicle 1a is traveling on the expressway, when the host vehicle 1a is approaching the junction, the passive motion is compared to the control pattern currently selected. The control pattern is changed such that the amount of exercise in the subject is reduced and the exercise site in the passive exercise is not changed, and the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, and the rear seat air surface based on the altered control pattern It controls the back 11 and the front

seat air bags

12 and 13. As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a freeway, while the host vehicle 1a is approaching the junction, the movement site in the driver's passive movement is not changed. The driver can concentrate on driving at the junction without stimulating the new part of the driver. In addition, while the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a freeway, while the host vehicle 1a is approaching the junction, change the control pattern so that the driver's amount of movement in the passive movement decreases. At the junction, the driver can properly drive the vehicle.

In addition, in the sixth embodiment, while the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a congested road, a plurality of control patterns are repeatedly switched as in the case where the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a highway. In addition, by changing the amount of exercise and the movement site in the passive movement of the occupant continuously or intermittently, the exercise effect of the passive movement of the occupant can be enhanced, and the driver's nap and the stress during driving can be enhanced. It can be mitigated. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, when the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a slope, the amount of increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant due to a change in acceleration in the front-rear direction of the host vehicle 1a becomes large. The thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air bag 11, and the seat air

front air bags

12 and 13 are controlled. Thus, in the sixth embodiment, of the momentum of the passive movement of the occupant, the momentum of the vehicle 1a in the front-rear direction can be further increased by utilizing the slope of the slope, and the passive movement of the occupant while traveling the vehicle Exercise efficiency can be further improved. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a curved road, the amount of increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant due to a change in acceleration in the lateral direction of the host vehicle 1a is increased. The thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air back 11, and the seat air front backs 12 and 13 are controlled. Thus, in the sixth embodiment, it is possible to further increase the momentum of the passive movement of the occupant by utilizing the centrifugal force when traveling on a curved road, and to improve the exercise efficiency of the passive movement of the occupant while traveling the vehicle. Can.

Seventh Embodiment
Subsequently, a control system of a seat apparatus according to a seventh embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle 1b (hereinafter also referred to as a host vehicle 1b) having a control system of a seat apparatus according to a seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the vehicle 1 b includes a seat device 100 a, a controller 200, a camera 300, a vehicle speed sensor 700, an accelerator opening sensor 800, a brake operation sensor 900, and a steering angle sensor 1000. These devices are connected by a CAN (Controller Area Network) or other in-vehicle LAN, and exchange information with each other. The sheet device 100a according to the seventh embodiment has the same configuration as that of the sheet device 100a according to the second embodiment, and operates in the same manner. Hereinafter, each configuration of the control system according to the seventh embodiment will be described in detail.

The camera 300 is installed in the front part of the host vehicle 1b, and images a predetermined region in front of the host vehicle. The captured image of the front of the own vehicle imaged by the camera 300 is transmitted to the controller 200 and used for detection of an obstacle present in front of the own vehicle by the controller 200.

Vehicle speed sensor 700 detects the vehicle speed of host vehicle 1b. The vehicle speed information detected by the vehicle speed sensor 700 is transmitted to the controller 200. The steering angle sensor 1000 is, for example, an angle sensor attached near a steering column or a steering wheel, and detects a rotation angle of a steering shaft as a steering angle. The steering angle information detected by the steering angle sensor 1000 is transmitted to the controller 200.

An accelerator opening sensor 800 detects an accelerator operation amount (accelerator opening) of an accelerator pedal. The accelerator opening degree of the accelerator pedal detected by the accelerator opening degree sensor 800 is transmitted to the controller 200. Further, the brake operation sensor 900 detects a brake operation amount of the brake pedal (a depression amount of the brake pedal). The depression amount of the brake pedal detected by the brake operation sensor 900 is transmitted to the controller 200.

The controller 200 according to the seventh embodiment executes the program stored in the ROM by the CPU to increase an obstacle detection function of detecting an obstacle present in front of the vehicle, and to increase the amount of exercise in passive movement of the passenger. Change the position of the occupant so as to reduce the amount of movement of the passenger due to the movement control function to change the position of the passenger, the judgment function to determine whether or not the amount of movement of the occupant's passive movement needs to be reduced To achieve a motor control function. Below, each function with which the controller 200 is provided is demonstrated.

The obstacle detection function of the controller 200 detects an obstacle present in front of the host vehicle 1b. Specifically, the obstacle detection function acquires a captured image in front of the host vehicle from the camera 300, and determines whether an obstacle exists in front of the host vehicle 1b based on the acquired captured image. In addition, the method to detect an obstruction from a captured image is not specifically limited, A well-known method can be used.

The motion control function of the controller 200 controls the air pump 40 and the air valves 51 to 55 to change the posture of the passenger so that the momentum of the passive movement of the passenger is increased. Specifically, for example, when the driver's driving load is low, for example, when the host vehicle 1b is traveling on a highway, the motion control function operates the air valve 51 in the seat device 100a on which the driver is seated. , 52, 53, and the air pump 40 is operated to pump air into the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, or the seat back air bag 11. As a result, when the driver's driving load is low, the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, or the seat back air bag 11 protrudes to the occupant side, and it is necessary for the occupant to maintain the posture. Driver's posture can be changed so that the exercise load (muscle load) increases.

Furthermore, the motion control function opens the

air valves

54 and 55 in the seat device 100a on which the driver is seated when the driver's driving load is low, and allows air from within the pair of

front seat airbags

12 and 13 to open. The air pump 40 is operated to discharge. As a result, since the seat cushion 10a tilts forward, the posture of the driver sitting on the seat device 100 is changed so that the exercise load (muscle load) required for the occupant to maintain the posture increases. Can.

The determination function of the controller 200 determines whether it is necessary to reduce the amount of movement of the occupant due to the passive movement when the movement control function performs control such that the amount of movement of the occupant due to the passive movement is increased. For example, depending on the traveling state of the vehicle, the driver may perform an avoidance action for avoiding an obstacle, and in the present embodiment, the determination function detects the necessity of such an avoidance action. , It is determined that it is necessary to reduce the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant.

For example, when an obstacle is detected by the obstacle detection function, the judgment function has an allowance time based on the distance to the detected obstacle and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 1b output from the vehicle sensor 600. TTC is calculated, and if the calculated allowance time TTC is less than a predetermined time, it is determined that the necessity of the avoidance action is high, and it is determined that it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant.

Further, the determination function includes a change amount per unit time of the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor 1000, a change amount per unit time of the accelerator opening degree detected by the accelerator opening degree sensor 800, and the brake operation sensor 900. Based on the amount of change per unit time of the depression amount of the brake pedal detected by the driver, it is determined by the driver whether or not the avoidance action is performed, and it is determined that the driver performs the avoidance action Determine that it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise caused by

The determination function determines that it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant even when it is determined that the driver's driving load is high, for example, when the vehicle travels a narrow street. be able to.

The motion suppression function of the controller 200 is such that, as a result of the judgment of the judgment function, if it is determined that the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant needs to be reduced, the air pump 40 and the air are reduced so that the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant is reduced. Control the valves 51-55. Specifically, the motion suppression function is such that the

air valves

51, 52, 53 are opened, and the air is discharged from the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, or the seat back air bag 11; The air pump 40 is operated. Thereby, when the necessity of the avoidance action is detected, the driver's body can be supported by the entire seat cushion 10a and the entire seat back 20. As a result, the driver can appropriately perform the avoidance action. As such, it can support the driver's attitude.

Similarly, the motion control function opens the

air valves

54 and 55 when it is determined that it is necessary to reduce the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant, and air is introduced into the pair of

front air bags

12 and 13. The air pump 40 is operated to feed. Thus, when the necessity of the avoidance action is detected, the inclination of the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a can be made substantially horizontal, and as a result, the driver can appropriately take the avoidance action. It can support the driver's attitude.

The motion suppression function includes, for example, an air valve 51 connected to the thoracic spine air bag 21, an air valve 52 connected to the lumbar spine air bag 22, and an air valve 53 connected to the seat rear area air bag 11. By simultaneously opening the air bags 40 and simultaneously discharging the air from the

respective air bags

21, 22 and 11, the driver's posture can be supported quickly.

Next, control processing of the sheet device 100a according to the seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing control processing of the seventh embodiment. The control processing of the seat device 100a described below is executed when the motion control function of the controller 200 performs control such that the amount of movement by the passive movement of the occupant increases.

First, in step S301, the obstacle detection function of the controller 200 detects an obstacle present ahead of the host vehicle based on a captured image of the front of the host vehicle taken by the camera 300. Then, in step S302, it is determined by the determination function of the controller 200 whether or not an obstacle is present ahead of the host vehicle based on the detection result of step S301. If an obstacle is present in front of the host vehicle, the process proceeds to step S303. If no obstacle exists in front of the host vehicle, the process proceeds to step S307.

In step S303, the distance to the detected obstacle is calculated by the determination function of the controller 200, and the calculated distance from the host vehicle 1b to the obstacle and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 1b detected by the vehicle speed sensor 700. Based on the calculation of the extra time TTC which is the time until the host vehicle reaches the obstacle is performed.

Then, in step S304, it is determined by the determination function of the controller 200 whether or not the surplus time TTC calculated in step S303 is less than a predetermined reference time. Here, the predetermined reference time may be, for example, a time longer by a predetermined time than the shortest time in which an obstacle can be avoided by the driver's brake operation or steering operation. If the allowance time TTC is less than the predetermined reference time, the process proceeds to step S305. If the allowance time TTC is equal to or more than the predetermined reference time, the process proceeds to step S307.

In step S305, since the allowance time TTC is less than the predetermined reference time, the determination function of the controller 200 determines that the necessity of the avoidance action is high, and determines that it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant. Is done. Thereby, in the subsequent step S306, the motion suppression function of the controller 200 performs control for reducing the amount of movement of the occupant due to the passive movement. That is, the motion control function discharges air from inside the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back air bag 11, or into the pair of

front air bags

12 and 13. The air pump 40 is operated to feed air. Thus, the driver's body can be supported by the entire seat cushion 10a and the entire seat back 20. As a result, when the driver performs an avoidance action, the driver's posture can be supported.

On the other hand, if no obstacle is detected in step S301, the process proceeds to step S307. In step S307, the determination function of the controller 200 is used to calculate a determination index (probability) at which it is determined that the driver performs an avoidance action. In the present embodiment, the determination function includes, for example, the time change amount of the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor 1000, the change amount per unit time of the accelerator opening detected by the accelerator opening sensor 800, and the brake operation Based on the amount of change per unit time of the depression amount of the brake pedal detected by the sensor 900, a determination index is calculated that is determined to be performed by the occupant. Specifically, the determination function has a larger change amount per unit time of the accelerator opening when the depression of the accelerator pedal is released, as the change amount per unit time of the steering angle is larger, and the brake pedal The judgment index can be calculated to be higher as the change amount per unit time of the depression amount of the brake pedal at the time of depression is larger.

Then, in step S308, it is determined by the determination function of the controller 200 whether the determination index calculated in step S307 is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. If the determination index is equal to or greater than the reference value, it is determined that the driver performs an avoidance action, the process proceeds to step S305, and it is determined that it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant. Control is performed to reduce the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant. On the other hand, if the determination index is less than the reference value, it is determined that the driver does not take evasive action, and the process proceeds to step S309, where it is determined that it is not necessary to reduce the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant. This process ends. In steps S307 and S308, instead of the above configuration, when the depression of the accelerator pedal is released (when the accelerator on state changes to the accelerator off state), or when the depression of the brake pedal is started It may be determined that the driver performs the evasive action (when changing from the brake off state to the brake on state), and the process may proceed to step S305.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, in order to increase the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant while the vehicle is traveling, the inside of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back air bag 11 are When the necessity of the avoidance action is detected when projecting to the occupant side, it is determined that the amount of exercise by the passive movement of the occupant needs to be reduced, and the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, And, the air is exhausted from the inside of the seat back portion air bag 11. Thus, when the driver performs the avoidance action, the driver's body can be supported by the entire seat cushion 10a and the entire seat back 20, and the driver's posture can be supported. Similarly, in the case where air is discharged from the front air-

bags

12, 13 in order to increase the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant while the vehicle is traveling, the necessity of the avoidance action is detected. By feeding air into the front

seat air bags

12 and 13, the inclination of the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a can be made substantially horizontal, and the driver's posture can be supported when the driver performs an avoidance action. .

In particular, in the seventh embodiment, when judging the necessity of the avoidance action, an obstacle existing in front of the host vehicle is detected, and a margin time TTC until the host vehicle reaches the obstacle is calculated. The necessity of the avoidance action can be appropriately determined, and as a result, the driver's posture when the avoidance action is performed can be appropriately supported. Also, the necessity of the avoidance action is determined based on the amount of change per unit time of the steering angle, the amount of change per unit time of the accelerator opening, and the amount of change per short time of the depression amount of the brake pedal. Thus, it can be appropriately determined whether or not the avoidance behavior is performed, and as a result, the driver's posture when the avoidance behavior is performed can be appropriately supported.

The embodiments described above are described to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, and are not described to limit the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22 are provided to the seat back 20 is illustrated. However, instead of the thoracic spine air bag 21 and the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back Only one spine air bag may be provided at 20. The spine air bag is provided at a position corresponding to the spine of an occupant sitting on the seat device 100 in the seat back 20, and the spine air bag projects in the direction of the occupant (in the X-axis direction). The posture of the occupant can be changed such that the spine air bag abuts on the occupant's spine and increases the momentum of the passive movement of the occupant.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the configuration in which the operation of the air pump 40 is controlled by the controller 200 is exemplified, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the operation of the air pump 40 can be It may be configured to control. Thus, the occupant can appropriately perform the passive movement at a desired timing. For example, in the case where an appropriate driving state at the time of vehicle traveling is reliably ensured by an automatic driving device or the like, such a mechanism operates by combining with a mechanism by which such a driving state of the occupant is ensured. In such a case, the exercise load may be constantly maintained. In such a case, an input unit can be provided that can change the presence or absence and the intensity of the exercise load according to the instruction of the occupant, whereby the presence or the intensity of the exercise load can be set according to the instruction of the occupant. Similarly, in the embodiment described above, the

lumbar support portions

23, 24, the

side support portions

25, 26, the

knee support portions

61, 62, the heel support portion 71, the arm support by operating the operation portion (not shown) by the occupant. The parts 81 and 82, the elbow support parts 83 and 84, and the neck support part 31 may be operated.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, and the seat back aft air bag 11 are inflated by the air pump 40, and the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back aft Although the configuration is shown in which the posture of the occupant is changed so that the amount of movement of the occupant by passive movement is increased by causing the air bag 11 to protrude toward the occupant, the invention is not limited to this configuration. The posture of the occupant may be changed such that the amount of movement of the occupant due to the passive movement is increased. For example, instead of the

air bags

21, 22, 11, a cushion member is provided at each position, and a shaft supporting the cushion member from side to side (up and down) and a cam mechanism to make variation of this shaft variable. The position of the occupant may be changed such that the amount of movement of the occupant due to the passive movement is increased by projecting the cushion member toward the occupant by the cam mechanism. In this case, the sheet device of the present invention can be configured more inexpensively. The front seat cushions 12 and 13 can also be configured using an actuator such as a cam mechanism.

Similarly, in the third embodiment described above, the

lumbar support portions

23, 24, the

side support portions

25, 26, the

knee support portions

61, 62, the heel support portion 71, the arm support portions 81, 82, and the elbow by actuators not shown. Although the configuration for operating the support portions 83 and 84 and the neck support portion 31 has been exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, these support portions are configured by an air bag, and using the air pump 40, these support portions It may be configured to control the operation of

Furthermore, although the configuration in which the seat cushion a is provided with the seat cushion rear portion air bag 11 is illustrated in the embodiment described above, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a magnetic field (magnetic field (magnetic field The seat cushion 10a may be provided with a bag including an MR fluid (magneto-rheological fluid) whose viscosity characteristic changes in accordance with the strength of. In this case, by changing the magnetic field (magnetic field) while adjusting the direction of the magnetic lines of force, the viscosity of the MR fluid can be changed to project the bag including the MR fluid in the occupant direction (Z-axis direction). As a result, it is possible to change the posture of the occupant so as to increase the amount of exercise in the passive movement of the occupant.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the configuration in which the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a is inclined is illustrated by discharging the air from the inside of the pair of seat surface

front air bags

12 and 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It is good also as composition. For example, when a sufficient amount of air is discharged from the inside of the pair of seat surface

front air bags

12 and 13, the seat cushion 10a is configured such that the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a is substantially horizontal. By supplying a sufficient amount of air to the seat

front air bag

12, 13, the seat air

front air bag

12, 13 is inflated, and the pair of seat air

front air bags

12, 13 are placed in the occupant direction (Z By projecting in the axial direction, the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a may be inclined backward, whereby the posture of the occupant may be inclined backward to increase the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant. Alternatively, when a sufficient amount of air is discharged from the inside of the seat

front air bag

12, 13, the seat of the seat cushion 10a is inclined forward, and the sufficient amount is stored in the

front air bag

12, 13. The front cushions 12 and 13 are configured such that the seating surface of the seat cushion 10a is inclined rearward when the air is supplied, and the air pump 40 is configured to control the air in the

front cushions

12 and 13. By adjusting the amount, the seating surface of the seat cushion 10a may be inclined to adjust the amount of movement of the occupant in the passive movement.

Further, in the embodiment described above, when the height of the seat surface changes to give a sense of discomfort to the occupant when the projecting amount of the seat surface rear portion airbag 11 is changed, the seat surface rear portion airbag 11 And the lifter mechanism of the seat adjustment mechanism may be interlocked and moved.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the air pump 40 is used to air the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air bag 11, and the air inside the pair of seat

air front bags

12 and 13. Although the configuration for adjusting the amount has been illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, using a compressor or a blower fan, the thoracic spine air bag 21, the seat rear space air bag 11, and the pair of seat fronts The air amount in the

air bags

12 and 13 may be adjusted.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the configuration in which the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a is inclined is illustrated by projecting the seat surface front

portion air bags

12 and 13 in the occupant direction (Z-axis direction). Instead, for example, the seat surface of the seat cushion 10a may be inclined by tilting the entire seat device 100a.

In the embodiment described above, the hoses 41 to 45 are respectively connected to the air bags, and air is supplied into the air bags via the hoses, or the air is discharged from the air bags. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, an air exhaust hose and an air supply hose may be provided in each air bag. In this case, a plurality of air discharge hoses may be provided in each air bag. Thus, for example, when the driver's driving load is high, air can be more rapidly discharged from each air bag in the driver's

seat device

100, 100a.

In addition, the seat device 100b includes any one of the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat rear space air bag 11, and the pair of seat

air front spaces

12 and 13. It is good also as composition, or it is good also as composition provided combining any two or more air bags. Similarly, the seat device 100 includes

lumbar support portions

23 and 24,

side support portions

25 and 26,

knee support portions

61 and 62, heel support portion 71, arm support portions 81 and 82, elbow support portions 83 and 84, and neck support Of the units 31, any one support unit may be provided, or any two or more support units may be combined and provided.

Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment described above, the own vehicle 1 approaches an intersection or a pedestrian crossing based on the map information stored in the map database 500 and the position information of the own vehicle 1 detected by the GPS unit 400. Although the configuration to determine whether or not the vehicle is traveling in the school zone, the vicinity of the park, or the vicinity of the station is described by way of example, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Based on the captured image, it is determined whether the own vehicle 1 is approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing, and whether the own vehicle 1 is traveling in a school zone, around a park, or around a station. It may be In the fifth embodiment described above, the vehicle 1 travels on a slope or a bend based on the position information of the vehicle 1 detected by the GPS unit 400 and the map information stored in the map database 500. Although the configuration for determining whether the vehicle is moving is illustrated, for example, it may be configured to determine whether or not the vehicle 1 is traveling on a slope or a bend road by a gyro sensor or a steering angle sensor (not shown).

In the sixth embodiment described above, when the host vehicle 1a is approaching the junction, the control pattern currently selected from among the plurality of control patterns stored in the controller 200 is compared. The control pattern is selected such that the amount of movement by the driver's passive movement is reduced and the movement part of the driver's passive movement is not changed, and the currently selected control pattern is changed to the newly selected control pattern However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the host vehicle 1a is approaching a junction, the amount of exercise by the driver's passive movement and the movement site of the driver's passive movement also change. Alternatively, the currently selected control pattern may not be changed. In this case, for example, the driver can concentrate on driving because the amount of exercise and the movement site by the driver's passive movement do not change.

In the sixth embodiment described above, when the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a highway, the controller 200 controls the steering to make the vehicle 1a move in a meandering manner, making it easier for the occupant's body to move. Alternatively, the amount of movement in passive movement of the occupant based on the control pattern may be further increased. In addition, when the host vehicle 1a is traveling on the expressway, the controller 200 controls the accelerator or the brake to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle 1a to make the occupant's body easier to move, based on the control pattern. It may be configured to further increase the amount of movement in the passive movement of the occupant.

Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment described above, a configuration has been illustrated in which a plurality of control patterns in which the amount of exercise and the exercise site are different are stored, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The control pattern may be stored.

Further, in the sixth embodiment described above, when the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a slope, the amount of increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant due to the change in acceleration in the front-rear direction of the host vehicle 1a is increased. In addition to the configuration for controlling the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air back 11, and the seat front air backs 12 and 13, in addition to this structure, the host vehicle When the vehicle 1a is traveling on a slope, the

lumbar support portions

23, 24, the

side support portions

25, 26, the

knee support portions

61, 62, and the like do not change the posture of the occupant more than a fixed amount in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1a. Heel support 71, arm supports 81 and 82, elbow supports 83 and 84, and neck support 31 are operated toward the occupant to support the occupant's posture. It may be configured.

Similarly, in the sixth embodiment described above, when the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a curved road, the amount of increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant due to the change in acceleration in the lateral direction of the host vehicle 1a is large. In addition to this configuration, the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air back 11, and the seat front air backs 12 and 13 have been exemplified to be described. When the host vehicle 1a is traveling on a curved road, the

lumbar support portions

23, 24,

side support portions

25, 26, knee support portion 61 do not change the posture of the occupant in the lateral direction of the host vehicle 1a by more than a fixed amount. 62, the heel support 71, the arm supports 81 82, the elbow supports 83 84 and the neck support 31 toward the occupant to support the occupant's posture It may be configured that.

In addition, in the seventh embodiment described above, when the allowance time TTC is less than the predetermined reference time, it is determined that the necessity of the avoidance action is high, and it is determined that the amount of exercise by the passive movement of the occupant needs to be reduced. For example, a first reference time corresponding to the reference time of the embodiment described above and a second reference time longer than the first reference time are provided, and the margin time TTC is the second reference If the time is less than the time, the exercise amount of the passive movement of the occupant is reduced by a fixed amount, and if the allowance time TTC becomes less than the first reference time shorter than the second reference time, the thoracic spine air bag 21 Alternatively, the passive exercise momentum of the occupant increased by the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat air back 11, and the

seat air front

12, 13 may be set to zero. In addition, when the allowance time TTC becomes less than the second reference time, the thoracic spine region airbag 21, the lumbar spine region airbag 22, the seat surface rear portion airbag 11, and the seat surface

front portion airbags

12 and 13 remain as they are. In the state, the

lumbar support portions

23, 24, the

side support portions

25, 26, the

knee support portions

61, 62, the heel support portion 71, the arm support portions 81, 82, the elbow support portions 83, 84, and the neck support portion 31 In addition to the support by the support section, the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back aft, when the allowance time TTC becomes less than the first reference time which is shorter than the second reference time. Even if the passive air momentum of the occupant increased by the front air bag 11 and the

front air bags

12 and 13 is made zero. There.

Furthermore, when depression of the accelerator pedal is released (changed from the accelerator on state to the accelerator off state), the

lumbar support portions

23, 24, the

side support portions

25, 26, the

knee support portions

61, 62, the heel support portion 71, When arm support portions 81 and 82, elbow support portions 83 and 84, and neck support portion 31 are operated toward the occupant, and then the brake pedal is depressed (changed from the brake off state to the brake on state), The configuration may be such that the momentum of the passive movement of the occupant increased by the thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air back 11, and the seat front air backs 12 and 13 is zero. On the contrary, when the depression of the accelerator pedal is released (changed from the accelerator on state to the accelerator off state), the thoracic spine airbag 21, the lumbar spine airbag 22, the seat back posterior airbag 11, and the seat When the momentum of the passive movement of the occupant increased by the front

surface air bag

12, 13 is made zero, and the brake pedal is further depressed (changed from the brake off state to the brake on state), the

lumbar support portions

23, 24. The

side support portions

25 and 26, the

knee support portions

61 and 62, the heel support portion 71, the arm support portions 81 and 82, the elbow support portions 83 and 84, and the neck support portion 31 may be operated toward the occupant.

Further, in the seventh embodiment described above, an obstacle ahead of the host vehicle is detected, and based on the distance from the host vehicle to the obstacle and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, the margin time TTC is calculated. In the case where it is less than the time, it is determined that the necessity of the avoidance action is high, and it is determined that it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise due to the passive movement of the occupant. The present invention is also configured to determine the traveling condition of the vehicle based on the road information stored in and traffic information acquired by the communication device (not shown), and to determine whether it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant. Good. For example, when it is determined that the host vehicle 1b travels a curve (or travels a curve) based on road information, it may be determined that it is necessary to reduce the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant. Good.

Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment described above, the camera 300 for capturing the front of the host vehicle is provided, and an obstacle present in front of the host vehicle is detected based on the image in front of the host vehicle captured by the camera 300. Although the configuration has been illustrated to determine whether it is necessary to reduce the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in addition to the camera 300 that images the front of the vehicle, The camera may be configured to image the side or the rear, and by detecting an obstacle present around the host vehicle, it may be determined whether it is necessary to reduce the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant. .

Further, in the seventh embodiment described above, the configuration for detecting an obstacle based on a captured image captured by the camera 300 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a laser radar, an ultrasonic sensor, or light A sensor or the like may be used to detect an obstacle.

In addition, in the seventh embodiment described above, it is determined whether the driver performs an avoidance action based on the steering operation, the operation of the accelerator pedal, and the operation of the brake pedal by the driver, and this determination is made. Although the configuration to determine whether it is necessary to reduce the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant is illustrated based on the results, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when automatic driving is performed in the vehicle 1b, Whether or not the avoidance action is performed may be determined based on the steering operation, the operation of the accelerator pedal, and the operation of the brake pedal by automatic driving.

Furthermore, in the fifth to seventh embodiments described above, the configuration including the sheet device 100a according to the second embodiment has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sheet device 100 according to the first embodiment Or the seat apparatus 100b according to the third embodiment.

The thoracic spine air bag 21, the lumbar spine air bag 22, the seat back air bag 11, the seat air

front air bags

12 and 13, and the air pump 40 according to the embodiment described above are lumbar lumbars. The

support portions

23, 24, the

side support portions

25, 26, the

knee support portions

61, 62, the heel support portion 71, the arm support portions 81, 82, the elbow support portions 83, 84, and the neck support portion 31 The travel information acquisition function of the controller 200 corresponds to the acquisition means of the present invention, the motion control function and the motion suppression function of the controller 200 correspond to the control means of the present invention, and the judgment function of the controller 200 corresponds to the determination means of the present invention. In the vehicle speed detection means of the present invention, the determination function of the camera 300 and the controller 200 is the present invention. In the obstacle detection means, the accelerator opening sensor 800 corresponds to the accelerator opening detection means of the present invention, the brake operation sensor 900 corresponds to the brake operation detection means of the present invention, and the memory of the controller 200 corresponds to the storage means of the present invention. .

100, 100a, 100b ...

seat devices

10, 10a ... seat cushions 11 ... seat surface rear

part air bags

12, 13 ... seat surface front part air bags 20 ... seat backs 21 ... thoracic spine part air bags 22 ... lumbar spine

part air bags

23, 24 ...

lumbar support

25, 26 ... side support 30 30 ... necklace 31 ... neck support 40 ... air pump 41-45 ... hose 51-55 ...

air valve

61, 62 ... knee support 71 ... heel support 81, 82 ... 82 ... Arm support portion 83, 84 Elbow support portion 200 Controller 300 Camera 400 GPS unit 500 Map database 600 Communication device 700 Speed sensor 800 Acceleration sensor 900 Brake operation sensor 1000 Steering angle sensor

Claims

A seat device mounted on a mobile body and having a seat cushion and a seat back,
A seat apparatus comprising: a passive movement mechanism for changing the posture of an occupant sitting on the seat apparatus so as to increase the amount of movement in passive movement of the occupant sitting on the seat apparatus.
The sheet device according to claim 1, wherein
The passive movement mechanism comprises a movable mechanism capable of forming a protrusion extending parallel to the spine of the occupant at a position corresponding to the spine of the occupant seated in the seat apparatus on the seat back. Seat device.
The sheet device according to claim 2, wherein
A seat apparatus characterized in that the movable mechanism can form protrusions with different amounts of projection at a plurality of different positions along the spine of the occupant.
The sheet device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
The seat device is characterized in that the projecting portion is provided at least at a position corresponding to a thoracic spine of the occupant and a position corresponding to a lumbar spine of the occupant.
The sheet device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein
A seat apparatus, further comprising a support mechanism for supporting the posture of the occupant when the projection protrudes.
The sheet device according to claim 1, wherein
The passive movement mechanism operates to push the body of an occupant seated in the seat device in a direction away from the seat device to change the posture of the occupant seated in the seat device. A sheet device comprising the first movable portion.
The sheet device according to claim 6, wherein
A seat apparatus, wherein the passive movement mechanism comprises the first movable portion on the seat back.
The sheet device according to claim 6, wherein
A seat apparatus, wherein the passive movement mechanism comprises the first movable portion on the seat cushion.
The sheet device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein
A seat apparatus characterized in that the passive movement mechanism includes a second movable portion for changing the posture of the occupant by operating so that the seat surface of the seat cushion tilts.
The sheet device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein
A seat device, further comprising a support mechanism supporting an attitude of an occupant seated on the seat device changed by the passive movement mechanism.
A control device of an on-vehicle seat device provided with a passive motion mechanism for changing a posture of a passenger such that an amount of movement by passive motion of the passenger changes.
Control means for controlling the passive movement mechanism such that the amount of movement of the passive movement changes while the vehicle is traveling;
Acquisition means for acquiring travel information of the host vehicle;
A determination unit configured to determine a traveling scene of the host vehicle based on the traveling information acquired by the acquisition unit;
The control means determines, based on the traveling scene of the subject vehicle determined by the determination means, whether to increase the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant or to decrease the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant. A control device for an on-vehicle seat device, which controls the passive movement mechanism based on a determination result.
The control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 11, wherein
When the traveling scene of the subject vehicle determined by the determination unit is a predetermined traveling scene requiring a predetermined driving operation by a driver, the control unit reduces the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant. A control device for a vehicle seat device, which controls the passive movement mechanism.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 12, wherein
When the control means determines that the vehicle travels along a narrow road, a congested road, a bend road, a slope, a school zone, a park area, or a station front by the determination means, or the vehicle is an intersection Alternatively, when it is determined that the pedestrian is approaching a pedestrian crossing, it is determined that the driving scene requires the predetermined driving operation of the driver, and the passive exercise is performed so that the amount of movement by the passive exercise of the occupant decreases. A control device of an on-vehicle seat device characterized by controlling a mechanism.
The control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 13, wherein
When it is determined by the determination means that the host vehicle is traveling on a narrow road, the control means reduces the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant, and the posture of the occupant becomes a forward inclination posture. As described above, a control device of a vehicle seat device that controls the passive movement mechanism.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein
When it is determined by the determination means that the host vehicle is traveling on a slope, the control means reduces the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant, and is caused by a change in acceleration in the front-rear direction of the host vehicle A control device for a vehicle seat device, comprising: controlling the passive movement mechanism such that an increase in the amount of movement caused by the passive movement of the occupant is reduced.
The control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein
When the determination means determines that the host vehicle is traveling on a bend, the control means reduces the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant and changes in the acceleration of the host vehicle in the lateral direction. A control device for an on-vehicle seat device, characterized in that the passive movement mechanism is controlled such that the amount of increase in momentum caused by the passive movement of the occupant is reduced.
The control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein
When the traveling scene of the subject vehicle determined by the determination unit is a predetermined traveling scene that does not require a predetermined driving operation by the driver, the control unit increases the amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant. As described above, a control device of a vehicle seat device that controls the passive movement mechanism.
The control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 17, wherein
The memory device further includes storage means for storing a control pattern of the passive movement mechanism according to a combination of the amount of movement by the passive movement and the movement site.
The determination means determines whether the vehicle is traveling on a highway or a congested road,
When the control means determines that the host vehicle is traveling on a highway or a congested road by the determination means, an amount of exercise by passive movement of the occupant based on the control pattern stored in the storage means. And the control unit for the on-vehicle seat device, which controls the passive motion mechanism such that at least one of the motion sites changes intermittently or continuously.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 18, wherein
The storage means stores a plurality of different control patterns according to different combinations of the amount of movement by the passive movement and the movement site.
The control device for an on-vehicle seat device, wherein the control means repeatedly switches the plurality of different control patterns when controlling the passive movement mechanism based on the control pattern.
20. A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 19, wherein
When the judging means judges that the host vehicle is traveling on the expressway, it judges whether or not the host vehicle is approaching a junction.
In the control means, when it is determined that the own vehicle is traveling on the expressway by the determination means and it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the junction point, the amount of exercise and the movement site by the passive movement of the occupant do not change As described above, a control device for a vehicle seat device, wherein the control pattern is not switched.
20. A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein
When the judging means judges that the host vehicle is traveling on the expressway, it judges whether or not the host vehicle is approaching a junction.
When the control means determines that the own vehicle is traveling on the expressway by the determination means and approaches the junction point, the amount of exercise by the passive movement of the occupant decreases, and A control device for a vehicle-mounted seat device, comprising: changing the control pattern so as not to change an exercise part by passive movement of the occupant, and controlling the passive movement mechanism based on the changed control pattern.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein
At least one of a steering, an accelerator, and a brake is set so that the amount of movement by the passive movement of the occupant by the passive movement mechanism is increased when the determination means determines that the vehicle is traveling on the expressway. A control device for an on-vehicle seat device, further comprising vehicle control means for controlling.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein
The determination means determines whether or not the host vehicle is traveling on a slope.
When the determination means determines that the host vehicle is traveling on a slope, the control means causes a large increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant due to a change in acceleration in the front-rear direction of the host vehicle. And a control device for a vehicle seat device, which controls the passive movement mechanism.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein
The determination means determines whether the host vehicle is traveling on a curved road,
When the control means determines that the host vehicle is traveling on a bend road by the determination means, the amount of increase in the amount of movement by passive movement of the occupant due to a change in acceleration in the lateral direction of the host vehicle is A control device for a vehicle seat device, which controls the passive movement mechanism to be large.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 11 to 24, wherein
The determination means determines whether or not a traveling scene is required to reduce the amount of passive exercise when control is performed to increase the amount of passive exercise.
The control means controls the passive movement mechanism such that the passive movement amount is reduced when it is determined by the determination means that the traveling scene requires the reduction of the passive movement amount. Control device for in-vehicle seat device.
26. A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 25, wherein
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the speed of the host vehicle;
And obstacle detection means for detecting an obstacle present around the vehicle.
The traveling scene in which the determination means is required to reduce the amount of passive movement based on the vehicle speed and the distance from the host vehicle to the obstacle when the obstacle is detected by the obstacle detection means. It is judged whether or not it is the control device of the in-vehicle seat device which features that it is.
27. A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein
And an accelerator opening detection means for detecting an accelerator opening of the accelerator pedal,
The control device of a vehicle-mounted seat device, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the traveling scene is required to reduce the amount of passive movement based on the amount of change per unit time of the accelerator opening. .
28. A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein
It further comprises a brake operation detection means for detecting the depression amount of the brake pedal,
The vehicle seat device according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines whether the traveling scene requires the passive movement amount to be reduced based on a change amount per unit time of the depression amount of the brake pedal. Control device.
29. A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein
And a support mechanism for supporting the posture of the occupant seated in the seat device,
The control means operates the support mechanism so as to support the posture of the occupant when the judgment means judges that the driving scene requires the reduction of the passive movement amount. Control device for in-vehicle seat device.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 11 to 29, wherein
A control device of a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vehicle seat device is a seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 11 to 29, wherein
The in-vehicle seat device
A protrusion mechanism for changing the posture of the occupant seated in the on-vehicle seat device such that the amount of movement of the passive movement of the occupant seated on the on-vehicle seat device is increased;
A first protrusion control for changing the protrusion mechanism from the first protrusion state to the second protrusion state so as to increase the amount of movement of the passive motion of the occupant seated in the in-vehicle seat device; Control means capable of executing second projection control for changing from the second projection state to the first projection state,
The control means makes a change mode when changing the protrusion state of the protrusion mechanism in the first protrusion control different from a change mode when changing the protrusion state of the protrusion mechanism in the second protrusion control. A control device for an on-vehicle seat device characterized by
The control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 31;
When the first projection control is performed, the control unit performs the projection state of the projection mechanism so that the posture of the occupant changes more gently than when the second projection control is performed. A control device of an on-vehicle seat device characterized by changing.
34. A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein
The control means
When performing the first protrusion control, the protrusion mechanism is changed by a fixed displacement amount,
When the second protrusion control is performed, compared to when the first protrusion control is performed, the change of the protrusion state of the protrusion mechanism is started and the predetermined time elapses. A control device of an on-vehicle seat device characterized in that a displacement amount of a protrusion mechanism is increased.
34. A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein
The control means
When performing the first protrusion control, the protrusion state of the protrusion mechanism is changed so that the displacement amount per unit time becomes the first displacement amount,
When the second projection control is performed, the projection state of the projection mechanism is changed so that the displacement amount per unit time becomes a second displacement amount larger than the first displacement amount. Control device for in-vehicle seat device.
32. A control device for a vehicle seat device according to claim 31, wherein
The control means
When performing the second protrusion control, the protrusion mechanism is changed by a fixed displacement amount,
In the case where the first protrusion control is performed, compared to the case in which the second protrusion control is performed, the change in the protrusion state of the protrusion mechanism is started and then the predetermined time elapses. A control device of an on-vehicle seat device characterized in that a displacement amount of a protrusion mechanism is increased.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein
The control device for an on-vehicle seat device, wherein the protrusion mechanism is provided on the seat back.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein
The control device for an on-vehicle seat device, wherein the protrusion mechanism is provided on the seat cushion.
A control device for a vehicle seat device according to any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein
A seat device, further comprising a support mechanism for supporting the posture of an occupant seated on the in-vehicle seat device changed by the protrusion mechanism.