JP7669243B2 - Seat operation method and seat - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a seat operation method and a seat.

The following Patent Document 1 discloses an invention related to an operation switch. This operation switch is attached to a seat and includes a top cover that protrudes from the mounting surface on which the operation switch is attached, and a touch sensor that detects when an input medium such as an occupant's finger comes into contact with the top cover. As a result, multiple switch operations can be performed depending on the contact point on the top cover detected by the touch sensor.

JP 2013-212819 A

However, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 does not provide any measures to prevent erroneous detection by the touch sensor, so it is possible that the touch sensor may detect contact with an object other than the input medium, causing the seat to move in an unintended manner by the occupant.

In other words, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 above has room for improvement in terms of preventing seat malfunctions.

In consideration of the above, the present invention aims to provide a seat operation method and seat that can prevent seat malfunctions.

The seat operation method of the present invention described in claim 1 includes detecting a contact input by an occupant with a contact detection unit provided on the side of a seat on which an occupant can be seated and equipped with a single three-axis acceleration sensor, and when the contact detection unit detects the contact input of a predetermined magnitude or greater a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time, activating a drive actuator for driving a portion of the seat , and when the contact detection unit detects a first contact input of a predetermined magnitude or greater in the activated state of the drive actuator, a first drive state is set in which the portion is driven by the drive actuator, and when the contact detection unit detects a second contact input larger than the first contact input in the activated state, a second drive state is set in which the portion is driven by the drive actuator to a state different from the first drive state, and a plurality of the drive actuators are activated by the predetermined number of contact inputs, the contact detection unit detects the input direction of the contact input, and the drive actuator to be driven is changed in accordance with the input direction .

According to the present invention described in claim 1, a contact detection unit is provided on the side of a seat on which an occupant can sit and is equipped with an acceleration sensor to detect a contact input by the occupant. Then, when the contact detection unit detects a contact input of a predetermined magnitude or more a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, a drive actuator that drives a part of the seat is activated.

For this reason, in the present invention, the drive actuator can be activated by the occupant performing a contact input to the contact detection unit a predetermined number of times. As a result, it is possible to prevent the drive actuator from being activated by a contact input to the contact detection unit due to an erroneous operation by the occupant or contact with an object in the vicinity of the contact detection unit.

According to the present invention , when the contact detector detects a first contact input having a predetermined magnitude or greater in the actuated state of the drive actuator, the drive actuator is set to a first actuated state, and when the contact detector detects a second contact input having a magnitude greater than the first contact input in the actuated state of the drive actuator, the drive actuator is set to a second actuated state.

For this reason, in the present invention, the seat configuration can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the input that sets the drive actuator in the first drive state and the input that sets the drive actuator in the second drive state are input to different contact detection units.

According to the present invention , a plurality of drive actuators are activated by a predetermined number of touch inputs by an occupant. Then, the touch detection unit detects the input direction of the touch input by the occupant, and the drive actuators to be driven are changed in accordance with the input direction.

Therefore, in the present invention, an occupant can operate multiple drive actuators by making contact inputs from multiple directions to a single contact detection unit.

The seat of the present invention described in claim 2 comprises a seat main body portion on which an occupant can sit, a contact detection unit provided on the side of the seat main body portion and equipped with a single three-axis acceleration sensor and capable of detecting a contact input by the occupant and the input direction of the contact input and outputting a detection signal, a plurality of drive actuators capable of driving a portion of the seat main body portion, an actuator starting unit that starts the drive actuators when the contact input of a predetermined magnitude or greater is detected two or more times within a predetermined time based on the detection signal, and an actuator control unit that controls the drive actuator corresponding to the input direction in accordance with the input direction .

According to the present invention, a contact detection unit is provided on a side of the seat body on which an occupant can sit. The contact detection unit includes an acceleration sensor and is capable of detecting a contact input by the occupant and outputting a detection signal.

The present invention also includes a drive actuator capable of driving a part of the seat body, and an actuator activation unit capable of activating the drive actuator. The actuator activation unit activates the drive actuator when it detects a contact input by an occupant of a predetermined magnitude or more on the contact detection unit a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time based on a detection signal from the contact detection unit.

Therefore, the present invention can prevent the drive actuator from being activated due to a contact input to the contact detection unit caused by an erroneous operation by an occupant or contact with an object in the vicinity of the contact detection unit.

As described above, the seat operation method and seat according to the present invention have the excellent effect of suppressing malfunction of the seat.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment; 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a side finisher and its periphery in a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment; 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a contact detection unit provided in the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment; 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device mounted on the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of an input to a contact detection unit provided in the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. 5 is a graph showing an example of an input to a contact detection unit provided in the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. 5 is a graph showing an example of an input to a contact detection unit provided in the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a side finisher and its periphery in a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device mounted on a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow of an actuator by a control device mounted on a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment of a seat and a seat operating method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 13. As shown in Figure 1, a "vehicle seat 10 (hereinafter referred to as the seat 10)" as a seat according to this embodiment includes a "seat main body 12" on which an occupant P can be seated, a lift device 14, a slide device 16, a tilt device 18, and a recliner device 20.

The seat 10 is positioned so that its front side is the front side of the vehicle. Note that the arrow FR shown appropriately in each figure indicates the front side of the seat 10, the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the seat 10, and the arrow LH indicates the left side of the seat 10. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the front-to-rear direction means the front-to-rear direction of the seat 10, the up-to-down direction means the up-to-down direction of the seat 10, and the width direction means the width direction of the seat 10.

The seat body 12 includes a seat cushion 22 with a seating surface on which the occupant P sits, a seat back 24 that supports the back of the occupant P, and a headrest 26 that supports the head of the occupant P. The lower end of the seat back 24 is rotatable in the width direction relative to the rear end of the seat cushion 22, and the headrest 26 is supported on the upper end of the seat back 24 so that it can move up and down. In addition, resin side finishers 28 are attached to both sides of the seat cushion 22 in the width direction.

The lift device 14 includes an upper frame (not shown), a lower frame 30, a link arm (not shown), and a "lift actuator 32 (see FIG. 4)" that serves as a drive actuator.

More specifically, the upper frame supports the seat cushion 22 from the up-down lower side, and the lower frame 30 is disposed on the up-down lower side of the upper frame and is supported from the up-down lower side by the slide device 16. The upper frame and the lower frame 30 are connected by a link arm.

The lift actuator 32 includes a drive unit (not shown), such as a cylinder, and a control unit (not shown) that is capable of controlling the drive unit. The control unit of the lift actuator 32 drives the drive unit based on a command signal input from the control device 34 (see FIG. 4), thereby enabling the upper frame to move vertically relative to the lower frame 30.

The slide device 16 includes a pair of lower rails 36, a pair of upper rails 38, and a "slide actuator 40 (see FIG. 4)" that serves as a drive actuator.

More specifically, the lower rails 36 extend in the front-rear direction with a widthwise gap between them, and are fixed to the vehicle floor surface (not shown) via legs 42. On the other hand, the upper rails 38 extend in the front-rear direction and are engaged with the lower rails 36, supporting the lower frame 30 of the lift device 14 from below in the vertical direction.

The slide actuator 40 includes a drive unit (not shown), such as a motor, and a control unit (not shown) that is capable of controlling the drive unit. The control unit of the slide actuator 40 drives the drive unit based on a command signal input from the control device 34, thereby moving the upper rail 38 in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the lower rail 36, and thus moving the seat body 12 in the fore-and-aft direction.

The tilt device 18 includes a pan frame 44 and a "tilt actuator 46 (see Figure 4)" as a drive actuator.

More specifically, the pan frame 44 is disposed vertically below the front portion 22A of the seat cushion 22, and is supported rotatably with the width direction as a rotation axis relative to the seat front portion of the upper frame of the lift device 14.

The tilt actuator 46, on the other hand, includes a drive unit (not shown), such as a motor, and a control unit (not shown) that is capable of controlling the drive unit. The control unit of the tilt actuator 46 drives the drive unit based on a command signal input from the control device 34, thereby rotating the pan frame 44 in the width direction, and thus moving the front portion 22A of the seat cushion 22 in the up-down direction.

The recliner device 20 is interposed between the seat cushion 22 and the seat back 24, and includes multiple gears (not shown) attached to a seat back frame (not shown) and a "recliner actuator 48 (see FIG. 4)" as a drive actuator.

The recliner actuator 48 includes a drive unit (not shown), such as a motor, and a control unit (not shown) that is capable of controlling the drive unit. The control unit of the recliner actuator 48 drives the drive unit based on a command signal input from the control device 34, so that the seat back 24 can be tilted in the front-rear direction around the rear end of the seat cushion 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, this embodiment is characterized in that a "contact detection unit 50" is provided on the side surface 28A of the side finisher 28 on the left side in the width direction, and the control device 34 is capable of controlling the lift device 14, slide device 16, tilt device 18, and recliner device 20 based on contact input by the occupant P to the contact detection unit 50. The configurations of the control device 34 and the contact detection unit 50, which constitute the main parts of this embodiment, will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the contact detection unit 50 includes a case 52 that forms its outer shell, and a three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that serves as an acceleration sensor. The case 52 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the longitudinal direction being the front-to-rear direction, and the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 is stored inside the case 52.

On the other hand, the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 is capable of detecting acceleration in three different directions, namely the front-rear, width, and height directions, and is capable of outputting a signal based on the acceleration to the control device 34.

In more detail, the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 is connected directly or via members to the side wall portion 52A that constitutes the widthwise outer portion of the case 52, the upper wall portion 52B that constitutes the upper and lower upper portions of the case 52, the front wall portion 52C that constitutes the front portion of the case 52 in the front-to-rear direction, and the rear wall portion 52D that constitutes the rear portion of the case 52 in the front-to-rear direction.

When a contact input by the occupant P is input to at least one of the side wall portion 52A, the upper wall portion 52B, the front wall portion 52C, and the rear wall portion 52D, the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 outputs a detection signal according to the magnitude of the contact input to the control device 34. In the following, the contact input to the upper wall portion 52B, i.e., the contact input from the upper side in the vertical direction to the case 52, is referred to as the contact input in the first direction, the contact input to the side wall portion 52A, i.e., the contact input from the outside in the width direction to the case 52, is referred to as the contact input in the second direction, the contact input to the front wall portion 52C, i.e., the contact input from the front side in the front-to-rear direction to the case 52, is referred to as the contact input in the third direction, and the contact input to the rear wall portion 52D, i.e., the contact input from the rear side in the front-to-rear direction to the case 52, is referred to as the contact input in the fourth direction.

4, the control device 34 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 34A, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34C, storage 34D, and an input/output I/F (Inter Face) 34E. The CPU 34A, ROM 34B, RAM 34C, storage 34D, and input/output I/F 34E are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 34F.

The CPU 34A is a central processing unit and is capable of executing various programs related to the various controls of the lift device 14, the slide device 16, the tilt device 18, and the recliner device 20, and the processing of detection signals input from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54. Specifically, the CPU 34A is capable of reading out programs from the ROM 34B and executing the programs using the RAM 34C as a working area. The execution programs stored in the ROM 34B are then read out and executed by the CPU 34A, enabling the control device 34 to perform various functions, as described below.

Storage 34D is configured to include a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. Storage 34D also stores time series data of acceleration [gal] obtained by digitally converting the detection signal input from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54.

The input/output I/F 34E is an interface that allows the control device 34 to communicate with various devices used for various controls of the seat 10. The control device 34 is connected to the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, recliner actuator 48, and three-axis acceleration sensor 54 via the input/output I/F 34E so that they can communicate with each other. These devices may also be directly connected to the bus 34F.

More specifically, the input/output I/F 34E is equipped with an analog-digital converter (not shown) and converts the analog signal input from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 into a digital signal and transmits it to the storage 34D. The input/output I/F 34E is also capable of transmitting various command signals to the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48. Note that each electronic device, such as the lift actuator 32, is supplied with power from a battery (not shown) installed in the vehicle.

Next, the functional configuration of the control device 34 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The control device 34 functions as a collection of an "actuator starter 56", a lift control unit 58, a slide control unit 60, a tilt control unit 62, and a recliner control unit 64 by the CPU 34A reading and executing an execution program stored in the ROM 34B.

The actuator activation unit 56 controls the activation of the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 based on the detection signal input from the triaxial acceleration sensor 54. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 6, the actuator activation unit 56 outputs an activation signal to the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 to activate them when the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 detects two contact inputs of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time T. In the following, an input that causes two contact inputs of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time T is referred to as an activation input I0.

In addition, if no detection signal is input from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 for a predetermined period of time, the actuator starter 56 outputs a stop signal to the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 to stop them.

The lift control unit 58 controls the lift actuator 32 based on the detection signal input from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 within a predetermined time from the input of the activation signal. In detail, as shown in FIG. 7, when the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 detects a first contact input I1 in the first direction that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 and smaller than the second threshold value V2, the lift control unit 58 drives the lift actuator 32 to move the seat body 12 downward in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 detects a second contact input I2 in the first direction that is greater than the second threshold V2, the lift control unit 58 drives the lift actuator 32 to move the seat body 12 upward in the vertical direction.

The lift control unit 58 is configured to temporarily halt the lift actuator 32 if a contact input in the first direction equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is received while the lift actuator 32 is being driven. In addition, if no detection signal is received from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 for a predetermined period of time, the lift control unit 58 outputs a stop signal to the lift actuator 32 to stop the lift actuator 32.

The slide control unit 60 controls the slide actuator 40 based on the detection signal input from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 within a predetermined time from the input of the activation signal. In detail, when the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 detects a first contact input I1 in the contact input in the second direction, the slide control unit 60 drives the slide actuator 40 to move the seat body 12 rearward in the front-rear direction.

When the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 detects a contact input I2 in the second direction, the slide control unit 60 drives the slide actuator 40 to move the seat body 12 forward in the front-rear direction.

The slide control unit 60 is configured to temporarily halt the slide actuator 40 if a contact input in the second direction equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is received while the slide actuator 40 is being driven. Furthermore, if no detection signal is received from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 for a predetermined period of time, the slide control unit 60 outputs a stop signal to the slide actuator 40 to stop the slide actuator 40.

The tilt control unit 62 controls the tilt actuator 46 based on the detection signal input from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 within a predetermined time from the input of the activation signal. In detail, when the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 detects a first contact input I1 in the third direction contact input, the tilt control unit 62 drives the tilt actuator 46 to move the front part 22A of the seat cushion 22 downward in the up-down direction.

In addition, when the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 detects a contact input I2 in the third direction, the tilt control unit 62 drives the tilt actuator 46 to move the front part 22A upward in the vertical direction.

The tilt control unit 62 is configured to temporarily halt the tilt actuator 46 if a contact input in the third direction equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is received while the tilt actuator 46 is being driven. The tilt control unit 62 is also configured to output a stop signal to the tilt actuator 46 to stop the tilt actuator 46 if no detection signal is input from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 for a predetermined period of time.

The recliner control unit 64 controls the recliner actuator 48 based on the detection signal input from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 within a predetermined time from the input of the activation signal. In detail, when the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 detects a first contact input I1 in the contact input in the fourth direction, the recliner control unit 64 drives the recliner actuator 48 to tilt the seat back 24 rearward in the fore-and-aft direction.

When the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 detects a contact input I2 in the fourth direction, the recliner control unit 64 drives the recliner actuator 48 to tilt the seat back 24 forward in the fore-and-aft direction.

The recliner control unit 64 is configured to temporarily halt the recliner actuator 48 if a contact input in the fourth direction equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is received while the recliner actuator 48 is being driven. In addition, if no detection signal is received from the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 for a predetermined period of time, the recliner control unit 64 outputs a stop signal to the recliner actuator 48 to stop the recliner actuator 48.

<Actions and Effects of the Present Embodiment>
Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a contact detection unit 50 is provided on the side of the seat 10 on which an occupant P can sit and includes a three-axis acceleration sensor 54 to detect a contact input by the occupant P. Then, when the contact detection unit 50 detects a contact input of a predetermined magnitude or greater a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time period, that is, when an activation input I0 is input to the contact detection unit 50, the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 that drive parts of the seat 10 are activated.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 can be activated by the occupant P making a contact input to the contact detection unit 50 a predetermined number of times. As a result, activation of the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 due to contact input to the contact detection unit 50 caused by erroneous operation by the occupant P or contact with an object around the contact detection unit 50 can be suppressed.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 are in an activated state, any one of the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 is in a first drive state when a first contact input I1 of a predetermined magnitude or greater is detected by the contact detection unit 50. Also, when the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 are in an activated state, any one of the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 is in a second drive state when a second contact input I2 larger than the first contact input I1 is detected by the contact detection unit 50.

Hereinafter, an example of the control flow of each drive actuator by the control device 34 at this time will be described mainly using the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 to 13. This control flow is started when the CPU 34A receives a predetermined instruction signal at predetermined time intervals.

When this control flow starts, in step S100, the CPU 34A functions as the actuator start-up unit 56 and determines whether or not the start-up input I0 has been input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 within a predetermined time. If the start-up input I0 has been input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 within the predetermined time (step S100: YES), the process proceeds to step S101. On the other hand, if the start-up input I0 has not been input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 within the predetermined time (step S100: NO), the control flow ends.

In step S101, the CPU 34A functions as the actuator activation unit 56, activates the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48, and then proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58 to determine whether or not a first-direction contact input has been made to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 within a predetermined time. If a first-direction contact input has been made to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 (step S102: YES), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if a first-direction contact input has not been made to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 (step S102: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S103.

In step S107, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58 to determine whether or not a second contact input I2 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54. If the second contact input I2 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S107: YES), the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the second contact input I2 has not been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S107: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S109.

In step S108, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58 and drives the lift actuator 32 to move the seat body 12 upward in the vertical direction, and then proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S110: YES), the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S111: NO), the CPU 34A returns to step S108.

In step S111, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58, temporarily halts the lift actuator 32, and proceeds to step S114.

On the other hand, in step S109, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58 to determine whether or not a first contact input I1 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54. If the first contact input I1 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S109: YES), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the first contact input I1 has not been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S109: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S114.

In step S112, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58 and drives the lift actuator 32 to move the seat body 12 downward in the vertical direction, and then proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S113: YES), the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if a contact input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S113: NO), the CPU 34A returns to step S112.

In step S114, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time. If a contact input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S114: YES), the process returns to step S107. On the other hand, if a contact input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected within the predetermined time (step S114: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S115.

In step S115, the CPU 34A functions as the lift control unit 58 to stop the lift actuator 32 and terminate this control flow.

On the other hand, in step S103, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60 to determine whether or not there is a contact input in the second direction to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 within a predetermined time, and if a contact input in the second direction to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 is detected (step S103: YES), the process proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if a contact input in the second direction to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 is not detected (step S103: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S104.

In step S116, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60 to determine whether or not a second contact input I2 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54. If the second contact input I2 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S116: YES), the process proceeds to step S117. On the other hand, if the second contact input I2 has not been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S116: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S118.

In step S117, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60 and drives the slide actuator 40 to move the seat body 12 forward in the front-rear direction, and then proceeds to step S119.

In step S119, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S119: YES), the process proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S119: NO), the CPU 34A returns to step S117.

In step S120, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60, temporarily halts the slide actuator 40, and proceeds to step S123.

On the other hand, in step S118, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60 to determine whether or not a first contact input I1 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54, and if the first contact input I1 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S118: YES), the process proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, if the first contact input I1 has not been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S118: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S123.

In step S121, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60 and drives the slide actuator 40 to move the seat body 12 rearward in the front-rear direction, and then proceeds to step S122.

In step S122, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60 and determines whether or not there is a contact input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S122: YES), the process proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if a contact input to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S122: NO), the CPU 34A returns to step S121.

In step S123, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time. If a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S123: YES), the process returns to step S116. On the other hand, if a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected within the predetermined time (step S123: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S124.

In step S124, the CPU 34A functions as the slide control unit 60, stops the slide actuator 40, and ends this control flow.

On the other hand, in step S104, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62 to determine whether or not there is a contact input in the third direction to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 within a predetermined time, and if a contact input in the third direction to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 is detected (step S104: YES), the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, if a contact input in the third direction to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 is not detected (step S104: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S105.

In step S125, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62 to determine whether or not a second contact input I2 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54. If the second contact input I2 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S125: YES), the process proceeds to step S126. On the other hand, if the second contact input I2 has not been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S125: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S127.

In step S126, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62 and drives the tilt actuator 46 to move the front portion 22A of the seat cushion 22 upward in the vertical direction, and then proceeds to step S128.

In step S128, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S128: YES), the process proceeds to step S129. On the other hand, if a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S128: NO), the CPU 34A returns to step S126.

In step S129, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62, temporarily halts the tilt actuator 46, and proceeds to step S132.

On the other hand, in step S127, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62 to determine whether or not a first contact input I1 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54. If the first contact input I1 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S127: YES), the process proceeds to step S130. On the other hand, if the first contact input I1 has not been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S127: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S132.

In step S130, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62 and drives the tilt actuator 46 to move the front portion 22A of the seat cushion 22 downward in the up-down direction, and then proceeds to step S131.

In step S131, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S131: YES), the process proceeds to step S129. On the other hand, if a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S131: NO), the CPU 34A returns to step S130.

In step S132, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time. If a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S132: YES), the process returns to step S125. On the other hand, if a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected within the predetermined time (step S132: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S133.

In step S133, the CPU 34A functions as the tilt control unit 62 to stop the tilt actuator 46 and terminate this control flow.

On the other hand, in step S105, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64 to determine whether or not there is a touch input in the fourth direction to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 within a predetermined time, and if a touch input in the fourth direction to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 is detected (step S105: YES), the process proceeds to step S134. On the other hand, if a touch input in the fourth direction to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 is not detected (step S105: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S106.

In step S134, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64 to determine whether or not a second contact input I2 has been made to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54. If the second contact input I2 has been made to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 (step S134: YES), the process proceeds to step S135. On the other hand, if the second contact input I2 has not been made to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 (step S134: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S136.

In step S135, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64 and drives the recliner actuator 48 to tilt the seat back 24 forward in the fore-and-aft direction, and then proceeds to step S137.

In step S137, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S137: YES), the process proceeds to step S138. On the other hand, if a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S137: NO), the CPU 34A returns to step S135.

In step S138, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64, temporarily halts the recliner actuator 48, and proceeds to step S141.

On the other hand, in step S136, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64 to determine whether or not a first contact input I1 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54. If the first contact input I1 has been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S136: YES), the process proceeds to step S139. On the other hand, if the first contact input I1 has not been made to the three-axis acceleration sensor 54 (step S136: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S141.

In step S139, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64 and drives the recliner actuator 48 to tilt the seat back 24 rearward in the fore-and-aft direction, and then proceeds to step S140.

In step S140, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S140: YES), the process proceeds to step S138. On the other hand, if a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S140: NO), the CPU 34A returns to step S139.

In step S141, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time period. If a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S141: YES), the process returns to step S134. On the other hand, if a contact input to the triaxial acceleration sensor 54 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected within the predetermined time period (step S141: NO), the CPU 34A proceeds to step S142.

In step S142, the CPU 34A functions as the recliner control unit 64 to stop the recliner actuator 48 and terminate this control flow.

On the other hand, in step S106, the CPU 34A functions as the actuator activation unit 56, stops the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48, and ends this control flow.

In this way, in this embodiment, the configuration of the seat 10 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the input for putting the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 into the first drive state and the input for putting these drive actuators into the second drive state are input to different contact detection units.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 are activated by a predetermined number of contact inputs by the occupant P. The contact detection unit 50 then detects the input direction of the contact input by the occupant P, and changes the drive actuator to be driven depending on this input direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the occupant P can operate multiple drive actuators by making contact inputs to one contact detection unit 50 from multiple directions.

In this way, the seat operation method and seat 10 according to this embodiment can suppress malfunction of the seat 10.

Second Embodiment
A seat and a method of operating the seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 14 to 21. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numbers and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the "vehicle seat 70 (hereinafter referred to as seat 70)" according to this embodiment is basically configured in the same manner as the seat 10 according to the first embodiment described above, but is characterized in that multiple contact detection units are provided on the side finisher 28 on the left side in the width direction.

More specifically, a "first contact detection unit 74" equipped with a "uniaxial acceleration sensor 72" as an acceleration sensor is provided in the center of the top surface 28B of the side finisher 28. Meanwhile, a "second contact detection unit 78" equipped with a "uniaxial acceleration sensor 76" as an acceleration sensor is provided in the center of the side surface 28A of the side finisher 28 in the front-to-rear direction, a "third contact detection unit 82" equipped with a "uniaxial acceleration sensor 80" as an acceleration sensor in the front-to-rear direction, and a "fourth contact detection unit 86" equipped with a "uniaxial acceleration sensor 84" in the rear-to-rear direction.

The first contact detection unit 74 is capable of detecting contact input in the up-down direction, and the second contact detection unit 78, the third contact detection unit 82, and the fourth contact detection unit 86 are capable of detecting contact input in the width direction. The detection signals output from these units are then output to the control device 88.

The control device 88 includes a CPU 88A, a ROM 88B, a RAM 88C, a storage 88D, an input/output I/F 88E, and a bus 88F, and is basically configured in the same manner as the control device 34.

In this embodiment, the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 are controlled based on the detection results of the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72, uniaxial acceleration sensor 76, uniaxial acceleration sensor 80, and uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 connected to the input/output I/F 88E.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 16, the control device 88 functions as a collection of an "actuator starter 90," a lift control unit 92, a slide control unit 94, a tilt control unit 96, and a recliner control unit 98 by the CPU 88A reading and executing an execution program stored in the ROM 88B.

The actuator starting unit 90 controls the start of the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 based on the detection signals input from the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72, uniaxial acceleration sensor 76, uniaxial acceleration sensor 80, and uniaxial acceleration sensor 84. In more detail, when a start input I0 is detected by any one of the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72, uniaxial acceleration sensor 76, uniaxial acceleration sensor 80, and uniaxial acceleration sensor 84, the actuator starting unit 90 outputs a start signal to the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 to start them.

In addition, if no detection signal is input from the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72, the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76, the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80, and the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 for a predetermined period of time, the actuator starting unit 90 outputs a stop signal to the lift actuator 32, the slide actuator 40, the tilt actuator 46, and the recliner actuator 48 to stop them.

The lift control unit 92 controls the lift actuator 32 based on the detection signal input from the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 within a predetermined time from the input of the activation signal. In detail, when the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 detects a first contact input I1, the lift control unit 92 drives the lift actuator 32 to move the seat body 12 downward in the vertical direction. Also, when the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 detects a second contact input I2, the lift control unit 92 drives the lift actuator 32 to move the seat body 12 upward in the vertical direction.

The lift control unit 92 is configured to temporarily halt the lift actuator 32 if a contact input of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 occurs while the lift actuator 32 is being driven. In addition, if no detection signal is input from the single-axis acceleration sensor 72 for a predetermined period of time, the lift control unit 92 outputs a stop signal to the lift actuator 32 to stop the lift actuator 32.

The slide control unit 94 controls the slide actuator 40 based on the detection signal input from the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 within a predetermined time from the input of the activation signal. In more detail, when the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 detects a first contact input I1, the slide control unit 94 drives the slide actuator 40 to move the seat body 12 rearward in the front-rear direction.

When the one-axis acceleration sensor 76 detects a contact input I2, the slide control unit 94 drives the slide actuator 40 to move the seat body 12 forward in the front-rear direction.

The slide control unit 94 is configured to temporarily halt the slide actuator 40 if a contact input of equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is applied to the one-axis acceleration sensor 76 while the slide actuator 40 is being driven. Furthermore, if no detection signal is input from the one-axis acceleration sensor 76 for a predetermined period of time, the slide control unit 94 outputs a stop signal to the slide actuator 40, thereby stopping the slide actuator 40.

The tilt control unit 96 controls the tilt actuator 46 based on the detection signal input from the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 within a predetermined time from the input of the activation signal. In detail, when the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 detects a first contact input I1, the tilt control unit 96 drives the tilt actuator 46 to move the front part 22A of the seat cushion 22 downward in the vertical direction.

When the one-axis acceleration sensor 80 detects a contact input I2, the tilt control unit 96 drives the tilt actuator 46 to move the front portion 22A upward in the vertical direction.

The tilt control unit 96 is configured to temporarily halt the tilt actuator 46 if a contact input of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is applied to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 while the tilt actuator 46 is being driven. In addition, if no detection signal is input from the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 for a predetermined period of time, the tilt control unit 96 outputs a stop signal to the tilt actuator 46 to stop the tilt actuator 46.

The recliner control unit 98 controls the recliner actuator 48 based on the detection signal input from the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 within a predetermined time from the input of the activation signal. In more detail, when the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 detects a first contact input I1, the recliner control unit 98 drives the recliner actuator 48 to tilt the seat back 24 rearward in the fore-and-aft direction.

When the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 detects a contact input I2, the recliner control unit 98 drives the recliner actuator 48 to tilt the seat back 24 forward in the fore-and-aft direction.

The recliner control unit 98 is configured to temporarily halt the recliner actuator 48 if a contact input of equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is applied to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 while the recliner actuator 48 is being driven. In addition, if no detection signal is input from the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 for a predetermined period of time, the recliner control unit 98 outputs a stop signal to the recliner actuator 48, thereby stopping the recliner actuator 48.

<Actions and Effects of the Present Embodiment>
Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, when the activation input I0 is input to any one of the first contact detection unit 74, the second contact detection unit 78, the third contact detection unit 82, and the fourth contact detection unit 86, the lift actuator 32, the slide actuator 40, the tilt actuator 46, and the recliner actuator 48 that drive a part of the seat 10 are activated.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 are in an activated state, and a first contact input I1 of a predetermined magnitude or greater is detected by any one of the first contact detection unit 74, second contact detection unit 78, third contact detection unit 82, and fourth contact detection unit 86, the drive actuator corresponding to that one is set to the first drive state. In addition, when the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48 are in an activated state, and a second contact input I2 is detected by any one of the first contact detection unit 74, second contact detection unit 78, third contact detection unit 82, and fourth contact detection unit 86, the drive actuator corresponding to that one is set to the second drive state.

Hereinafter, an example of the control flow of each drive actuator by the control device 88 at this time will be described mainly using the flowcharts shown in Figures 17 to 21. This control flow is started when the CPU 88A receives a predetermined instruction signal at predetermined time intervals.

When this control flow starts, in step S200, the CPU 88A functions as the actuator starter 90 and determines whether or not a start input I0 has been input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72, the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76, the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80, and the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 within a predetermined time. If the start input I0 has been input to one of these within the predetermined time (step S100: YES), the process proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if the start input I0 has not been input to these within the predetermined time (step S200: NO), the control flow ends.

In step S201, the CPU 88A functions as the actuator activation unit 90, activates the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48, and then proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92 and determines whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 within a predetermined time. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 is detected (step S202: YES), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 is not detected (step S202: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S203.

In step S207, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92 and determines whether or not a second contact input I2 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72. If the second contact input I2 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 (step S207: YES), the process proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if the second contact input I2 has not been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 (step S207: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S209.

In step S208, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92 and drives the lift actuator 32 to move the seat body 12 upward in the vertical direction, and then proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92 and determines whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S210: YES), the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S211: NO), the CPU 88A returns to step S208.

In step S211, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92, temporarily halts the lift actuator 32, and proceeds to step S214.

On the other hand, in step S209, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92 and determines whether or not a first contact input I1 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72. If the first contact input I1 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 (step S209: YES), the process proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if the first contact input I1 has not been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 (step S209: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S214.

In step S212, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92 and drives the lift actuator 32 to move the seat body 12 downward in the vertical direction, and then proceeds to step S213.

In step S213, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92 and determines whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is detected (step S213: YES), the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is not detected (step S213: NO), the CPU 88A returns to step S212.

In step S214, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92 and determines whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S214: YES), the process returns to step S207. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 72 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected within the predetermined time (step S214: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S215.

In step S215, the CPU 88A functions as the lift control unit 92 to stop the lift actuator 32 and terminate this control flow.

On the other hand, in step S203, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 within a predetermined time, and if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 is detected (step S203: YES), the process proceeds to step S216. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 is not detected (step S203: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S204.

In step S216, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94 to determine whether or not a second contact input I2 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76. If the second contact input I2 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 (step S216: YES), the process proceeds to step S217. On the other hand, if the second contact input I2 has not been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 (step S216: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S218.

In step S217, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94 and drives the slide actuator 40 to move the seat body 12 forward in the front-rear direction, and then proceeds to step S219.

In step S219, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is detected (step S219: YES), the process proceeds to step S220. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is not detected (step S219: NO), the CPU 88A returns to step S217.

In step S220, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94, temporarily halts the slide actuator 40, and proceeds to step S223.

On the other hand, in step S218, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94 to determine whether or not a first contact input I1 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76, and if the first contact input I1 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 (step S218: YES), the process proceeds to step S221. On the other hand, if the first contact input I1 has not been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 (step S218: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S223.

In step S221, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94 and drives the slide actuator 40 to move the seat body 12 rearward in the front-rear direction, and then proceeds to step S222.

In step S222, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is detected (step S222: YES), the process proceeds to step S220. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is not detected (step S222: NO), the CPU 88A returns to step S221.

In step S223, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time period. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S223: YES), the process returns to step S216. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 76 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected within the predetermined time period (step S223: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S224.

In step S224, the CPU 88A functions as the slide control unit 94, stops the slide actuator 40, and ends this control flow.

On the other hand, in step S204, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 within a predetermined time, and if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 is detected (step S204: YES), the process proceeds to step S225. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 is not detected (step S204: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S205.

In step S225, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96 to determine whether or not a second contact input I2 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80. If the second contact input I2 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 (step S225: YES), the process proceeds to step S226. On the other hand, if the second contact input I2 has not been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 (step S225: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S227.

In step S226, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96 and drives the tilt actuator 46 to move the front portion 22A of the seat cushion 22 upward in the vertical direction, and then proceeds to step S228.

In step S228, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S228: YES), the process proceeds to step S229. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S228: NO), the CPU 88A returns to step S226.

In step S229, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96, temporarily halts the tilt actuator 46, and proceeds to step S232.

On the other hand, in step S227, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96 to determine whether or not a first contact input I1 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80. If the first contact input I1 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 (step S227: YES), the process proceeds to step S230. On the other hand, if the first contact input I1 has not been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 (step S227: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S232.

In step S230, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96 and drives the tilt actuator 46 to move the front portion 22A of the seat cushion 22 downward in the vertical direction, and then proceeds to step S231.

In step S231, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S231: YES), the process proceeds to step S229. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected (step S231: NO), the CPU 88A returns to step S230.

In step S232, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96 to determine whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S232: YES), the process returns to step S225. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 80 of equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected within the predetermined time (step S232: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S233.

In step S233, the CPU 88A functions as the tilt control unit 96 to stop the tilt actuator 46 and terminate this control flow.

On the other hand, in step S205, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98 and determines whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 within a predetermined time. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 is detected (step S205: YES), the process proceeds to step S234. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 is not detected (step S205: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S206.

In step S234, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98 and determines whether or not a second contact input I2 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84. If the second contact input I2 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 (step S234: YES), the process proceeds to step S235. On the other hand, if the second contact input I2 has not been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 (step S234: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S236.

In step S235, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98 and drives the recliner actuator 48 to tilt the seat back 24 forward in the fore-and-aft direction, and then proceeds to step S237.

In step S237, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98 and determines whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is detected (step S237: YES), the process proceeds to step S238. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is not detected (step S237: NO), the CPU 88A returns to step S235.

In step S238, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98, temporarily halts the recliner actuator 48, and proceeds to step S241.

On the other hand, in step S236, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98 and determines whether or not a first contact input I1 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84. If the first contact input I1 has been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 (step S236: YES), the process proceeds to step S239. On the other hand, if the first contact input I1 has not been made to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 (step S236: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S241.

In step S239, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98 and drives the recliner actuator 48 to tilt the seat back 24 rearward in the fore-and-aft direction, and then proceeds to step S240.

In step S240, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98 and determines whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is detected (step S240: YES), the process proceeds to step S238. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 is not detected (step S240: NO), the CPU 88A returns to step S239.

In step S241, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98 and determines whether or not there is a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 within a predetermined time. If a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is detected (step S241: YES), the process returns to step S234. On the other hand, if a contact input to the uniaxial acceleration sensor 84 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold V1 is not detected within the predetermined time (step S241: NO), the CPU 88A proceeds to step S242.

In step S242, the CPU 88A functions as the recliner control unit 98, stops the recliner actuator 48, and ends this control flow.

On the other hand, in step S206, the CPU 88A functions as the actuator activation unit 90, stops the lift actuator 32, slide actuator 40, tilt actuator 46, and recliner actuator 48, and ends this control flow.

In this way, this embodiment basically achieves the same actions and effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first contact detection unit 74, the second contact detection unit 78, the third contact detection unit 82, and the fourth contact detection unit 86 are arranged in different locations, so that they can be arranged at positions corresponding to the drive locations of the seat main body 12.

<Supplementary explanation of the above embodiment>
(1) In the above embodiment, the contact detection unit is disposed on the side finisher 28 on the left side in the width direction, but this is not limiting, and the contact detection unit may be disposed on the side finisher 28 on the right side in the width direction, on the side of the seat back 24, or on an arm rest (not shown) disposed on the side of the seat 10. In addition, the position of the contact detection unit may be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the side finisher 28, etc.

(2) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the lift device, slide device, tilt device, and recliner device are operated using the contact detection unit, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the objects operated by the contact detection unit may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the seat 10 and the seat 70. Furthermore, the operation of each device may be switched by the contact detection unit by detecting the number of contact inputs within a predetermined time.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the seat 10 is a seat for a vehicle, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the seat 10 and the seat 70 can also be used as seats for an airplane, etc.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, a decal indicating the operation to be performed on the sheet may be attached to the contact detection unit, or the contact detection unit may be surface-treated to indicate the operation.

(5) In addition, in the first embodiment described above, the contact detection unit equipped with a three-axis acceleration sensor is provided on one side of the width direction of the seat 10, but this is not limited to the above, and the contact detection unit equipped with a three-axis acceleration sensor may be provided on both sides of the width direction of the seat 10. Furthermore, the operation of the seat 10 by the contact detection unit is not limited to the above, and may be configured to have a higher correlation between the movement of each operation target and the direction of the contact input. For example, the lift device 14 may be operated by performing a vertical contact input to the contact detection unit on one side of the width direction of the seat, and the slide device 16 may be operated by performing a front-rear contact input to the contact detection unit. Furthermore, the tilt device 18 may be operated by performing a vertical contact input to the contact detection unit on the other side of the width direction of the seat, and the recliner device 20 may be operated by performing a front-rear contact input to the contact detection unit. Note that when the operation of the seat 10 is performed in this manner, the acceleration sensor used in the contact detection unit may be a two-axis acceleration sensor.

10 Vehicle seat 12 Seat body 32 Lift actuator (drive actuator)
40 Slide actuator (drive actuator)
46 Tilt actuator (drive actuator)
48 Reclining actuator (drive actuator)
50 Contact detection unit 54 Three-axis acceleration sensor (acceleration sensor)
56 Actuator actuation unit 70 Vehicle seat 72 Single-axis acceleration sensor (acceleration sensor)
74 First contact detection unit (contact detection unit)
76 Single-axis acceleration sensor (accelerometer)
78 Second contact detection unit (contact detection unit)
80 Single-axis acceleration sensor (acceleration sensor)
82 third contact detection unit (contact detection unit)
84 Single-axis acceleration sensor (acceleration sensor)
86 Fourth contact detection unit (contact detection unit)
90 Actuator starter

Claims (2)

a contact detection unit provided on a side of a seat on which an occupant can be seated and including a single three-axis acceleration sensor detects a contact input by the occupant;
activating a drive actuator that drives a part of the sheet when the contact detection unit detects a contact input of a predetermined magnitude or more a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time ;
a first driving state in which the part is driven by the driving actuator when a first contact input of a predetermined magnitude or more is detected by the contact detection unit in an activated state of the driving actuator;
a second driving state in which the part is driven to a state different from the first driving state by the driving actuator when a second contact input larger than the first contact input is detected by the contact detection unit in the start-up state,
activating the plurality of drive actuators in response to the predetermined number of contact inputs;
The contact detection unit detects an input direction of the contact input;
changing the driving actuator to be driven in accordance with the input direction;
How to operate the sheet. A seat main body on which an occupant can sit;
a contact detection unit provided on a side of the seat body, the contact detection unit including a single three-axis acceleration sensor, and capable of detecting a contact input by the occupant and an input direction of the contact input and outputting a detection signal;
A plurality of drive actuators capable of driving a portion of the seat main body;
an actuator starting unit that starts the drive actuator when the touch input of a predetermined magnitude or more is detected a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time based on the detection signal;
an actuator control unit that controls the drive actuator corresponding to the input direction in accordance with the input direction;
A sheet having