JP7716010B2 - Interior systems, seats and vehicle interior components - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to interior systems, seats, and vehicle interior components.

Conventionally, a device has been known that estimates the seating posture of a seated occupant by mounting a pressure sensor or the like on a vehicle seat, which is an interior component of the vehicle (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-064131

However, conventional seats have the problem of lacking entertainment value, as they are only used to evaluate the driver's seated posture.

Therefore, the present invention aims to enhance the entertainment value of interior components.

In order to solve the above problem, an interior system according to the present invention includes an interior member and a control unit.
The interior member has a first portion, a second portion capable of sandwiching an object between the first portion and the second portion, an electric device that presses at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other, and a sensor that detects an object between the first portion and the second portion.
The control unit controls the electric device based on information from the sensor. When the control unit determines that an object is present between the first portion and the second portion based on information from the sensor while the electric device is not operating, the control unit operates the electric device to press at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

With this configuration, when an object is placed between the first and second parts, the control unit activates the electric device, compressing the object between the first and second parts. For example, if a user places their finger between the first and second parts, the user can feel as if someone has bitten their finger, or the user's belongings, such as a smartphone, can be held between the first and second parts. This increases the entertainment value of the interior component.

The interior system may further include a display unit capable of displaying an animal character, and the control unit may operate the electric device in accordance with the mouth movements of the character displayed on the display unit.

With this configuration, for example, a user can place their finger between the first and second parts while looking at the character displayed on the display unit, making the user feel as if the character is biting their finger.

The sensor may also be a pressure sensor that detects pressure between the first and second locations, and the control unit may change the operating pattern of the electric device depending on the magnitude of the pressure obtained from the pressure sensor.

With this configuration, for example, if the pressure changes in response to the movement of the user's finger placed between the first and second parts, the operating pattern of the electric device changes depending on the magnitude of the pressure, thereby enhancing the entertainment value.

The sensor may also be a biological information detection sensor that detects biological information, and the control unit may change the operating pattern of the electric device in accordance with the biological information obtained from the biological information detection sensor.

With this configuration, the operating pattern of the electric device changes according to biological information such as pulse rate and body temperature, making it more entertaining.

The seat according to the present invention also includes a pad and a skin covering the pad.
The pad has a first portion, a second portion adjacent to the first portion, and a groove formed between the first portion and the second portion for suspending the epidermis.
The seat further includes an electromotive device that urges at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

With this configuration, for example, when a user places their finger in the seat's hanging groove, the electric device can be activated, making the user feel as if someone has bitten their finger, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the seat as an interior component.

The seat according to the present invention includes a seat cushion and a seat back.
The seat cushion has a first portion.
The seat back has a second portion opposite the first portion.
The seat further includes an electromotive device that urges at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

With this configuration, for example, when a user places their finger between the first portion of the seat cushion and the second portion of the seat back, the electric device can be activated, making the user feel as if someone has bitten their finger, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the seat as an interior component.

The seat according to the present invention includes a headrest and a seat back.
The headrest has a first portion.
The seat back has a second portion opposite the first portion.
The seat further includes an electromotive device that urges at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

With this configuration, for example, when a user places their finger between the first portion of the headrest and the second portion of the seatback, the electric device can be activated, making the user feel as if someone has bitten their finger, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the seat as an interior component.

The vehicle interior member of the present invention also includes a first portion, a second portion capable of sandwiching an object between the first portion and the second portion, and an electric device that presses at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other.

With this configuration, for example, when a user places their finger between the first and second parts, the electric device can be activated, making the user feel as if someone has bitten their finger, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the vehicle interior component.

Furthermore, at least one of the first and second parts may have a sensor that detects an object between the first and second parts when the electric device is not operating.

With this configuration, the electric device can be activated when, for example, the sensor detects an object, allowing the electric device to be activated or stopped depending on whether an object is inserted or removed between the first and second sections.

The sensor may also be a pressure sensor that detects the pressure between the first and second locations.

The sensor may also be a capacitance sensor that detects an object by detecting a change in capacitance when the object enters an electric field.

The sensor may also be a resistive touch sensor.

Furthermore, at least one of the first and second regions may have a heater.

With this configuration, for example, by setting the heater temperature to a temperature equivalent to the body temperature of an animal, the user can feel as if an animal has bitten their finger.

The vehicle interior component may also include a unit having a first portion, a second portion, and an electric device, and a base portion to which the unit can be attached and detached.

This configuration makes it easy to replace the unit used to clamp objects.

According to the present invention, when an object is placed between the first and second sections, the control unit activates the electric device to compress the object between the first and second sections, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the interior component.

In addition, the control unit can operate the electric device in accordance with the mouth movements of the character displayed on the display unit, so that when the user places a finger between the first and second parts, the user can feel as if the character is biting the finger.

Furthermore, the control unit can change the operating pattern of the electric device depending on the amount of pressure between the first and second parts, thereby enhancing the entertainment value.

In addition, the control unit can change the operating pattern of the electric device in response to biometric information such as pulse rate and body temperature, making it more entertaining.

Furthermore, by having at least one of the first and second parts have a sensor that detects a finger between the first and second parts, the electric device can be activated and stopped in response to the insertion and removal of an object between the first and second parts.

Furthermore, by having a heater in at least one of the first and second parts, for example, by setting the heater temperature to a temperature equivalent to the body temperature of an animal, the user can feel as if an animal has bitten their finger.

In addition, by making the unit having the first section, second section, and electric device detachable from the base, it is possible to easily replace the unit.

1 is a diagram illustrating a seat system according to an embodiment. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the movement of an air cell disposed in a seat cushion. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship between a control unit, an air cell, etc. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a home screen in a gentle bite mode. FIG. 1 shows a video of a dog biting a finger on a screen. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the arrangement of units for clamping an object is changed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which an image of a dog is projected onto the back of a seat. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the placement location of a unit for clamping an object. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the first section and the second section have plate members. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the arrangement of units for clamping an object is changed. 12(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the second portion has a plurality of sensors, and FIG. 12(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 12(a). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a unit for clamping an object is detachable from a sheet or the like.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a seat system as an example of an interior system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1, the seat system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 constitute a seat body on which a user can sit. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each have a seating surface F that comes into contact with a seated user.

The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 11B located on both the left and right sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A contacts and supports the user's buttocks and thighs from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the base portion 11A toward the user to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the center of the seat, and protruding portions 12B located on both the left and right sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A comes into contact with the user's back and supports it from behind. The protruding portions 12B protrude toward the user to support the sides of the user's upper body.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the seat cushion 11 includes a frame FL, a pad P, and a cover SK. The frame FL is made of metal or other material and supports the pad P. The pad P is made of a cushioning material such as urethane foam. The cover SK is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or other material and covers the pad P. Similarly, the seat back 12 and headrest 13 also include a frame, pad, and cover.

The pad P of the seat cushion 11 has a first portion P1 and a second portion P2.
The first portion P1 is located at the left-right end of the base portion 11A.

The second portion P2 is located at the inner end of the protruding portion 11B in the left-right direction. The second portion P2 is adjacent to the first portion P1 in the left-right direction.

A groove G for suspending the skin SK is formed between the first part P1 and the second part P2. An object can be sandwiched between the second part P2 and the first part P1.

The seat cushion 11 further includes a first air cell 21 and a second air cell 22 as examples of electric devices, a first pressure sensor 31 and a second pressure sensor 32 as examples of sensors, and a first heater 41 and a second heater 42.

The first air cell 21 includes an inflatable/deflateable bag 21A, a pump, and a tube (not shown). The pump has the function of sending air into and sucking air out of the bag 21A, and is activated by passing electricity through it. The tube connects the bag 21A to the pump.

The bag 21A is embedded in the pad P. The pump is fixed to the frame of the seat 10, for example.

The second air cell 22 has a structure similar to that of the first air cell 21, and includes a bag 22A, a pump, and a tube.

The bag 21A of the first air cell 21 is located within the base portion 11A. The bag 21A of the first air cell 21 is located inside the first portion P1 in the left-right direction. In other words, the first portion P1 is located between the bag 21A of the first air cell 21 and the second portion P2. This allows the first air cell 21 to press the first portion P1 toward the second portion P2 (see Figure 2(b)).

The bag 22A of the second air cell 22 is located within the protruding portion 11B. The bag 22A of the second air cell 22 is located outside the second portion P2 in the left-right direction. In other words, the second portion P2 is located between the first portion P1 and the bag 22A of the second air cell 22. This allows the second air cell 22 to press the second portion P2 toward the first portion P1 (see Figure 2(b)).

The first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 32 are sensors that detect an object between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. The first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 32 detect the pressure between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2.

The first pressure sensor 31 is located in the first portion P1, and the second pressure sensor 32 is located in the second portion P2. In other words, the first portion P1 has the first pressure sensor 31, and the second portion P2 has the second pressure sensor 32.

The first heater 41 and the second heater 42 are heaters that heat the area between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. The first heater 41 is located within the first portion P1, and the second heater 42 is located within the second portion P2. In other words, the first portion P1 has the first heater 41, and the second portion P2 has the second heater 42.

More specifically, the first heater 41 is located between the bag 21A of the first air cell 21 and the first pressure sensor 31. The second heater 42 is located between the bag 22A of the second air cell 22 and the second pressure sensor 32.

Returning to FIG. 1, the seat 10 further includes a mode changeover switch SW.
The mode selector switch SW is a switch for switching the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. The mode selector switch SW is, for example, a push-button switch. Each time the mode selector switch SW is pressed by the user, the mode selector switch SW alternates between an ON state and an OFF state.

The control unit 100 is configured with, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, input/output circuits, etc. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or in a member other than the seat 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, the pressure sensors 31 and 32, the mode selector switch SW, the air cells 21 and 22, and the heaters 41 and 42. The monitor M can display a dog character as shown in FIG. 5.

The control unit 100 controls the air cells 21, 22 based on information from the pressure sensors 31, 32. More specifically, if the control unit 100 determines that an object is present between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 based on information from the pressure sensors 31, 32 while the air cells 21, 22 are not activated, the control unit 100 activates the air cells 21, 22 to press the first portion P1 toward the second portion P2 and press the second portion P2 toward the first portion P1.

The control unit 100 can be switched between a first mode and a second mode by a mode selector switch SW. In the first mode, the air cells 21, 22 do not activate even if the user places their finger between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. In the following description, the first mode is also referred to as the "normal mode."

The second mode is a mode in which, when a user places a finger between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2, the air cells 21 and 22 are activated in time with a video of a dog biting a person's finger displayed on the screen M1 of the monitor M as shown in Figure 6, making the user feel as if the dog is gently biting the finger. In the following description, the second mode is also referred to as the "gentle bite mode." In the gentle bite mode, the control unit 100 activates the air cells 21 and 22 in time with the mouth movements of the character displayed on the monitor M.

Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail.
The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 4. In the process shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode selector switch SW is ON (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the mode selector switch SW is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode, i.e., the normal mode (S2), and ends this process.

If it is determined in step S1 that the mode selector switch SW is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode, i.e., the gentle bite mode (S3), and displays the home screen shown in FIG. 5 on screen M1 (S4). After step S4, the control unit 100 determines whether the mode selector switch SW is ON (S5).

If it is determined in step S5 that the mode selector switch SW is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether at least one of the two pressure sensors 31, 32 is ON (S6). Here, a pressure sensor being ON means that the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. If it is determined in step S5 that the mode selector switch SW is not ON (No), the control unit 100 proceeds to the processing of step S2.

If it is determined in step S6 that at least one of the pressure sensors 31, 32 has been turned ON (Yes), the control unit 100 displays an image of a dog holding a finger on the screen M1, as shown in FIG. 6 (S7). After step S7, the control unit 100 turns on the heaters 41, 42 (S8). Specifically, in step S8, the control unit 100 may control the heaters 41, 42 so that the temperature between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 becomes close to the dog's body temperature. In this case, for example, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may be provided in the seat 10, and the control unit 100 may control the heaters 41, 42 so that the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor becomes the target temperature.

After step S8, the control unit 100 displays on screen M1 a video of the dog moving its mouth as if gently biting a finger (S9). After step S9, the control unit 100 activates air cells 21 and 22 in accordance with the movement of the dog's mouth on screen M1 (S10). In more detail, the control unit 100 controls the pumps of each air cell 21 and 22 so that bags 21A and 22A expand when the dog's mouth on screen M1 moves in a closing direction, and so that bags 21A and 22A deflate when the dog's mouth on screen M1 moves in an opening direction.

After step S10, the control unit 100 determines whether the mode selector switch SW is ON (S11). If it determines in step S11 that the mode selector switch SW is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S6.

If it is determined in step S11 that the mode selector switch SW is not ON (No), the control unit 100 stops the heaters 41, 42 and the air cells 21, 22 (S12) and proceeds to the processing of step S2. If it is determined in step S6 that neither of the pressure sensors 31, 32 is ON (No), the control unit 100 stops the heaters 41, 42 and the air cells 21, 22 (S13) and returns to the processing of step S4. Note that when stopping the air cells 21, 22 in steps S12 and S13, the control unit 100 stops driving the pump after fully deflating the bags 21A, 22A.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 1, when a user seated in the seat 10 turns on the mode selector switch SW, the control unit 100 starts the gentle biting mode and displays the home screen shown in Fig. 5 on the screen M1 of the monitor M (S1: Yes → S3 → S4). Note that the home screen may display a message or image prompting the user to take an action, such as "Put your finger in the hanging groove on the right side."

2(b), when the user places a finger in the groove G during the gentle bite mode, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are pushed outward to the left and right, turning on the pressure sensors 31 and 32. Note that when the finger is inserted into the groove G, the air cells 21 and 22 are not yet activated, and therefore the pressure sensors 31 and 32 detect the finger between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 while the air cells 21 and 22 are not activated.

When the control unit 100 determines that the finger has entered the groove because the pressure sensors 31 and 32 are ON, it turns on the heaters 41 and 42, displays a video of a dog gently biting the finger on screen M1 of the monitor M as shown in Figure 6, and activates the air cells 21 and 22 in accordance with the movement of the dog's mouth on screen M1 (S6: Yes → S7 to S10).

When the user removes their finger from the groove, the pressure sensors 31 and 32 turn OFF (the pressure value becomes less than the first threshold), so the control unit 100 stops the heaters 41 and 42 and the air cells 21 and 22 and returns the display on screen M1 to the home screen (S6: No → S13 → S4).

If the user turns off the mode selector switch SW during the gentle bite mode, the control unit 100 will determine No in step S5 or step S11 and return the mode to normal mode (S2).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
When a finger is inserted between the first part P1 and the second part P2, the control part 100 activates the air cells 21, 22 to compress the finger between the first part P1 and the second part P2, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the seat 10.

Air cells 21 and 22 operate in accordance with the movement of the dog's mouth displayed on monitor M, making the user feel as if the dog is biting their finger, providing comfort to the user.

Air cells 21 and 22 are activated when pressure sensors 31 and 32 detect a finger, so air cells 21 and 22 can be activated or deactivated depending on whether the finger is inserted or removed between first portion P1 and second portion P2.

The heaters 41 and 42 can raise the temperature inside the groove G to the dog's body temperature, giving the user a realistic feeling that the dog is biting their finger.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms, as exemplified below. In the following description, components with substantially the same structure as those in the above-described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

The first and second portions capable of enclosing an object are not limited to portions forming a hanging groove as in the above embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the first portion P11 may be part of the pad P of the seat cushion 11, and the second portion P12 opposing the first portion P11 may be part of the pad P of the seat back 12. In this case, the seat cushion 11 may have the first portion P11 as well as the first air cell 21, first pressure sensor 31, and first heater 41 described above. Furthermore, the seat back 12 may have the second portion P12 as well as the second air cell 22, second pressure sensor 32, and second heater 42 described above.

Even in this configuration, when a user places their finger between the first portion P11 of the seat cushion 11 and the second portion P12 of the seat back 12, the air cells 21, 22 are activated, making the user feel as if their finger has been bitten by a dog, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the seat 10.

Also, for example, the first portion P21 may be part of the pad P of the headrest 13, and the second portion P22 facing the first portion P21 may be part of the pad P of the seatback 12. In this case, the headrest 13 may have the first portion P21 as well as the first air cell 21, first pressure sensor 31, and first heater 41 described above. Furthermore, the seatback 12 may have the second portion P22 as well as the second air cell 22, second pressure sensor 32, and second heater 42 described above.

Even in this configuration, when a user places their finger between the first portion P21 of the headrest 13 and the second portion P22 of the seat back 12, the air cells 21, 22 are activated, making the user feel as if their finger has been bitten by a dog, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the seat 10.

The display unit is not limited to a monitor M, and may be, for example, a projection device 50 as shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, the projection device 50 projects an image of a dog character onto the surface of the seat 10. In this case, it is preferable to project the image of the dog's face across the headrest 13 and seat back 12 so that the dog's mouth projected onto the surface of the seat 10 from the projection device 50 is positioned between the first portion P21 and the second portion P22. In this configuration, as in the previous embodiment, activating the air cells 21, 22 in accordance with the movement of the dog's mouth projected onto the surface of the seat 10 allows the user to feel more realistically that the dog is gently biting their finger.

The unit for clamping an object only needs to have at least a first part, a second part, and an electric device, and does not necessarily need to have a sensor or heater. If there is no sensor, the electric device may be activated by the user operating an operating member (e.g., a start switch for the electric device).

As shown in Figure 9, the seat having the unit may be a vehicle interior component that constitutes the interior of a vehicle. In this case, the seat having the unit may be a first-row seat 10A, a second-row seat 10B, or a third-row seat 10C. The groove between the first and second portions may be located, for example, on the seating surfaces of seats 10A-10C, as indicated by dots.

The unit may be provided in a vehicle interior component other than a seat. Examples of vehicle interior components on which the unit may be provided include the vehicle floor 61, dashboard 62, inner panels 63 of doors and vehicle side walls, roof 64, and lids 65 for opening and closing sunroofs. The groove between the first and second components may be located, for example, on the surface indicated by dots in the figure. The vehicle interior component may also be a steering wheel, console, instrument panel, etc.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first portion P1 may have a first plate member 71 that is harder than the skin SK. Furthermore, the second portion P2 may have a second plate member 72 that is harder than the skin SK.

The first plate member 71 is located between the groove G and the first pressure sensor 31. The second plate member 72 is located between the groove G and the second pressure sensor 32. Each plate member 71, 72 has a surface facing the groove G, and the upper and lower ends are bent in directions away from the groove G.

The first and second portions are not limited to being part of the pad, but may be, for example, part of the aforementioned plate members 71 and 72 or the air cell bag. If the first and second portions are part of the plate members or the air cell bag, they will be harder than the seat surface, making it easier for the user to feel the pressure. The hard member that is harder than the seat surface may be curved or may be a flat plate member.

The first or second part may have an anti-static pad that comes into contact with an object placed between the first and second parts. In this case, for example, when a finger is placed between the first and second parts, static electricity can be removed from the finger. The first or second part may also have an abrasive material that comes into contact with an object placed between the first and second parts. In this case, for example, when a finger is placed between the first and second parts, the abrasive material can be used to polish one's nails.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the unit U for sandwiching an object may be provided in the headrest 13 or in the seat back 12. If the unit U is provided in the headrest 13, the groove G may open, for example, from the left and right side surfaces of the headrest 13. If the unit U is provided in the seat back 12, the groove G may open, for example, from the rear surface of the seat back 12.

The unit may also be provided on the front end, underside of the front end, or side of the front end of the seat or door armrest. The unit may also be provided on the protruding portion of the seat, the groove in the seat back, or the back of the headrest.

As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), multiple sensors 81-84 may be provided for one location (e.g., second location P2). Sensors 81-84 are sensors that detect an object that has entered groove G, and may be, for example, pressure sensors.

In this case, the control unit may change the operation pattern of the air cell 22 based on information from each sensor 81-84. Specifically, for example, the first threshold for determining whether an object has entered between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may be set to a different value for each sensor 81-84. The control unit may determine whether the pressure value has reached or exceeded the first threshold for each sensor 81-84, and may change the number of times the object is trapped between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 or the trapping time from when the pressure on the object reaches its maximum to when it reaches its minimum, depending on the number and locations of the sensors whose pressure values have reached or exceeded the first threshold.

For example, when the control unit determines that the pressure values at the first sensor 81 and the third sensor 83 are equal to or greater than the first threshold, it sets the number of times the object is clamped to a predetermined number and makes the clamping time longer than in other cases. In this control, the control unit may slow the clamping speed compared to other cases. Furthermore, when the control unit determines that the pressure values at the second sensor 82 and the third sensor 83 are equal to or greater than the first threshold, it may alternate between strong nip control, in which the maximum value of the pressure applied to the object is a first maximum value, and weak nip control, in which the maximum value of the pressure applied to the object is a second maximum value that is smaller than the first maximum value.

As shown in FIG. 13, the seat cushion 11 may include a unit U having a first portion P1, a second portion P2, and air cells 21, 22 (bags 21A, 22A), and a base portion B1 to which the unit U can be detached. In this case, for example, the inner panel IP of the door D may include a base portion B2 to which the unit U can be detached. The base portions B1, B2 may each have recesses B11, B21 into which the unit U can be fitted.

In this structure, the tubes of each air cell 21, 22 are arranged in the unit U and the bases B1, B2, and the tubes on the unit U side and the tubes on the bases B1, B2 side are detachable via joints. Furthermore, if the unit U has a sensor, the wiring connecting the sensor and the control unit is arranged in the unit U and the bases B1, B2, and the wiring on the unit U side and the wiring on the bases B1, B2 side are detachable via connectors. Furthermore, the unit U may or may not have a skin SK.

With this configuration, the unit U can be attached interchangeably to the seat 10 and the door D. For example, if the unit U is to hold a user's belongings, such as a smartphone SP, the user can move the item along with the unit U and place it wherever they like. The user can also place the unit U in a preferred position and enjoy the gentle bite mode. Furthermore, because the unit U is detachable from the bases B1 and B2, unit replacement can be easily performed.

The unit that can be removed from the base may include a first section, a second section, a sensor, an electric device, a control unit, and a battery. With this configuration, the unit can be removed from the base and used independently. In this case, the base may be provided with a contact or non-contact charger for charging the unit's battery.

The electric device may be any device capable of pressing one of the first and second parts toward the other, and may be, for example, a link mechanism, a cylinder, a solenoid, or a cam rotated by a motor. The electric device may also be structured with a vice-like mechanism that clamps both the first and second parts.

The display unit may be a smartphone, tablet device, a head-mounted display used for virtual reality, a monitor for a car navigation system, or the like. The display unit may also be a panel that displays an image of a speedometer or the like, a device that displays an image on a window such as the windshield, or a projection device that is built into a headlight and displays an image on the road surface.

The control unit may change the operating pattern of the electric device depending on the magnitude of the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor. For example, if the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor is smaller than a second threshold, the control unit may set the maximum pressure applied by the electric device to the object as a first pressure value, and if the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit may set the maximum pressure applied by the electric device to a second pressure value greater than the first pressure value. Here, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold used to determine that an object has entered between the first and second parts. Note that the second pressure value may be a value smaller than the first pressure value.

With this configuration, when pressure changes in response to the movement of the user's finger placed between the first and second parts, the operating pattern of the electric device changes depending on the magnitude of the pressure, providing a high level of entertainment value.

The sensor may also be a capacitance sensor that detects an object by detecting a change in capacitance when the object enters an electric field, or a resistive touch sensor.

The sensor may also be a biological information detection sensor that detects biological information. In this case, the control unit may change the operating pattern of the electrically powered device in accordance with the biological information acquired from the biological information detection sensor.

Biometric information includes pulse waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, pulse, body temperature, sweat, and other information. For example, the control unit may acquire the pulse rate from the biometric information detection sensor, and the higher the acquired pulse rate, the smaller the maximum pressure that the electrically-driven device applies to the object, or conversely, the larger the maximum pressure.

With this configuration, the operating pattern of the electric device changes according to biological information such as pulse rate and body temperature, making it more entertaining.

The interior components are not limited to interior components for vehicles that form the interior of a vehicle, but may also be interior components that form the interior of a room, for example. The interior components for vehicles are not limited to interior components for cars, but may also be interior components for other vehicles, such as ships and aircraft.

Whether or not an object is present between the first and second parts may be determined by determining that an object is present between the first and second parts when the conditions for detecting an object by a sensor and for the electric device to be OFF are met.

Characters may be non-animal characters, humans, fantasy creatures, anime characters, etc.

In the above embodiment, one electric device, one sensor, and one heater are provided for each of the first and second parts. However, an electric device, a sensor, and a heater may be provided for only one of the first and second parts. Furthermore, the electric devices, sensors, and heaters may be arbitrarily allocated and installed between the first and second parts. For example, an electric device may be installed in the first part, and a sensor and a heater may be installed in the second part.

The projection device may be mounted on the vehicle's ceiling, door, center console, or seat.
The operation pattern of the electric device may be changed depending on the intimacy between the vehicle occupant and the character displayed on the display unit, the carefulness of driving, etc. For example, the operation pattern may be changed so that the pressure on the first and second parts decreases as the intimacy increases. Also, the operation pattern may be changed so that the pressure on the first and second parts decreases as the driving is more careful. The intimacy may be set to be higher the more frequently the gentle biting mode is executed. The carefulness of driving may be set to be higher the slower the operating speed of at least one of the accelerator operation, brake operation, and steering operation.

In the above embodiment, the sides of the groove between the first and second sections, where an object can fit, are in close contact with each other, but the sides of the groove between the first and second sections may be spaced apart. In other words, there may be a gap between the two surfaces for sandwiching an object. In this case, it is preferable that the maximum distance between the two surfaces is 2 cm or less. This allows small objects such as smartphones or fingers to be properly sandwiched between the two surfaces.

The depth of the groove between the first and second portions may be large enough to accommodate the first or second joint of a finger.

The sensor may function as an operation input unit for operating the device. In other words, the control unit may operate the device based on information from the sensor. The device may be an electric reclining mechanism that tilts the seat back, an electric sliding mechanism that moves the seat forward/backward or left/right, a display unit, etc.

The control unit may activate an audio output unit (such as a headrest speaker or in-car audio) in synchronization with the operation of the electric device. For example, a sound such as "bite bite" may be output in synchronization with the action of pinching the finger between the first and second parts.

The interior system or interior component may be equipped with a fingerprint authentication unit. In this case, for example, the control unit may determine whether the user has a registered fingerprint based on information from the fingerprint authentication unit, and if it determines that the user is a registered user, permit pinch control to pinch an object between the first part and the second part, but prohibit pinch control if it determines that the user is not a registered user. Note that fingerprint registration may be performed, for example, from the screen of a navigation system or a smartphone.

The number of times the pinch control is performed (for example, the number of times the pressure between the first and second parts is increased and then decreased) may be stored, and the action of the character displayed on the display unit may be changed depending on the number of times. For example, the more times the number of times is increased, the more the cat's stomach may be displayed as being full, and the pressure between the first and second parts may become stronger.

Examples of manufacturing methods for the interior system include the following methods.
a control unit that controls the electric device based on information from the sensor, wherein the control unit operates the electric device to press at least one of the first part and the second part toward the other when the control unit determines that an object is present between the first part and the second part based on information from the sensor while the electric device is not operating. A method for manufacturing an interior system comprising the steps of: attaching the electric device to at least one of the first part and the second part; attaching the sensor at a position where the object can be detected; and connecting the electric device and the sensor to the control unit.

Examples of the method for producing the sheet include the following method.
A method for manufacturing a seat comprising a pad and a cover covering the pad, wherein the pad has a first portion, a second portion adjacent to the first portion, and a groove formed between the first portion and the second portion for suspending the cover, and further comprising an electric device for pressing at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other, the method comprising a step of arranging the electric device within the pad so that the electric device is positioned at a position corresponding to at least one of the first portion and the second portion.

If the hanging groove is formed between a base portion located in the left-right center and an overhang portion located on the left-right outer side of the base portion, the overhang portion overhanging the user side more than the base portion, the electric device may be positioned within the base portion or the overhang portion in the seat manufacturing method.

The elements described in the above embodiments and variations may be implemented in any combination.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 seat system 10 seat 21 first air cell 22 second air cell 31 first pressure sensor 32 second pressure sensor 100 control unit P1 first part P2 second part

Claims (10)

a seat having a first portion, a second portion capable of sandwiching an object between the first portion and the second portion, an electric device that presses at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other , and a sensor that detects an object between the first portion and the second portion;
a display unit capable of displaying animal characters;
a control unit that controls the electric device based on information from the sensor,
When the control unit determines that an object is present between the first portion and the second portion based on information from the sensor while the electric device is not operating, the control unit operates the electric device to press at least one of the first portion and the second portion toward the other in accordance with the mouth movements of the character displayed on the display unit. the sensor is a pressure sensor that detects a pressure between the first portion and the second portion,
The control unit
The interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the operation pattern of the electrically powered device is changed depending on the magnitude of the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor. the sensor is a biological information detection sensor that detects biological information,
The interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the operation pattern of the electrically powered device in accordance with the biological information acquired from the biological information detection sensor. The sheet is
Pads and
a skin covering the pad ;
The pad is
the first portion and the second portion;
2. The interior system according to claim 1 , further comprising a groove formed between the first portion and the second portion for suspending the skin. The sheet is
Seat cushion and
a seat back ;
the seat cushion has the first portion,
The interior system of claim 1 , wherein the seat back includes the second portion. The sheet is
A headrest and
a seat back ;
the headrest has the first portion,
The interior system of claim 1 , wherein the seat back includes the second portion. 2. The interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a capacitance sensor that detects an object based on a change in capacitance when the object enters an electric field. 2. The interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a resistive touch sensor. The interior system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a heater. The sheet is
a unit having the first portion, the second portion, and the electrically powered device;
The interior system of claim 1 , wherein the unit comprises a detachable base portion.