JP7740141B2 - Vehicle seat device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat device.

As one type of vehicle equipped with autonomous driving functions, development is underway on a face-to-face seating vehicle in which the front and rear seats are arranged facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an occupant protection device in which an airbag is mounted on the vehicle floor between vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-029218

However, in face-to-face seating vehicles, occupants sitting in forward-facing rear seats, among the vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, have difficulty standing up from the rear seats because, unlike in standard vehicles, there is nothing to hold on to in front of them, such as a front seat. Furthermore, since there is no reaction member, such as an inner panel, in front of the rear seats to restrain the lower legs of occupants sitting in the rear seats in the event of a frontal collision, the submarine phenomenon is likely to occur.

In consideration of the above, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle seat device that makes it easier to stand up from the seat cushion and prevents the submarine phenomenon from occurring.

The vehicle seat device of the present invention as described in claim 1 includes a seat cushion on which an occupant sits, a seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion and inflating and deploying in the event of a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision, and when the occupant stands up, and a control unit that controls the gas supply rate so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision occurs, and the control unit controls the amount of gas supply so that, during inflation and deployment, the height of the seat cushion in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision occurs .

In the vehicle seat device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas supply rate of the seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion is controlled by the control unit so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Therefore, the seat airbag portion can be rapidly inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. This rapid inflation and deployment of the seat airbag portion allows the seat cushion to be lifted quickly, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, because the seat airbag portion inflates and deploys more slowly when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the occupant's standing up can be safely assisted and the occupant can easily stand up from the seat cushion.
In the vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 1, the control unit controls the amount of gas supplied when the seat airbag unit is inflated and deployed so that the height of the seat cushion in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted.As a result, the height of the seat cushion is higher when the occupant stands up, making it easier for the occupant to stand up from the seat cushion.

The vehicle seat device of the present invention as described in claim 2 includes a seat cushion on which an occupant sits, a seat airbag section disposed inside the seat cushion and which inflates and deploys in the event of a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision, and when the occupant stands up, and a control unit which controls the gas supply rate so that the rate of inflation and deployment is slower when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision occurs, the seat airbag section comprising a front airbag disposed on the front side in the longitudinal direction of the seat and a rear airbag disposed on the rear side, the rear airbag having a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag, and the control unit inflates and deploys the front airbag in the event of a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when the occupant stands up.

In the vehicle seat device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas supply rate of the seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion is controlled by the control unit so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Therefore, the seat airbag portion can be rapidly inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. This rapid inflation and deployment of the seat airbag portion allows the seat cushion to be lifted quickly, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, since the seat airbag portion inflates and deploys more slowly when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the occupant can be safely assisted in standing up and easily stand up from the seat cushion.
In the vehicle seat device according to the second aspect of the present invention, when a vehicle collision occurs or a collision is predicted, the front airbag disposed on the front side of the seat in the longitudinal direction is inflated and deployed, causing the front of the seat cushion to inflate and lift the occupant's lower legs, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon.
In the vehicle seat device according to the second aspect of the present invention, when an occupant stands up, the rear airbag disposed on the rear side of the seat in the longitudinal direction is inflated and deployed, causing the rear of the seat cushion to inflate, thereby lifting the occupant at a location closer to their hip point, thereby making it easier for the occupant to stand up from the seat cushion.
In the vehicle seat apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the rear airbag is larger in size in the seat width direction than the front airbag, so that the occupant seated on the seat cushion can be stably raised to a standing position. Also, the front airbag is smaller in size in the seat width direction than the rear airbag, so that the front airbag can be inflated and deployed more quickly while suppressing the occurrence of the submarine phenomenon.

The vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 3 is configured as described in claim 1 or claim 2 , and the control unit controls the supply of gas so that gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a first gas supply section when an occupant stands up, and gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a second gas supply section that has a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply section when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted.

In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 3, when an occupant stands up, gas is supplied to the seat back from the first gas supply unit, which has a slower gas supply speed than the second gas supply unit. Therefore, unlike the use of an inflator that supplies gas instantaneously, which supplies gas faster than the first gas supply unit, the first gas supply unit can gradually supply gas to the seat airbag unit. Therefore, the first gas supply unit can slowly inflate and deploy the seat back, safely assisting the occupant in standing up.

Furthermore, in the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 3, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from the second gas supply section, which has a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply section, so gas can be supplied to the seat airbag section instantaneously.

The vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 4 is the same as the configuration described in claim 1, in which the seat airbag unit includes a front airbag disposed on the front side in the longitudinal direction of the seat and a rear airbag disposed on the rear side, and the control unit inflates and deploys the front airbag when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when the occupant stands up.

In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 4, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the front airbag disposed on the front side of the seat in the longitudinal direction is inflated and deployed, causing the front of the seat cushion to inflate and lift the occupant's lower legs. This increases the restraining force of the seat belt and reduces the occurrence of the submarine phenomenon.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 4, when an occupant stands up, the rear airbag disposed on the rear side of the seat in the longitudinal direction is inflated and deployed, causing the rear of the seat cushion to inflate, thereby lifting a portion of the occupant closer to their hip point. This makes it easier for the occupant to stand up from the seat cushion.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat device according to the second or fourth aspect, wherein the front airbag is disposed at a higher position inside the seat cushion than the rear airbag.

In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 5, the front airbag is disposed higher inside the seat cushion than the rear airbag, so that the occupant's lower legs can be lifted more quickly during a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted. Furthermore, the rear airbag is disposed lower inside the seat cushion than the front airbag, so that the impact on the comfort of the occupant sitting on the seat cushion can be reduced.

The vehicle seat device according to the present invention, as described in claim 6, is the same as the configuration described in claim 3, but includes an operation switch located in a position that can be operated when an occupant is seated on the seat cushion, and the control unit controls the supply of gas from the first gas supply unit when the operation switch is operated.

In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 6, when an occupant sits on the seat cushion and operates an operation switch located in an operable position, the control unit controls the supply of gas from the first gas supply unit. Therefore, by operating the operation switch when the occupant stands up, the occupant can be assisted in standing up at any time.

The vehicle seat device according to claim 7 of the present invention has the configuration described in claim 4, wherein the rear airbag is larger in dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag.

In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention, the rear airbag is designed to have a larger seat width dimension than the front airbag, allowing an occupant seated on the seat cushion to stand up stably. Furthermore, the front airbag is designed to have a smaller seat width dimension than the rear airbag, allowing the front airbag to inflate and deploy more quickly while effectively suppressing the submarine phenomenon.

The vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 8 is configured in the configuration described in claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the seat airbag portion is arranged in the center of the seat surface of the seat cushion and is configured to be able to selectively supply gas supplied from a first gas supply portion and gas supplied from a second gas supply portion having a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply portion.

In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 8, the seat airbag section is configured to be able to selectively supply gas supplied from the first gas supply section and gas supplied from the second gas supply section. This allows for a reduction in the number of airbags compared to an embodiment in which an airbag supplied with gas from the first gas supply section and an airbag supplied with gas from the second gas supply section are provided separately. In this way, the reduction in the number of parts allows for cost reduction.

The vehicle seat device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 9 is the configuration as set forth in claim 1 or claim 2 , further comprising a seat upholstery in which a rear region in the seat longitudinal direction is made of an upholstery material that is more stretchable than other regions.

In the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 9, the seat upholstery is made of an upholstery material that is more stretchable in the rear region of the seat in the fore-and-aft direction than in other regions, so the rear region of the seat cushion can be easily inflated, making it easier to assist the occupant in standing up.

A vehicle seat device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle seat device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the seat cushion is a seat cushion for a rear seat.

As in the vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 10, even in the case of a rear seat cushion where the submarine phenomenon is likely to occur because there is no reaction member such as an inner panel in the front, the seat airbag portion quickly inflates and deploys, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, when an occupant stands up, the seat airbag portion inflates and deploys more slowly than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby safely assisting the occupant in standing up and allowing the occupant to easily stand up from the seat cushion.

The vehicle seat device according to the present invention described in claim 11 has the configuration described in claim 10, in which the front seat and the rear seat can be arranged facing each other.

Generally, in face-to-face seating vehicles, among the vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, in forward-facing rear seats, unlike in standard vehicles, occupants have no front seat or other object to hold on to in front of them, making it difficult for them to stand up from the rear seat. Furthermore, since there is no reaction member, such as an inner panel, in front of the rear seat to restrain the lower limbs of occupants seated in the rear seat in the event of a frontal collision, the submarine phenomenon is likely to occur.

In contrast, the vehicle seat device of the present invention described in claim 11, in which the seat airbag portion of the forward-facing rear seat of the vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, quickly inflates and deploys, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, when an occupant stands up, the seat airbag portion of the forward-facing rear seat inflates and deploys more slowly than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby safely assisting the occupant in standing up and allowing the occupant to easily stand up from the seat cushion.

As described above, the vehicle seat device according to the present invention has the excellent effect of making it easier to stand up from the seat cushion and suppressing the occurrence of the submarine phenomenon.

1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle seat device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle seat device of FIG. 1 . 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a gas supply mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 1, illustrating a state in which a front airbag is activated when a vehicle collision occurs or when a vehicle collision is predicted, from the state shown in FIG. 2 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 1, illustrating a state in which a rear airbag is activated when an occupant stands up from the state shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when an occupant stands up in the vehicle seat device of FIG. 1 . 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes in the vehicle seat device of FIG. 1 when a vehicle collision occurs or when a vehicle collision is predicted. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle seat device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle seat device of FIG. 8 . FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a gas supply mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 8, illustrating a state in which a single airbag is activated when a vehicle collision occurs or when a vehicle collision is predicted from the state shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 8, illustrating a state in which the single airbag is activated when an occupant stands up from the state shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when an occupant stands up in the vehicle seat device of FIG. 8 . 9 is a flowchart showing a series of processes performed in the vehicle seat device of FIG. 8 when a vehicle collision occurs or when a vehicle collision is predicted.

First Embodiment
A vehicle seat device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Arrows UP, FR, LH, and RH, as appropriate, indicate the upward, forward, leftward, and rightward directions of the vehicle seat device 10 mounted on a vehicle, respectively. Hereinafter, when the terms "front-rear,""left-right," and "up-down" are used in the description, they refer to the front-rear direction, the leftward and rightward directions (seat width direction), and the up-down direction of the vehicle seat device 10 mounted on a vehicle, unless otherwise specified.

(Configuration of vehicle seat)
The vehicle seat device 10 of the first embodiment is installed in an autonomous vehicle (e.g., an automobile, a train, etc.) that does not require a driver to operate the vehicle during autonomous driving. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat device 10 is, for example, for a rear seat in a vehicle in which a front seat and a rear seat can be arranged facing each other, and more specifically, for example, for a left rear seat.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat device 10 includes a seat cushion 12 on which the occupant P sits (supporting the buttocks and thighs of the occupant P), a seat back 14 that supports the back of the occupant P, i.e., forms the backrest, and a headrest 16 that supports the head of the occupant P.

The seat cushion 12 constitutes the seat surface of the vehicle seat device 10 and is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material with elasticity, such as polyurethane foam (expanded polyurethane). The occupant P sits on the upper side (seat surface) of the seat cushion 12. The seat cushion 12 also includes a seat airbag portion 20 therein.

The seat airbag unit 20 inflates and deploys inside the seat cushion 12 when gas is supplied. In this embodiment, the seat airbag unit 20 includes a front airbag 22 disposed on the front side of the seat and a rear airbag 24 disposed on the rear side of the seat.

As shown in Figure 2, the front airbag 22 in its folded state, i.e., before inflation and deployment, has a width W1 in the seat width direction. As shown in Figure 1, the front airbag 22 is disposed above the center of the seat cushion 12 in the vertical direction, and is disposed at a height H higher than the rear airbag 24.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, the rear airbag 24 in its folded state, i.e., before inflation and deployment, has a width W2 in the seat width direction that is larger than width W1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the rear airbag 24 is disposed below the center of the seat cushion 12 in the vertical direction, and is disposed at a height H lower than the rear airbag 24.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 as an example, an operation switch 26 is provided on the front side of the right side of the seat cushion 12. The operation switch 26 is operated when the occupant P wants to stand up, and is provided in a position where it can be operated when the occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 12. When the operation switch 26 is operated, a signal indicating that the operation switch 26 has been operated (turned on) is output to the control unit 50, which will be described later.

The seat cushion 12 is also provided with a seating detection sensor (not shown) that detects whether occupant P2 is seated on the seat cushion 12. Specifically, the seating detection sensor is a sensor that detects the seat pressure on the seat cushion 12, and is composed of one or more pressure-sensitive sensors.

A vehicle equipped with the vehicle seat device 10 is also provided with a collision sensor (not shown) that detects a vehicle collision and a collision prediction sensor (not shown) that predicts a vehicle collision. The collision sensor is a sensor that detects a vehicle collision and is configured to include an acceleration sensor or a pressure sensor, and a signal from this collision sensor is output to the ECU 50, which will be described later. The ECU 50 then determines whether a vehicle collision has occurred based on the signal from the collision sensor.

The collision prediction sensor is a pre-crash sensor that predicts a collision and is composed of a millimeter-wave radar, laser radar, or an on-board camera, and a signal from this collision prediction sensor is output to the ECU 50, which will be described later. The ECU 50 then determines whether a vehicle collision is unavoidable based on the signal from the collision prediction sensor. Note that the type of collision detected by the collision sensor and collision prediction sensor in this embodiment is, for example, a frontal collision. In this embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with both a collision sensor and a collision prediction sensor, but it may also be equipped with only one of them.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the area of the seat cushion 12 where the rear airbag 24 is located when viewed from above, i.e., the rear area in the seat longitudinal direction, is covered with a seat upholstery 12A made of a skin material that is more stretchable than other areas. Specifically, the seat upholstery 12A is made of cloth made of polyester or wool, artificial leather made of polyester, genuine leather, etc. In this embodiment, the seat upholstery 12A in the rear area is made of knit, which is an example of a "stretchable skin material." Note that the "stretchable skin material" may be, for example, a skin material that is thinner in the rear area than in other areas, or a different skin material may be used so that the rear area is more stretchable than other areas.

In this embodiment, the front airbag 22 is inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, i.e., when a vehicle collision is detected by a collision sensor or when a frontal collision is predicted by a collision prediction sensor. The rear airbag 24 is inflated and deployed when the occupant P stands up, i.e., when the operating switch 26 is operated.

As shown in FIG. 3, the front airbag 22 receives gas from a compressor 30 serving as a second gas supply unit via piping 30A. The rear airbag 24 receives gas from a pump 40 serving as a first gas supply unit via piping 40A. The compressor 30 is a machine that pumps gas by the rotational movement of an impeller or rotor or the reciprocating movement of a piston, and can supply gas instantaneously. On the other hand, the pump 40 is a machine that supplies gas by the action of pressure, and can gradually supply gas at a slower supply speed than the compressor 30.

The compressor 30 and pump 40 are each connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 50, which serves as a control unit. The ECU 50 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. The ECU 50 in the first embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: Processor), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage (not shown), and each component is interconnected via a bus for mutual communication. The CPU reads a program from the ROM or storage and executes the program using the RAM as a working area.

In addition to the above-mentioned operation switch 26, compressor 30, and pump 40, the ECU 50 is electrically connected to a seating detection sensor, collision sensor, collision prediction sensor, etc. (not shown). Output values from the operation switch 26, seating detection sensor, collision sensor, collision prediction sensor, etc. are input to the ECU 50. The ECU 50 also functions as an automatic driving unit for the vehicle in which the vehicle seat device 10 is installed. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU of the ECU 50 reading and executing programs stored in ROM or storage.

In this embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the gas supply rate so that the seat airbag portion 20 inflates and deploys at a slower rate when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Specifically, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, i.e., when a vehicle collision is detected by a collision sensor or a frontal collision is predicted by a collision prediction sensor, the ECU 50 causes the compressor 30 to instantaneously supply gas to the front airbag 22, thereby instantaneously inflating and deploying the front airbag 22, as shown in FIG. 4.

On the other hand, when the occupant P stands up, i.e., when the operation switch 26 is operated, the ECU 50 causes the pump 40 to gradually supply gas to the rear airbag 24, causing the rear airbag 24 to slowly inflate and deploy, as shown in Figure 5.

In this embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the amount of gas supplied so that the height H2 of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction when the occupant P stands up, as shown in Figure 5, is higher than the height H1 of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, as shown in Figure 4.

Next, a series of processes performed by the vehicle seat device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. In this embodiment, when the occupant P wants to stand up, he or she turns on the operation switch 26.

As shown in FIG. 6, when occupant P stands up, the ECU 50 determines whether the operation switch 26 is turned on (step S11). If it is determined that the operation switch 26 is not turned on (step S11; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the processing of step S11 until the operation switch 26 is turned on.

If the ECU 50 determines in step S11 that the operation switch 26 has been turned on (step S11; YES), the ECU 50 activates the pump 40 to gradually supply gas from the pump 40 to the rear airbag 24 (step S12).

Next, the ECU 50 determines whether the occupant P has stood up (step S13). Specifically, the ECU 50 determines that the occupant P has stood up when the seating detection sensor detects that the occupant P is not seated, i.e., when the occupant P is not seated.

If it is determined in step S13 that the occupant P has not stood up (step S13; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the process of step S13 until the occupant P stands up. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the occupant P has stood up (step S13; YES), the ECU 50 causes the pump 40 to discharge gas from the rear airbag 24 (step S14), and ends the series of processes.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the ECU 50 determines whether a vehicle collision has been detected by the collision sensor or whether a vehicle collision has been predicted by the collision prediction sensor (step S21). If it determines that a vehicle collision has neither been detected nor predicted (step S21; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the processing of step S21 until a vehicle collision is detected or a vehicle collision is predicted.

If, in step S21, the ECU 50 determines that a vehicle collision has been detected or predicted (step S21; YES), the ECU 50 activates the compressor 30 to instantaneously supply gas from the compressor 30 to the front airbag 22 (step S22), and then ends the series of processes.

(Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment)
Next, the operation and effects of the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment configured as above will be described.

In the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the gas supply rate is controlled by the ECU 50 so that the seat airbag section 20 (front airbag 22 and rear airbag 24) disposed inside the seat cushion 12 inflates and deploys at a slower rate when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. This allows the front airbag 22 (seat airbag section 20) to inflate and deploy quickly in the event of a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted. As the front airbag 22 (seat airbag section 20) inflates and deploys in this manner, the front of the seat cushion 12 is lifted, thereby lifting the lower legs of the occupant P. This increases the restraining force of the seat belt on the occupant P and reduces the occurrence of the submarine phenomenon.

In addition, when the occupant P stands up, the rear airbag 24 inflates and deploys more slowly than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, so the occupant P can be safely assisted in standing up and the occupant P can easily stand up from the seat cushion 12. Furthermore, by inflating the rear of the seat cushion 12, a portion of the occupant P closer to the hip point HP can be lifted. This makes it easier for the occupant P to stand up from the seat cushion.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, when the seat airbag portion 20 is inflated and deployed, the ECU 50 controls the amount of gas supplied so that the height of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Therefore, by increasing the height of the seat cushion 12 behind the seat, the hip point HP of the occupant P can be raised further, making it easier for the occupant P to stand up from the seat cushion 12.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, gas is supplied from the pump 40 to the rear airbag 24 when the occupant P stands up. Therefore, unlike an inflator or the like that supplies gas instantaneously, which has a faster gas supply speed than the pump 40, the pump 40 can be used any number of times. Furthermore, unlike an inflator or the like that supplies gas instantaneously, the pump 40 can supply gas gradually, allowing the rear airbag 24 to inflate and deploy slowly, thereby safely assisting the occupant P in standing up.

Furthermore, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the front airbag 22 is supplied with gas from the compressor 30, which instantaneously supplies gas at a faster gas supply speed than the pump 40, allowing gas to be supplied instantaneously to the front airbag 22.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the front airbag 22 is disposed at a higher position inside the seat cushion 12 than the rear airbag 24, so that the lower legs of the occupant P can be lifted more quickly during a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted. In addition, the rear airbag 24 is disposed at a lower position inside the seat cushion 12 than the front airbag 22, so that the impact on the comfort of the occupant P seated on the seat cushion 12 can be reduced.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, when the occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 12 and operates the operation switch 26, which is located in an operable position, the ECU 50 controls the pump 40 to supply gas. Therefore, by operating the operation switch 26 when the occupant P stands up, assistance can be provided at any time.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the rear airbag 24 is designed to have a larger seat width dimension than the front airbag 22, allowing the occupant P seated on the seat cushion 12 to stand up stably. Furthermore, the front airbag 22 is designed to have a smaller seat width dimension than the rear airbag 24, allowing the front airbag 22 to inflate and deploy more quickly while effectively suppressing the submarine phenomenon.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the rear region of the seat cover 12A toward the rear of the seat is made of a material that stretches more easily than other regions, so the rear region of the seat cushion 12 can be easily inflated, making it easy to assist the occupant P in standing up.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the seat cushion 12 is a seat cushion for a rear seat. Even in the case of a rear seat cushion 12, which is prone to submarining due to the absence of a reaction force member such as an inner panel in the front, the front airbag 22 can be quickly inflated and deployed to increase the restraining force of the seat belt and prevent the submarine phenomenon from occurring. Furthermore, when the occupant P stands up, the rear airbag 24 can be inflated and deployed more slowly than in the event of a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby safely assisting the occupant P in standing up and allowing the occupant P to easily stand up from the seat cushion 12.

In addition, in general, in face-to-face seating vehicles, among the vehicle seats arranged facing each other in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, in forward-facing rear seats, unlike in normal vehicles, the occupant P does not have anything to hold on to in front, such as a front seat, and therefore it is difficult for them to stand up from the rear seat. Furthermore, since there is no reaction member, such as an inner panel, in front of the rear seat to restrain the lower legs of the occupant seated in the rear seat in the event of a frontal collision, the submarine phenomenon is likely to occur.

In contrast, in the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment, the front airbag 22 of the seat cushion 12 of the rear seat inflates and deploys quickly in the event of a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, when an occupant P stands up, the rear airbag 24 of the seat cushion 12 of the rear seat inflates and deploys more slowly than in the event of a vehicle collision or when a vehicle collision is predicted, thereby safely assisting the occupant P in standing up and allowing the occupant P to easily stand up from the seat cushion 12.

Second Embodiment
Next, a vehicle seat device 10A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment differs from the vehicle seat device 10 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the seat airbag portion 20. Since the other configurations are the same, only the different configurations will be described here.

As shown in Figure 8, the seat airbag section 20 of the vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment is composed of a single airbag 28. The single airbag 28 in a folded state, i.e., before inflation and deployment, is disposed in the center of the seat surface of the seat cushion 12, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. As an example, the single airbag 28 is disposed in an area corresponding to the hip point HP and lower legs of the occupant P when the occupant P is seated on the seat cushion 12.

As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the single airbag 28 is configured to be able to selectively supply gas from the compressor 30 via piping 60 and gas from the pump 40 via piping 60. The compressor 30 and the pump 40 are each connected to the ECU 50, which controls the gas supply rate so that the single airbag 28 inflates and deploys at a slower rate when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted.

Specifically, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, i.e., when a vehicle collision is detected by the collision sensor or a frontal collision is predicted by the collision prediction sensor, the ECU 50 causes the compressor 30 to instantaneously supply gas to the single airbag 28, thereby instantaneously inflating and deploying the single airbag 28 to a height H3 in the seat height direction, as shown in Figure 11.

On the other hand, when the occupant P stands up, i.e., when the operation switch 26 is operated, the ECU 50 causes the pump 40 to gradually supply gas to the single airbag 28, gradually inflating and deploying the single airbag 28 so that its height in the seat height direction reaches height H4, which is higher than height H3, as shown in Figure 12.

In other words, in this embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the amount of gas supplied so that the height H4 of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction when the occupant P stands up, as shown in FIG. 12, is higher than the height H3 of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, as shown in FIG. 11.

Next, a series of processes performed by the vehicle seat device 10A of the second embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. In this embodiment, when the occupant P wants to stand up, he or she turns on the operation switch 26.

When occupant P stands up, as shown in FIG. 13, the ECU 50 determines whether the operation switch 26 is turned on (step S31). If it is determined that the operation switch 26 is not turned on (step S31; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the processing of step S31 until the operation switch 26 is turned on.

If the ECU 50 determines in step S31 that the operation switch 26 has been turned on (step S31; YES), the ECU 50 activates the pump 40 to gradually supply gas from the pump 40 to the single airbag 28 (step S32).

Next, the ECU 50 determines whether the occupant P has stood up (step S33). Specifically, the ECU 50 determines that the occupant P has stood up when the seating detection sensor detects that the occupant P is not seated, i.e., the occupant P is not seated.

If it is determined in step S33 that the occupant P has not stood up (step S33; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the processing of step S33 until the occupant P stands up. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the occupant P has stood up (step S33; YES), the ECU 50 causes the pump 40 to discharge gas from the single airbag 28 (step S34), and ends the series of processing.

Furthermore, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, as shown in FIG. 14, the ECU 50 determines whether a vehicle collision has been detected by the collision sensor or whether a vehicle collision has been predicted by the collision prediction sensor (step S41). If it determines that a vehicle collision has neither been detected nor predicted (step S41; NO), the ECU 50 repeats the processing of step S41 until a vehicle collision is detected or a vehicle collision is predicted.

If the ECU 50 determines in step S41 that a vehicle collision has been detected or predicted (step S41; YES), the ECU 50 activates the compressor 30 to instantaneously supply gas to the single airbag 28 (step S42), and then ends the series of processes.

(Actions and Effects of the Second Embodiment)
Next, the operation and effects of the vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment configured as above will be described.

In the vehicle seat apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment, the seat airbag section 20, i.e., the single airbag 28, disposed in the center of the seat surface of the seat cushion 12, is configured to be able to selectively supply gas from a pump 40 and gas from a compressor 30, which has a faster gas supply speed than the pump 40. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which an airbag to which gas is supplied from the pump 40 and an airbag to which gas is supplied from the compressor 30 are separately provided, the number of airbags is reduced, which in turn reduces the number of parts and thereby reduces costs.

In addition, in the vehicle seat apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the gas supply rate so that the single airbag 28 disposed inside the seat cushion 12 inflates and deploys at a slower rate when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. Therefore, the single airbag 28 can be quickly inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. This rapid inflation and deployment of the single airbag 28 allows the seat cushion 12 to be quickly lifted, thereby increasing the restraining force of the seat belt and preventing the submarine phenomenon. Furthermore, because the single airbag 28 inflates and deploys more slowly when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, the occupant P can be safely assisted in standing up and easily stand up from the seat cushion.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment, the ECU 50 controls the amount of gas supplied during inflation and deployment so that the height of the seat cushion 12 in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant P stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. This makes it easier for the occupant P to stand up from the seat cushion because the height of the seat cushion is higher when the occupant P stands up.

In addition, in the vehicle seat device 10A according to the second embodiment, when the occupant P stands up, gas is supplied to the single airbag 28 from the pump 40, which has a slower gas supply speed than the compressor 30. Therefore, unlike an inflator or the like that supplies gas instantaneously, which has a faster gas supply speed than the pump 40, the single airbag 28 can be used any number of times. Furthermore, unlike an inflator or the like that supplies gas instantaneously, the pump 40 can supply gas gradually, so the single airbag 28 can be inflated and deployed slowly, thereby safely assisting the occupant P in standing up.

In addition, when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, gas is supplied to the single airbag 28 from the compressor 30, which instantaneously supplies gas at a faster gas supply speed than the pump 40, allowing gas to be supplied instantaneously to the single airbag 28.

In the above-described embodiment, a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision is detected by a collision sensor (collision prediction sensor), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, activation of an automatic brake that is activated by detection by the collision sensor (collision prediction sensor) may be considered to be a vehicle collision or a predicted vehicle collision.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the operation switch 26 is provided on the front side of the right side of the seat cushion 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The operation switch 26 may be provided in any position that allows it to be operated by the occupant P seated on the seat cushion 12.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a compressor 30 is used as the second gas supply unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an inflator may be used. In this case, the front airbag 22 or the single airbag 28 can only be used once.

In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle seat device 10, 10A is, as an example, for a rear seat in a vehicle in which the front and rear seats can be arranged facing each other, and more specifically, is for the left rear seat, as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle seat device 10, 10A may be for a right rear seat or a front seat. It may also be installed in a vehicle in which the seats cannot be arranged facing each other.

The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above and can, of course, be implemented in various other modifications within the scope of its gist.

<Additional Notes>
(First Aspect)
A seat cushion on which an occupant sits;
a seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion and inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and when an occupant stands up;
a control unit that controls the gas supply rate so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when an occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted;
A vehicle seat device comprising:
(Second Aspect)
The vehicle seat device according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit controls the amount of gas supplied so that, when inflating and deploying, the height of the seat cushion in the seat height direction is higher when the occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted.
(Third Aspect)
The control unit controls the supply of gas so that gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a first gas supply unit when an occupant stands up, and so that gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a second gas supply unit that has a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply unit when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted.
(Fourth Aspect)
The seat airbag portion includes a front airbag disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction of the seat and a rear airbag disposed on the rear side,
The vehicle seat device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the control unit inflates and deploys the front airbag when a vehicle collision occurs or when a vehicle collision is predicted, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when an occupant stands up.
(Fifth Aspect)
4. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the front airbag is disposed at a higher position inside the seat cushion than the rear airbag.
(Sixth Aspect)
an operation switch provided at a position that can be operated when an occupant is seated on the seat cushion;
The vehicle seat apparatus according to a third aspect, wherein the control unit controls the gas to be supplied from the first gas supply unit when the operation switch is operated.
(Seventh aspect)
The vehicle seat apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the rear airbag is set to have a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag.
(Eighth aspect)
The vehicle seat device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the seat airbag portion is disposed in the center of the seat surface of the seat cushion and is configured to be able to selectively supply gas supplied from a first gas supply portion and gas supplied from a second gas supply portion having a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply portion.
(Ninth Aspect)
The vehicle seat apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a seat covering in which a rear region in the seat longitudinal direction is made of a covering material that is more stretchable than other regions.
(Tenth Aspect)
The vehicle seat apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the seat cushion is a seat cushion for a rear seat.
(Eleventh aspect)
A vehicle seat apparatus according to a tenth aspect, wherein the front seat and the rear seat can be arranged to face each other.

10 Vehicle seat device 10A Vehicle seat device 12 Seat cushion 12A Seat cover 20 Seat airbag portion 22 Front airbag 24 Rear airbag 26 Operation switch 28 Single airbag 30 Compressor (second gas supply portion)
40 Pump (first gas supply unit)
P Crew

Claims (11)

A seat cushion on which an occupant sits;
a seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion and inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and when an occupant stands up;
a control unit that controls the gas supply rate so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when an occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted;
Including,
The control unit controls the amount of gas supplied during inflation and deployment so that the height of the seat cushion in the seat height direction is higher when an occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted . A seat cushion on which an occupant sits;
a seat airbag portion disposed inside the seat cushion and inflated and deployed when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and when an occupant stands up;
a control unit that controls the gas supply rate so that the inflation and deployment rate is slower when an occupant stands up than when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted;
Including,
The seat airbag portion includes a front airbag disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction of the seat and a rear airbag disposed on the rear side,
The rear airbag is set to have a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag,
The control unit inflates and deploys the front airbag when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when an occupant stands up . 3. The vehicle seat device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the supply of gas so that gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a first gas supply unit when an occupant stands up, and gas is supplied to the seat airbag section from a second gas supply unit that has a faster gas supply speed than the first gas supply unit when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted. The seat airbag portion includes a front airbag disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction of the seat and a rear airbag disposed on the rear side,
2. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit inflates and deploys the front airbag when a vehicle collision occurs or a vehicle collision is predicted, and inflates and deploys the rear airbag when an occupant stands up. 5. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the front airbag is disposed at a higher position inside the seat cushion than the rear airbag. an operation switch provided at a position that can be operated when an occupant is seated on the seat cushion;
The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the first gas supply unit to supply gas when the operation switch is operated. A vehicle seat apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein the rear airbag is configured to have a larger dimension in the seat width direction than the front airbag. 3. The vehicle seat device according to claim 1, wherein the seat airbag portion is disposed in a central portion of the seat surface of the seat cushion and is configured to be able to selectively supply gas supplied from a first gas supply portion and gas supplied from a second gas supply portion having a gas supply speed faster than that of the first gas supply portion. 3. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a seat covering in a rear region of the seat in the front-rear direction, the rear region being made of a covering material that is more stretchable than other regions. 3. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the seat cushion is a seat cushion for a rear seat. A vehicle seat apparatus as described in claim 10, wherein the front seat and the rear seat are arranged facing each other.