Seat control device

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a seat control device for controlling the horizontal position of a seat arranged in the interior of a vehicle.

2. Related Art

Most seats arranged in a vehicle such as an automobile have a seat control device enabling a seat position to be moved horizontally back and forth, which the seat control device may be a manual type in which the seat is moved by having a passenger operate an operation unit (lever etc.) arranged at the lower part of the seat, or the like, or may be an electrically operated type in which the seat is moved by having the passenger operate an input unit (switch etc.) arranged at the side of the seat, or the like.

In particular, in the electrically operated seat control device, the seat is moved based on an output of the input unit if the operation amount of the input unit is small, and the seat is automatically moved to the most front or the most back position if the operation amount of the input unit is large.

In recent years, the seat control device is arranged not only at a driver's seat and a front passenger's seat, which is located next to the driver's seat, but also at each back seat in a back row, and thus the passenger himself/herself can set an optimum seat position at each seat. In place of the manual seat control device, which has been the mainstream in the related art, the electrically operated seat control device is beginning to be widely used so that the seat position can be more easily set.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-61782 describes an orientation control device for detecting the presence of seating on a seat behind a front row seat when a drive instruction for moving the front row seat backward is made, detecting whether or not the front row seat exceeds a backward limit position stored in advance if seating is detected, and moving the front row seat backward only when the backward limit position is not exceeded.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-131138 describes a foreign material trapping detection device for detecting trapping of a foreign material by measuring the fluctuation in seat driving force for every predetermined movement distance, and comparing the fluctuation amount with a threshold value, which is a fluctuation range value defined by a predetermined calculation.

In such a seat control device, when the passenger seated on a seat of the first row moves the seat backward, and the passenger seated on a seat of the second row positioned behind the seat of the first row moves the seat forward, the foot, or the like of the passenger seated on the seat of the second row may get trapped from two directions by both seats.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provides a seat control device capable of suppressing trapping of an object between the front row seat and the back row seat.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a seat control device includes a first input unit for performing an operation of moving a first seat to a front side or a back side; a first drive control unit for moving the first seat to the front side or the back side based on an output of the first input unit; a second input unit for performing an operation of moving a second seat, positioned behind the first seat, to the front side or the back side; and a second drive control unit for moving the second seat to the front side or the back side based on an output of the second input unit; wherein when the operation to move the first seat to the back side is performed at the first input unit and the operation to move the second seat to the front side is performed at the second input unit, movement of the first seat and the movement of the second seat are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out.

Accordingly, when operations of approaching the front row seat and the back row seat are performed at the first input unit and the second input unit, respectively, the movement of the front row seat and the movement of the back row seat are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out, and thus trapping of an object between the front row seat and the back row seat can be suppressed.

In the seat control device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, control means may stop the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated before, and prohibit the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated after.

Therefore, since the movement of either the first seat or the second seat, which are in front and back relationship to each other, is stopped, and the movement of the other seat is prohibited, the seats are avoided from approaching each other, whereby trapping of an object between the front row seat and the back row seat can be suppressed.

In the seat control device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the control means may stop the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated before, and execute the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated after.

Therefore, even if either the first seat or the second seat, which are in front and back relationship to each other, moves, the movement of the other seat is stopped, and thus the seats are avoided from approaching each other, whereby an object between the front row seat and the back row seat is prevented from being trapped from two directions by the seats.

In the seat control device according to tone or more embodiments of the present invention, the control means may execute the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated before, and prohibit the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated after.

Therefore, even if either the first seat or the second seat, which are in front and back relationship to each other, moves, the movement of the other seat is prohibited, and thus the seats are avoided from approaching each other, whereby an object between the front row seat and the back row seat is prevented from being trapped from two directions by the seats.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, when operations of approaching the front row seat and the back row seat are performed at the first input unit and the second input unit, respectively, the movement of the front row seat and the movement of the back row seat are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out, and thus trapping of an object between the front row seat and the back row seat can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the seats arranged in the interior of a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a seat control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view showing one example of an input unit;

FIG. 4 is a view showing one example of a positional relationship between a front row seat and a back row seat arranged in the interior of the vehicle;

FIG. 5 is a view showing one example of a positional relationship between the front row seat and the back row seat arranged in the interior of the vehicle;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a trapped event that occurs between a front row seat and a back row seat arranged in the compartment of the vehicle;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automobile arranged with the seat control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the front seat and the back seat arranged in the automobile of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for describing the motor driving process of the seat control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Like reference numerals are denoted for similar portions or corresponding portions throughout FIGS. 1 to 14 , to be hereinafter described.

FIG. 1 is a view showing a vehicle 200 and seats 21 a to 21 e arranged in the interior of the vehicle 200 applied with a seat control device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The vehicle 200 is a so-called three-row seat vehicle, where the seat 21 a is the driver's seat arranged on the first row, and the seat 21 b is the front passenger's seat arranged on the first row. The seat 21 c is the seat on the second row arranged behind the seat 21 a , and the seat 21 d is the seat on the second row arranged behind the seat 21 b . The seat 21 e is the seat on the third row arranged behind the seats 21 c , 21 d . Only the seat 21 e is formed as a two-seater.

The seats 21 a , 21 c are arranged so as to be horizontally movable in the interior of the vehicle 200 , as shown in FIG. 4 , and the seats 21 b , 21 d are arranged so as to be horizontally movable in the interior of the vehicle 200 , as shown in FIG. 5 .

In FIGS. 4 and 5 , X 1 indicates the forward direction of each seat in the horizontal movement, and X 2 indicates the backward direction of each seat in the horizontal movement.

In FIG. 4 , Fa is the forward limit position (hereinafter described as a “front end position”) of the seat 21 a in the X 1 direction, Ba is the backward limit position (hereinafter described as a “back end position”) of the seat 21 a in the X 2 direction, Fc is the front end position of the seat 21 c , and Bc is the back end position of the seat 21 c.

The range (hereinafter described as a “predetermined range”) from the front end position Fa to the back end position Ba is indicated as Ma in the figure, and the range (hereinafter described as a “predetermined range”) from the front end position Fc to the back end position Bc is indicated as Mc in the figure. The center position in the predetermined range Ma is indicated as Ca in the figure, and the center position in the predetermined range Mc is indicated as Cc in the figure.

The suitable position of the seat 21 a in the interior of the vehicle 200 is the center position Ca, and the suitable position of the seat 21 c in the interior of the vehicle 200 is the center position Cc. Furthermore, 22 a indicates the passenger seated on the seat 21 a , and 22 c indicates the passenger seated on the seat 21 c.

Similar to the above, in FIG. 5 , Fb is the front end position of the seat 21 b , Bb is the back end position of the seat 21 b , Fd is the front end position of the seat 21 d , and Bd is the back end position of the seat 21 d.

The range (hereinafter described as a “predetermined range”) from the front end position Fb to the back end position Bb is indicated as Mb in the figure, and the range (hereinafter described as a “predetermined range”) from the front end position Fd to the back end position Bd is indicated as Md in the figure. The center position in the predetermined range Mb is indicated as Cb in the figure, and the center position in the predetermined range Md is indicated as Cd in the figure.

The suitable position of the seat 21 b in the interior of the vehicle 200 is the center position Cb, and the suitable position of the seat 21 d in the interior of the vehicle 200 is the center position Cd. Furthermore, 22 b indicates the passenger seated on the seat 21 b , and 22 d indicates the passenger seated on the seat 21 d.

The seat 21 e is arranged in a fixed manner in the interior of the vehicle 200 . The seat 21 e is not relevant to embodiments of the present invention, and thus the description thereof will not be given below.

In the embodiment of the seat control device to be hereinafter described, the back row seat is the seat 21 c when the front row seat is the seat 21 a , and the back row seat is the seat 21 d when the front row seat is the seat 21 b . Therefore, the seats 21 a , 21 b configure one embodiment of a first seat according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the seats 21 c , 21 d configure one embodiment of a second seat in according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a seat control device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

In the figure, a seat control device 100 controls the respective seats 21 a to 21 d , and the seat control device 100 includes a control unit 11 , input units 12 a to 12 d , position detection units 13 a to 13 d , and drive control units 14 a to 14 d , to be hereinafter described.

The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like, and controls each unit of the seat control device 100 in an integrated manner. The control unit 11 configures a control means in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Each of the input units 12 a to 12 d (hereinafter collectively indicated with reference numeral 12 ) includes a switch etc. of a shape shown in FIG. 3 , and is arranged at the side of each of the seats 21 a to 21 d , or the inner side of a door (not shown) near the seat.

In FIG. 3 , O to V are pushing directions of the input unit 12 set by control, where the input unit 12 is pushed to the O direction when moving the seat forward in the X 1 direction ( FIG. 4 ), and is pushed to the P direction when moving the seat backward in the X 2 direction ( FIG. 4 ).

The input unit 12 is pushed to the Q direction when vertically moving the seat upward, and pushed to the R direction when vertically moving the seat downward. Furthermore, the input unit 12 is pushed to the S direction or the V direction when inclining the backrest of the seat forward, and pushed to the U direction or the T direction when inclining the backrest backward. The pushing directions O to V are not relevant to embodiments of the present invention, and thus the description thereof will not be given below.

The operation for controlling the seat 21 a (e.g., movement in the horizontal direction or vertical direction) is performed at the input unit 12 a , and the operation for controlling the seat 21 b is performed at the input unit 12 b . Furthermore, the operation for controlling the seat 21 c is performed at the input unit 12 c , and the operation for controlling the seat 21 d is performed at the input unit 12 d.

Therefore, the input units 12 a , 12 b configure a first input unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the input units 12 c , 12 d configure a second unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Each of the position detection units 13 a to 13 d includes a position sensor (not shown), an EEPROM (not shown) for storing the position detected by the position sensor, and the like, and sequentially detects each position within each predetermined range during the movement of each seat, and stores a stopped position within each predetermined range after the movement of each seat is completed.

Specifically, when the seat 21 a is moved forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction, the position detection unit 13 a sequentially detects the position of the seat within the predetermined range Ma ( FIG. 4 ), and stores the stopped position of the seat within the predetermined range Ma when the movement of the seat 21 a is completed.

When the seat 21 b is moved forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction, the position detection unit 13 b sequentially detects the position of the seat within the predetermined range Mb ( FIG. 5 ), and stores the stopped position of the seat within the predetermined range Mb when the movement of the seat 21 b is completed.

When the seat 21 c is moved forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction, the position detection unit 13 c sequentially detects the position of the seat within the predetermined range Mc ( FIG. 4 ), and stores the stopped position of the seat within the predetermined range Mc when the movement of the seat 21 c is completed.

When the seat 21 d is moved forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction, the position detection unit 13 d sequentially detects the position of the seat within the predetermined range Md ( FIG. 5 ), and stores the stopped position of the seat within the predetermined range Md when the movement of the seat 21 d is completed.

Each of the drive control unit 14 a to 14 d includes a slide motor (not shown), and the like, and moves each of the seats 21 a to 21 d forward or backward in the X 1 direction or the X 2 direction based on the output of each of the input units 12 a to 12 d.

Specifically, the drive control unit 14 a moves the seat 21 a forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction based on the output of the input unit 12 a , and the drive control unit 14 b moves the seat 21 b forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction based on the output of the input unit 12 b . Furthermore, the drive control unit 14 c moves the seat 21 c forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction based on the output of the input unit 12 c , and the drive control unit 14 d moves the seat 21 d forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction based on the output of the input unit 12 d.

Therefore, the drive control units 14 a , 14 b configure one embodiment of a first drive control unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the drive control units 14 c , 14 d configure one embodiment of a second drive control unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

In the seat control device 100 of the present embodiment, the passenger 22 a ( FIG. 4 ) operates the input unit 12 a to move the seat 21 a forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction, and the passenger 22 c operates the input unit 12 c to move the seat 21 c forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction. The operation is the same as the seats 21 a , 21 c when moving the seats 21 b , 21 d forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction other than that the input units is 12 b and 12 d , and thus the description thereof will not be given below.

When the passenger 22 a pushes the input unit 12 a to the O direction (hereinafter referred to as a “front side”) of FIG. 3 , the seat 21 a moves forward in the X 1 direction within the predetermined range Ma, and when the passenger 22 a pushes the input unit 12 a to the P direction (hereinafter referred to as a “back side”) of FIG. 3 , the seat 21 a moves backward in the X 2 direction within the predetermined range Ma.

Similarly, when the passenger 22 c pushes the input unit 12 c to the front side, the seat 21 c moves forward in the X 1 direction within the predetermined range Mc, and when the passenger 22 c pushes the input unit 12 c to the back side, the seat 21 c moves backward in the X 2 direction within the predetermined range Mc.

In the case of the present embodiment, the operation amount of the input unit is the pushing time to the predetermined direction with respect to the input unit. If the operation amount is small, that is, if the pushing time to the front side or the back side with respect to the input unit 12 a is within a predetermined time t (e.g., one second), the seat 21 a moves forward or backward by a predetermine distance in the X 1 or the X 2 direction based on the pushing time; and if the pushing time to the front side or the back side with respect to the input unit 12 c is within a predetermined time (e.g., one second), the seat 21 c moves forward or backward by a predetermine distance in the X 1 or the X 2 direction based on the pushing time.

If the operation amount is large, that is, if the pushing time to the front side or the back side with respect to the input unit 12 a exceeds the predetermined time (e.g., one second), the seat 21 a automatically moves to the front end position Fa ( FIG. 4 ) or the back end position Ba ( FIG. 4 ); and if the pushing time to the front side or the back side with respect to the input unit 12 c exceeds the predetermined time (e.g., one second), the seat 21 c automatically moves to the front end position Fc ( FIG. 4 ) or the back end position Bc ( FIG. 4 ).

Thus, when the passenger 22 a pushes the input unit 12 a to the back side and the passenger 22 c pushes the input unit 12 c to the front side, the seat 21 a moves backward in the X 2 direction and the seat 21 c moves forward in the X 1 direction, so that the seat 21 a and the seat 21 c approach each other.

In particular, when the pushing time at the input units 12 a , 12 c is long, the seat 21 a greatly moves backward in the X 2 direction and the seat 21 c greatly moves forward in the X 1 direction, and thus the positional relationship of the seats 21 a , 21 c and the passengers 22 a , 22 c in the vehicle 200 becomes the state shown in FIG. 6 . That is, the foot (shaded portion in FIG. 6 ) of the passenger 22 c is trapped between the seat 21 a and the seat 21 c in a compressed state.

Therefore, in the seat control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat control, described hereinafter, is performed to prevent trapping of an object (e.g., foot of the passenger) between the seat (e.g., seat 21 a ) on the front side and the seat (e.g., seat 21 c ) on the back side.

The operation of the seat control device 100 ( FIG. 2 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

Only the control operation of the two seats (e.g., seat 21 a and seat 21 c of FIG. 1 ) in a front and back relationship with each other will be described below, and the description on the two seats (e.g., seat 21 a and seat 21 b of FIG. 1 ) in parallel relationship or the two seats (e.g., seat 21 a and seat 21 d of FIG. 1 ) not in the front and back relationship or the parallel relationship will not be given since it is irrelevant to embodiments of the present invention.

In the compartment of the vehicle 200 , the seats in the front and back relationship to each other are the seat 21 a and the seat 21 c , and the seat 21 b and the seat 21 d , where the description on the control operation of the seat 21 b and the seat 21 d will not be given below since the operation of the seat control device 100 to be hereinafter described is the same in both cases.

(1) When Front Seat Control Operation is Before, and Back Seat Control Operation is after

First, the operation of the seat control device 100 when the operation for moving the seat 21 a forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction ( FIG. 4 ) is performed at the input unit 12 a ( FIG. 2 ) before, and the operation for moving the seat 21 c forward or backward in the X 1 or the X 2 direction is performed at the input unit 12 c ( FIG. 2 ) after will be specifically described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 9 , and 13 .

In step S 1 of FIG. 7 , the control unit 11 ( FIG. 2 ) verifies whether or not the switch for moving the front row seat forward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 a is pushed to the front side (O direction of FIG. 3 ) by the passenger 22 a ( FIG. 4 ) seated on the seat 21 a , where the process proceeds to step S 2 if pushed to the front side (step S 1 : YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 10 of FIG. 8 if not pushed to the front side (step S 1 : NO).

In step S 2 , the front row seat starts the forward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 1 . Specifically, since the input unit 12 a is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 a , the drive control unit 14 a ( FIG. 2 ) starts the drive to move the seat 21 a forward under the control of the control unit 11 . The seat 21 a then starts the forward movement operation in the X 1 direction.

In step S 3 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the back row seat backward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 c is pushed to the back side (P direction of FIG. 3 ) by the passenger 22 c ( FIG. 4 ) seated on the seat 21 c , where the process proceeds to step S 4 if pushed to the back side (step S 3 : YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 6 if not pushed to the back side (step S 3 : NO).

In step S 4 , the back row seat starts the backward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 3 . Specifically, since the input unit 12 c is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 c , the drive control unit 14 c ( FIG. 2 ) starts the drive to move the seat 21 c backward under the control of the control unit 11 . The seat 21 c then starts the backward movement operation in the X 2 direction.

In step S 5 , the front row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 2 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation, and the back row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 4 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation.

Specifically, if the time the passenger 22 a pushed the input unit 12 a in step S 1 is within the predetermined time t, mentioned above, the seat 21 a moves forward in the X 1 direction by a predetermined distance based on the pushing time, that is, the output of the input unit 12 a within the predetermined range Ma ( FIG. 4 ). If the time the passenger 22 a pushed the input unit 12 a exceeds the predetermined time, the seat 21 a automatically moves forward up to the front end position Fa ( FIG. 4 ) within the predetermined range Ma.

Similar to the above, if the time the passenger 22 c pushed the input unit 12 c in step S 3 is within the predetermined time t, mentioned above, the seat 21 c moves backward in the X 2 direction by a predetermined distance based on the pushing time, that is, the output of the input unit 12 c within the predetermined range Mc ( FIG. 4 ). If the time the passenger 22 c pushed the input unit 12 c exceeds the predetermined time, the seat 21 c automatically moves backward up to the back end position Bc ( FIG. 4 ) within the predetermined range Mc.

The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the movement of the front row seat and the back row seat, that is, the seats 21 a , 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 6 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the back row seat forward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 c is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 c according to the verification result of step S 3 , where the process proceeds to step S 7 if pushed to the front side (step S 6 : YES), and the process proceeds to step S 9 if not pushed to the front side (step S 6 : NO).

In step S 7 , the back row seat starts the forward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 6 . Specifically, since the input unit 12 c is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 c , the drive control unit 14 c starts the drive to move the seat 21 c forward under the control of the control unit 11 . The seat 21 c then starts the forward movement operation in the X 1 direction.

In step S 8 , the front row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 2 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation, and the back row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 7 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation.

Specifically, if the time the passenger 22 c pushed the input unit 12 c in step S 6 is within the predetermined time t, the seat 21 c moves forward in the X 1 direction by a predetermined distance based on the pushing time, that is, the output of the input unit 12 c within the predetermined range Mc. If the time the passenger 22 c pushed the input unit 12 c exceeds the predetermined time, the seat 21 c automatically moves forward up to the front end position Fc ( FIG. 4 ) within the predetermined range Mc. The forward movement operation in step S 8 of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the forward movement operation in step S 2 is similar to step S 5 , and thus the description thereof will not be given.

The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the movement of the front row seat and the back row seat, that is, the seats 21 a , 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 9 , only the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the forward movement operation in step S 2 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation according to the verification results of steps S 1 , S 3 , and S 6 . The forward movement operation in step S 9 of the seat 21 a is similar to step S 5 , and thus the description thereof will not be given.

The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the movement of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 10 of FIG. 8 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the front row seat backward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 a is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 a according to the verification result of step S 1 ( FIG. 7 ), where the process proceeds to step S 11 if pushed to the back side (step S 10 : YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 18 of FIG. 9 if not pushed to the back side (step S 10 : NO).

In step S 11 , the front row seat starts the backward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 10 . Specifically, since the input unit 12 a is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 a , the drive control unit 14 a starts the drive to move the seat 21 a backward under the control of the control unit 11 . The seat 21 a then starts the backward movement operation in the X 2 direction.

In step S 12 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the back row seat backward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 c is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 c , where the process proceeds to step S 13 if pushed to the back side (step S 12 : YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 15 if not pushed to the back side (step S 12 : NO).

In step S 13 , the back row seat starts the backward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 12 . The details related to the start of the backward movement operation of the back row seat, that is, the start of the backward movement operation in the X 2 direction of the seat 21 c are similar to step S 4 ( FIG. 7 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In step S 14 , the front row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 11 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation, and the back row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 13 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation.

Specifically, if the time the passenger 22 a pushed the input unit 12 a in step S 10 is within the predetermined time t, the seat 21 a moves backward in the X 2 direction by a predetermined distance based on the pushing time, that is, the output of the input unit 12 a within the predetermined range Ma. If the time the passenger 22 a pushed the input unit 12 a exceeds the predetermined time, the seat 21 a automatically moves backward up to the back end position Ba ( FIG. 4 ) within the predetermined range Ma. The back row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 13 , that is, the backward movement operation in step S 14 of the seat 21 c is similar to step S 5 ( FIG. 7 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the movement of the front row seat and the back row seat, that is, the seats 21 a , 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 15 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the back row seat forward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 c is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 c according to the verification result of step S 12 , where the process proceeds to step S 16 if pushed to the front side (step S 15 : YES), and the process proceeds to step S 17 if not pushed to the front side (step S 15 : NO).

If the determination of step S 15 is YES, the forward movement of the back row seat is started, under normal circumstances, during the backward movement of the front row seat according to the verification results of steps S 1 ( FIG. 7 ), S 10 , S 12 , and S 15 .

When the front row seat moves backward and the back row seat moves forward, the seats approach each other as in FIG. 6 , and an object between the front row seat and the back row seat such as the foot (shaded portion in FIG. 6 ) of the passenger 22 c seated on the seat 21 c may get trapped from two directions (X 1 direction and X 2 direction) by the seats 21 a , 21 c depending on the movement amount of each seat.

In the seat control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat control for preventing such trapping is performed in step S 16 .

Specifically, in a first example of the present embodiment, the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated before is stopped, and the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated after is prohibited. In other words, the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is stopped and the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is prohibited in step S 16 .

In a second example of the present embodiment, the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated before is stopped, and the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated after is executed. In other words, the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is stopped and the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is executed in step S 16 .

In a third example of the present embodiment, the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated before is executed, and the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated after is prohibited. In other words, the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is executed and the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is prohibited in step S 16 .

The details of the operation of the seat control device 100 according to the first to third examples will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 13 . In FIG. 13 , step S 16 a is the first example of the seat control described above performed in step S 16 ( FIG. 8 ), steps S 16 h , S 16 i are the second example of the seat control described above performed in step S 16 , and steps S 16 m , S 16 n are the third example of the seat control described above performed in step S 16 .

In step S 16 a of FIG. 13 , the backward movement of the front row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 11 ( FIG. 8 ) is stopped and the forward movement of the back row seat is prohibited.

Specifically, since the front row seat started moving backward, that is, the seat 21 a started moving backward in the X 2 direction in step S 11 according to the verification result of step S 10 ( FIG. 8 ), the drive of the drive control unit 14 a is stopped, and the backward movement of the seat 21 a is stopped under the control of the control unit 11

Furthermore, even if the back row seat attempts to start moving forward, that is, the seat 21 c attempts to start moving forward in the X 1 direction according to the verification result of step S 15 , the drive of the drive control unit 14 c is prohibited, and the forward movement of the seat 21 c is prohibited under the control of the control unit 11 .

The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the backward movement of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a is stopped, and the forward movement of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c is prohibited to prepare for the next seat control.

In steps S 16 h , S 16 i of FIG. 13 , the backward movement of the front row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 11 is stopped. The back row seat starts the forward movement operation, and moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation.

Specifically, since the front row seat started moving backward, that is, the seat 21 a started moving backward in the X 2 direction in step S 11 according to the verification result of step S 10 , the drive of the drive control unit 14 a is stopped, and the backward movement of the seat 21 a is stopped under the control of the control unit 11 in step S 16 h.

Furthermore, the back row seat starts the forward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 15 . The details on the start of the forward movement operation of the back row seat, that is, the start of the forward movement operation in the X 1 direction of the seat 21 c are similar to step S 7 ( FIG. 7 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In step S 16 i , the back row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 16 h moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation. The forward movement operation in step S 16 i of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c that started the forward movement operation in step S 16 h is similar to step S 8 ( FIG. 7 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the backward movement of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a is stopped, and the forward movement of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In steps S 16 m , S 16 n of FIG. 13 , the backward movement of the front row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 11 is continued, and the forward movement of the back row seat is prohibited.

Specifically, since the front row seat started moving backward, that is, the seat 21 a started moving backward in the X 2 direction in step S 11 according to the verification result of step S 10 , the backward movement of the seat is continued in step S 16 m.

The drive of the drive control unit 14 c is prohibited, and the forward movement of the seat 21 c is prohibited under the control of the control unit 11 even when the back row seat attempts to start moving forward, that is, the seat 21 c attempts to start moving forward in the X 1 direction according to the verification result of step S 15 .

In step S 16 n , the front row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 11 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation. The backward movement operation in step S 16 n of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the backward movement operation in step S 11 is similar to step S 14 ( FIG. 8 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the forward movement of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c is prohibited, and the backward movement of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 17 of FIG. 8 , only the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the backward movement operation in step S 11 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation according to the verification result of steps S 1 ( FIG. 7 ), S 10 , S 12 , and S 15 . The backward movement operation in step S 17 of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the backward movement operation in step S 11 is similar to step S 14 , and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the backward movement of the seat 21 a is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 18 of FIG. 9 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the back row seat backward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 c is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 c according to the verification result of step S 10 ( FIG. 8 ), where the process proceeds to step S 19 if pushed to the back side (step S 18 : YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 21 if not pushed to the back side (step S 18 : NO).

In step S 19 , the back row seat starts the backward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 18 . The details related to the start of the backward movement operation of the back row seat, that is, the start of the backward movement operation in the X 2 direction of the seat 21 c are similar to step S 4 ( FIG. 7 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In step S 20 , only the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c that started the backward movement operation in step S 19 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation according to the verification results of the steps S 1 , S 10 , and S 18 . The backward movement operation in step S 20 of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c that started the backward movement operation in step S 19 is similar to step S 5 ( FIG. 7 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the backward movement of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 21 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the back row seat forward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 c is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 c according to the verification result of step S 18 , where the process proceeds to step S 22 if pushed to the front side (step S 21 : YES), and the flowchart is terminated according to the verification results of steps S 1 , S 10 , S 18 , and S 21 if not pushed to the front side (step S 21 : NO).

In step S 22 , the back row seat starts the forward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 21 . The details on the start of the forward movement operation of the back row seat, that is, the start of the forward movement operation in the X 1 direction of the seat 21 c is similar to step S 7 ( FIG. 7 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In step S 23 , only the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c that started the forward movement operation in step S 22 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation according to the verification result of the steps S 1 , S 10 , S 18 , and S 21 . The forward movement operation in step S 23 of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c that started the forward movement operation in step S 22 is similar to step S 8 ( FIG. 7 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the forward movement of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

(2) When Back Seat Control Operation is Before, and Front Seat Control Operation is after

Now, the operation of the seat control device 100 when the operation for moving the seat 21 c in the X 1 or the X 2 direction is performed at the input unit 12 c before, and the operation for moving the seat 21 a in the X 1 or the X 2 direction is performed at the input unit 12 a after will be specifically described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 12 , and 14 .

In step S 31 of FIG. 10 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the back row seat backward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 c is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 c seated on the seat 21 c , where the process proceeds to step S 32 if pushed to the back side (step S 31 : YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 40 of FIG. 11 if not pushed to the back side (step S 31 : NO).

In step S 32 , the back row seat starts the backward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 31 . Specifically, since the input unit 12 c is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 c , the drive control unit 14 c starts the drive to move the seat 21 c backward under the control of the control unit 11 . The seat 21 c then starts the backward movement operation in the X 2 direction.

In step S 33 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the front row seat forward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 a is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 a seated on the seat 21 a , where the process proceeds to step S 34 if pushed to the front side (step S 33 : YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 36 if not pushed to the front side (step S 33 : NO).

In step S 34 , the front row seat starts the forward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 33 . Specifically, since the input unit 12 a is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 a , the drive control unit 14 a starts the drive to move the seat 21 a forward under the control of the control unit 11 . The seat 21 a then starts the forward movement operation in the X 1 direction.

In step S 35 , the back row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 32 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation, and the front row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 34 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation.

Specifically, if the time the passenger 22 c pushed the input unit 12 c in step S 31 is within the predetermined time t, mentioned above, the seat 21 c moves backward in the X 2 direction by a predetermined distance based on the pushing time, that is, the output of the input unit 12 c within the predetermined range Mc. If the time the passenger 22 c pushed the input unit 12 c exceeds the predetermined time, the seat 21 c automatically moves backward up to the back end position Bc within the predetermined range Mc.

Similar to above, if the time the passenger 22 a pushed the input unit 12 a in step S 33 is within the predetermined time t, mentioned above, the seat 21 a moves forward in the X 1 direction by a predetermined distance based on the pushing time, that is, the output of the input unit 12 a within the predetermined range Ma. If the time the passenger 22 a pushed the input unit 12 a exceeds the predetermined time, the seat 21 a automatically moves forward up to the front end position Fa within the predetermined range Ma. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the movement of the front row seat and the back row seat, that is, the seats 21 a , 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 36 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the front row seat backward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 a is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 a according to the verification result of step S 33 , where the process proceeds to step S 37 if pushed to the back side (step S 36 : YES), and the process proceeds to step S 39 if not pushed to the back side (step S 36 : NO).

In step S 37 , the front row seat starts the backward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 36 . Specifically, since the input unit 12 a is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 a , the drive control unit 14 a starts the drive to move the seat 21 a backward under the control of the control unit 11 . The seat 21 a then starts the backward movement operation in the X 2 direction.

In step S 38 , the back row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 32 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation, and the front row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 37 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation.

Specifically, if the time the passenger 22 a pushed the input unit 12 a in step S 36 is within the predetermined time t, the seat 21 a moves backward in the X 2 direction by a predetermined distance based on the pushing time, that is, the output of the input unit 12 a within the predetermined range Ma. If the time the passenger 22 a pushed the input unit 12 a exceeds the predetermined time, the seat 21 a automatically moves backward up to the back end position Ba within the predetermined range Ma. The back row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 32 , that is, the backward movement operation in step S 38 of the seat 21 c is similar to step S 35 , and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the movement of the front row seat and the back row seat, that is, the seats 21 a , 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 39 , only the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c that started the backward movement operation in step S 32 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation according to the verification results of steps S 31 , S 33 , and S 36 . The backward movement operation in step S 39 of the seat 21 c is similar to step S 35 , and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the movement of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 40 of FIG. 11 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the back row seat forward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 c is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 c according to the verification result of step S 31 ( FIG. 10 ), where the process proceeds to step S 41 if pushed to the front side (step S 40 : YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 48 of FIG. 12 if not pushed to the front side (step S 40 : NO).

In step S 41 , the back row seat starts the forward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 40 . Specifically, since the input unit 12 c is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 c , the drive control unit 14 c starts the drive to move the seat 21 c forward under the control of the control unit 11 . The seat 21 c then starts the forward movement operation in the X 1 direction.

In step S 42 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the front row seat forward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 a is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 a , where the process proceeds to step S 43 if pushed to the front side (step S 42 : YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 45 if not pushed to the front side (step S 42 ; NO).

In step S 43 , the front row seat starts the forward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 42 . The details related to the start of the forward movement operation of the front row seat, that is, the start of the forward movement operation in the X 1 direction of the seat 21 a are similar to step S 34 ( FIG. 10 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In step S 44 , the back row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 41 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation, and the front row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 43 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation.

Specifically, if the time the passenger 22 c pushed the input unit 12 c in step S 40 is within the predetermined time t, the seat 21 c moves forward in the X 1 direction by a predetermined distance based on the pushing time, that is, the output of the input unit 12 c within the predetermined range Mc. If the time the passenger 22 c pushed the input unit 12 c exceeds the predetermined time, the seat 21 c automatically moves forward up to the front end position Fc within the predetermined range Mc. The front row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 43 , that is, the forward movement operation in step S 44 of the seat 21 a is similar to step S 35 ( FIG. 10 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the movement of the front row seat and the back row seat, that is, the seats 21 a , 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 45 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the front row seat backward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 a is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 a according to the verification result of step S 42 , where the process proceeds to step S 46 if pushed to the back side (step S 45 : YES), and the process proceeds to step S 47 if not pushed to the back side (step S 45 : NO).

If the determination of step S 45 is YES, the backward movement of the front row seat is started, under normal circumstances, during the forward movement of the back row seat according to the verification results of steps S 31 ( FIG. 10 ), S 40 , S 42 , and S 45 .

When the back row seat moves forward and the front row seat moves backward, the seats approach each other as in FIG. 6 , and an object between the front row seat and the back row seat such as the foot (shaded portion in FIG. 6 ) of the passenger 22 c seated on the seat 21 c may get trapped from two directions (X 1 direction and X 2 direction) by the seats 21 a , 21 c depending on the movement amount of each seat.

In the seat control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat control for preventing such trapping, that Is, the seat control similar to the step S 16 ( FIG. 8 ) described above is performed in step S 46 .

Specifically, in a first example of the present embodiment, the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated before is stopped, and the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated after is prohibited. In other words, the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is stopped and the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is prohibited in step S 46 .

In a second example of the present embodiment, the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated before is stopped, and the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated after is executed. In other words, the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is stopped and the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is executed in step S 46 .

In a third example of the present embodiment, the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated before is executed, and the movement of the seat based on the output of the input unit operated after is prohibited. In other words, the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is executed and the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is prohibited in step S 46 .

The details of the operation of the seat control device 100 according to the first to third examples will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 14 . In FIG. 14 , step S 46 a is the first example of the seat control described above performed in step S 46 ( FIG. 11 ), steps S 46 h , S 46 i are the second example of the seat control described above performed in step S 46 , and steps S 46 m , S 46 n are the third example of the seat control described above performed in step S 46 .

In step S 46 a of FIG. 14 , the forward movement of the back row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 41 ( FIG. 11 ) is stopped and the backward movement of the front row seat is prohibited.

Specifically, since the back row seat started moving forward, that is, the seat 21 c started moving forward in the X 1 direction in step S 41 according to the verification result of step S 40 ( FIG. 11 ), the drive of the drive control unit 14 c is stopped, and the forward movement of the seat 21 c is stopped under the control of the control unit 11 .

Furthermore, even if the front row seat attempts to start moving backward, that is, the seat 21 a attempts to start moving backward in the X 2 direction according to the verification result of step S 45 , the drive of the drive control unit 14 a is prohibited, and the backward movement of the seat 21 a is prohibited under the control of the control unit 11 . The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the forward movement of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c is stopped, and the backward movement of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a is prohibited to prepare for the next seat control.

In steps S 46 h , S 46 i of FIG. 14 , the forward movement of the back row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 41 is stopped. The front row seat starts the backward movement operation, and moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation.

Specifically, since the back row seat started moving forward, that is, the seat 21 c started moving forward in the X 1 direction in step S 41 according to the verification result of step S 40 , the drive of the drive control unit 14 c is stopped and the forward movement of the seat 21 c is stopped under the control of the control unit 11 in step S 46 h.

Furthermore, the front row seat starts the backward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 45 . The details on the start of the backward movement operation of the front row seat, that is, the start of the backward movement operation in the X 2 direction of the seat 21 a are similar to step S 37 ( FIG. 10 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In step S 46 i , the front row seat that started the backward movement operation in step S 46 h moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation. The backward movement operation in step S 46 i of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the backward movement operation in step S 46 h is similar to step S 38 ( FIG. 10 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the forward movement of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c is stopped, and the backward movement of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In steps S 46 m , S 46 n of FIG. 14 , the forward movement of the back row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 41 is continued, and the backward movement of the front row seat is prohibited.

Specifically, since the back row seat started moving forward, that is, the seat 21 c started moving forward in the X 1 direction in step S 41 according to the verification result of step S 40 , the forward movement of the seat is continued in step S 46 m.

The drive of the drive control unit 14 a is prohibited, and the backward movement of the seat 21 a is prohibited under the control of the control unit 11 even when the front row seat attempts to start moving backward, that is, the seat 21 a attempts to start moving backward in the X 2 direction according to the verification result of step S 45 .

In step S 46 n , the back row seat that started the forward movement operation in step S 41 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation. The forward movement operation in step S 46 n of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c that started the forward movement operation in step S 41 is similar to step S 44 ( FIG. 11 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the backward movement of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a is prohibited, and the forward movement of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 47 of FIG. 11 , only the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c that started the forward movement operation in step S 41 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation according to the verification result of steps S 31 ( FIG. 10 ), S 40 , S 42 , and S 45 . The forward movement operation in step S 47 of the back row seat, that is, the seat 21 c that started the forward movement operation in step S 41 is similar to step S 44 , and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the forward movement of the seat 21 c is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 48 of FIG. 12 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the front row seat forward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 a is pushed to the front side by the passenger 22 a according to the verification result of step S 40 ( FIG. 11 ), where the process proceeds to step S 49 if pushed to the front side (step S 48 ; YES), and the process proceeds to after step S 51 if not pushed to the front side (step S 48 : NO).

In step S 49 , the front row seat starts the forward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 48 . The details related to the start of the forward movement operation of the front row seat, that is, the start of the forward movement operation in the X 1 direction of the seat 21 a are similar to step S 34 ( FIG. 10 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In step S 50 , only the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the forward movement operation in step S 49 moves forward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation according to the verification results of the steps S 31 , S 40 , and S 48 . The forward movement operation in step S 50 of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the forward movement operation in step S 49 is similar to step S 35 ( FIG. 10 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the forward movement of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

In step S 51 , the control unit 11 verifies whether or not the switch for moving the front row seat backward is switched from the “OFF” state to the “ON” state, that is, whether or not the input unit 12 a is pushed to the back side by the passenger 22 a according to the verification result of step S 48 , where the process proceeds to step S 52 if pushed to the back side (step S 51 : YES), and the flowchart is terminated according to the verification results of steps S 31 , S 40 , S 48 , and S 51 if not pushed to the back side (step S 51 : NO).

In step S 52 , the front row seat starts the backward movement operation according to the verification result of step S 51 . The details on the start of the backward movement operation of the front row seat, that is, the start of the backward movement operation in the X 2 direction of the seat 21 a is similar to step S 37 ( FIG. 10 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In step S 53 , only the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the backward movement operation in step S 52 moves backward based on the output of the switch related to the relevant operation according to the verification result of the steps S 31 , S 40 , S 48 , and S 51 . The backward movement operation in step S 53 of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a that started the backward movement operation in step S 52 is similar to step S 38 ( FIG. 10 ), and thus the description thereof will not be given. The seat control for this time is terminated as soon as the backward movement of the front row seat, that is, the seat 21 a is completed to prepare for the next seat control.

Therefore, in the first example of the present embodiment, if the input unit operated before is the input unit 12 a and the input unit operated after is the input unit 12 c , the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is stopped and the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is prohibited in step S 16 ( FIG. 8 ). If the input unit operated before is the input unit 12 c and the input unit operated after is the input unit 12 a , the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is stopped and the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is prohibited in step S 46 ( FIG. 11 ). Accordingly, since the movement of either the seat 21 a or the seat 21 c , which are in front and back relationship to each other, is stopped and the movement of the other seat is prohibited, the seats are avoided from approaching each other, and thus the trapping of the object between the seat 21 a and the seat 21 c can be inhibited.

In the second example of the present embodiment, if the input unit operated before is the input unit 12 a and the input unit operated after is the input unit 12 c , the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is stopped and the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is executed in step S 16 . If the input unit operated before is the input unit 12 c and the input unit operated after is the input unit 12 a , the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is stopped and the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is executed in step S 46 . Accordingly, even if either the seat 21 a or the seat 21 c , which are in front and back relationship to each other, moves, the movement of the other seat is stopped, and thus the seats are avoided from approaching each other, and the object between the seat 21 a and the seat 21 c can be inhibited from being trapped from two directions by the seats 21 a , 21 c.

In the third example of the present embodiment, if the input unit operated before is the input unit 12 a and the input unit operated after is the input unit 12 c , the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is executed and the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is prohibited in step S 16 . If the input unit operated before is the input unit 12 c and the input unit operated after is the input unit 12 a , the forward movement of the seat 21 c based on the output of the input unit 12 c is executed and the backward movement of the seat 21 a based on the output of the input unit 12 a is prohibited in step S 46 . Accordingly, even if either the seat 21 a or the seat 21 c , which are in front and back relationship to each other, moves, the movement of the other seat is prohibited, and thus the seats are avoided from approaching each other, and the object between the seat 21 a and the seat 21 c can be inhibited from being trapped from two directions by the seats 21 a , 21 c.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automobile arranged with the seat control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the front seat and the back seat arranged in the automobile of FIG. 15 . First, the configuration of the automobile 1100 arranged with the seat control device 1010 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 . The configuration of FIGS. 15 and 16 are the same in the second to the seventh embodiments hereinafter described.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the automobile 1100 includes a seat control device 1010 , and a front seat 1020 a and a back seat 1020 b . In other words, the automobile 1100 has two rows of seats (front seat 1020 a and back seat 1020 b ), as shown in FIG. 16 .

The seat control device 1010 according to the first embodiment is arranged to adjust the horizontal position of the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b by moving the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b forward or backward. Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is arranged to move the front seat 1020 a forward (movement in the X 1 direction) or backward (movement in the X 2 direction) within a predetermined range Ra with respect to a reference position Pa. The seat control device 1010 is also arranged to move the back seat 1020 b forward or backward within a predetermined range Rb with respect to a reference position Pb.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the seat control device 1010 includes a motor 1011 a for the front seat 1020 a , a manual switch 1012 a , an auto switch 1013 a , and a position sensor 1014 a . The manual switch 1012 a and the auto switch 1013 a are arranged at the front seat 1020 a , as shown in FIG. 16 . The motor 1011 a serves as the “first drive unit” according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The manual switch 1012 a serves as the “first manual switch” according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The auto switch 1013 a serves as the “first auto switch” according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the motor 1011 a is arranged to move the front seat 1020 a forward or backward according to the operation state of the manual switch 1012 a and the auto switch 1013 a.

The manual switch 1012 a is arranged to move the front seat 1020 a forward or backward while being operated by a user. Specifically, the manual switch 1012 a includes a forward switch 1121 a and a reverse switch 1122 a . The manual switch 1012 a is configured to move the front seat 1020 a forward by the motor 1011 a while the forward switch 1121 a is being pushed (while the forward switch 1121 a is in ON state). The manual switch 1012 a is also configured to move the front seat 1020 a backward by the motor 1011 a while the reverse switch 1122 a is being pushed (while the reverse switch 1122 a is in ON state).

The auto switch 1013 a is arranged to move the front seat 1020 a forward or backward after being operated by the user. Specifically, the auto switch 1013 a includes a forward switch 1131 a and a reverse switch 1132 a . The auto switch 1013 a is configured to move the front seat 1020 a forward up to the front end Ra 1 (see FIG. 16 ) of the predetermined range Ra by the motor 1011 a when the forward switch 1131 a is once pushed (forward switch 1131 a is turned ON) even after the operation is canceled. The auto switch 1013 a is also configured to move the front seat 1020 a backward up to the back end Ra 2 (see FIG. 16 ) of the predetermined range Ra by the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1132 a is once pushed (reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON) even after the operation is canceled.

The position sensor 1014 a is arranged to detect the position of the front seat 1020 a within the predetermined range Ra (see FIG. 16 ).

The seat control device 1010 also includes a motor 1011 b for the back seat 1020 b , a manual switch 1012 b , an auto switch 1013 b , and a position sensor 1014 b . The manual switch 1012 b and the auto switch 1013 b are arranged at the back seat 1020 b , as shown in FIG. 16 . The motor 1011 b serves as the “second drive unit” according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The manual switch 1012 b serves as the “second manual switch” according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The auto switch 1013 b serves as the “second auto switch” according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the motor 1011 b is arranged to move the back seat 1020 b forward or backward according to the operation state of the manual switch 1012 b and the auto switch 1013 b.

The manual switch 1012 b is arranged to move the back seat 1020 b forward or backward while being operated by the user. Specifically, the manual switch 1012 b includes a forward switch 1121 b and a reverse switch 1122 b . The manual switch 1012 b is configured to move the back seat 1020 b forward by the motor 1011 b while the forward switch 1121 b is being pushed (while the forward switch 1121 b is in ON state). The manual switch 1012 b is also configured to move the back seat 1020 b backward by the motor 1011 b while the reverse switch 1122 b is being pushed (while the reverse switch 1122 b is in ON state).

The auto switch 1013 b is arranged to move the back seat 1020 b forward or backward after being operated by the user. Specifically, the auto switch 1013 b includes a forward switch 1131 b and a reverse switch 1132 b . The auto switch 1013 b is configured to move the back seat 1020 b forward up to the front end Rb 1 (see FIG. 16 ) of the predetermined range Rb by the motor 1011 b when the forward switch 1131 b is once pushed (forward switch 1131 b is turned ON) even after the operation is canceled. The auto switch 1013 b is also configured to move the back seat 1020 b backward up to the back end Rb 2 (see FIG. 16 ) of the predetermined range Rb by the motor 1011 b when the reverse switch 1132 b is once pushed (reverse switch 1132 b is turned ON) even after the operation is canceled.

The position sensor 1014 b is arranged to detect the position of the back seat 1020 b within the predetermined range Rb (see FIG. 16 ).

The seat control device 1010 includes a control unit 1015 configured by a CPU, an ROM, an RAM, and the like. The control unit 1015 is configured to drive the motors 1011 a and 1011 b based on the operation states of the manual switches 1012 a , 1012 b , and the auto switches 1013 a , 1013 b by the user.

The control unit 1015 is configured to stop driving the motor 1011 a when the position sensor 1014 a detects that the front seat 1020 a reached the front end Ra 1 (see FIG. 16 ) of the predetermined range Ra during the forward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a . The control unit 1015 is also configured to stop driving the motor 1011 a when the position sensor 1014 a detects that the front seat 1020 a reached the back end Ra 2 (see FIG. 16 ) of the predetermined range Ra during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a.

The control unit 1015 is configured to stop driving the motor 1011 b when the position sensor 1014 b detects that the back seat 1020 b reached the front end Rb 1 (see FIG. 16 ) of the predetermined range Rb during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b . The control unit 1015 is also configured to stop driving the motor 1011 b when the position sensor 1014 b detects that the back seat 1020 b reached the back end Rb 2 (see FIG. 16 ) of the predetermined range Rb during the backward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b.

In the first embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to prohibit the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a and the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b are simultaneously pushed. Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 does not drive the motors 1011 a and 1011 b when the reverse switch 1132 a and the forward switch 1131 b are simultaneously turned ON. A case where the reverse switch 1132 a and the forward switch 1131 b are simultaneously pushed includes a case where the forward switch 1131 b is pushed before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation after the reverse switch 1132 a is pushed, and a case where the reverse switch 1132 a is pushed before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation after the forward switch 1131 b is pushed.

In the first embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to cancel the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to prohibit the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is pushed during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b when the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to cancel the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b and to prohibit the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is pushed during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the front seat 1020 a is arranged in a region corresponding to the back seat 1020 b in front of the back seat 1020 b . The front seat 1020 a may be a driver's seat or may be a front passenger's seat.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the seat control device 1010 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17 . The following operations are repeatedly performed in the seat control device 1010 .

First, in the seat control device 1010 (see FIG. 15 ), the control unit 1015 (see FIG. 15 ) determines whether or not the forward switch 1121 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is in the ON state in step S 1001 of FIG. 17 . The process proceeds to step S 1002 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1121 a is not in the ON state. The process proceeds to step S 1012 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1121 a is in the ON state.

In step S 1002 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the reverse switch 1122 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is in the ON state. The process proceeds to step S 1003 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1122 a is not in the ON state. The process proceeds to step S 1012 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1122 a is in the ON state.

In step S 1003 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the forward switch 1121 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is in the ON state. The process proceeds to step S 1004 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1121 b is not in the ON state. The process proceeds to step S 1012 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1121 b is in the ON state.

In step S 1004 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the reverse switch 1122 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is in the ON state. The process proceeds to step S 1005 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1122 b is not in the ON state. The process proceeds to step S 1012 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1122 b is in the ON state.

In step S 1005 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the forward switch 1131 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON, or whether or not the front seat 1020 a is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 a . The process proceeds to step S 1006 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 a is not turned ON and that the front seat 1020 a is not moving forward by the forward switch 1131 a . The process proceeds to step S 1012 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 a is turned ON or that the front seat 1020 a is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 a.

In step S 1006 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the reverse switch 1132 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON, or whether or not the back seat 1020 b is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 b . The process proceeds to step S 1007 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 b is not turned ON and that the back seat 1020 b is not moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 b . The process proceeds to step S 1012 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 b is turned ON or that the back seat 1020 b is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 b.

In step S 1007 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the reverse switch 1132 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON, or whether or not the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a . The process proceeds to step S 1008 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON or that the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a . The process proceeds to step S 1009 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 a is not turned ON and that the front seat 1020 a is not moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a.

In step S 1008 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the forward switch 1131 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON, or whether or not the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b . The process proceeds to step S 1011 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON or that the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b . The process proceeds to step S 1012 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 b is not turned ON and that the back seat 1020 b is not moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b.

In step S 1009 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON, or whether or not the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b . The process proceeds to step S 1010 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON or that the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b . The process proceeds to step S 1012 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 b is not turned ON and that the back seat 1020 b is not moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b.

In step S 1010 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON, or whether or not the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a . The process proceeds to step S 1011 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON or that the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a . The process proceeds to step S 1012 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 a is not turned ON and that the front seat 1020 a is not moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 1015 prohibits the drive of the motors 1011 a and 1011 b (see FIG. 15 ) in step S 1011 , and thereafter, the series of operations are terminated. Specifically, if the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1007 ), and thereafter, the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1008 ) before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation, the control unit 1015 does not drive the motors 1011 a and 1011 b . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1008 ) while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward (Yes in step S 1007 ) by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a , the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1009 ), and thereafter, the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1010 ) before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation, the control unit 1015 does not drive the motors 1011 a and 1011 b . If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1010 ) while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward (Yes in step S 1009 ) by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b , the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a.

In step S 1012 , the control unit 1015 performs the motor driving process, to be hereinafter described, and thereafter, the series of operations are terminated.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for describing the motor driving process of the seat control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The motor driving process of the seat control device 1010 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 , 17 , and 18 .

First, in the seat control device 1010 (see FIG. 15 ), the control unit 1015 (see FIG. 15 ) determines whether or not the manual switch 1012 a (see FIG. 15 ) for the front seat 1020 a or the manual switch 1012 b (see FIG. 15 ) for the back seat 1020 b is in the ON state in step S 1021 of FIG. 18 . The process proceeds to step S 1022 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the manual switch 1012 a or 1012 b is in the ON state. The process proceeds to step S 1023 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the manual switch 1012 a and 1012 b is not in the ON state.

In step S 1022 , the motor is driven according to the switch in the ON state by the control unit 1015 , and thereafter, the process is terminated. Specifically, if the forward switch 1121 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is in the ON state (Yes in step S 1001 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 drives the motor 1011 a (see FIG. 15 ) so that the front seat 1020 a moves forward. If the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is in the ON state (Yes in step S 1002 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 drives the motor 1011 a so that the front seat 1020 a moves backward. If the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is in the ON state (Yes in step S 1003 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 drives the motor 1011 b (see FIG. 15 ) so that the back seat 1020 b moves forward. If the reverse switch 1122 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is in the ON state (Yes in step S 1004 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 drives the motor 1011 b so that the back seat 1020 b moves backward.

In step S 1023 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the auto switch 1013 a (see FIG. 15 ) for the front seat 1020 a or the auto switch 1013 b (see FIG. 15 ) for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON. The process proceeds to step S 1024 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the auto switch 1013 a or 1013 b is turned ON. The process proceeds to step S 1025 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the auto switch 1013 a and 1013 b is not turned ON.

In step S 1024 , the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor according to the switch turned ON, and thereafter, the process is terminated. Specifically, if the forward switch 1131 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1005 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a so that the front seat 1020 a moves forward. If the reverse switch 1132 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1006 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b so that the back seat 1020 b moves backward. If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1007 of FIG. 17 ), and the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is not turned ON (No in step S 1008 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a so that the front seat 1020 a moves backward. If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1009 of FIG. 17 ), and the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is not turned ON (No in step S 1010 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b so that the back seat 1020 b moves forward.

In step S 1025 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the front seat 1020 a is operating by the auto switch 1013 a or the back seat 1020 b is operating by the auto switch 1013 b . The process proceeds to step S 1026 if determined by the control unit 1015 that the front seat 1020 a or the back seat 1020 b is operating. The process is terminated if determined by the control unit 1015 that the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b are not operating. Specifically, if the front seat 1020 a is not moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a (No in step S 1007 of FIG. 17 ), and the back seat 1020 b is not moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b (No in step S 1009 of FIG. 17 ), the process is terminated without driving the motors 1011 a and 1011 b . In other words, in this case, the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b are stopped.

In step S 1026 , the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a or 1011 b , and thereafter, the process is terminated. Specifically, if the front seat 1020 a is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 a of the auto switch 1013 a (Yes in step S 1005 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a . If the back seat 1020 b is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 b of the auto switch 1013 b (Yes in step S 1006 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 b . If the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a (Yes in step S 1007 of FIG. 17 ), and the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is not turned ON (No in step S 1008 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a . If the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b (Yes in step S 1009 of FIG. 17 ), and the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is not turned ON (No in step S 1010 of FIG. 17 ), the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 b.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 1015 prohibits the drive of the motors 1011 a and 1011 b (step S 1011 of FIG. 17 ) if the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1008 of FIG. 17 ) when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON or while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a (Yes in step S 1007 of FIG. 17 ); and the control unit 1015 prohibits the drive of the motors 1011 a and 1011 b (step S 1011 of FIG. 17 ) if the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1010 of FIG. 17 ) when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON or while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b (Yes in step S 1009 of FIG. 17 ), so that the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out, whereby occurrence of trapping of the object existing between the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b is suppressed.

The configuration of the seat control device 1010 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 15 . In the second embodiment, the seat control device 1010 in which the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the auto switch 1013 b is performed in preference to the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the auto switch 1013 a , as opposed to the first embodiment, is described.

In FIG. 15 , the seat control device 1010 according to the second embodiment is configured to prohibit the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to perform the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a and the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b are simultaneously pushed. Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1132 a and the forward switch 1131 b are simultaneously turned ON.

In the second embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to cancel the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to start the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is pushed during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 a and starts to drive the motor 1011 b when the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a.

In the second embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to continue the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b and to prohibit the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is pushed during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b.

Other configurations of the second embodiment are similar to the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the seat control device 1010 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 19 . The following operations are repeatedly performed in the seat control device 1010 . Steps S 1031 to S 1040 and S 1042 of FIG. 19 are similar to steps S 1001 to S 1010 and S 1012 of FIG. 17 described above, and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 1015 (see FIG. 15 ) prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 a (see FIG. 15 ) and starts or continues to drive the motor 1011 b (see FIG. 15 ) in step S 1041 of FIG. 19 , and thereafter, the series of operations are terminated. Specifically, if the reverse switch 1132 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1037 ), and thereafter, the forward switch 1131 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1038 ) before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1038 ) while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward (Yes in step S 1037 ) by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a , the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and stops driving the motor 1011 a . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1039 ), and thereafter, the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1040 ) before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1040 ) while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward (Yes in step S 1039 ) by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b , the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 1015 prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 a and drives the motor 1011 b (step S 1041 of FIG. 19 ) when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1038 of FIG. 19 ) when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON or while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a (Yes in step S 1037 of FIG. 19 ), and the control unit 1015 prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 a and drives the motor 1011 b (step S 1041 of FIG. 19 ) when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1040 of FIG. 19 ) when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON or while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b (Yes in step S 1039 of FIG. 19 ), so that the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out, whereby occurrence of trapping of the object existing between the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b is suppressed.

In the second embodiment, the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the auto switch 1013 b can be carried out while suppressing the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b from being simultaneously carried out, as opposed to the first embodiment, by performing the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the auto switch 1013 b in preference to the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the auto switch 1013 a , thereby enhancing the convenience of the user.

(Third Embodiment)

The configuration of the seat control device 1010 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 15 . In the third embodiment, the seat control device 1010 in which the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the auto switch 1013 a is performed in preference to the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the auto switch 1013 b , as opposed to the first embodiment, is described.

In FIG. 15 , the seat control device 1010 according to the third embodiment is configured to prohibit the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b and to perform the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a and the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b are simultaneously pushed. Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b when the reverse switch 1132 a and the forward switch 1131 b are simultaneously turned ON.

In the third embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to continue the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to prohibit the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is pushed during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b when the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a.

In the third embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to cancel the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b and to start the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is pushed during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 b and starts to drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b.

Other configurations of the third embodiment are similar to the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the seat control device 1010 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 20 . The following operations are repeatedly performed in the seat control device 1010 . Steps S 1051 to S 1060 and S 1062 of FIG. 20 are similar to steps S 1001 to S 1010 and S 1012 of FIG. 17 described above, and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In the third embodiment, the control unit 1015 (see FIG. 15 ) prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 b (see FIG. 15 ) and starts or continues to drive the motor 1011 a (see FIG. 15 ) in step S 1061 of FIG. 20 , and thereafter, the series of operations are terminated. Specifically, if the reverse switch 1132 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1057 ), and thereafter, the forward switch 1131 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1058 ) before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1058 ) while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward (Yes in step S 1057 ) by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a , the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1059 ), and thereafter, the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1060 ) before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1060 ) while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward (Yes in step S 1059 ) by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b , the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 b and starts to drive the motor 1011 a.

In the third embodiment, the control unit 1015 prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 b and drives the motor 1011 a (step S 1061 of FIG. 20 ) when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1058 of FIG. 20 ) when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON or while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a (Yes in step S 1057 of FIG. 20 ), and the control unit 1015 prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 b and drives the motor 1011 a (step S 1061 of FIG. 20 ) when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1060 of FIG. 20 ) when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON or while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b (Yes in step S 1059 of FIG. 20 ), so that the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out, whereby occurrence of trapping of the object existing between the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b is suppressed.

In the third embodiment, the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the auto switch 1013 a can be carried out while suppressing the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b from being simultaneously carried out, as opposed to the first embodiment, by performing the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the auto switch 1013 a in preference to the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the auto switch 1013 b , thereby enhancing the convenience of the user.

(Fourth Embodiment)

The configuration of the seat control device 1010 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 15 . In the fourth embodiment, the seat control device 1010 in which the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the manual switch 1012 b is performed in preference to the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the auto switch 1013 a is described.

In FIG. 15 , the seat control device 1010 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to prohibit the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to perform the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a and the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b are simultaneously pushed. Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1132 a and the forward switch 1121 b are simultaneously turned ON. A case where the reverse switch 1132 a and the forward switch 1121 b are simultaneously pushed includes a case where the forward switch 1121 b is pushed before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation after the reverse switch 1132 a is pushed, and a case where the reverse switch 1132 a is pushed before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation after the forward switch 1121 b is pushed.

In the fourth embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to cancel the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to start the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is pushed during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 a and starts to drive the motor 1011 b when the forward switch 1121 b is turned ON during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a.

In the fourth embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to continue the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b and to prohibit the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is pushed during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1121 b.

Other configurations of the fourth embodiment are similar to the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the seat control device 1010 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 21 . The following operations are repeatedly performed in the seat control device 1010 . Steps S 1071 , S 1072 , S 1073 , S 1074 , S 1075 , and S 1081 of FIG. 21 are similar to steps S 1001 , S 1002 , S 1004 , S 1005 , S 1006 , S 1012 of FIG. 17 described above, and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 1015 (see FIG. 15 ) determines whether or not the forward switch 1121 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is in the ON state, whether or not the forward switch 1131 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON, or whether or not the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b in step S 1076 of FIG. 21 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1121 b is in the ON state, the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON, or the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b , the process proceeds to step S 1077 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1121 b is not in the ON state, the forward switch 1131 b is not turned ON, and the back seat 1020 b is not moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b , the process proceeds to step S 1078 .

In step S 1077 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the reverse switch 1132 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON, or whether or not the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON or that the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a , the process proceeds to step S 1080 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 a is not turned ON and that the front seat 1020 a is not moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a , the process proceeds to step S 1081 .

In step S 1078 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON, or whether or not the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON or that the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a , the process proceeds to step S 1079 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1132 a is not turned ON and that the front seat 1020 a is not moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a , the process proceeds to step S 1081 .

In step S 1079 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is in the ON state, whether or not the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON, or whether or not the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1121 b is in the ON state, the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON, or the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b , the process proceeds to step S 1080 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1121 b is not in the ON state, the forward switch 1131 b is not turned ON, and the back seat 1020 b is not moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b , the process proceeds to step S 1081 .

The control unit 1015 prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 a (see FIG. 15 ) and starts or continues to drive the motor 1011 b (see FIG. 15 ) in step S 1080 , and thereafter, the series of operations are terminated. Specifically, if the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1077 ), when the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is in the ON state (Yes in step S 1076 ), the control unit 1015 drives the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1078 ), and thereafter, the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1079 ) before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1079 ) while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward (Yes in step S 1078 ) by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a , the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and stops driving the motor 1011 a.

If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1076 ), and thereafter, the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1077 ) before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1077 ) while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward (Yes in step S 1076 ) by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b , the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 10111 a.

If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1078 ), and thereafter, the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1079 ) before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1079 ) while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward (Yes in step S 1078 ) by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a , the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and stops driving the motor 1011 a.

In the fourth embodiment, the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out by performing the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the manual switch 1012 b in preference to the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the auto switch 1013 a , and thus occurrence of trapping of the object existing between the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b is suppressed. Since the manual operation of the manual switch 1012 b is based on the assumption that the user is seated, the back seat 1020 b having a high possibility the user is seated can be operated with preference than the front seat 1020 a having a possibility the user is not seated, thereby enhancing the convenience of the user.

Other effects of the fourth embodiment are similar to the second embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment)

The configuration of the seat control device 1010 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 15 . In the fifth embodiment, the seat control device 1010 in which the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the manual switch 1012 a is performed in preference to the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the auto switch 1013 b is described.

In FIG. 15 , the seat control device 1010 according to the fifth embodiment is configured to prohibit the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b and to perform the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a when the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a and the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b are simultaneously pushed. Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b when the reverse switch 1122 a and the forward switch 1131 b are simultaneously turned ON. A case where the reverse switch 1122 a and the forward switch 1131 b are simultaneously pushed includes a case where the forward switch 1131 b is pushed before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation after the reverse switch 1122 a is pushed, and a case where the reverse switch 1122 a is pushed before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation after the forward switch 1131 b is pushed.

In the fifth embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to cancel the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b and to start the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a when the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is pushed during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 b and starts to drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1122 a is turned ON during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b.

In the fifth embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to continue the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to prohibit the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is pushed during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b when the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1122 a.

Other configurations of the fifth embodiment are similar to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the seat control device 1010 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 22 . The following operations are repeatedly performed in the seat control device 1010 . Steps S 1091 , S 1092 , S 1093 , S 1094 , S 1095 , and S 1101 of FIG. 22 are similar to steps S 1001 , S 1003 , S 1004 , S 1005 , S 1006 , S 1012 of FIG. 17 described above, and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In the fifth embodiment, the control unit 1015 (see FIG. 15 ) determines whether or not the reverse switch 1122 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is in the ON state, whether or not the reverse switch 1132 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON, or whether or not the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a in step S 1096 of FIG. 22 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1122 a is in the ON state, the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON, or the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a , the process proceeds to step S 1097 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1122 a is not in the ON state, the reverse switch 1132 a is not turned ON, and the front seat 1020 a is not moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a , the process proceeds to step S 1098 .

In step S 1097 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the forward switch 1131 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON, or whether or not the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON or that the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b , the process proceeds to step S 1100 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 b is not turned ON and that the back seat 1020 b is not moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b , the process proceeds to step S 1101 .

in step S 1098 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON, or whether or not the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON or that the back seat 1020 b is moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b , the process proceeds to step S 1099 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the forward switch 1131 b is not turned ON and that the back seat 1020 b is not moving forward by the forward switch 1131 b , the process proceeds to step S 101 .

In step S 1099 , the control unit 1015 determines whether or not the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is in the ON state, whether or not the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON, or whether or not the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1122 a is in the ON state, the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON, or the front seat 1020 a is moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a , the process proceeds to step S 1100 . If determined by the control unit 1015 that the reverse switch 1122 a is not in the ON state, the reverse switch 1132 a is not turned ON, and the front seat 1020 a is not moving backward by the reverse switch 1132 a , the process proceeds to step S 1101 .

The control unit 1015 prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 b (see FIG. 15 ) and starts or continues to drive of the motor 1011 a (see FIG. 15 ) in step S 1100 , and thereafter, the series of operations are terminated. Specifically, if the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1097 ), when the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is in the ON state (Yes in step S 1096 ), the control unit 1015 drives the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1098 ), and thereafter, the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1099 ) before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1099 ) while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward (Yes in step S 1098 ) by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b , the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and stops driving the motor 1011 b.

If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1096 ), and thereafter, the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1097 ) before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive of the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1097 ) while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward (Yes in step S 1096 ) by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a , the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b.

If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1098 ), and thereafter, the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1099 ) before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1099 ) while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward (Yes in step S 1098 ) by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b , the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a stops driving the motor 1011 b.

In the fifth embodiment, the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out by performing the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the manual switch 1012 a in preference to the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the auto switch 1013 b , and thus occurrence of trapping of the object existing between the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b is suppressed. Since the manual operation of the manual switch 1012 a is based on the assumption that the user is seated, the front seat 1020 a having a high possibility the user is seated can be operated with preference than the back seat 1020 b having a possibility the user is not seated, thereby enhancing the convenience of the user.

Other effects of the fifth embodiment are similar to the third embodiment.

(Sixth Embodiment)

The configuration of the seat control device 1010 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 15 . In the sixth embodiment, the seat control device 1010 in which the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the auto switch 1013 b is performed in preference to the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the manual switch 1012 a is described.

In FIG. 15 , the seat control device 1010 according to the sixth embodiment is configured to prohibit the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to perform the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a and the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b are simultaneously pushed. Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1122 a and the forward switch 1131 b are simultaneously turned ON. A case where the reverse switch 1122 a and the forward switch 1131 b are simultaneously pushed includes a case where the forward switch 1131 b is pushed before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation after the reverse switch 1122 a is pushed, and a case where the reverse switch 1122 a is pushed before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation after the forward switch 1131 b is pushed.

In the sixth embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to prohibit the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to continue the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is pushed during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1122 a is turned ON during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1131 b.

In the sixth embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to cancel the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to start the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is pushed during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 cancels the drive of the motor 1011 a and starts to drive the motor 1011 b when the forward switch 1131 b is turned ON during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1122 a.

Other configurations of the sixth embodiment are similar to the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the seat control device 1010 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 23 . The following operations are repeatedly performed in the seat control device 1010 . Steps S 1111 to S 1119 , and S 1121 of FIG. 23 are similar to steps S 1091 to S 1099 and S 1101 of FIG. 22 described above, and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In the sixth embodiment, the control unit 1015 (see FIG. 15 ) prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 a (see FIG. 15 ) and starts or continues to drive the motor 1011 b (see FIG. 15 ) in step S 1120 of FIG. 23 , and thereafter, the series of operations are terminated. Specifically, if the forward switch 1131 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1117 ) when the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is in the ON state (Yes in step S 1116 ), the control unit 1015 drives the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1118 ), and thereafter, the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1119 ) before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the reverse switch 1122 a of the manual switch 1012 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1119 ) while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward (Yes in step S 1118 ) by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b , the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a.

If the reverse switch 1132 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1116 ), and thereafter, the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1117 ) before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1117 ) while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward (Yes in step S 1116 ) by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a , the control unit 1015 stops driving the motor 1011 a and starts to drive the motor 1011 b.

If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1118 ), and thereafter, the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1119 ) before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a . If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1119 ) while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward (Yes in step S 1118 ) by the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b , the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 b and does not drive the motor 1011 a.

In the sixth embodiment, the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out by performing the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the auto switch 1013 b in preference to the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the manual switch 1012 a , and thus occurrence of trapping of the object existing between the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b is suppressed.

Other effects of the sixth embodiment are similar to the second embodiment.

(Seventh Embodiment)

The configuration of the seat control device 1010 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 15 . In the seventh embodiment, the seat control device 1010 in which the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the auto switch 1013 a is performed in preference to the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the manual switch 1012 b is described.

In FIG. 15 , the seat control device 1010 according to the seventh embodiment is configured to prohibit the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b and to perform the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a and the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b are simultaneously pushed. Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b when the reverse switch 1132 a and the forward switch 1121 b are simultaneously turned ON. A case where the reverse switch 1132 a and the forward switch 1121 b are simultaneously pushed includes a case where the forward switch 1121 b is pushed before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation after the reverse switch 1132 a is pushed, and a case where the reverse switch 1132 a is pushed before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation after the forward switch 1121 b is pushed.

In the seventh embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to continue the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and to prohibit the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b when the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is pushed during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b when the forward switch 1121 b is turned ON during the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the reverse switch 1132 a.

In the seventh embodiment, the seat control device 1010 is configured to cancel the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b and to start the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a when the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is pushed during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b . Specifically, the seat control device 1010 is configured such that the control unit 1015 cancels the drive of the motor 1011 b and starts to drive the motor 1011 a when the reverse switch 1132 a is turned ON during the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the forward switch 1121 b.

Other configurations of the seventh embodiment are similar to the third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the seat control device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the seat control device 1010 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 24 . The following operations are repeatedly performed in the seat control device 1010 . Steps S 1131 to S 1139 and S 1141 of FIG. 24 are similar to steps S 1071 to S 1079 and S 1081 of FIG. 21 described above, and thus the description thereof will not be given.

In the seventh embodiment, the control unit 1015 (see FIG. 15 ) prohibits the drive of the motor 1011 b (see FIG. 15 ) and starts or continues to drive the motor 1011 a (see FIG. 15 ) in step S 1140 of FIG. 24 , and thereafter, the series of operations are terminated. Specifically, if the reverse switch 1132 a (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1137 ) when the forward switch 1121 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is in the ON state (Yes in step S 1136 ), the control unit 1015 drives the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1138 ), and thereafter, the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1139 ) before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the forward switch 1121 b of the manual switch 1012 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1139 ) while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward (Yes in step S 1138 ) by the reverse switch 1132 a , the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b.

If the forward switch 1131 b (see FIG. 15 ) of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1136 ), and thereafter, the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1137 ) before the back seat 1020 b starts the forward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1137 ) while the back seat 1020 b is moving forward (Yes in step S 1136 ) by the forward switch 1131 b , the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and stops driving the motor 1011 b.

If the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a for the front seat 1020 a is turned ON (Yes in step S 1138 ), and thereafter, the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1139 ) before the front seat 1020 a starts the backward movement operation, the control unit 1015 starts to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b . If the forward switch 1131 b of the auto switch 1013 b for the back seat 1020 b is turned ON (Yes in step S 1139 ) while the front seat 1020 a is moving backward (Yes in step S 1138 ) by the reverse switch 1132 a of the auto switch 1013 a , the control unit 1015 continues to drive the motor 1011 a and does not drive the motor 1011 b.

In the seventh embodiment, the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b are prohibited from being simultaneously carried out by performing the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a by the auto switch 1013 a in preference to the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b by the manual switch 1012 b , and thus occurrence of trapping of the object existing between the front seat 1020 a and the back seat 1020 b is suppressed.

Other effects of the seventh embodiment are similar to the third embodiment.

The present invention may adopt various embodiments other than the above. For instance, an example where the seat control device 1010 is arranged in the automobile 1100 has been described in the first to seventh embodiments, but is not limited thereto, and the seat control device 1010 may be arranged on trains, and the like.

In the first to seventh embodiments, an example where two rows of seats are arranged in the automobile 1100 has been described, but is not limited thereto, and three or more rows of seats may be arranged in the automobile 1100 .

In the first to seventh embodiments, an example where the manual switch 1012 a and the auto switch 1013 a are arranged in the front seat 1020 a , and the manual switch 1012 b and the auto switch 1013 b are arranged in the back seat 1020 b has been described, but is not limited thereto, and the manual switches 1012 a , 1012 b , and the auto switches 1013 a , 1013 b may be arranged on an operation unit (not shown) at one location.

In the first to seventh embodiments, an example where the auto switch 1013 a includes the forward switch 1131 a and the reverse switch 1132 a has been described, but is not limited thereto, and the auto switch 1013 a may include a switch for moving the front seat 1020 a to the set position of the user. In this case, the seat moves to the set position when the switch is pushed such that the difference between the predefined set position and the detection result of the position sensor 1014 a becomes smaller. The auto switch 1013 a may include a switch for moving the front seat 1020 a to the reference position Pa. These are the same for the auto switch 1013 b.

In the first to seventh embodiments, the forward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the backward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b may be simultaneously carried out. The forward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the forward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b may be simultaneously carried out, or the backward movement operation of the front seat 1020 a and the backward movement operation of the back seat 1020 b may be simultaneously carried out.

Various embodiments of the present invention other than those described above may be adopted. For instance, the seat control device 1100 is applied to the vehicle 1200 such as the automobile in the above-described embodiments, but is not limited thereto, and the seat control device may be applied to railroad vehicles, boats and ships, and other vehicles.

The vehicle 1200 is a vehicle with three rows of seats in the above-described embodiments, but is not limited thereto, and may be applied to a vehicle having three or more rows of seats, and the above-described seat control may be carried out at each seat in the front and back relationship.

In the above-described embodiment, the input unit for performing the control of the seat is operated by the passenger seated on the relevant seat, but is not limited thereto, and the input unit for performing the control of each seat may be arranged in a concentrated manner at one location, so that the input unit for performing the control of the seat where the passenger is seated and the input unit for performing the control of the seat in the front and back relationship with the relevant seat may be simultaneously operated by one passenger.