JP2024110551A - Vibration device for seat and vibration transmission seat - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress heat transfer to a seat occupant due to heat dissipation while releasing heat from a vibration device for a seat.
[Solution] The seat vibration device is attached to the seat body and transmits vibrations to the seat occupant, the vibration plate engages with the exciter 500 and has heat dissipation holes 11 (12) that release heat from the exciter to the other side, the bracket 30 transmits vibrations to the seat occupant, and the support part 20 is arranged to form a space part D10 between the vibration plate and the bracket.
[Selected Figure] Figure 6

Description

This disclosure relates to a seat vibration device and a vibration transmission seat that provide a seat occupant with tactile and auditory sensations.

A vibration device for a seat is known that provides a tactile vibration to the seated occupant to alert them and to massage them to provide a relaxing effect (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-144545 A

The inventors of the present application discovered that the heat from the seat vibration device is strongly transmitted to the seat user, causing the user to feel uncomfortable.

The outline of this disclosure relates to dissipating heat from a vibration device for a seat while suppressing heat transfer to an occupant due to heat dissipation.

A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is provided below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with an overview of these particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass combinations of the embodiments described below with various aspects not described below.

Therefore, the seat vibration device and vibration transmission seat described in this specification adopt the following means to solve the above problems. The gist of this embodiment is that it includes a vibration plate that engages with an exciter and has heat dissipation holes, a bracket that transmits vibrations to the seated person, and a support part that is provided to form a space between the vibration plate and the bracket.

The seat vibration device in the first embodiment described in this specification is a seat vibration device that is attached to a seat body and transmits vibrations to a seat occupant,
Exciter and
a diaphragm engaged with the exciter and having a heat dissipation hole;
A bracket that transmits vibrations to the seated person,
and a support portion provided to form a space between the vibration plate and the bracket. According to this embodiment, since the support portion forms a space between the vibration plate and the bracket, heat from the exciter can easily escape into the space. In addition, the heat that escapes from the heat dissipation hole is blocked by the bracket without going directly to the user of the seat. This can suppress the heat from the exciter from being strongly transmitted to the user of the vibrating seat (can suppress the heat conduction to the user due to heat dissipation). The following advantages are expected.

In the seat vibration device of the second embodiment that can be subordinate to the first embodiment, the bracket has a magnetic shielding function.

In the seat vibration device of the third embodiment that can be subordinate to the first or second embodiment, the bracket has a magnetic shielding sheet on the surface on which the vibration plate is arranged. The magnetic shielding sheet includes, for example, a material having a magnetic permeability μr>10 and/or a soft magnetic material.

In a fourth embodiment of the seat vibration device that can be subordinate to the first to third embodiments, the bracket is formed of a magnetically-shielding material. The bracket is formed of a magnetically-shielding material, for example, a material having a magnetic permeability μr>10 and/or a soft magnetic material.

In the fifth embodiment of the seat vibration device which can be subordinate to the first to fourth embodiments, the vibration plate is made of a heat dissipation material. The heat dissipation material has a thermal conductivity of 10 W/mK or more, and is a metal (e.g., an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy) or a filler-containing resin to which a filler with high thermal conductivity has been added. The filler is preferably carbon fiber, but any type of material with a higher thermal conductivity than the resin, such as fine copper wire, copper mesh, copper powder, graphite powder, etc., is acceptable.

In a sixth embodiment of a seat vibration device that can be subordinate to the first to fifth embodiments, the vibration plate is formed of metal or resin containing a metal filler.

In the seventh embodiment of the seat vibration device which can be subordinate to the first to sixth embodiments, the bracket is formed of metal or resin containing a metal filler.

FIG. 1 illustrates a vibrating sheet including a vibration generating portion according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an exciter. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a diaphragm in some embodiments. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the support portion and the bracket in some embodiments. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vibration generating unit according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view including a first heat dissipation hole in the vibration generating part of some embodiments. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view including a support portion in a vibration generating unit according to some embodiments. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a seat vibration device including a seat vibration control device and a vibration generating unit according to some embodiments.

1 to 8, an exemplary seat vibration device and vibration transmission seat configuration and operation are provided. The teachings of the embodiments herein can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, to the extent practicable, similar or similar reference numerals may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or similar features. The figures depict embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods described herein may be used without departing from the principles or advantages of the disclosure set forth herein.

One or more embodiments described herein are intended to address many of the shortcomings in delivering a high quality haptic experience (as well as audio) to a human user while they are seated in a car, a theater or other venue, a home or other location.

One or more embodiments described herein may be applicable to, for example, motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and buses, or other vehicles, such as trains, planes, and boats.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the seat vibration device may alert the user, for example, when there is an obstacle (e.g., another vehicle blocking the path) or other area requiring attention (e.g., an intersection requiring stopping), by activating a vibration generating unit on the seat side adjacent to the obstacle or other area requiring attention. The seat vibration device may also alert the user, for example, when passing a well-known landmark (or one that may be of interest to the user) or when the user is within a predetermined distance or time from the destination.

One or more embodiments described herein present an apparatus consisting of one or more vibration generating units, sensors, and a control system that provides one or more human users with a variety of haptic and/or acoustic experiences, such as enhanced music listening and feeling experiences, more intuitive user interface alertness, massage and relaxation sensations, gaming experiences, AR and VR experiences, as well as simulations such as driving simulations and other sonic and haptic effects.

FIG. 1 illustrates a vibrating seat including a vibration generating unit according to one embodiment. The seat vibration device 400 is attached to a vibrating seat 100 for a vehicle (e.g., car, train, plane, boat). In other embodiments, the vibrating seat 100 may be a seat for a game or a theater seat.

The vibrating seat 100 includes a seat back 110 for supporting the user's back, a seat bottom 120 for supporting the user's buttocks, and a headrest 130 for supporting the back of the user's head.

The seat back (backrest portion) 110 includes six vibration generating units (vibration generating units) 200 arranged in three vertical rows, with two units arranged on each side. The vibration generating unit 200 arranged at the top of the seat back 110 is referred to as the first vibration generating unit 210, the vibration generating unit 200 arranged at the bottom is referred to as the second vibration generating unit 220, and the vibration generating unit 200 arranged between the first vibration generating unit 210 and the second vibration generating unit 220 is referred to as the third vibration generating unit 230.

The first to third vibration generating units 210, 220, and 230 are located along the vertical centerline 150 of the seat back 110. The vertical centerline 150 does not physically exist within the seat, but is an imaginary central axis of the seat back 110 that separates the left and right halves of the seat back 110 from each other.

The seat bottom 120 includes four vibration generating units 200 arranged in two rows in the front-to-rear direction, with two units arranged side by side. The vibration generating unit 200 located at the rearmost position in the seat bottom 120 is referred to as the fourth vibration generating unit 240, and the vibration generating unit 200 located at the frontmost position is referred to as the fifth vibration generating unit 250.

In the seat back 110, six of the vibration generating units 200, 210 (two on the RL), 220 (two on the RL), and 230 (two on the RL), generate vibrations to provide a tactile directional alert or tactile directional feedback to the user. The right vibration generating unit 200R (210R, 220R, 230R) is located on the right side of the seat back 110 and provides a tactile directional alert or tactile directional feedback to the right side of the user. The left vibration generating unit 200L (210L, 220L, 230L) is located on the left side of the seat back 110 and provides a tactile directional alert or tactile directional feedback to the left side of the user. Depending on the location of the vibration generating units 200R and 200L on either side of the seat back 110, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 200R and 200L can be used to provide a tactile directional alert to the user (e.g., alerting the user to look left or right while driving) or to provide tactile directional feedback to the user (e.g., indicating the presence of a large creature to the left or right side of a screen for entertainment applications).

In the seat bottom 120, four of the vibration generating units 200, 240 (two on RL), and 250 (two on RL) generate vibrations to provide tactile directional attention or tactile directional feedback to the user. The right vibration generating unit 200R (240R, 250R) is located on the right side of the seat bottom 120 and provides tactile directional attention or tactile directional feedback to the right side of the user. The left vibration generating unit 200L (240L, 250L) is located on the left side of the seat bottom 120 and provides tactile directional attention or tactile directional feedback to the left side of the user.

The vibration generating unit (vibration generating unit) 200 is, for example, a voice coil motor, and generates vibrations according to a haptic vibration signal (described later) to transmit the vibrations to the human body (skin, muscles, bones), and receptors in the human body detect subtle changes in force and/or pressure caused by the vibrations from the vibration generating unit 200. For example, when one or more vibration generating units 200 are placed in contact with the user's buttocks, they can convey the sensation of changing pressure and force. The vibration generating unit 200 provides a haptic content (predetermined vibration pattern) based on the haptic vibration signal with an attention-calling effect that calls the seated occupant's attention, or a relaxing effect of massaging.

The vibration generating unit 200 also generates sound in response to an acoustic vibration signal, which will be described later, and transmits the sound (by bone conduction or air conduction) to the human body (skin, muscles, and bones) and hearing, and receptors in the human body detect subtle changes in force and/or pressure caused by the sound from the vibration generating unit 200, and the human hearing detects the sound caused by the sound from the vibration generating unit 200. For example, when one or more vibration generating units 200 are placed in contact with the back of a user, sound can be transmitted. The vibration generating unit 200 provides an attention-attracting effect that calls the attention of the seated person with sound content (message or music) generated by the acoustic vibration signal, and a relaxing effect by massaging.

The arrangement of the vibration generating units can be optimized for their intended purpose, and the following non-limiting examples are given. The vibration generating units in the "I-shaped arrangement" form a line including at least two vibration generating units, and in one example, three or more vibration generating units forming a line are arranged at equal distances from each other. This is described as a "fixed I-shaped arrangement". A further variation of the "I-shaped arrangement" is when three or more vibration generating units forming a line are arranged at different distances from each other. This is described as a "modified I-shaped arrangement". In FIG. 1, the vibration generating units are arranged in a line with three vibration generating units 210R, 220R, and 230R arranged at equal distances in the vertical direction on the right side of the seat back 110 (the vibration generating units in FIG. 1 are arranged in a fixed I-shaped arrangement). It can be said that the three vibration generating units 210L, 220L, and 230L in the vertical direction on the left side of the seat back 110 are also arranged in a fixed I-shaped arrangement.

In some embodiments, the physical arrangement of the vibration generating units may be a T-shaped arrangement, an inverted T-shaped arrangement in which the T-shaped arrangement is inverted vertically (or front-to-back), an H-shaped arrangement, an X-shaped arrangement, a diamond-shaped arrangement, a radial arrangement, a concentric circle arrangement, an elliptical arrangement, a matrix arrangement, or a honeycomb arrangement.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an exciter. The vibration generating unit 200 has an exciter 500 composed of an AC-driven voice coil motor or the like, a diaphragm 10 joined to the exciter 500, and a bracket 30 (not shown in Figure 2) engaged with the diaphragm 10.

The exciter 500 is a type of linear motor in which the moving element moves linearly, but by driving it with AC, it is possible to vibrate the moving element in a vibration direction G1 according to the amplitude and frequency of the drive waveform.

The exciter 500 has an outer work 510, an inner work 570, a magnet 530, a coil 551, and a cylindrical bobbin 552 around which the coil 551 is wound. The coil 551 and the bobbin 552 form a mover (moving part) 550. The coil 551 is sometimes called a moving coil.

A magnetic field (magnetic flux lines) B1 is generated between the magnet 530 provided on the outer work 510 and the inner work 570 located in the center of the space between the upper and lower outer workpieces 510, 510.

An AC drive signal is applied to the coil 551 from the AC drive unit (AC drive circuit) 270. When the coil 551 is AC-driven, an AC current flows through the coil 551, and according to Fleming's left-hand rule, a force as indicated by the bidirectional arrow acts on the mover (moving part), causing the mover (moving part) to vibrate.

The amplitude and frequency of this vibration correspond to the amplitude and frequency of the AC drive signal applied to coil 551, so the vibration mode can be controlled by the AC drive signal.

The types of vibration include tactile vibration, which gives the seated person a sense of touch, and acoustic vibration, which conveys sound (acoustic sound) to the seated person through bone conduction or air conduction (a good example of acoustic sound is human speech, so it is sometimes called acoustic vibration).

The diaphragm 10 is joined to the edge 560 of the cylindrical bobbin 552. The mover 550 (edge 560) and the diaphragm 10 are adhered to each other with, for example, double-sided tape (not shown) or adhesive (not shown). The mover 550 and the diaphragm 10 may be formed integrally.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a diaphragm in some embodiments. The diaphragm 10 has a first heat dissipation hole 11 and a second heat dissipation hole 12 that penetrate the exciter 500 side, and a support part 20 described later.

The diaphragm 10 is a rectangular (but not limited to) plate-like member made of synthetic resin (which may be made of metal) or the like. One side of the diaphragm 10 is joined to the mover 550, and the other side engages with the bracket 30 via the support part 20 described below. A first fixing hole 15 is formed at each of the corners (four corners in this case) of the diaphragm 10. A fixing device 15a such as a screw is inserted into the first fixing hole 15 and screwed into the support part 20 arranged on the opposite side, thereby engaging the diaphragm 10 and the support part 20.

The first heat dissipation holes 11 are four through holes cut in a fan shape so as to leave a space between the center of the diaphragm 10 and each of the four first fixing holes 15. The first heat dissipation holes 11 allow heat generated on the exciter 500 side of the diaphragm 10 to escape to the side opposite the exciter 500. The first heat dissipation holes 11 are formed intermittently in the circumferential direction of the diaphragm 10, which is expected to have the effect of dissipating heat while suppressing a decrease in the rigidity of the diaphragm 10.

The second heat dissipation hole 12 is a single circular through hole cut out in the center of the diaphragm 10, and like the first heat dissipation hole 11, it dissipates heat generated by the exciter 500 to the side opposite the exciter 500. The second heat dissipation hole 12 may be omitted.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the support and bracket in some embodiments. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the vibration generating unit in some embodiments. The support 20 in some embodiments is formed of four pillars and is arranged to surround the periphery (four corners) of the exciter 500 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction G1 of the exciter 500. One end of the support 20 engages with the diaphragm 10 and the other end engages with the bracket 30, forming a space D10 (see Figures 6 and 7) between the diaphragm 10 and the bracket 30.

In some embodiments, the support portion 20 is formed integrally with the bracket 30. However, the support portion 20 may be formed separately from the bracket 30 and engaged with a screw or the like (not shown).

The bracket 30 is a rectangular (but not limited to) plate-like member made of synthetic resin (or metal) or the like, and is provided integrally with a support portion 20 so as to protrude toward a position corresponding to the first fixing hole 15 of the diaphragm 10 (as described above, it may be a separate body). A magnetic shielding sheet 60 is provided on the surface of the bracket 30 facing the diaphragm 10. The magnetic shielding sheet 60 is attached to the bracket 30 with adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like. In this embodiment, the bracket 30 and the diaphragm 10 are parallel, but they may be non-parallel.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view including a first heat dissipation hole in the vibration generating unit of some embodiments. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view including a support part in the vibration generating unit of some embodiments. Heat generated in the exciter 500 passes through the first heat dissipation hole 11 and escapes to the space D10, as shown by the path H1 in Figure 6, and is released to the outside from the end of the bracket 30 along the surface of the bracket 30. Since the space D10 is formed between the vibration plate 10 and the bracket 30 by the support part 20, heat from the exciter 500 is easily released to the space D10. In addition, the heat released from the first heat dissipation hole 11 is blocked by the bracket 30 without going straight to the user of the vibrating sheet 100. This makes it possible to suppress the heat from the exciter 500 from being strongly transmitted to the user of the vibrating sheet 100 (reduces the heat conduction to the user due to heat dissipation).

Next, reference is made to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vibration transmission device. In FIG. 8, parts that are common to the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals.

The seat vibration device (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a vibration transmission device) 400 has a vibration generating unit 200 and a control unit (control unit) 300 that includes at least one processor.

The seat vibration control device 300 has a vibration control unit 310 and an AC drive unit 370.

The vibration control unit 310 has a contact/non-contact detection unit 312 that receives a detection signal from a sensor 800 provided on the vibrating seat 100 and detects contact/non-contact with the body of a seated occupant based on the detection signal, and a vibration mode setting unit 314 that determines the vibration mode of the vibration generating unit 200.

The AC driving unit 370 has a waveform data generating unit 330, a D/A converter 380, and an amplifier 390 that outputs each driving waveform of the vibration generating unit 200. The driving waveforms of the vibration generating unit 200 can be controlled individually.

The waveform data generating unit 330 has a haptic vibration source 340 and an audio vibration source (broadly speaking, an acoustic vibration source) 350.

The haptic vibration source 340 has a haptic content storage unit 341 that stores haptic content (e.g., parameters indicating vibration conditions of haptic vibration, etc.) and a haptic vibration data generation unit 342.

The haptic vibration data generation unit 342 selects the relevant content from among the haptic contents according to the conditions set by the vibration mode setting unit 314, and generates haptic vibration data based on the selected haptic content.

The audio vibration source 350 also has an audio content storage unit 352 that stores audio content (e.g., parameters indicating vibration conditions of audio vibration, etc.) and an audio data acquisition unit 351.

The audio data acquisition unit 351 selects the relevant content from among the audio contents according to the conditions set by the vibration mode setting unit 314, and acquires the selected audio content.

The synthesis unit 360 synthesizes the generated haptic vibration data with the acquired audio content to generate and output synthetic waveform data. The synthetic waveform data can be generated individually for each vibration generating unit 200.

Each composite waveform data is supplied to each D/A converter 380, which generates an analog drive waveform (composite vibration waveform). This analog drive waveform (composite vibration waveform) is amplified by an amplifier 390 and supplied to each vibration generating unit 200 (in the example of FIG. 2, the exciter 500 of the voice coil motor).

This drives each vibration generating unit 200, generating vibrations that correspond to the amplitude and frequency of the drive waveform (drive signal).

When the sensor 800 detects that the vibration generating unit 200, which is capable of emitting sound (acoustic sound), is not in contact with the body of a seated occupant, the vibration control unit 310 switches the unit to a vibration state that is less likely to cause sound leakage or temporarily stops vibration, thereby effectively suppressing sound leakage.

The transition to a vibration state in which sound leakage is less likely to occur can be achieved, for example, by implementing a process that reduces the amplitude or frequency of the drive waveform of the vibration generating unit 200 (specifically, to less than half). In the following explanation, this process may be referred to as "sound leakage reduction process." This process will be described later.

The seat vibration control device 300 generates a drive waveform (drive signal) that is converted into movement by the vibration generating unit 200 based on input information. The drive waveform (drive signal) is generated from a haptic vibration signal, an acoustic vibration signal, or a composite signal of a haptic vibration signal and an acoustic vibration signal, which will be described later. In one embodiment, the input information affects the generated haptic vibration signal (the haptic vibration signal and the acoustic vibration signal).

Specifically, the waveform data generating unit 330 has a haptic vibration source 340 that outputs a haptic vibration signal to the AC driving unit 370, and an audio vibration source 350 that outputs an audio vibration signal to the AC driving unit 370. The control unit 310 (haptic vibration source 340) receives event information (an example of input information) indicating the presence of an event outside the vibrating sheet 100, and selects a specific haptic vibration signal (haptic vibration signal) from the haptic content storage unit 341 using the event information. Meanwhile, the control unit 310 (audio vibration source 350) receives event information (an example of input information) indicating the presence of an event outside the vibrating sheet 100, and selects a specific audio vibration signal (audio vibration signal) from the audio content storage unit 352 using the event information. In one embodiment, the event information (an example of input information) is vehicle event information indicating the occurrence of a vehicle event related to the operation or safety of a traveling vehicle. For example, the vehicle event may be the following.

(Blind Spot Warning Event)
The blind spot warning may be the presence of a car in the left or right blind spot of the vehicle. The waveform mode of the blind spot warning (the tactile vibration signal and/or the acoustic vibration signal) vibrates the vibration generating unit 200 on the left or right side of the vibrating seat 100, thereby providing a tactile reminder to the user to look left or right. The information for the blind spot warning may be received from a blind spot sensor.

(Lane Departure Warning Event)
The lane departure warning may be the detection of the driver's vehicle leaning too far to the left or right. The blind spot warning waveform mode (tactile vibration signal and/or acoustic vibration signal) vibrates the vibration generating unit 200 on the left or right side of the vibrating seat 100, thereby providing a tactile reminder to the user to get back in the lane. The information for the lane departure warning may be received from a lane departure sensor.

(Navigation Events)
The navigation event may be a left turn or a right turn on the planned route. The left turn or right turn waveform mode (the haptic vibration signal and/or the acoustic vibration signal) vibrates the vibration generating unit 200 on the left or right side of the vibrating seat 100, thereby providing a haptic reminder to the user to turn left or right. The information for the navigation event may be received from a car navigation system.

In some embodiments, the input information is vibration mode information indicating the type of sound and haptic effect to be provided to the user. For example, the vibration modes can be:

(Music listening mode)
When a user selects a music content to listen to by using an operation unit (not shown), the control unit 310 (audio vibration source 350) acquires the audio content from, for example, an audio device mounted on the vehicle, a mobile information terminal, an external server, etc. via the audio data acquisition unit 351, outputs the waveform mode (acoustic vibration signal) of the audio content to a part or all of the vibration generating unit 200 of the vibrating sheet 100, and vibrates the vibration generating unit 200 in the waveform mode of the audio content, thereby providing the user with auditory information (audio content). In some embodiments, the control unit 310 (haptic vibration data generation unit 342) analyzes the acoustic vibration signal, obtains acoustic or musical features and/or feature points such as a frequency spectrum or beat period of the acoustic vibration signal, and can generate a waveform mode (haptic vibration signal) that causes haptic vibration corresponding to, for example, a beat period (one example of a feature) as a feature of the acoustic vibration signal of the audio content, or read it from the haptic content storage unit 341. The control unit 310 (the haptic vibration data generating unit 342) may also execute a process of generating a haptic vibration signal whose waveform rises in synchronization with the beat (an example of a feature point) of the audio vibration signal of the audio content. The control unit 310 (the haptic vibration data generating unit 342) may also execute a process of generating (or selecting) a haptic vibration signal according to metadata (e.g., music genre) added to the audio content. That is, in some embodiments, the control unit 310 (the haptic vibration source 340) generates (or selects) a haptic vibration signal according to the audio vibration signal generated (or selected) by the audio vibration source 350. In some embodiments, the music content may be selected by a vehicle ECU (not shown) instead of being selected by the user. The vehicle ECU may select music content appropriate at that time by detecting and analyzing the user's state, the user's environment, the user's characteristics (preferences), or a combination thereof.

(Relaxation mode)
When a user selects a relaxation content with an operation unit (not shown), the control unit 310 (tactile vibration source 340) reads out the waveform mode (tactile vibration signal) of the relaxation content selected by the user from the tactile content storage unit 341, outputs the waveform mode (tactile vibration signal) of the relaxation content to a part or all of the vibration generating unit 200 of the vibrating sheet 100, and vibrates the vibration generating unit 200 in the waveform mode of the relaxation content, thereby providing the user with a tactile vibration (relaxation content). In some embodiments, the control unit 310 (audio vibration source 350) can read out an acoustic vibration signal stored in the audio content storage unit 352 in association with the tactile vibration signal. In addition, the control unit 310 (audio vibration source 350) analyzes the haptic vibration signal, obtains features such as a frequency spectrum and a beat period of the haptic vibration signal, and outputs the features of the haptic vibration signal to an external area (e.g., an audio device mounted on the vehicle, a mobile information terminal, an external server, etc.) via the audio data acquisition unit 351, and the external device can acquire audio content selected according to the features of the haptic vibration signal via the audio data acquisition unit 351. That is, in some embodiments, the control unit 310 (audio vibration source 350) generates (or selects) an acoustic vibration signal according to the haptic vibration signal generated (or selected) by the haptic vibration source 340. In some embodiments, the relaxation content may be selected by a vehicle ECU (not shown) instead of being selected by the user. The vehicle ECU may select relaxation content suitable for the time by detecting and analyzing the user's state, the user's environment, the user's features (preferences), or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the sensor 800 includes a pressure sensor that senses pressure applied to the seat by a human user. The pressure sensor may be located in the seat back 110 or the seat bottom 120. The pressure sensor outputs a pressure sensing signal indicative of the amount of pressure detected. The control 310 may take one or more actions in response to the pressure detected by the sensor 800.

In some embodiments, the control unit 310 can compare the pressure with a pressure threshold. If the pressure threshold is exceeded, this means that a person is seated in the seat and is in a state where it is easy to transmit vibrations. Therefore, some (or all) of the vibration generating units 200 that are in a state where it is easy to transmit vibrations can be operated in a normal manner to provide audio content and haptic content to the user. On the other hand, if the pressure threshold is not exceeded, this means that a person is not seated normally in the seat and is in a state where it is difficult to transmit vibrations. As a result, the drive waveform (drive signal) can be controlled so as not to operate some (or all) of the vibration generating units 200 that are in a state where it is difficult to transmit vibrations.

In some embodiments, the seat vibration controller 300 may include one or more computing devices including, for example, circuitry, a processor, volatile and non-volatile memory, sensors, a communication system, and instructions and programs executed by the processor. In one embodiment, the seat vibration controller 300 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory, etc.) that stores executable commands. The commands are executed by the at least one processor to perform one or more of the operations described herein.

In some embodiments, one or more control systems, including at least one computer and/or logic processor, can use such set of information to generate one or more sets of control signals that activate the vibration generating unit.

After reading this disclosure, one skilled in the art may recognize additional alternative designs for a system having a vibration generating unit that provides tactile sensations. Accordingly, while specific embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the precise structure and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations that may be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

10: diaphragm 11: first heat dissipation hole 12: second heat dissipation hole 15: first fixing hole 15a: fixing device 20: support portion 30: bracket 60: magnetic shielding sheet 100: seat (vibration transmission seat)
110: Seat back 120: Seat bottom 130: Headrest 200: Vibration generating unit (seat vibration device)
210: First vibration generating unit 210L: Vibration generating unit 210R: Vibration generating unit 220: Second vibration generating unit 220L: Vibration generating unit 220R: Vibration generating unit 230: Third vibration generating unit 230L: Vibration generating unit 230R: Vibration generating unit 240: Fourth vibration generating unit 250: Fifth vibration generating unit 300: Seat vibration control device 310: Vibration control unit (control unit)
312: Non-contact detection unit 314: Vibration mode setting unit 330: Waveform data generation unit 340: Haptic vibration source 341: Haptic content storage unit 342: Haptic vibration data generation unit 350: Audio vibration source 351: Audio data acquisition unit 352: Audio content storage unit 360: Synthesis unit 370: AC drive unit 380: D/A converter 390: Amplifier 400: Seat vibration device 500: Exciter 510: Outer work 530: Magnet 550: Movable element 551: Coil 552: Bobbin 560: Wall portion 570: Inner work 800: Sensor D10: Space portion

Claims (8)

A seat vibration device (400) that is attached to a seat body and transmits vibrations to a seat occupant,
Exciter (500) and
a diaphragm (10) engaged with the exciter (500) and having heat dissipation holes (11; 12);
A bracket (30) for transmitting vibrations to the seated person;
and a support portion (20) provided so as to form a space portion (D10) between the vibration plate (10) and the bracket (30).
A vibration device for a seat (400). The bracket (30) has a magnetic shielding function.
The vibration device (400) for a seat according to claim 1. The bracket (30) has a magnetic shielding sheet (60) on the surface on which the diaphragm (10) is disposed.
The vibration device (400) for a seat according to claim 2. The bracket (30) is made of a magnetically shielded material.
The vibration device (400) for a seat according to claim 2. The diaphragm (10) is made of a heat dissipating material.
The vibration device (400) for a seat according to claim 1. The diaphragm (10) is formed of metal or resin containing a metal filler.
The vibration device (400) for a seat according to claim 1. The bracket (30) is formed of metal or resin containing a metal filler.
The seat vibration device according to claim 1 . A seat vibration device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Vibration transmission sheet (100).

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