JPS63315342A - Side support control system and side support device for vehicle seat - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the collapse of a seating posture in running along a rough or curved road by constituting a side support in such a way as to shift from an open position to a close position when a vehicle speed and a high speed change exceed reference values. CONSTITUTION:As a sensor means 12 for detecting a vehicle running condition, there are provided a vehicle speed sensor 20 for detecting a vehicle speed V and a height sensor 22 for detecting the displacement H of a height. There are provided at least two height sensors 22 separated from each other right and left, and capable of detecting rough road running from the vertical motion of a vehicle body and curved road running from the inclination of the vehicle body. Output signals from each sensor 20 and 22 are inputted to the comparators 24 and 25 of a control means 14, and the vehicle speed V and the height displacement H are compared with reference values Vs and Hs as judgement reference for shifting a side support 16. And when V is larger than Vs and H is larger than Hs, a motor 18 is driven via a drive circuit 30 and the side support 16 is shifted to a close position, thereby holding crew.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a side support control system and a side support device for a vehicle seat that control the operation of a side support depending on driving conditions and prevent an occupant from losing his or her posture.

[Prior art]

When a vehicle turns a curve, the occupants are under the influence of centrifugal force.
Receives a lateral force that pushes you to the side. As a result, the seating posture is distorted, making it difficult to support a predetermined seating posture, and the riding comfort is greatly impaired. For drivers in particular, there is a risk that vehicle operation may be hindered.

Therefore, a side support device is provided and attached to a dry spring seat or the like in order to prevent the seating position from collapsing and support a predetermined seating position.

For example, the side support device includes a side support disposed on the seat back, and the side support is provided so as to surround the occupant's upper body from both sides. The side support is configured to press the occupant's upper body from the side, restrict the movement of the occupant's upper body, and forcibly support a predetermined seating posture. If you support it, the freedom of your upper body will be taken away.

Riding comfort is impaired, causing discomfort and fatigue. 7, the side supports are normally located in an open position (open position) where they do not press on the occupant;
It is configured to move to the closed position (closed position gl) only when necessary.

As a side support control system that controls the operation of the side support, one that uses lateral acceleration (acceleration in the lateral direction) as a parameter is known. The lateral acceleration can be directly detected by an acceleration sensor (for example, Japanese Utility Model Application No. 60-97833) or calculated from the vehicle speed, the curvature of a curve, etc. (for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 81-87838), and the lateral acceleration Once above, the side supports move to the closed position.

In addition, parameters are not limited to acceleration;
No. 834 uses the vehicle speed and the steering angle of the steering wheel as parameters, and JP-A-80-1974313 uses the curvature of a curve and the vehicle speed as parameters.

[Problems with conventional technology]

Side support control systems like the one described above take into account the collapse of the seating position when driving around curves. However, driving that disrupts the seating posture and impairs ride comfort is not limited to driving around curves.

For example, when driving on a rough road, the occupant is subjected to vertical acceleration, which causes the occupant to lose his/her seating posture, resulting in a significant loss of riding comfort.In particular, the occupant is forced into a situation where they bite their tongue, and due to the upper jaw speed, the occupant He was thrown up and almost collided with the ceiling. Therefore, even when driving on rough roads, it is preferable to move the side supports to the closed position as necessary.

However, known side support control systems
Since the system uses parameters such as lateral acceleration, vehicle speed, and steering angle to control the side support when driving on curves, it cannot respond appropriately to driving on rough roads.

[Purpose of the invention]

An object of the present invention is to provide a side support control system and a side support device for a vehicle seat that can prevent the occupant's posture from deteriorating not only when driving on curves but also when driving on rough roads.

[Summary of the invention]

In order to achieve this object, according to the present invention, when driving on a rough road, the vehicle vertically moves and the vehicle height changes suddenly, and when driving on a curve, the vehicle tilts.
We focused on the fact that the vehicle height changes differently at multiple locations separated from each other to the left and right. Furthermore, if the traveling speed is low, the R sitting position is less likely to collapse even when traveling on a curve, so vehicle speed and changes in vehicle height are used as parameters for side support control.

In other words, driving on a rough road or driving around a curve is recognized from the change in vehicle height, and the operation of the side support is controlled based on the magnitude of the change in vehicle height and the magnitude of the vehicle speed. Examples of the invention will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, the side sabot 1'eilo for a vehicle seat according to the present invention includes a sensor means 12, a control means 14, a side support 16, and a drive source 18. An OC motor is usually used as the drive source.

The sensor means 12 is a vehicle speed sensor 2 that detects the vehicle speed V.
0, and a vehicle height sensor 22 that detects the displacement H of the vehicle height. Here, one vehicle speed sensor 20 is sufficient. However, regarding the vehicle height sensor 22,
At least two, spaced apart on the left and right, are required. That is, the vertical movement of the vehicle can be recognized from the vehicle height displacement of one vehicle height sensor 22, but the inclination of the vehicle can be recognized from the difference in the vehicle height displacement of a plurality of vehicle height sensors 22 separated left and right. Then, driving on a rough road can be confirmed from the vertical movement of the vehicle, and driving on a curve can be confirmed from the inclination of the vehicle, and the present invention is directed at least to driving on a rough road and driving around a curve. In the embodiment, four vehicle height sensors 22 are arranged adjacent to the front and rear left and right wheels (see Figures 2 and 3). Sensors are available. Here, the ultrasonic sensor emits ultrasonic waves to the running surface, determines the vehicle height from the time it takes for the vehicle to reflect and return, and vehicle height displacement is detected from changes in the vehicle height. In addition, the suspension displacement sensor converts the height of the suspension into the rotation of the shaft of the sensor, determines the vehicle height from the rotation angle, and detects the vehicle height displacement.

In this embodiment, as shown in -F, the vehicle height sensor 22 is arranged so as to be separated from each other in the front and rear. Confirmed by sensor. Therefore, from the front and rear slope of the vehicle,
Acceleration and deceleration are recognized, and in addition to driving on steep roads and curves, the side support 1B can be used to prevent posture collapse even during acceleration and deceleration.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle speed V and vehicle height displacement ΔH detected by the vehicle speed sensor 20 and vehicle height sensor 22 are.

The signals are sent to the control means 14, respectively. The control means 14 includes comparators 24 and 25, and the vehicle speed V and vehicle height displacement ΔH from the vehicle speed sensor 20 and the vehicle height sensor 22 are compared with a reference value that is used as a criterion for moving the side support 16 to the closed position. Ru. For example, the reference vehicle speed Vs is 15K.
5H proverb can be considered as the standard vehicle height change ΔHs.

The output signal of comparator 24.25 is sent to AND gate 26. The control means 14 includes a control panel 27;
It further includes a microcomputer 28 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer). The control panel 27 is used to input various information that will serve as criteria for the microcomputer. For example, passengers can
The support positions of the side supports (side supports) 18, that is, the open position m8 and the closed position, are set as appropriate, input into the control panel 27, and stored in the microcomputer 28. In addition, a plurality of values are set in advance as the reference vehicle speed Vg and the reference vehicle height change ΔHs, and the control panel 2
7, it may be configured such that the passenger can select it.

The output signal of the AND gate 26 is sent to the microcomputer 28, and the microcomputer processes it according to the stored program.
Appropriate control signals are generated and output to drive circuit 30. The drive circuit 30 drives the DC motor 18 as a drive source, and the rotational speed of the motor is detected by a rotation sensor 31 such as a reed switch type sensor, and is fed back to the microcomputer 28 . Then, the microcomputer 28 continuously outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 30 until the rotation speed detected by the rotation sensor 31 matches the rotation speed corresponding to the preset close position and open position. For example, both vehicle speed V and vehicle height displacement ΔH have a reference value of L.
When it turns, a close signal is generated as a control signal.
Further, the microcomputer 28 has a built-in timer, and turns on the timer when at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle height change falls below the reference value after both the vehicle speed V and the vehicle height displacement ΔH exceed the reference value. Then, the reference time Tm (for example, 3 s
ec,) If the condition continues, an open signal will be generated. Furthermore, the microcomputer 28 recognizes whether the vehicle is stopped or moving backward from the vehicle speed V, and generates a full open signal.

Side support 16 is 9! , is configured to push the upper body of the employee from both sides and support it in a predetermined position.
It usually moves between a closed position where the occupant's upper body is held under a supporting force and an open position where no supporting force is applied to the occupant's upper body. In addition, when stopping or reversing, the side supports 16 become an obstacle, so they are moved to the fully open position, which improves the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle.
Driving operability is improved. That is, as can be seen from FIG. 4, when a passenger such as a driver leaves or takes a seat, the side sabot 16 moves to the fully open position shown by the two-dot chain line. When the driver or the like is seated and the vehicle is running, the side supports 1B automatically move between a closed position shown by a dashed line and an open position shown by a solid line according to a control signal from the control means 14. side support while driving)
The IEI is in the open position, as shown in the piSs diagram.
Usually maintained.

In addition to automatic operation of the side supports 1B, by switching between auto and manual modes on the control panel 27, the passenger can manually open and close the side supports 1B. I can do it.

The operating speed of the side support 16 is high speed (for example, 80 m x 1 s) when driving around curves or on rough roads.
ec), and for the rest, low speed (
For example, the microcomputer 2
In such a configuration, the side supports 418 quickly move to the closed position when driving around a curve or on a rough road, providing quick support.

In other cases, the side support 1B operates slowly so as not to cause the occupants to feel uneasy, and in the case of drastic changes in vehicle height such as sharp curves or extremely rough roads, the side support 1B operates from the set closed position in response to the sudden change in vehicle height. Furthermore, the program can be programmed to automatically move the side supports (18) inward to increase the supporting force.In this way, the supporting force will be strong when the vehicle height changes rapidly, but it will be weaker when the vehicle height is gradually changing. Since the support force of each can be obtained, appropriate support can be provided without causing discomfort to the occupants.

The side support l5-e4-* is roughly configured as follows. The DC motor 18, which is a drive source, is driven in response to a control signal from the control means 14, and as can be understood from FIG. 6, moves the left and right support stays 32, 33 simultaneously. A rotation sensor 31, which is a reed switch type sensor, is incorporated into the motor 30 and detects the rotation of the motor. In the embodiment, the support stays 32,33 are connected by interlocking links 34, and the support stays 32,33 are
2 is directly driven by the driving force of the motor 18, and the driving force is transmitted to the support stay 33 via the interlocking link 34. The support stay 32.33 is disposed within the butt of the side support portion 36.37 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), and as the support stay 32.33 rotates,
The side support portion moves between a closed position, an open position, and a fully open position.

To explain the configuration of the side support (1B) along the drive force transmission path, as shown in FIG. 6, the motor 18 has an output shaft 38 made of a lead screw. Lead screw 38 extends through a threaded hole drilled in shaft 40 . As can be clearly seen from FIG. 7 in addition to FIG.
4 and are fixed to the right side wall of the support frame 48 and the support plate 47, respectively. Here, the support plates 42, 43 are fixed to the seat back frame 48, and the support plate 47 is fixed to the support frame 4B. A bracket 50 is fixed to the seat back frame 48 and the support stay 3
One end of 2 is pivotally connected to the bracket by a pin 52. One end of the interlocking link 34 is the support frame 4G
The distal end of the interlocking link 34 is pinned to the distal end of the support stay 32. The other end of the interlocking link 34 is connected to a support stay 33, and one end of the support stay 33 is pivotally connected to a bracket 50 by a pin 53. The other end of the negative portion, support stay 32, 33, is also movably attached above the bracket 56.

In such a configuration, when the motor 18 is driven, the support stays 32 and 33 rotate around the bin 52.
Rotate. That is, when the motor 18 is driven and the lead screw 38 is rotated, the shirt 40 screwed onto the lead screw slides left and right along the guide grooves 44 and 45. The support frame 46 slides together with the shaft 40 and the interlocking link 34. For example, if the support frame 4B slides to the right in FIG. 6, the interlocking link 34 also slides to the right,
The support stay 33 is pulled by the interlocking link and is moved clockwise (inward) around the bin 53. Further, the support stay 32 is pushed by the interlocking link 34 and is moved counterclockwise (inward) around the bin 52. On the other hand,
When the support frame 48 and the interlocking link 34 slide to the left, the support stay 33 is pushed by the interlocking link counterclockwise (outward), and the support stay 32 is pulled by the interlocking link clockwise (outward). Each is rotated. In this way, the support stays 32.33 always move in the same direction, thereby causing the side support parts 36.
37 is also moved in the same direction, and the side supports 18 are opened or closed.

The configuration of the side support (1B) described above is an example and is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, two motors 18 may be provided to individually control the rotation of the support stays 32 and 33.

By the side support device to configured as described above, the seating posture of the occupant is controlled and supported as follows.

To explain with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, first, after seating, the main switch of the side support device 910 is turned on. This main switch is normally connected to the ignition switch of the vehicle. In addition,
At this point, the side support 1B is in the fully open position.

Then, the crew members adjusted to their own body type. The open position and closed position of the side support) 1B are memorized in the control means 14. To do this, set the mode switch on the control panel 27 to manual, drive the motor, and move the side support 1B. Normally, the open position is set, and the position where the side support 1B is separated from the upper body is set as the closed position. A supporting force acts on the upper body from the side, and the positions of the side supports 18 to support the upper body are selected, and the information is input to the control panel 27 and stored in the microcomputer 28. Information regarding the fully open position is stored in advance in the microphone. If the standard open and closed positions are stored in the microcomputer 28 in advance, the open and closed positions can be set quickly and easily.

Then, when the vehicle is driven, the side supports 18 move from the fully open position to the memorized open position. The vehicle speed V and vehicle height displacement ΔH detected by the vehicle speed sensor 2o and the vehicle height sensor 22 are determined by the comparator 24.2.
5T standard vehicle speed Vg (15Km/h) and 1g quasi-vehicle height displacement ΔHs (50cm) are compared. Here, since there are four vehicle height sensors, four detected values Δold to ΔH4 are obtained as the vehicle height displacement ΔH.

When the vehicle speed V exceeds the reference vehicle speed Vg and at least one of the vehicle height displacements Δold to ΔH4 goes around the reference vehicle height displacement ΔHs, the AND gate 28 detects this, and the output signal v1 from the AND gate is sent to the microcomputer 28. The microcomputer 28 generates a close signal. In response to this close signal, the timer is reset, the motor 18 is driven, and the side support +8 is moved to the closed position. The occupant is supported in the seated position by receiving a supporting force from the side.

After the side support i8 moves to the closed position, the timer is turned on, and the vehicle speed V and vehicle height displacement Δold to ΔH4 are detected again and repeatedly compared with the reference values Vs and ΔHs. If the vehicle speed V and the vehicle height displacement Δold to ΔH4 are still higher than the reference values Vs and ΔHa, the side supports are maintained in the closed position. On the other hand, if the vehicle speed V is lower than j & quasi-vehicle speed Vs, or all of the vehicle height displacements Δold to ΔH4 are equal to the reference vehicle height displacement Δ
Once below Hs, the AND gate 28 produces an output signal v2, the time T of which is measured by the timer. Even during time measurement with a timer, vehicle speed V and vehicle height displacement ΔH1 to Δ
H4 is detected and compared with reference values Vs and ΔHz, and when the output signal v2 continues to occur for a predetermined time Ts, the microcomputer 28 generates an open signal. Depending on the open signal,
The motor 18 is driven, the side support 16 returns to the open position, and the occupant is released from the support provided by the side support.

Also, during the output time measurement of the output signal v2 by the timer, if the vehicle speed V exceeds the reference vehicle speed Vs and any of the vehicle height displacements ΔOld to ΔH4 exceeds the reference value vehicle height displacement ΔHs, then A
ND gate 2B produces an output signal Vl, side support 18 is maintained in the closed position and the timer is reset.

If the vehicle is running, that is, if the vehicle speed V is not zero, the vehicle speed V and the vehicle height displacement Δold to ΔH4 are equal to the reference (fiVs
, Δ) The side supports 16 are maintained at the open position even if they do not rotate continuously for longer than the 1st reference time Ts. When the vehicle speed reaches zero, the microcomputer 16 generates a full open signal, the motor 18 is driven, and the side support moves to a predetermined full open position. When the side supports are in the fully open position, the occupant can quickly and easily get on and off the vehicle without being obstructed by the side supports, improving the ease of getting on and off the vehicle. Then, when the occupant is seated again and it is confirmed that the vehicle is running, the side support 1B is moved to the open position and the above process is repeated.

In the embodiment, the vehicle height sensors 22 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions. Therefore, the vehicle height sensor 22 recognizes the longitudinal inclination of the vehicle due to a sudden start or sudden stop, and it is possible to prevent the vehicle from deforming its posture not only when driving around a curve or on a rough road, but also when accelerating or decelerating.

Figure 9 shows the vehicle driving situation, changes in the vehicle based on the sensor,
In this embodiment, which shows the relationship between the positions of the vehicle height sensors 22 used, the vehicle height sensors 22 are arranged at four positions: front left, rear left, rear right, and front right, so as to clearly understand from this figure, the height of the vehicle The various driving conditions of the vehicle can be accurately grasped from the vehicle height displacement, and the side supports 16 can appropriately prevent the seating position from collapsing. For example, driving down the right or down the left on a road is recognized in the same way as driving on a left or right curve. Further, driving on a rough road is recognized by distinguishing details from vehicle height displacement, such as whether the vehicle is driving on a completely rough road or on either the left or right side. In addition, continuous step running and undulating running can be recognized, and side sabotage (+8) prevents the vehicle from losing its posture while running.

In addition, even if the vehicle passes over a road surface difference only on the left or right side, or across the entire surface.

This can be recognized and the side support lθ can be moved to the closed position to prevent posture collapse. In this case,
For example, when the front right or left ultrasonic sensor detects a level difference greater than a reference value, the side support 16 is programmed to be moved to the closed position.

In this way, in a control system that uses vehicle height displacement as a parameter, by appropriately arranging vehicle height sensors so as to be separated from each other in the front, rear, left, and right directions, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of the vehicle, which changes from moment to moment depending on the driving situation. Therefore, depending on the driving situation,
The side support can be controlled accurately, and support by the side support can be provided quickly and appropriately.

As described above, the combination of vehicle height sensors 22 that detect vehicle fluctuations differs depending on the driving situation. For that reason, several types of reference vehicle height changes ΔIg are memorized in the control means axis, and the reference vehicle height displacement is selected as appropriate depending on the combination of vehicle height sensors, and the operating conditions of the side supports 16 are changed. You can get the best support according to your needs. Further, it is preferable that the moving speed of the side support 1B, the standard elapsed time S after falling below the standard value, etc. can be appropriately selected from several types of values.

The embodiments described above are for illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention in the same way, and all modifications and modifications within the technical scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Needless to say, it will be done.

For example, in the embodiment, four vehicle height sensors 22 are arranged one space apart from each other in the front, rear, right, and left directions, so that the driving conditions of the vehicle other than driving on a curve or on a rough road can be accurately grasped. However, the number and arrangement position of the vehicle height sensors 22 are not limited to this. For example, two vehicle height sensors may be separated from each other in the front, rear, left, and right, or three vehicle height sensors may be arranged in a triangular shape. They may be placed separately.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the side support device 110 is configured to be attached to the seat back to support the occupant's upper body, but it is configured to be attached to the seat cushion to support the occupant's thighs. Good too.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the side support control system for a vehicle seat according to the present invention, the vertical movement of the vehicle when driving on a rough road and the inclination of the vehicle when driving on a curve are recognized from the vehicle height displacement, and the vehicle speed at that time is determined. If necessary, the side supports are moved to the closed position. Therefore, even when driving on rough roads or driving around curves, the seating position is prevented from collapsing, and a predetermined seating position is supported.

In particular, in a system that uses vehicle height displacement as a parameter, by appropriately arranging vehicle height sensors so as to be separated from each other in the front, rear, left, and right directions, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of the vehicle, which changes from moment to moment depending on the driving situation.

Therefore, in addition to driving on rough roads and curves, driving conditions such as acceleration and deceleration, driving in undulations, driving down the right or left sides, and driving on uneven road surfaces are accurately recognized, and side support can be provided quickly and appropriately. Ru.

According to the side support device of the present invention, the above-mentioned side support control system can be performed appropriately, and even when driving on rough roads or on curves, the sitting posture is prevented from collapsing, and a predetermined sitting posture is supported.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a side support device for a vehicle seat according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams of a vehicle seat equipped with a side support device. 4 and 5 are a schematic plan view and a schematic front view of a vehicle seat with a side support device. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the side support of the side support device, FIG. 7 is a right side view of the support frame, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the side support control system according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a driving state of the vehicle. It is a chart showing the relationship between changes in the vehicle and sensor positions. 10: side support control device for vehicle seat, 12: sensor means, 14: control means, 16: side support),
18: DC motor (drive source), 20: Vehicle speed sensor, 2
2: Vehicle height sensor, 24, 25: Comparator, 28: ^ND
27: control panel, 28: microcomputer, 30: drive circuit, 31: rotation sensor, 32, 33: support stay, 34: interlocking link, 46: support frame.

Claims (9)

[Claims] (1) In the side support control system for vehicle seats, which controls the operation of the side supports according to the driving situation and prevents the occupant's posture from collapsing, the vehicle speed and vehicle height change are determined, and the system determines whether the vehicle speed and vehicle height change exceed standard values. A side support control system for a vehicle seat, characterized in that a side support is moved from an open position to a closed position when the side support is moved from an open position to a closed position. (2) A claim in which the side support returns to the open position when the vehicle speed and vehicle height change exceed respective reference values and at least one of the vehicle speed and vehicle height change falls below the reference value and a reference time elapses. The side support control system for a vehicle seat according to item 1. (3) A side support control system for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a change in vehicle height is detected at at least two locations separated from each other in the left and right directions. (4) A side support control system for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a change in vehicle height is detected at at least two locations separated from each other in the left, right, front, and rear directions. (5) Sensor means including a vehicle speed sensor and a vehicle height sensor, and controls by comparing the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor with a reference vehicle speed, and comparing the vehicle height change detected by the vehicle height sensor with the reference vehicle height change. A control means that generates a signal and, in particular, generates a close signal as a control signal when both vehicle speed and vehicle height change exceed a reference value, and a control means that presses and supports the occupant from the side to prevent the occupant from collapsing in the seating position. a side support that is movable between a closed position where the vehicle is closed and an open position where the vehicle is separated from the occupant's upper body; and a drive source that drives the side support; A side support device for a vehicle seat in which driving force from a source is transmitted to a side support to move the side support from an open position to a closed position. (6) The control means generates an open signal as a control signal when at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle height falls below the reference value and a reference time elapses after the vehicle speed and the vehicle height change each exceed the reference value. , when the control means produces an open signal, correspondingly,
The side support device for a vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the driving force of the drive source is transmitted to the side support to return the side support to the open position. (7) The vehicle seat side support device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the vehicle height sensor is an ultrasonic sensor that detects vehicle height displacement using ultrasonic waves. (8) The vehicle seat side support device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the vehicle height sensor is a suspension displacement sensor that detects vehicle height displacement from suspension displacement. (9) The driving source is a DC motor, and the sensor means is a DC motor.
The side support device for a vehicle seat according to any one of items 5 to 8, comprising a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the motor.