JPH0466339A - Seat - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce personnel's fatigue without strange feeling by changing a seating face shape of a seat through controlling an actuating means by means of a control means synchronizing with timing of posture change detected by a posture change detecting means. CONSTITUTION:A seat S comprises a seat cushion 1 and a seat back 3, and is constituted so that the shape of the seating face is changeable. In this case, the shape of the seating face is changed by operating an actuating means CL1. On the other hand, variation of personnel's sitting posture is detected by means of a posture change detecting means CL3. According to the detected variation of the posture, the actuating means CL1 is controlled by means of a controlling means CL2 so that the shape of the seating is face changed at the portion of low seating pressure. Thus, personnel's fatigue is reduced without strange feeling by changing the shape of the seating at face the portion of low seating pressure synchronizing with the timing of variation of personnel's sitting posture.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a seat in which the seat shape of the seat h can be controlled in 11J variations.

(Prior art) Conventional sheets of this type and
There is something like the one shown in FIG. 11 described in Japanese Patent No. 257333. 01
It consists of a front air mat 10 inside each support part such as a front support part, a center support part, and a side-the-port part.
5. Center air mat 107, cushion site air mat 109, 11.1. The shape of the seat SO seat surface can be changed by installing air mats 1] 3 ] 15 and inflating and deflating each air mat.
It is composed of 2) Each air mattress is controlled at regular intervals by a timer to change the shape of the 14 openings of the seat I-8, and when driving for long periods of time, it is possible to monitor changes in the occupant's posture from the seat side over time. This is intended to reduce fatigue.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) However, in the conventional vehicle seat as shown in No. 2, each of the air mats 105 to 115 is activated at fixed time intervals set in a timer, regardless of the seating position of the occupant. Because it was only controlled periodically, changes in the shape of the seat surface did not match the distance between people, which sometimes made people feel uncomfortable.

By the way, for example, when the vehicle is braked, when the vehicle is started, and when the vehicle bounces, an inertial force as shown in FIGS. 12(a) to 12(C) acts on the occupant. The direction of the arrow in the figure represents the direction of inertial force.

FIG. 12(a) shows when the vehicle is braking, and at this time, the seating pressure on the seat hack 103 and the buttocks of the seat cushion 101 decreases, and the seating pressure on the thighs of the seat cushion 101 increases. When the vehicle oscillates as shown in FIG. 12(b), the seating pressure on the buttocks of the seatback 103 and seat cushion 101 increases, and the seating pressure on the thigh of the seat cushion 10 decreases.

Further, when the vehicle is hoisting upward, all the seating pressures of the seat back 103 and the seat cushion 101 at the buttocks and thighs decrease, as shown in FIG. 12<C>.

Furthermore, when the vehicle is traveling on a slope, the condition shown in FIG. 12(d).

Sitting pressure due to the gravity of the occupant acts as shown in (e).

That is, when traveling uphill, as shown in FIG. 12(d), the seating pressure at the buttocks of the seat back 103 and the seat cushion 101 increases, and the seating pressure at the thighs of the seat cushion 101 decreases. Also, when driving downhill, see Figure 12 (e).
Seat back 103 and seat cushion 1 as shown in
The seating pressure on the buttocks of seat cushion 101 decreases, and the seating pressure on the thighs of seat cushion 101 increases.

Therefore, seat hack 103 and seat cushion 1
The shape of the seat surface of the butt of 01 changes at any timing when braking, bouncing upward, or running downhill.
In addition, if the shape of the seating surface of the seat cushion 101 at the thigh region is changed at any time when starting, bouncing upward, or traveling uphill, the seating pressure at the shape-changed portion will be low, and the uncomfortable feeling given to the occupants will be reduced. It turned out to be little.

In addition, when the vehicle behavior is such that it is turning while a lateral force of more than a predetermined level is applied, a noise occurs.

If the hack side air mats 115 and 113 of the air mat 103 have expanded more than the original shape, this air mat 1
15 or 113, a high reaction force is applied to the occupants, which tends to make them feel uncomfortable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat that allows occupants to reduce fatigue by controlling the seat shape of the seat without feeling uncomfortable.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention, as shown in FIG. An actuating means CLI for driving the seat S to change the shape of the seating surface, an attitude change detecting means CL3 for detecting a change in the seating posture of the occupant, and a portion where the seating pressure is lowered in accordance with the detected posture change. and a control means CL2 for controlling the actuation means CLI to change the shape of the seat surface.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 1(b), the seat S consists of a seat cushion and a seat hack, and the seat shape can be changed.
and actuating means CL4 for driving and changing the shape of the seat surface.
, means CL6 for detecting the behavior of the vehicle, and control means CL5 for controlling the actuating means CL4 and adjusting the seat shape according to the detected vehicle behavior.

(Function) According to the above configuration, the actuation means C is controlled by the control means CL2.
By changing the shape of the seating surface of the seat S, LI can suppress increased fatigue of the occupant.

Furthermore, the operating means CL is controlled in accordance with the timing of the posture change detected by the posture change detection means CL3, and the shape of the seating surface of the seat S is changed, so that the fatigue of the occupant is reduced without causing any discomfort.

Furthermore, the shape of the seating surface of the seat S can be changed by the operating means CL4 under the control of the control means CL5, thereby suppressing increase in fatigue of the occupant.

Furthermore, the shape of the seat ITij is adjusted according to the vehicle behavior detected by the vehicle behavior detection means CL6, thereby reducing fatigue without causing discomfort.

(Example) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention as a seat S. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle seat S is composed of a seat cushion 1 and a seat back 3.

In the seat cushion 1, a hip support air mat group 5 and a hip support air mat 7 for supporting the buttocks and thighs of a seated occupant are disposed as actuators. The hip support air mat groups 5 are arranged in two places on the left and right sides of the seat S on the center line in the vehicle width direction, and are provided to support the ischial tuberosities. (In Fig. 2, it is formed by three annular air mats 5a, 5b, and 5c.In addition, a lumbar support air mat group 9 that supports the lumbar region of the seated person is arranged as an actuator in the seat back 3. The lumbar support air mat group 9 includes a plurality of (second
In the figure, 5) rod-shaped air mats 9a, 9b, 9c, 9
It is formed by d and 9e. The central air mat 9c corresponds to the central part of the lumbar vertebrae. By expanding and contracting each of these air mats 5a to 5c 7 9a to 9e, the seating surface of the seat S is deformed in a protruding manner at that location.

Each air mat 5a to 5c, 7.9a to 9e is connected to a pipe line 1 branched from a discharge port of a compressor (or pump).
3, and each conduit 13 is connected to an electromagnetic valve 15 and a pressure sensor 17, respectively. [Konera Compressor] 1 and an electromagnetic valve 15 constitute a driving means.

The compressor is connected to an electromagnetic valve 5 and a pressure sensor 7 (a controller CL2 constituted by a microcomputer) 9.

The controller 19 is configured to set actuator operation patterns as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and output actuator drive signals.

Therefore, air mats 5a to 5c, 7.9a to 9e,
Compressor 11. Solenoid valve 15. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 17 and the controller 19 constitute an actuating means CLI that drives and changes the shape of the seating surface of the seat S.

The controller 19 also includes an ignition switch 2, a brake switch 23, and an accelerator switch 2.
5 and other switches, and an inclination sensor 27 that detects the inclination of the vehicle. Six types of sensors such as an acceleration sensor 29 for detecting upward bounce and a timer 3 are connected.

In this embodiment, these switches 21 to 25 and sensors 27 and 29 constitute posture change detection means CL3 that detects changes in the seating posture of the occupant.

The detection signal of this attitude change detection means CL3 is input to the controller 19, and is used for drive control of the actuator.

Then, the compressor 1 is driven by a drive signal from the controller 19. Each air pine [・58~5c, 7.9
The air pressures a to 9e are detected by pressure sensors 17,
Based on this detected value, the opening and closing of the electromagnetic rXX jib 5 is controlled to inflate and deflate each of the air muffs t-5a to 5c7 and 9a to 9e, respectively, thereby deforming the shape of the seat surface of the seat S and reducing the strain on the seated person. It looks like this.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation pattern of the actuator when the seat shape changes in the above embodiment.

This operation pattern exponentially suppresses changes in the seating surface shape due to actuator operation. In other words, when the initial inertia force is large when braking or starting the vehicle, the actuator is activated quickly. The seat is operated at a high speed to change the seat shape, and then is operated at a slow speed to both change the seat shape and approach the set value, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the occupants.

4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams schematically showing an example of the operation patterns of the hip support air mat group 5 and the lumbar support air mat group 9 when the seat shape changes. In the figure, the length of the bar line represents the magnitude of the pressure of each air mattress.

FIG. 4(a) shows a state in which the pressure of each air mat 58 to 5C of the hip support air mat group 5 is set to the same pressure,
When pressurizing each air mat 58 to 5c from this state, as shown in FIG.
Pressurize the air mats 5b and 5a on the inner side in order from c to
Set it so that it becomes c. As shown in Fig. 4(c), by creating a pressure distribution (seating surface shape) in which four parts are formed at the ischial tuberosity of the seated person, pressure concentration at the ischial tuberosity is alleviated and the fit is improved. The feeling also improves. Furthermore, when reducing the pressure in each of the air mats 58 to 5c, the pressure is reduced in order from the inner air mat 5b to the outer air mat 5C.

Fig. 5(a) shows a state in which the pressures of the air mats 9a to 9C of the lumbar support air mat group 9 are set to the same pressure, and when pressurizing each of the air mats 9a to 9e from this state, Fig. 5(b) shows As shown, from the upper and lower air mats 9a and 9e, the inner air mats 9b,
9d and 9C are pressurized, each air mat 98-9
9a-9e by changing the pressure of e to 9a<9b<9c>9d>9e
Set it so that it becomes 9b-9d. And Fig. 5 (c
), the lumbar vertebrae are properly supported by creating a pressure distribution (seat surface shape) that forms a convex portion that follows the curvature of the lumbar vertebrae of the seated person. In addition, each air mat 9a to 9
When depressurizing C, the pressure is reduced in order from the inner air mat 9c to the outer air mats 9b, 9d, 9a, and 9e.

In this way, the hip support air mat group 5 and the lumbar support air mat group 9 are sequentially pressurized inward from the outer air mat, and sequentially depressurized from the inner air mat outward.1. When the bottom shape changes Since there is no sudden pressure gradient, the sense of discomfort given to the occupants is reduced. Moreover, the load on the compressor 11 is also reduced, and the durability of the device is improved.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart of FIG.

This flowchart shows that the ignition switch 2 is set to O.
It starts when N is reached (steps S], ).

After resetting the timer 31, turn it on (step S
2). At the same time, the brake switch 23, the accelerator switch 25, and the vehicle tilt sensor 27. Acceleration sensor 29 or O
N (step S3).

These brake switches 23. Accelerator switch 25 and vehicle tilt sensor 27. The signals detected by the acceleration sensor 29 and the like are read by the controller.

By the way, when humans are restrained in an open sitting position for a long time,
Local fatigue accumulates, causing local pain and lower back pain. Therefore, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of operation, each of the air mats 5a to 5c and 79a to 9e is operated to change the shape of the seat surface.

That is, in step S4, the ignition switch 21
is ON or not. Ignition switch 21
When it is ON, it may be that the vehicle is stopped, but it can generally be assumed that the vehicle is continuing to drive, and it is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the vehicle started driving (step S5). . If it is determined that a certain period of time has passed, step S
6, and press the brake switch 23. Accelerator switch 25 and vehicle tilt sensor 27. Based on the signals detected by the acceleration sensor 29 etc., each air mattress 5a~
5c and 7.9a to 9b are operated to change the seat shape.

That is, in step S6, if vehicle braking is detected by the brake switch 23, or if upward bounce of the vehicle is detected by the acceleration sensor 29, or if the vehicle is traveling downhill is detected by the vehicle inclination sensor 27. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 12(a), (c), and (e),
Since a posture change occurs in which the local seating pressure of the seat back 3 and the seat cushion is reduced, the lumbar support air mat group 9 of the seat back 3 and the hip support air mat group 5 of the seat cushion 1 are moved to their respective positions at any of the above timings. The seat shape is changed by driving in the operating pattern shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Furthermore, when the accelerator switch 25 detects that the vehicle has started, or when the acceleration sensor 29 detects that the vehicle is bouncing upward, or when the vehicle inclination sensor 27 detects that the vehicle is traveling uphill, Figure 12(b),
As shown in (c) and (d), a change in posture occurs in which the sitting pressure on the thighs of the seat cushion 1 is reduced, so the thigh support air mat 7 of the seat cushion 1 is driven at any of the timings mentioned above. Change the surface shape. Then, in step S7, all the air mats 5a to 5c are removed.

7. It is determined whether or not 9a to 9e have been driven by a predetermined amount, and when it is determined that the bottom shape has been changed to the desired shape, the process returns to step S2, and after the timer 3 is reset again, it is turned ON. In addition, all air mats 5a to 5c, 7
．． If 9a to 9e have not been driven by a predetermined amount, the process returns to step S6, and the drive is continued until the predetermined amount is reached.

Therefore, in order to change the bottom shape of the seat cushion 1 and the seat hack 3 when the seating pressure is low,
It is possible to reduce fatigue of the occupants without causing any discomfort.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show other embodiments of the invention.

By the way, in a seat whose seat shape can be changed, if lateral acceleration G occurs when the pressure of the air mattress provided in the seat back is high, as shown in Fig. 10,
As the occupant's posture leans, the sitting pressure increases, giving a sense of discomfort.

This embodiment is designed to suppress changes in the occupant's posture due to lateral acceleration G.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram of this embodiment. It is attached to the embodiment of FIG. 2, and a lateral acceleration sensor 33 as means CL6 for detecting vehicle behavior is added and connected to the controller ]9. - Brake switch 23, accelerator switch 2
5. The vehicle inclination sensor 27 and acceleration sensor 29 are omitted 7, and in place of the lumbar support air cloak group 9, lumbar support air mats 35L are installed in substantially symmetrical positions on both left and right sides with respect to the center line of the seat S.
35R, 37L, and 37R are provided as actuators, and the hip support air mat group 5 and thigh support air mat 7 of the seat cushion 1 are omitted. Air mat 35L, 35R137L, 37R, compressor 1
1, the electromagnetic valve 15, the pressure sensor 17, and the controller 19 constitute the actuation means CL4 in this embodiment, and the controller 19 constitutes the control means CL5.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart of FIG.

When the ignition switch 21 is turned on (step S1), the lateral acceleration sensor 33 is turned on (step S8), and at the same time, the internal pressure sensor]7 is also turned on (step S9). Signals detected by the lateral acceleration sensor 33 and the internal pressure sensor 17 are read into the controller 19. Then, in step S]O, as shown in FIG. 9(a),
Set initial internal pressure Po, peak internal pressure P-, internal pressure P
Control of the lumbar support air mats 35L, 35R, 37L, and 37R is started by the change synchronization T from O to P-, and the shape of the seat surface is changed periodically.

Next, in step S1], the lateral acceleration sensor 33
It is determined whether the detected lateral acceleration G exceeds a predetermined set value G- as shown in FIG. 9(c). If the lateral acceleration G exceeds the predetermined set value G', the process moves to step 31.2, and the lumbar support air mat 35L detected by the pressure sensor]7 is
The internal pressures P of 35R, 37L, and 37R are compared with a set value p+ set by η. The set value P1 is set to a low internal pressure that will not cause discomfort to the site support or the occupant when there is a change in the shape of the seat surface.

In step S12, the detected internal pressure P of 1 Amat or the set value P
If it exceeds 1, proceed to step 813, output a signal from the controller 19 so that the internal pressure becomes P or the initial internal pressure Po, open the solenoid valve 7, and depressurize the air mats 35L, 35R and 37L, 37R. In this way, lumbar support air mats 35L, 35R and 37L, 37R
By reducing the pressure in the seat, side support is ensured, the occupant's posture is stabilized, seat pressure is lowered, and discomfort is alleviated.

Further, when the detected internal pressure P of the air mattress falls below the set value P, the internal pressure control is continued as shown in FIG. 9(b). Then, when the ignition switch 23 is turned off in step S14, this flow ends.

Therefore, the fatigue of the occupant can be reduced without causing discomfort, and changes in the occupant's posture can be suppressed when lateral acceleration occurs when the vehicle turns or the like.

Note that the present invention is not limited to vehicle seats, but can also be applied to seats for ships, aircraft, etc.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, according to the configuration of the present invention, the shape of the seating surface of the seat can be changed and increase in fatigue of the occupant can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the shape of the seat surface is changed at the portion where the seating pressure is low in accordance with the timing of the occupant's posture change, the fatigue of the occupant can be reduced without causing any discomfort.

In addition, when adjusting the seat shape according to the behavior of the vehicle,
Regardless of vehicle behavior, fatigue can be reduced without any discomfort.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an actuator operation pattern when the seat shape changes, and FIG. Figures (a), (b), and (C) are explanatory diagrams schematically showing an example of the operation pattern of the hip support air mat group, and Figures 5 (a), (b), and (C) are the operation patterns of the lumbar support air mat group. An explanatory diagram schematically showing one example, FIG. 6 is a control flowchart based on the configuration of FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a control flow chart based on the configuration of FIG. 2. Explanatory diagram showing an example of accompanying posture change, 1st
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional vehicle seat, and Figure 12 (
a) to (e) are explanatory diagrams showing changes in seating pressure with respect to vehicle behavior; 1...Seat cushion 3...Seat back S...Seat CL], OCl3, actuation means Cl2. Cl5... Control means Cl3... Attitude change detection means Cl6... Vehicle behavior detection means

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A seat consisting of a seat cushion and a seat back whose bottom surface shape can be changed, including an actuating means for changing and driving the bottom surface shape, a posture change detecting means for detecting a change in the seating posture of the occupant, and a detected posture. a control means for controlling the actuating means to change the shape of the seat surface at a portion where the seating pressure is low in accordance with the change. (2) Consisting of a seat cushion and a seat back,
A seat capable of changing the shape of the seat, comprising an actuating means for changing the shape of the seat, a means for detecting vehicle behavior, and a means for controlling the actuating means and changing the shape of the seat according to the detected vehicle behavior. A sheet comprising a control means for adjusting the shape.