KR20240081764A - Device for relaxation supporting of vehicle seat and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention detects the various sleeping and resting positions of the passenger using cameras and body pressure sensors, and according to the detected signal, the air cell expands to the outside of the seat to support uncomfortable parts of the passenger's body that do not reach the seat. The aim is to provide a relaxation support device for a car seat and a method for controlling the same, which can relieve discomfort caused by imbalance in body pressure of passengers and enable them to adopt a more comfortable sleeping or resting posture.

Description

Relaxation support device for automobile seats and method for controlling same {DEVICE FOR RELAXATION SUPPORTING OF VEHICLE SEAT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a relaxation support device for a car seat and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to a reel for a car seat that comfortably supports parts of the passenger's body using air cells that can expand to the outside of the seat. It relates to a collection support device and its control method.

In preparation for the launch of autonomous vehicles that can drive without driver control, seats with various mechanisms for conversation and meetings between passengers, relaxation and sleeping, and assistance with getting on and off are being researched and developed.

In particular, passengers seated on the seat of an autonomous vehicle can freely move their gaze, upper body, and lower body during autonomous driving, so they can assume various desired postures.

For example, various sleeping postures include lying upright, lying on one's side, and bending over, and various resting postures include a weightless relaxation posture and a resting posture with the head turned to the side.

Nevertheless, there is a problem in that an empty space is created between the passenger's body and the seat depending on the posture of the passenger lying or sitting on the seat, causing the passenger to feel discomfort due to imbalance in body pressure.

For example, if a passenger lies on his side, he may feel uncomfortable because his back and lower back are not closely supported by the seat, and if a passenger crosses or bends his legs while lying down, the sides of his legs and thighs are tightly supported by the seat. Because it does not work, passengers may feel uncomfortable, and passengers may feel uncomfortable as their heads tilt to the left or right while lying down and sleeping.

Ultimately, the discomfort caused by the imbalance in the passenger's body pressure can be resolved by supporting and supporting the uncomfortable parts of the body that do not reach the seat according to the passenger's various sleeping and resting positions.

The present invention was developed in consideration of the above points, and detects various sleeping and resting postures of passengers using cameras and body pressure sensors, and according to the detected signal, air cells expand to the outside of the seat to prevent the passenger from touching the seat. A relaxation support device and its control for automobile seats that can relieve discomfort caused by imbalance in body pressure and enable a more comfortable sleeping or resting position by supporting uncomfortable parts of the passenger's body. The purpose is to provide a method.

In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of slits for entering and exiting air cells formed at predetermined positions of the seatback and the seat cushion; An air cell deployment and return drive device mounted inside the seat back and seat cushion to expand or contract the air cell while entering and exiting the air cell through the air cell entry slit; A detection unit that detects the posture of a passenger seated on a seat; and a controller that controls the operation of the air cell expansion and return driving device to expand or contract the air cell, based on the detection signal of the detection unit. The purpose is to provide a relaxation support device for a car seat, characterized in that it includes a.

The plurality of slits for entering and exiting the air cell include: a first slit and a second slit formed long forward and backward on both bolster portions of the seat cushion, respectively; a third slit formed to extend left and right at the rear end of the seat cushion; a fourth slit and a fifth slit formed vertically in the bolster portions on both sides of the seatback, respectively; And a sixth slit and a seventh slit formed to the left and right at the upper ends of both sides of the seatback, respectively; It is characterized by being composed including.

The detection unit includes: a camera mounted at a predetermined location inside the vehicle to monitor the posture of the passenger seated on the seat; and a plurality of body pressure sensors installed in a position next to the air cell entry slit of the seat back and seat cushion to measure the passenger's body pressure. It is characterized by being composed of.

The plurality of body pressure sensors; A first body pressure sensor and a second body pressure sensor installed at inner positions of the first slit and the second slit among the air cell entry and exit slits formed in the seat cushion; A third body pressure sensor installed at a front position of the third slit among the air cell entry and exit slits formed in the seat cushion; and a fourth body pressure sensor and a fifth body pressure sensor installed at inner positions of the fourth slit and the fifth slit among the air cell entry and exit slits formed in the seatback. It is characterized by being composed of.

In particular, the air cell deployment and return driving device includes: a fixing case provided in an open structure toward the air cell entry/exit slit and mounted on a frame inside the seat; A mobile case mounted inside the fixed case to be able to move forward and backward, and having an open front portion; an air cell sealably attached to the front of the mobile case; An air inlet/outlet hose connected to the rear part of the mobile case; an air pump connected to the air inlet/outlet hose and driven by a control signal from the controller to supply air to the air cell through the mobile case or to suck air from the air cell; and a forward and backward driving device connected to the rear portion of the mobile case to move the mobile case forward or backward. It is characterized by being composed including.

Preferably, the controller is configured to control the driving amount of the air pump to differently adjust the expansion amount of the air cell in two or more stages based on the detection signal of the detector.

In addition, a sliding groove is formed on the inner surface of the fixed case, and a sliding end inserted into the sliding groove is formed protruding on the outer surface of the mobile case.

In addition, the forward and backward driving device includes: a forward and backward driving shaft connected to the rear part of the mobile case and inserted into a guide hole of the fixed case; A rack gear formed in a portion of the drive shaft; and a motor equipped with a pinion gear engaged with the rack gear on an output shaft and driven by a control signal from the controller; It is characterized by being composed of.

Preferably, the controller is configured to control the motor to drive in the forward or reverse direction based on the detection signal of the detector.

In order to achieve the above object, another embodiment of the present invention includes: detecting the posture of a passenger seated on a seat in a detection unit; Based on the passenger posture detection signal from the detector, determining, at the controller, a portion of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat or requires support where the body pressure is less than a set value; determining, by the controller, the expansion of one or more selected among a plurality of air cells embedded in the seat; Applying a drive signal to a motor of an air cell deployment and return drive device for inflating an air cell whose expansion has been determined by the controller; Pulling out the air cell whose expansion is determined by driving the motor to the outside through an air cell entry/exit slit formed in the sheet; and expanding the air cell to a part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat and requires support by driving the air pump of the air cell deployment and return driving device. It provides a control method of a relaxation support device for a car seat, comprising:

The step of detecting the passenger's posture includes: monitoring the part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat by the camera of the detection unit; and measuring the body pressure of a part of the passenger's body in contact with the seat for comparison with a set value by the body pressure sensor of the detection unit; It is characterized by including.

Preferably, the air cell is adjusted to a first-stage expansion amount or a second-stage expansion amount that is larger than the first-stage expansion amount by adjusting the driving amount of the air pump under the control of the controller.

In addition, when the controller determines that the passenger's posture has changed based on the passenger posture detection signal from the detector, driving the air pump in reverse to contract the air cell, and driving the motor in the reverse direction to place the deflated air cell on the seat. It is characterized in that the step of storing the air cell inside through the slit for entering and exiting the air cell formed in is carried out.

The control method of the relaxation support device of the present invention further includes the step of determining expansion or contraction of one or more selected among the plurality of air cells built into the seat through a smart device or a display menu in the vehicle.

The control method of the relaxation support device of the present invention includes the step of inflating the air cell to a part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat or that requires support where the body pressure is less than a set value by driving an air pump under the control of the controller during a vehicle collision accident. It is characterized in that it further includes.

By solving the above problems, the present invention provides the following effects.

First, the various sleeping and resting postures of passengers are detected using cameras and body pressure sensors, and according to the detected signals, air cells expand to the outside of the seat to support parts of the passenger's body that are not in contact with the seat. , discomfort caused by imbalance in body pressure of the passenger can be alleviated, and a more comfortable sleeping or resting position can be adopted.

Second, by allowing the air cells to expand and support the lower back area that is not in contact with the seat during the driver's manual driving, the body support provided by the air cells is provided not only in sleeping and resting positions but also in the driving position, thereby relieving discomfort caused by long-term driving. You can.

Third, when a collision occurs when a passenger seated in the seat sleeps or rests during autonomous driving, the air cell expands and supports the part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat, thereby providing safety equipment such as an airbag in the event of a collision. It can provide an effect.

1 is an external perspective view showing a relaxation support device for an automobile seat according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the air cell deployment and return driving device of the relaxation support device for automobile seats according to the present invention;
Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the air cell deployment and return drive device of the relaxation support device installed on the automobile seat according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a control configuration diagram of a relaxation support device for a car seat according to the present invention;
5 is a flowchart showing a control method of a relaxation support device for a car seat according to the present invention;
Figures 6 to 10 are schematic diagrams showing examples of air cell expansion of the relaxation support device for automobile seats according to the present invention.

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

The attached Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing a relaxation support device for a car seat according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of slits 10 for entering and exiting air cells are formed at predetermined positions on the seat cushion 110 and the seat back 120 of the seat 100 mounted inside the vehicle, and a slit 10 for entering and exiting each air cell is formed. The slit 10 becomes a passage through which an air cell to support a part of the passenger's body enters and exits.

Substantially, the air cell entry slit 10 may be formed through the cover member (eg, leather cover) of the seat cushion 110 and the seat back 120 and the foam pad therein.

To this end, the plurality of air cell entry and exit slits 10 include a first slit 11 formed long forward and backward in a portion adjacent to the left bolster of the seat cushion 110, a right bolster of the seat cushion 110, and A second slit 12 formed long forward and backward in adjacent portions, a third slit 13 formed long left and right at the rear end of the seat cushion 110, and a portion adjacent to the left bolster of the seat back 120. A fourth slit 14 formed vertically long, a fifth slit 15 formed vertically long in a portion adjacent to the right bolster of the seat back 120, and a left and right upper left portion of the seat back 120. It may be configured to include a long sixth slit 16 and a seventh slit 17 formed long to the left and right on the upper right side of the seat back 120.

The relaxation support device of the present invention includes a detection unit for detecting the posture of the passenger seated on the seat 100.

The detection unit includes a camera 30 that is mounted at a predetermined location inside the vehicle and monitors the posture of the passenger seated on the seat by taking pictures to detect various postures of the passenger when the passenger lies on the seat and rests or sleeps; It may be configured to include a plurality of body pressure sensors 20 installed in a position next to the air cell entry slit 10 of the seat cushion 110 and the seat back 120 to measure the passenger's body pressure.

The plurality of body pressure sensors 20 are a first body pressure sensor installed inside the first slit 11 and the second slit 12 among the slits for entering and exiting the air cell formed in the seat cushion 110. 21) and a second body pressure sensor 22, a third body pressure sensor 23 installed inside the seat cushion 110 at a position immediately in front of the third slit 13 among the air cell entry and exit slits formed in the seat cushion 110, and the seat back. Among the slits for entering and exiting the air cell formed in (120), the fourth slit 14 and the fifth slit 15 include a fourth body pressure sensor 24 and a fifth body pressure sensor 25 installed inside the fourth slit 14 and the fifth slit 15. It can be configured as follows.

In particular, the inside of the seat cushion 110 and the seat back 120 is an air cell deployment and return driving device for expanding or contracting an air cell for supporting a part of the passenger's body through the air cell entry slit 10. (40) is mentioned.

The attached Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the air cell deployment and return driving device of the relaxation support device for a car seat according to the present invention, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the air cell deployment and return drive of the relaxation support device for a car seat according to the present invention. This is a main sectional view showing the drive device installed.

The air cell deployment and return drive device 40 has the following functions: pushing the contracted air cell before expansion to the outside of the seat through the air cell entry slit 10, expanding the air cell drawn out to the outside, and expanding the air cell to the outside. It is configured to perform an operation of shrinking the withdrawn air cell again and an operation of pulling the deflated air cell to be stored inside the seat through the air cell entry slit (10).

For this purpose, the air cell deployment and return driving device 40 includes a fixed case 41 mounted inside the seat and a mobile case 42 to which the air cell 43 is sealably attached, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. ), an air pump (44) that supplies air to the air cell (43) or sucks air from the air cell (43), a forward and backward driving device (45) for moving the mobile case (42) forward and backward together with the air cell (43), etc. It is composed including.

The fixing case 41 is provided in a structure that is open toward the air cell entry slit 10 and is fixedly mounted on the seat frame 102 present inside the seat cushion 110 and the seat back 120.

The mobile case 42 has a structure with an open front portion, and is mounted in the interior of the fixed case 41 so as to be able to move forward and backward.

More specifically, a sliding groove (41-1) is formed on the inner surface of the fixed case 41, and is inserted into the sliding groove (41-1) on the outer surface of the mobile case 42 to be able to move back and forth. As the sliding end 42-1 is formed to protrude, the mobile case 42 can move forward or backward within the fixed case 41.

In particular, an air cell 43 is sealably attached to the front of the mobile case 42, so that it can expand when air is supplied and contract when air is sucked.

For this purpose, a bellows-type air inlet/outlet hose (44-1) is connected to the rear part of the mobile case (42), and an air pump (44) is connected to this air in/out hose (44-1).

More specifically, the air inlet/outlet hose 44-1 is connected between the rear part of the mobile case 42 and the air pump 44, so that when the air pump 44 is driven to supply air, the air is It can be supplied to the air cell 43 through the entrance hose 44-1 and the mobile case 42. On the other hand, when the air pump 44 is driven to suck air, the air in the air cell 43 is sucked in. It can enter the air pump 44 through the mobile case 42 and the air inlet/outlet hose 44-1 and be discharged to the outside.

At this time, the air pump 44 is driven to supply air to the air cell 43 for expansion of the air cell 43 or to deflate the air cell 43 according to a control signal from the controller 50. It is driven to suck air from the air cell 43.

The forward and backward driving device 45 is connected to the rear part of the mobile case 42 and pushes the mobile case 42 forward or pulls the mobile case 42 to move backward. It is configured to do so.

For this purpose, the forward and backward driving device 45 is connected to the rear part of the mobile case 42 and inserted into the guide hole 41-2 of the fixed case 41, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. a forward and backward drive shaft (45-1), a rack gear (45-2) formed in a portion of the rear section of the drive shaft (45-1), and a pinion gear (45-) engaged with the rack gear (45-2) on the output shaft. 3) is mounted and may be configured to include a motor 45-4 driven by a control signal from the controller 50.

Accordingly, when the motor 45-4 is driven to rotate in one direction by the control signal of the controller 50, the pinion gear 45-3 rotates in one direction and the rack gear 45-2 rotates in the forward direction. moves to , and the drive shaft 45-1 with the rack gear 45-2 subsequently moves forward, so that the mobile case 42 is pushed by the drive shaft 45-1 and moves into the fixed case 41. It can be moved forward within.

On the other hand, when the motor 45-4 is driven to rotate in the other direction by a control signal from the controller 50, the pinion gear 45-3 rotates in the other direction and the rack gear 45-2 rotates. It moves in the backward direction, and the drive shaft 45-1 with the rack gear 45-2 subsequently moves backward, so that the mobile case 42 is pulled by the drive shaft 45-1 and the fixed case ( 41) can be moved backwards.

Therefore, when the mobile case 42 advances to the maximum as described above, the air cell 43 in a contracted state sealed and attached to the mobile case 42 passes through the air cell entry slit 10 and is pushed out of the seat to be pulled out. On the other hand, when the mobile case 42 moves backwards as described above, the air cell 43 in a contracted state drawn out of the seat can pass through the air cell entry slit 10 and be stored in the fixed case 41 within the seat. there is.

At this time, when the mobile case 42 moves forward and backward, the air inlet and outlet hose 44-1 is a bellows type, so it increases or decreases, or when the mobile case 42 moves forward and backward, the air inlet and outlet hose 44-1 is connected to the fixed case ( 41) can be moved inside or outside.

Meanwhile, the controller 50 is configured to determine whether the air cell 43 is inflated or not operated by combining detection signals from the body pressure sensor 20 and the camera 30.

In addition, when the controller 50 determines the expansion operation of the air cell 43, the air cell 43 in a contracted state sealed and attached to the mobile case 42 passes through the air cell entry slit 10 to enter the seat. It is configured to control the motor 45-4 to rotate in the forward direction so that it is pushed out and pulled out.

In addition, the controller 50 is configured to control the driving amount of the air pump 44 to differently adjust the inflation amount of the air cell 43 drawn out of the seat in two or more stages according to the passenger posture, By adjusting the driving amount of the air pump 44 under the control of the controller 50, the air cell 43 can be adjusted to a first-stage expansion amount or a second-stage expansion amount that is larger than the first-stage expansion amount. .

To this end, when the controller 50 determines the expansion operation of the air cell 43 by combining the detection signals of the body pressure sensor 20 and the camera 30, the air cell 43 opens the air cell entry slit 10. After applying a control signal to drive the motor (45-4) to rotate in the forward direction so that it passes through and is pushed out of the sheet, the air pump (44) is driven to supply air for expansion to the air cell after a certain period of time. A signal is applied.

Accordingly, the air cell 43 may be inflated to support a part of the passenger's body, and the amount of inflation of the air cell 43 may be differently adjusted in two or more stages according to the passenger posture detected by the detector.

Here, the operation and control process of the relaxation support device of the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

The attached Figure 4 is a control configuration diagram of a relaxation support device for a car seat according to the present invention, and Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a control method of a relaxation support device for a car seat according to the present invention.

First, when the passenger selects the automatic mode displayed on the smart device 60 or the display 62 of the AVN (Audio, Vedio, Navigation) system mounted in the vehicle (S101), the posture of the passenger seated on the seat is detected by the detection unit. Detect (S103).

On the other hand, when the passenger selects the manual mode displayed on the smart device 60 or the display 62 of the AVN (Audio, Vedio, Navigation) system mounted in the vehicle, whether one or more of the plurality of air cells 43 is inflated The passenger can directly select through the corresponding menu displayed on the display 62 (S102).

In the step of detecting the passenger's posture, the camera 30 of the detection unit monitors the part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat by photographing the resting or sleeping posture of the passenger, and the body pressure sensor 20 of the detection unit This may be done by measuring the body pressure of the part of the passenger's body that is in contact with the seat for comparison with the set value.

Accordingly, the body pressure in the part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat is inevitably detected as less than the set value by the body pressure sensor 20, and the body pressure in the part of the passenger's body that is in contact with the seat is less than or equal to the set value. It can be detected as above.

Next, based on the passenger posture detection signal from the detector, the controller 50 determines a part of the passenger's body that needs support by an air cell (a part that is not in contact with the seat or the body pressure is below the set value), and provides support by the air cell. In order to inflate the air cells to the required portion, it is determined whether to inflate one or more selected air cells among the plurality of air cells installed in the seat (S104).

At this time, when the passenger lies on the seat and rests or sleeps, the passenger's lower body posture captured by the camera 30 and the first body pressure sensor 21 and the second body pressure sensor 22 among the body pressure sensors 20 are measured. Depending on the body pressure sensing value, the controller 50 may determine whether to operate the air cell 43 in the first slit 11 or the second slit 12 to expand, as shown in Table 1 below.

As shown in Table 1 above, the passenger (a person with a large body size) is in a normal posture (lying upright), and the body pressure sensing values of the first body pressure sensor 11 and the second body pressure sensor 12 are greater than or equal to the setting value. If it is (1), it can be determined that the air cell 43 in the first slit 11 and the second slit 12 is not operated.

Alternatively, if the passenger is leaning to the left, crossing his right leg, or lying on his side with his legs tilted to the left, body pressure may be applied to the first body pressure sensor 11, but body pressure may not be applied to the second body pressure sensor 12. If the body pressure sensing value of the first body pressure sensor 11 is more than the setting value (1) and the body pressure sensing value of the second body pressure sensor 12 is less than the setting value (0), the air cell in the second slit 12 ( It may be decided to expand the air cell 43 in the first slit 11 and at the same time not operate the air cell 43 in the first slit 11.

Conversely, if the passenger is leaning to the right, crossing the left leg, or lying on the side with the left leg tilted to the right, body pressure may be applied to the second body pressure sensor 12, but body pressure may not be applied to the first body pressure sensor 11. If the body pressure sensing value of the second body pressure sensor 12 is more than the setting value (1) and the body pressure sensing value of the first body pressure sensor 11 is less than the setting value (0), the air cell in the second slit 12 ( It may be decided to disable 43 and at the same time to expand the air cell 43 in the first slit 11.

At this time, if the passenger (a person with a small human body size) is in a side lying position and the body pressure sensing values of the first body pressure sensor 11 and the second body pressure sensor 12 are less than the set value (0), the first slit ( 11) and the air cells 43 in the second slit 12 may all be expanded.

Accordingly, the lower part of the passenger's body that is not subject to body pressure (the part that feels uncomfortable because it is not in contact with the seat) can be supported and supported by the expansion of the air cell 43.

In addition, when the passenger lies on the seat to rest or sleep, the controller 50 operates according to the passenger's posture captured by the camera 30 and the body pressure sensing value of the third body pressure sensor 23 among the body pressure sensors 20. ), it is possible to determine whether the air cell 43 in the third slit 13 is operated to expand, as shown in Table 2 below.

As shown in Table 2 above, if the passenger is in a normal posture (lying upright posture) and the body pressure sensing value of the third body pressure sensor 13 is more than the setting value (1), the air cell 43 in the third slit 13 ) can be determined to not operate, and on the other hand, if the passenger is in a sitting position with the buttocks removed and the body pressure sensing value of the third body pressure sensor 13 is less than the setting value (1), the air cell in the third slit 13 ( 43) can be decided to expand to support the lower back.

In addition, when the passenger lies on the seat and rests or sleeps, the upper body posture of the passenger captured by the camera 30 and the fourth body pressure sensor 24 and the fifth body pressure sensor 25 among the body pressure sensors 20 are measured. Depending on the body pressure sensing value, the controller 50 may determine whether to operate the expansion of the air cell 43 in the fourth slit 14 or the fifth slit 15 as shown in Table 3 below.

As shown in Table 3 above, the passenger (a person with a large body size) is in a normal posture (lying upright), and the body pressure sensing values of the fourth body pressure sensor 14 and the fifth body pressure sensor 15 are all set values. If it is abnormal (1), it can be determined that the air cells 43 in the fourth slit 14 and the fifth slit 15 are not operated.

Or, even if the body pressure sensing values of the fourth body pressure sensor 14 and the fifth body pressure sensor 15 are both above the set value (1), if the passenger's torso excluding the arms is tilted to the left or right, the fourth body pressure sensor 15 It may be decided to expand the air cell 43 in the slit 14 or the fifth slit 15 in a first stage.

Alternatively, even if the body pressure sensing values of the fourth body pressure sensor 14 and the fifth body pressure sensor 15 are both above the setting value (1), if the passenger has a small human body size, the fourth slit 14 and the fifth slit 14 It may be determined that all air cells 43 in the slit 15 are expanded in one stage.

Alternatively, the passenger is completely tilted to the left, the body pressure sensing value of the fourth body pressure sensor 14 is greater than the setting value (1), and the body pressure sensing value of the fifth body pressure sensor 15 is less than the setting value (0). ), it may be decided to inactivate the air cell 43 in the fourth slit 14 and simultaneously operate the air cell 43 in the fifth slit 15 to expand in two stages.

Alternatively, the passenger is leaning to the left and lying on his side, the body pressure sensing value of the fourth body pressure sensor 14 is more than the setting value (1), and the body pressure sensing value of the fifth body pressure sensor 15 is the setting value. If it is less than (0), it can be decided to operate the air cell 43 in the fourth slit 14 in a first stage expansion operation and at the same time, it can be determined to operate the air cell 43 in the fifth slit 15 in a second stage expansion operation.

Alternatively, the passenger is completely tilted to the right, the body pressure sensing value of the fourth body pressure sensor 14 is less than the setting value (0), and the body pressure sensing value of the fifth body pressure sensor 15 is above the setting value (1). ), it is possible to decide to inactivate the air cell 43 in the fifth slit 15 and simultaneously to operate the air cell 43 in the fourth slit 15 in two stages.

Alternatively, the passenger is leaning to the right and lying on his side, the body pressure sensing value of the fourth body pressure sensor 14 is less than the setting value (0), and the body pressure sensing value of the fifth body pressure sensor 15 is below the setting value. If it is (1), it can be decided to operate the air cell 43 in the fifth slit 15 to expand in a first stage and at the same time to operate the air cell 43 in the fourth slit 15 in a second stage.

At this time, if the passenger (a person with a small human body size) is in a side lying position and the body pressure sensing values of the fourth body pressure sensor 14 and the fifth body pressure sensor 15 are less than the set value (0), the fourth slit ( 14) and the air cells 43 in the fifth slit 15 may all be determined to be expanded in two stages.

Accordingly, the part of the passenger's body that is not subject to body pressure (the part that feels uncomfortable because it is not in contact with the seat) is supported and supported by the first-stage expansion of the air cell 43 or the second-stage expansion that is larger than the first-stage inflation amount. You can.

In addition, when the passenger lies down on the seat to rest or sleep, the controller 50 operates the air cell in the sixth slit 16 or the seventh slit 17 as shown in Table 4 below, depending on the passenger's head posture. (43) It is possible to determine whether the expansion operation is effective or not.

As shown in Table 4 above, if the position of the passenger's head captured by the camera 30 is the central position, the air cell 43 in the sixth slit 16 and the seventh slit 17 is determined to be expanded in two stages. You can.

Alternatively, if the position of the passenger's head captured by the camera 30 is tilted to the left, the air cell 43 in the sixth slit 16 is determined to be expanded in the first stage, and the air cell 43 in the seventh slit 17 is expanded at the same time. ) can be determined to operate in two stages of expansion.

Alternatively, if the position of the passenger's head captured by the camera 30 is tilted to the right, the air cell 43 in the sixth slit 16 is determined to be expanded in two stages, and the air cell 43 in the seventh slit 17 is expanded at the same time. ) can be determined as a first-stage expansion operation.

Accordingly, the head can be comfortably supported by the air cell 43 that expands from the sixth slit 16 and the seventh slit 17 depending on the position of the passenger's head.

Next, when the expansion of one or more selected among the plurality of air cells 43 installed in the seat is determined, the motor of the air cell deployment and return drive device 40 is used to inflate the air cells 43 whose expansion has been determined by the controller 50. After applying a drive signal for one-way rotation to (45-4), a drive signal for supplying air to the air cell is applied to the air pump 44 after a certain period of time (S105).

Therefore, after the air cell 43 whose expansion is determined by the one-way rotation drive of the motor 45-4 is drawn out to the outside through the corresponding air cell entry slit 10 formed in the seat, the air pump 44 By driving the air cell 43, the air cell 43 may expand to a part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat and needs support (S106).

More specifically, when the motor 45-4 is driven to rotate in one direction by the control signal of the controller 50, the pinion gear 45-3 rotates in one direction as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. At the same time, the rack gear 45-2 moves in the forward direction, and the drive shaft 45-1 having the rack gear 45-2 subsequently moves forward, so that the movable case 42 moves the drive shaft ( While being pushed by 45-1), the air cell 43 in a contracted state sealed and attached to the mobile case 42 moves forward within the fixed case 41 and passes through the air cell entry slit 10 to the outside of the seat. It can be pushed out and drawn out, and subsequently, by driving the air pump 44 for air supply, air is supplied to the air cell 43 through the air inlet/outlet hose 44-1 and the mobile case 42, The air cell 43 may expand to a part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat and needs support.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, if the passenger's posture is tilted to the right with the left leg crossed and the buttocks are also pulled down, the air cell 43 in the first slit 11 expands and expands to the left side of the lower body. It supports the part (the part that is not in contact with the seat cushion), and the air cell 43 in the third slit 13 expands to support the space between the passenger's hips and waist, and the air cell 43 in the fourth slit 14 ) performs a two-stage expansion operation to support the left part of the upper body (the part that is not in contact with the seatback), and when the passenger's head is tilted to the right, the air cell (43) in the sixth slit (16) is expanded in two stages. At the same time, by expanding the air cell 43 in the seventh slit 17 in one stage, the passenger's head can be comfortably supported.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if the passenger's posture is such that the head is supported by the left arm, both legs are raised on the crush pad, and the buttocks are also pulled down, the inside of the first slit 11 and the second slit 12 The air cell 43 expands to support the left and right parts of the lower body (the part not in contact with the seat cushion), and the air cell 43 in the third slit 13 expands to support the space between the passenger's hips and waist. The air cell 43 in the fourth slit 14 expands in two stages to support the left part of the upper body (the part not in contact with the seatback), and the air cell 43 in the fifth slit 15 expands in one stage. It operates to support the right side of the upper body (the part that is not in contact with the seatback), and when the passenger's head is tilted to the right, the air cell 43 in the 6th slit 16 is expanded in two stages and the 7th slit (16) is operated to expand. 17) By expanding the air cell 43 in the first stage, the passenger's head can be comfortably supported.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the posture of the passenger (a person with a small human body) is in a lying position tilted to the right and the right arm is pressed against the fifth body pressure sensor, the first slit 11 and The air cell 43 in the second slit 12 expands to support the left and right parts of the lower body (parts not in contact with the seat cushion), and the air cell 43 in the fourth slit 14 expands in two stages to support the left and right parts of the lower body (parts not in contact with the seat cushion). At the same time as supporting the left part of the upper body (the part not in contact with the seatback), the air cell 43 in the fifth slit 15 expands in one stage to support the right arm of the upper body, and also supports the right arm of the upper body when the passenger's head is tilted to the right. In this state, the air cell 43 in the sixth slit 16 is expanded in two stages and the air cell 43 in the seventh slit 17 is expanded in one stage, so that the passenger's head can be comfortably supported.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the posture of the passenger (a person with a small human body) is lying in the upright position with the head turned to the right and arms crossed, the inside of the first slit 11 and the second slit 12 The air cell 43 expands to support the left and right parts of the lower body (the part not in contact with the seat cushion), and the air cell 43 in the fourth slit 14 expands in two stages to support the left part of the upper body (the part that is not in contact with the seat cushion). At the same time, the air cell 43 in the fifth slit 15 also expands in two stages to support the right part of the upper body (the part not in contact with the seatback), and the passenger's head is tilted to the right. Therefore, by expanding the air cell 43 in the sixth slit 16 in two stages and simultaneously expanding the air cell 43 in the seventh slit 17 in one stage, the passenger's head can be comfortably supported.

In this way, the various sleeping and resting postures of the passenger are detected using the camera 30 and the body pressure sensor 20, and the air cell 43 expands to the outside of the seat according to the detected signal, so that the passenger's body does not touch the seat. By supporting and supporting a portion of the passenger, discomfort caused by imbalance in body pressure can be alleviated and a more comfortable sleeping or resting position can be adopted.

In addition, in order to relieve the discomfort of the driver's lower back not being in contact with the seat during manual driving for a long time, the driver selects the manual mode as shown in FIG. 10 and expands the air cell 43 in the third slit 13. , the driver's lower back is supported by the air cells 43, so that body support provided by the air cells is provided not only in sleeping and resting positions but also in driving positions, thereby relieving discomfort caused by driving for a long time.

In addition, if a collision occurs when a passenger seated in the seat is sleeping or resting during autonomous driving, the controller 50 receives a signal from the collision detection sensor 63 and drives the motor and air pump as described above. By inflating each air cell 43, the part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat is supported by the air cell 43, providing a safety device effect like an airbag in the event of a collision.

Meanwhile, after the air cell 43 is inflated to a part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat and requires support, it is determined whether the passenger's posture has changed (S107).

In other words, it is possible to detect whether the passenger's posture has changed through the camera 30 and body pressure sensor 20 of the detection unit.

Subsequently, when the controller 50 determines that the passenger's posture has changed based on the passenger posture detection signal from the detector, the air pump 44 is driven in reverse and the motor 45-4 is driven in the reverse direction. The steps (S108) may proceed sequentially, and the contracted air cell may pass through the air cell entry/exit slit (10) and be stored in the fixing case (41) within the seat (S109).

More specifically, when the controller 50 determines that the passenger's posture has changed based on the passenger posture detection signal from the detector, the air pump 44 operates for air cell contraction according to the control signal from the controller 50. By performing an air suction drive, the air in the air cell 43 can be sucked into the air pump 44 through the mobile case 42 and the air inlet/outlet hose 44-1, and then discharged to the outside. The motor 45-4 is driven to rotate in the other direction by a control signal from the controller 50, so that the pinion gear 45-3 rotates in the other direction and the rack gear 45-2 moves in the reverse direction. As a result, the drive shaft 45-1 with the rack gear 45-2 moves backward, so that the mobile case 42 is pulled by the drive shaft 45-1 and the contracted air cell 43 and They can be stored together in the fixed case 41.

Meanwhile, after the step where the air cell 43 is contracted and stored in the fixing case 41 within the seat, steps S103 to S108 described above may be repeated depending on the passenger posture.

Although the present invention has been described in detail for each embodiment above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and modifications by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the claims below are made. Improvements will also be included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

10: Slit for air cell entry 11: First slit
12: second slit 13: third slit
14: 4th slit 15: 5th slit
16: 6th slit 17: 7th slit
20: body pressure sensor 21: first body pressure sensor
22: second body pressure sensor 23: third body pressure sensor
24: 4th body pressure sensor 25: 5th body pressure sensor
30: Camera 40: Air cell deployment and return drive device
41: fixed case 41-1: sliding groove
41-2: Information hall 42: Mobile case
42-1: sliding stage 43: air cell
44: Air pump 44-1: Air entrance/exit hose
45: Forward and backward driving device 45-1: Drive shaft
45-2: Rack gear 45-3: Pinion gear
45-4: Motor 50: Controller
60: Smart device 62: Display
63: Collision detection sensor
100: Sheet 102: Seat frame
110: seat cushion 120: seat back

Claims (15)

A plurality of slits for entering and exiting air cells formed at predetermined positions on the seatback and seat cushion;
An air cell deployment and return drive device mounted inside the seat back and seat cushion to expand or contract the air cell while entering and exiting the air cell through the air cell entry slit;
a detection unit that detects the posture of a passenger seated on a seat; and
A controller that controls the operation of the air cell expansion and return driving device to expand or contract the air cell, based on the detection signal of the detector;
A relaxation support device for a car seat, comprising:
In claim 1,
The plurality of slits for entering and exiting the air cell are:
A first slit and a second slit formed to be long forward and backward, respectively, on both bolster portions of the seat cushion;
a third slit formed to extend left and right at the rear end of the seat cushion;
a fourth slit and a fifth slit formed vertically in the bolster portions on both sides of the seatback, respectively; and
A sixth slit and a seventh slit formed on the left and right sides respectively at the upper ends of both sides of the seat back;
A relaxation support device for a car seat, comprising:
In claim 1,
The detection unit:
A camera mounted at a predetermined location inside the vehicle to capture and monitor the posture of the passenger seated on the seat; and
A plurality of body pressure sensors installed in a position next to the air cell entry slit of the seat back and seat cushion to measure the passenger's body pressure;
A relaxation support device for a car seat, characterized in that it consists of.
In claim 3,
The plurality of body pressure sensors;
A first body pressure sensor and a second body pressure sensor installed at inner positions of the first slit and the second slit among the air cell entry and exit slits formed in the seat cushion;
A third body pressure sensor installed at a front position of the third slit among the air cell entry and exit slits formed in the seat cushion; and
A fourth body pressure sensor and a fifth body pressure sensor installed inside the fourth and fifth slits among the air cell entry and exit slits formed in the seatback;
A relaxation support device for a car seat, characterized in that it consists of.
In claim 1,
The air cell deployment and return driving device is:
A fixing case provided in an open structure toward the air cell entry slit and mounted on a frame inside the seat;
A mobile case mounted inside the fixed case to be able to move forward and backward, and having an open front portion;
an air cell sealably attached to the front of the mobile case;
An air inlet/outlet hose connected to the rear part of the mobile case;
an air pump connected to the air inlet/outlet hose and driven by a control signal from the controller to supply air to the air cell or suck air from the air cell through the mobile case; and
A forward and backward driving device connected to the rear portion of the mobile case to move the mobile case forward or backward;
A relaxation support device for a car seat, comprising:
In claim 5,
The controller is configured to control the driving amount of the air pump to differently adjust the expansion amount of the air cell in two or more stages based on the detection signal of the detection unit.
In claim 5,
A relaxation support device for a car seat, characterized in that a sliding groove is formed on the inner surface of the fixed case, and a sliding end inserted into the sliding groove is protrudingly formed on the outer surface of the mobile case.
In claim 5,
The forward and backward driving device:
a forward and backward drive shaft connected to the rear portion of the mobile case and inserted into a guide hole of the fixed case;
A rack gear formed in a portion of the drive shaft; and
a motor equipped with a pinion gear engaged with the rack gear on an output shaft and driven by a control signal from the controller;
A relaxation support device for a car seat, characterized in that it consists of.
In claim 8,
A relaxation support device for a car seat, wherein the controller is configured to control the motor to drive in the forward or reverse direction based on the detection signal from the detection unit.
Detecting the posture of a passenger seated on a seat by a detection unit;
Based on the passenger posture detection signal from the detector, determining, at the controller, a portion of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat or requires support where the body pressure is less than a set value;
determining, by the controller, the expansion of one or more selected among a plurality of air cells embedded in the seat;
Applying a drive signal to a motor of an air cell deployment and return drive device for inflating an air cell whose expansion has been determined by the controller;
Pulling out the air cell whose expansion is determined by driving the motor to the outside through an air cell entry/exit slit formed in the sheet; and
Inflating the air cell to a part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat and requires support by driving the air pump of the air cell deployment and return driving device;
A method of controlling a relaxation support device for a car seat, comprising:
In claim 10,
The steps for detecting the passenger's posture are:
A step of monitoring the part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat by the camera of the detection unit; and
Measuring the body pressure of a portion of the passenger's body in contact with the seat for comparison with a set value using the body pressure sensor of the detection unit;
A method of controlling a relaxation support device for a car seat, comprising:

In claim 10,
Relaxation of a car seat, characterized in that the air cell is adjusted to a first-stage inflation amount or a second-stage inflation amount that is larger than the first-stage inflation amount by adjusting the driving amount of the air pump under the control of the controller. Control method of support device.
In claim 10,
When the controller determines that the passenger's posture has changed based on the passenger posture detection signal from the detector,
A car seat comprising the steps of driving the air pump in reverse to contract the air cell, and driving the motor in the reverse direction to store the deflated air cell inside through an air cell entry slit formed in the seat. Control method of relaxation support device.
In claim 10,
A method of controlling a relaxation support device for a car seat, further comprising determining the expansion or contraction of one or more selected among the plurality of air cells built into the seat through a smart device or a display menu in the vehicle.
In claim 10,
A car seat further comprising the step of inflating the air cell to a part of the passenger's body that is not in contact with the seat or that requires support where the body pressure is less than a set value by driving an air pump under the control of the controller in the event of a vehicle collision accident. Control method of relaxation support device.

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