Foot massage assembly for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foot massage assembly for a vehicle that provides a heating function simultaneously with a foot massage. A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises a plate (21) mounted on a seat back (11) of a vehicle, a bladder unit (22) in which a plurality of bladder cells (22b) are installed spaced apart from each other on the plate (21) and which apply pressure to the soles of the occupant's feet while air is supplied or exhausted inside, and a heating mat (24) in which a heating wire (24a) is installed and which is positioned to cover the bladder unit (22).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot massage assembly for a vehicle that is mounted on the seat back of a vehicle to massage the feet of a rear passenger, and more specifically, to a foot massage assembly for a vehicle that provides a heating function simultaneously with foot massage. Background Technology

[0003] The interior of the vehicle is equipped with various convenience features for the comfort of the passengers.

[0004] As one such convenience device, there is a foot massage assembly mounted on the vehicle seat that massages the feet of the rear passenger.

[0005] As illustrated in FIG. 1, there is a foot massage assembly (120) mounted on the seat back (111) of the vehicle seat (110) and operating in conjunction with the footrest (112) when the footrest (112) is deployed. A passenger in the rear seat deploys the footrest (112) and massages their foot by contacting the foot massage assembly (120).

[0006] As shown in FIG. 2, the foot massage assembly (120) is composed of a plate (121), a plurality of bladder cells (122) that repeatedly expand and expand by pneumatic pressure, and an air hose (123) connecting an air pump (126) and the bladder cells (122).

[0007] The foot massage assembly (120) according to this prior art massages the sole of the occupant's foot by repeating the process of the bladder cell (122) expanding and restoring.

[0008] However, the foot massage assembly (120) according to the prior art simply massages the soles of the occupant's feet and does not provide a function to warm the feet during the massage. Recently, specifications have been upgraded, and in particular, the foot massage assembly (120) is applied to high-end vehicles; however, the inability to warm the feet during the massage has not further enhanced the product's marketability. Prior art literature

[0010] KR 10-2020-0058626 A (2020.05.28, Title: Multifunctional Footrest Device for Vehicles) The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention was developed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a vehicle foot massage assembly that provides a heating function to warm the feet while applying acupressure to the soles of the rear passenger's feet. means of solving the problem

[0013] A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises a plate mounted on the seat back of a vehicle, a bladder unit in which a plurality of bladder cells are installed spaced apart on the plate to apply pressure to the soles of the occupant's feet while air is supplied or exhausted inside, and a heating mat in which a heating wire is installed and positioned to cover the bladder unit.

[0014] The heating wire is characterized by being installed with even distribution on the heating wire mat.

[0015] The above heating wire is characterized by being installed in an area where the bladder cell is not installed.

[0016] The above heating wire is characterized by being installed in an area where an air hose supplying pressurized air to the bladder cell is not installed.

[0017] The heating wire is characterized by being installed to overlap with the air hose that supplies pressurized air to the bladder cell.

[0018] The heating wire is characterized by being arranged at an angle with respect to the vertical or horizontal direction of the heating wire mat.

[0019] The above heating wire is characterized by being installed on the heating wire mat such that the left and right sides are symmetrical to each other.

[0020] It is characterized by further including an air pump that pressurizes and supplies air, and a control valve installed between the air pump and an air hose that supplies pressurized air to the bladder cell to control the flow of the air.

[0021] It is characterized by further including a control unit that operates an air pump to supply pressurized air to the bladder cell and supplies power to the heating wire.

[0022] The bladder unit is characterized by having a felt coupled to the plate, and the bladder cells attached to the felt at intervals.

[0023] The above bladder cell is characterized by being attached to the above felt by heat fusion.

[0024] It is characterized by having a sponge for cushioning provided between the bladder unit and the heating mat.

[0025] It is characterized by having a through hole formed in the portion of the sponge where the bladder cell is placed.

[0026] It is characterized by further providing a cover that covers the above heating mat.

[0027] The above foot massage assembly is characterized by being installed so that a footrest hinged to the seat back is exposed when unfolded.

[0028] In addition, the foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a plate mounted on the seat back of a vehicle, a bladder unit that applies pressure to the soles of a passenger's feet while air is supplied or exhausted inside and has a plurality of bladder cells installed spaced apart from each other on the plate, and a heating mat positioned to cover the bladder unit and in which heating wires are arranged in an area where the bladder cells are not installed.

[0029] The heating wire is characterized by being installed with even distribution in the area excluding the bladder cell.

[0030] The heating wire is characterized by bypassing an air hose connected to one bladder cell and being installed to overlap with an air hose connected to another bladder cell positioned above and below the bladder cell.

[0031] The above heating wire is characterized by being superimposed perpendicular to the direction in which the air hose is arranged when superimposed with the air hose. Effects of the invention

[0033] According to the vehicle foot massage assembly of the present invention having the above-described configuration, by warming the feet while massaging the feet of the occupant, the fatigue of the occupant can be reduced and comfort can be maximized.

[0034] In addition, if the heating wire is installed so as not to overlap with the bladder cell, it can prevent damage to the heating wire caused by the operation of the bladder cell, thereby improving durability.

[0035] In addition, the marketability of the vehicle is enhanced by satisfying the increasingly sophisticated demands of consumers. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to the prior art is mounted on a seat. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to the prior art. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a foot massage assembly of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage state of a foot massage assembly of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a foot massage assembly of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a foot massage assembly of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a foot massage assembly of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0038] The foot massage assembly of a vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] A foot massage assembly (20) of a vehicle according to the present invention comprises a plate (21) mounted on a seat back (11) of a vehicle, a bladder unit (22) in which a plurality of bladder cells (22b) are installed spaced apart from each other on the plate (21) to apply pressure to the soles of the occupant's feet while air is supplied or exhausted inside, and a heating mat (24) in which a heating wire (24a) is installed and which is positioned to cover the bladder unit (22).

[0041] This foot massage assembly (20) is mounted on the seat back (11) of the vehicle. Additionally, when not in use, the foot massage assembly (20) is not exposed by a footrest (12) whose lower end is hinged to the seat back (11), and when the footrest (12) is unfolded, it is exposed so that the occupant can use it.

[0043] The plate (21) allows the foot massage assembly (20) to maintain a constant shape. The plate (21) is formed by injection molding of synthetic resin or the like to have a constant shape and rigidity.

[0044] By fastening the above plate (21) to the above seat back (11), the foot massage assembly (20) is fastened to the above seat back (11).

[0045] The bladder unit (22) includes a bladder cell (22b) that is expanded or restored by air, and applies pressure to the soles of the occupant's feet.

[0046] The bladder unit (22) comprises a felt (22a) formed with a certain area, a plurality of bladder cells (22b) spaced apart on the felt (22a), and an air hose (22c) that supplies air to the bladder cells (22b).

[0047] The felt (22a) is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the plate (21). By bonding the felt (22a) to the plate (21), the bladder unit (22) can be fixed to the plate (21).

[0048] The bladder cell (22b) is filled with air and expanded, and the process of the air being exhausted and restored is repeated, thereby applying pressure to the soles of the occupant's feet.

[0049] The bladder cells (22b) are spaced apart and attached to the felt (22a). The bladder cells (22b) may be installed directly on the plate (21), but it is preferable that they be attached to the felt (22a) to form a bladder unit (22), and that the bladder unit (22) be attached to the plate (21).

[0050] As an example of a method of attaching the bladder cell (22b) to the felt (22a), the bladder cell (22b) is placed on the felt (22a), and then the bladder cell (22b) and the felt (22a) are heat-fused.

[0051] The air hose (22c) serves as a passage for supplying pressurized air to the bladder cell (22b) or for exhausting air from the bladder cell (22b). The air hose (22c) can be connected to the bladder cell (22b) after the bladder cell (22b) is attached to the felt (22a).

[0052] The sponge (23) covers the bladder unit (22). By covering and cushioning the bladder unit (22), the sponge (23) protects the air hose (22c) and the area connecting the air hose (22c) to the bladder cell (22b) in the bladder unit (22).

[0053] A through hole (23a) is formed in the area of ​​the sponge (23) where the bladder cell (22b) is located, so that the pressure force applied by the expansion of the bladder cell (22b) is not cushioned by the sponge (23) but is directly transmitted to the sole of the occupant's foot.

[0054] A heating mat (24) is provided to cover the sponge (23).

[0055] A heating wire (24a) that generates heat when power is supplied is installed in the heating wire mat (24). The heating wire (24a) can be installed and distributed uniformly over the entire area of ​​the heating wire mat (24). Accordingly, the amount of heat generated within the heating wire mat (24) can be uniform. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the heating wire (24a) is installed in a repeating zigzag pattern on the heating wire mat (24) so ​​that the heating wire (24a) is evenly distributed within the heating wire mat (24). In particular, the heating wire (24a) is arranged at an angle with respect to the vertical or horizontal direction of the heating wire mat (24) to ensure even distribution. Additionally, the heating wire (24a) is installed so that the left and right sides of the heating wire mat (24) are symmetrical to each other. At this time, the heating wire (24a) is arranged at an angle, and since the left and right sides are symmetrical to each other, it can have a structure in which the left and right sides are slanted in opposite directions.

[0056] In addition, the heating wire (24a) can be arranged on the heating wire mat (24) not only in a zigzag shape but also in a swirling shape, etc.

[0057] When the heating wires (24a) are arranged evenly on the heating wire mat (24) in this way, the foot massage assembly (20) has the effect of heating evenly.

[0058] The cover (25) covers the heating mat (24) and comes into direct contact with the passenger's feet. For example, the cover (25) is made of leather and is installed to cover the heating mat (24).

[0059] The air pump (26) pressurizes and discharges air so that the bladder cell (22b) can be expanded.

[0060] The control valve (27) is connected to the air pump (26) and the air hose (22c) to control the flow of air. By operating the control valve (27), pressurized air discharged from the air pump (26) is sent through the air hose (22c) to cause the bladder cell (22b) to expand. Additionally, the control valve (27) is connected to the outside so that the air inside the bladder cell (22b) can be exhausted to the outside and restored to its original state. By causing the bladder cell (22b) to repeatedly expand and expand by the control valve (27), pressure is applied to the soles of the occupant's feet.

[0061] It is preferable that the air pump (26) and the control valve (27) be installed on the back side of the plate (21), that is, on the back side of the plate (21) where the bladder unit (22) is installed.

[0062] The control unit (28) controls the supply of power to the heating wire (24a) and controls the operation of the air pump (26) and the control valve (27).

[0063] When the above control unit (28) requires the foot massage assembly (20) to operate due to the operation of a switch by the occupant, etc., it operates the air pump (26) and the control valve (27) to supply power to the heating wire (24a).

[0064] At this time, the control unit (28) may control the operation of only the air pump (26) and control valve (27) according to the passenger's request to use only the foot massage function, or only the heating wire (24a) to use the heating function to warm the feet.

[0065] In addition, the control unit (28) may be linked to the operation of the footrest (12) installed on the seat back (11), so that when the footrest (12) is operated, the heating wire, the air pump (26), and the control valve (27) are operated.

[0067] The operation of the vehicle foot massage assembly according to the present invention having the above-described configuration is as follows.

[0068] When a user riding in the rear seat operates an operation button (not shown) to use the foot massage assembly (20), the seat (1) on which the foot massage assembly (20) is installed moves forward and the seat back (11) folds.

[0069] Afterward, the footrest (12) is deployed. When the footrest (12) is used without using the foot massage assembly (20), the footrest (12) supports the soles of the occupants' feet. However, when the foot massage assembly (20) is used, the footrest (12) serves to support the occupants' heels and calves.

[0070] In this way, when the seat back (11) is folded and the footrest (12) is unfolded, as shown in FIG. 4, the occupant supports their foot on the footrest (12) and the sole of their foot comes into contact with the cover (25).

[0071] When the footrest (12) is deployed, the control unit (28) operates the air pump (26) and the control valve (27) to cause the bladder cell (22b) to repeatedly expand and expand, thereby performing a foot massage function. In addition, power is supplied to the heating wire (24a) to provide a heating function during the foot massage.

[0072] Meanwhile, the movement of the seat, the folding of the seat back (11), and the unfolding of the footrest (12) may be provided manually, and when the unfolding of the footrest (12) is completed, the occupant may operate a switch to operate the foot massage assembly (20).

[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates a foot massage assembly (20) for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] In this embodiment, unlike the previous embodiment, the arrangement of the heating wires (24a) in the heating wire mat (24) is different.

[0076] As in the previous embodiment, if the heating wire (24a) is positioned to overlap with the bladder cell (22b), when the bladder cell (22b) expands, the heating wire (24a) overlapping with the bladder cell (22b) becomes prominent on the cover (25), which may be a factor in the deterioration of the appearance quality. Additionally, as the bladder cell (22b) repeatedly expands and retracts, the heating wire (24a) may be damaged and unable to perform the heating function.

[0077] To prevent this, when the heating wire (24a) is arranged on the heating wire mat (24), it is basically arranged over the entire heating wire mat (24), but it can be installed in an area where the bladder cell (22b) is not installed so as to bypass the bladder cell (22b) and not overlap with the bladder cell (22b). When air is supplied to the bladder cell (22b) through the air hose (22c), the center of the bladder cell (22b) expands to the maximum. By bypassing the heating wire (24a) without overlapping with the bladder cell (22b), it is possible to prevent the heating wire (24a) from becoming prominent during the expansion of the bladder cell (22b) or the heating wire (24a) from being damaged by repeated operation of the bladder cell (22b).

[0078] Here, the meaning that the heating wire (24a) bypasses the bladder cell (22b) without overlapping means that even if the heating wire (24a) substantially overlaps with the bladder cell (22b), it is installed so that the heating wire (24a) does not stand out when the bladder cell (22b) expands. Accordingly, the heating wire (24a) can be installed so as not to overlap with the bladder cell (22b) in the area of ​​maximum expansion in the bladder cell (22b) and in the area adjacent thereto.

[0079] In this way, since the heating wire (24a) is installed in an area where the bladder cell (22b) is not installed, even if the bladder cell (22b) expands, the heating wire (24a) does not protrude from the cover (25), thus improving the appearance quality.

[0081] Meanwhile, FIG. 7 illustrates a foot massage assembly (20) for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] In this example, only the arrangement of the heating wires (24a) in the heating mat (24) is different, but the rest of the configuration is the same as the previously described embodiment.

[0083] In this embodiment, the heating mat (24) is identical to the previous embodiment in that when the heating wire (24a) is installed, the heating wire (24a) does not overlap with the bladder cell (22b) and bypasses the area where the bladder cell (22b) is not installed. However, the heating wire (24a) may be installed to overlap with some of the air hoses (22c) and bypass them without overlapping with others.

[0084] At this time, for one bladder cell (22b), the heating wire (24a) is routed around the bladder cell (22b) and the air hose (22c), and for other bladder cells (22b) arranged above and below the bladder cell (22b), the heating wire (24a) is routed around the bladder cell (22b) but is installed to overlap with the air hose (22c).

[0085] If the heating wire (24a) and the air hose (22c) are not fully overlapped, the heating function is significantly reduced while the passenger is receiving a foot massage; therefore, some of the heating wires are overlapped with the air hose (22c) to prevent the heating function from being significantly reduced.

[0086] In this way, the heating wire (24a) is positioned inside the bladder unit (22) while bypassing all of the bladder cells (22b), bypassing some of the air hoses (22c), and overlapping some of the air hoses (22c).

[0087] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the bladder cell (22b) is arranged in three layers along the vertical direction of the felt (22a), the heating wire (24a) is bypassed for the bladder cell (22b) and the air hose (22c) located at the top and bottom. Additionally, for the bladder cell (22b) and the air hose (22c) located in the middle, the heating wire (24a) is installed to pass vertically through the air hose (22c) while bypassing the bladder cell (22b) to minimize overlap with the air hose (22c).

[0088] Accordingly, even if the bladder cell (22b) expands to its maximum extent, the heating wire (24a) is not installed in the bladder cell (22b), so the phenomenon of the heating wire (24a) being visible prominently on the cover (25) can be prevented. Explanation of the symbols

[0090] 10 : Seat 11 : Seatback 12 : Footrest 20 : Foot massage assembly 21 : Plate 22 : Bladder Unit 22a : Felt 22b : Bladder cell 22c : Air hose 23 : Sponge 23a : Through hole 24 : Heating mat 24a : Heating element 25 : Cover 26 : Air pump 27 : Control valve 28 : Control unit 110 : Seat 111 : Seatback 112 : Footrest 120: Foot massage assembly 121: Plate 122 : Bladder cell 123 : Air hose 126 : Air pump

Claims

Claim 1 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle, comprising a plate mounted on the seat back of a vehicle, a bladder unit in which a plurality of bladder cells are installed spaced apart on the plate to apply pressure to the soles of the occupant's feet while air is supplied or exhausted internally, and a heating mat positioned to cover the bladder unit and having a heating wire installed thereon, wherein a sponge for cushioning is provided between the bladder unit and the heating mat, and a through hole formed in the sponge in which the bladder cells are arranged to expand is formed in the portion of the sponge where the bladder cells are arranged. Claim 2 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating wire is evenly distributed and installed on the heating wire mat. Claim 3 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating wire is installed in an area where the bladder cell is not installed. Claim 4 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the heating element is installed in an area where an air hose supplying pressurized air to the bladder cell is not installed. Claim 5 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the heating wire is installed to overlap with an air hose that supplies pressurized air to the bladder cell. Claim 6 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the heating wire is arranged at an angle with respect to the vertical or horizontal direction of the heating wire mat. Claim 7 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating wire is installed on the heating wire mat such that the left and right sides are symmetrical to each other. Claim 8 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an air pump that pressurizes and supplies air, and a control valve installed between the air pump and an air hose that supplies pressurized air to the bladder cell to control the flow of said air. Claim 9 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising a control unit that operates an air pump to supply pressurized air to the bladder cell and supplies power to the heating wire. Claim 10 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the bladder unit is provided with a felt coupled to the plate, and the bladder cells are attached to the felt at spaced intervals. Claim 11 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the bladder cell is attached to the felt by heat fusion. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a cover for covering the heating mat. Claim 15 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the foot massage assembly is installed so as to be exposed when a footrest hinged to the seat back is unfolded. Claim 16 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle, comprising a plate mounted on the seat back of a vehicle, a bladder unit that applies pressure to the soles of a passenger's feet while air is supplied or exhausted internally and has a plurality of bladder cells installed spaced apart on the plate, a heating mat positioned to cover the bladder unit and a heating wire arranged in an area where the bladder cells are not installed, a sponge for cushioning is provided between the bladder unit and the heating mat, and a through hole formed in the sponge where the bladder cells are arranged to expand the bladder cells. Claim 17 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 16, characterized in that the heating wire is installed and evenly distributed in an area excluding the bladder cell. Claim 18 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 16, characterized in that the heating wire is installed bypassing an air hose connected to one bladder cell and overlapping with an air hose connected to another bladder cell arranged above and below the bladder cell. Claim 19 A foot massage assembly for a vehicle according to claim 18, characterized in that the heating wire overlaps perpendicularly to the direction in which the air hose is arranged when overlapping with the air hose.

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