Device for restraining a passenger in a relaxed position for a vehicle seat and method of operating control thereof

Abstract

A device for restraining a passenger in a relaxed position for a vehicle seat and a control method thereof, the device is configured such that when a seated passenger in an autonomous vehicle enters a relaxed mode and thus sits in a relaxed position in the vehicle seat, and when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined vehicle speed, the device is automatically operated so that the seated passenger's both legs can be restrained, thereby effectively protecting the passenger in the relaxed position in the event of an accident. The device includes a rod member coupled to a seat cushion and configured to have a variable length, and a support foam connected to one end of the rod member and located in front of the seated passenger to restrain the seated passenger's legs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for restraining a seated passenger in a relaxed position for use in a vehicle seat, and a method for controlling the operation of the device, such that when a seated passenger in an autonomous vehicle enters a relaxed mode, the passenger's legs can be restrained. Background Technology

[0002] Research and development on autonomous vehicles continues. Autonomous vehicles are intelligent vehicles that incorporate autonomous driving technology, allowing drivers to reach their destination without manually operating the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brakes.

[0003] If autonomous driving is widely implemented, drivers will be able to choose between manual driving mode and autonomous driving mode. In manual driving mode, the driver can drive the vehicle manually, while in autonomous driving mode, the vehicle can automatically reach its destination without driver intervention.

[0004] In autonomous driving mode, various modes can be implemented depending on the seating arrangement, such as a relaxation mode where seated passengers can relax and rest, and a facing mode where passengers in the first row and the second row face each other.

[0005] In Relaxed Mode, the seat back rotates backward at a predetermined angle or greater relative to the seat cushion. If an accident occurs in Relaxed Mode, the amount of forward movement of the passenger's lower body (the amount of forward movement of the passenger's lower body due to the passenger sliding forward in Relaxed Mode during the accident) is greater than the amount of movement in the normal seated position with the seat back upright, and the severity of injury to the passenger is correspondingly increased.

[0006] In the event of an accident, the seat belts and airbags currently used in vehicles are insufficient to effectively restrain passengers seated in a relaxed position. Therefore, it is necessary to design a new concept of restraint device to protect passengers in a relaxed position.

[0007] The above description of the background technology is only for the purpose of helping to understand the background of the present invention, and those skilled in the art should not consider it to correspond to the known prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a device for restraining a passenger seated in a relaxed position in a vehicle seat and a method for controlling the operation of the device, such that when a seated passenger in an autonomous vehicle enters a relaxed mode and when the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined speed or higher, the passenger's legs can be restrained, thereby effectively protecting the passenger in the relaxed position in the event of an accident.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for restraining a passenger in a relaxed position in a vehicle seat includes: a rod member coupled to a seat cushion and configured to have a variable length; and a support foam connected to one end of the rod member and located in front of the seated passenger to restrain the passenger's legs.

[0010] The rod component includes: a carriage guide, which is connected to the seat and configured to have a track groove formed to extend in the lengthwise direction of the seat; and a carriage bar, which is connected to the carriage guide and configured to move along the track groove.

[0011] The device also includes a drive mechanism configured to connect the bracket guide and the slide bar to move the slide bar during operation.

[0012] A support foam is attached to one end of the slide bar, and the support foam is configured to restrain the legs of the seated passenger when the slide bar protrudes from the bracket guide.

[0013] The device also includes a controller configured to control the operation of the drive mechanism, and the controller is configured to receive signals from the drive mechanism operation switch, the release mode switch and the vehicle speed sensor in order to control the operation of the drive mechanism.

[0014] The drive mechanism operating switch is located on one side surface of the seat cover to allow seated passengers to operate it.

[0015] The movable block is located at the rear end of the slide bar and inserted into the track groove for movement along the track groove. The support arm is located at the front end of the slide bar, and the support foam is connected to surround the support arm.

[0016] The slide bar also includes a support bracket configured to move around the upper surface of the bracket guide and in a state of being supported on the upper surface of the bracket guide when the slide bar moves.

[0017] The drive mechanism includes: a motor fixedly connected to the rear end of the bracket guide; a lead screw located in a guide rail groove and arranged longitudinally along the lead screw; and a plurality of gear components configured to connect the motor and the lead screw. The front end of the lead screw is rotatably supported on the front end of the bracket guide. The rear end of the lead screw is connected to the gear components via a movable block of a slide bar inserted into the guide rail groove.

[0018] As the lead screw extends through the movable block, it is threaded into the movable block, causing the movable block to move along the longitudinal direction of the lead screw while being guided in the guide groove as the lead screw rotates.

[0019] Multiple first stop protrusions are arranged circumferentially on the front surface of the movable block. A rotating plate is integrally connected to the front end of the lead screw. Multiple second stop protrusions are arranged circumferentially on one surface of the rotating plate. When the slide rod moves in its full stroke in the direction protruding from the bracket guide, the first and second stop protrusions are configured to contact each other via the rotation of the rotating plate and the lead screw. The slide rod is configured to rotate in one direction by the rotational force transmitted from the lead screw and the rotating plate to the slide rod through the contact between the first and second stop protrusions. A support foam connected to the slide rod is positioned in front of the seated passenger's legs by the rotation of the slide rod to restrain the seated passenger's legs.

[0020] An opening is formed at the front end of the bracket guide to open upwards and is configured to allow the movable block to rotate. In its initial state, with the movable block located at the rear end of the bracket guide, a support foam connected to the front end of the slide bar is positioned to protrude upwards. As the movable block moves to the front end of the bracket guide and rotates through the opening, the support foam is configured to rotate in its upwardly protruding state to be positioned in its lateral direction to restrain the legs of the seated passenger.

[0021] As the movable block completes its rotation through the opening, it is configured to contact the bracket guide to prevent excessive rotation. Due to the continuous rotation of the lead screw, the motor drive terminates as the resistance to the motor increases. The support foam is configured to continuously maintain the restraint on the legs of the seated passenger.

[0022] An opening is formed at the front end of the bracket guide to open downwards and is configured to allow the movable block to rotate. In its initial state, with the movable block located at the rear end of the bracket guide, a support foam connected to the front end of the slide bar is positioned to protrude downwards. As the movable block moves to the front end of the bracket guide and rotates through the opening, the support foam is configured to rotate in its downwardly protruding state to be positioned in its lateral direction to restrain the legs of the seated passenger.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a device for controlling a passenger in a relaxed position for use in a vehicle seat includes:

[0024] First determination step: Determine whether the drive mechanism operation switch is in the ON state while the vehicle is in motion; Second determination step: When the determination result of the first determination step is that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the ON state, determine whether a relaxation mode signal has appeared; Third determination step: When the determination result of the second determination step is that a relaxation mode signal has appeared, determine whether the current speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference speed of the vehicle; and passenger restraint step, wherein, when the determination result of the third determination step is that the current speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference speed of the vehicle, the controller drives the motor, the slide bar moves forward along the bracket guide and then the motor drives the lead screw to rotate in one direction, and the support foam connected to the slide bar is positioned in front of the seated passenger's legs by the rotation of the slide bar in order to restrain the seated passenger's legs.

[0025] When the determination result of the first determining step is that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the OFF state, the motor is not driven by the controller; the slide bar does not move in front of the bracket guide, and the support foam connected to the slide bar maintains the unrestrained initial position of the seated passenger's legs.

[0026] When the determination result of the first determination step is that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the ON state, and when the determination result of the second determination step is that no relaxation mode signal appears, the motor is not driven by the controller; the slide bar does not move in front of the bracket guide, and the support foam connected to the slide bar maintains the unrestrained initial position of the seated passenger's legs.

[0027] When the determination result of the first determination step is that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the ON state, when the determination result of the second determination step is that no relaxation mode signal appears, and when the determination result of the third determination step is that the current vehicle speed is equal to or less than the vehicle's reference speed, the motor is not driven by the controller; the slide bar does not move in front of the bracket guide, and the support foam connected to the slide bar maintains the unrestrained initial position of the seated passenger's legs.

[0028] After the passenger restraint step is executed, the control logic feeds back to the first determination step, and the first determination step to the third determination step are executed sequentially and continuously; and during the execution of the first determination step to the third determination step, if at least one of the following conditions is not met: the condition that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the ON state, the condition that a relaxation mode signal appears, and the condition that the current speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference speed of the vehicle, the slide bar moves backward along the bracket guide through the controller, the drive of the motor and the rotation of the lead screw, and the support foam returns to the initial position in response to the release of the restraint of the seated passenger's legs.

[0029] The advantage of the device for restraining a user in a relaxed position in a vehicle seat according to the present invention is that when a seated passenger in an autonomous vehicle enters a relaxed mode and the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined speed or higher, the device operates automatically, thereby restraining the seated passenger's legs and effectively protecting the passenger in the relaxed position in the event of an accident. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a view showing the initial state of the device for restraining a user in a relaxed position for a vehicle seat according to the present invention before operation;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a view showing the restraint device according to the invention after operation;

[0033] Figures 3 to 11 This is a view showing the constituent elements of the restraint device according to the present invention;

[0034] Figures 12A and 12B are views showing the movement of a passenger in a relaxed position before and after an accident caused by the restraint device according to the invention;

[0035] Figures 13 to 16 This is a view illustrating another embodiment of the restraint device according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the operation of a restraint device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein include general motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, ships including various boats and vessels, aircraft, etc., and includes hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as both a gasoline-powered vehicle and an electric vehicle.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a / an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the term “comprises / comprising” designates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the word “comprising” and variations such as “including” or “included” will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements rather than the exclusion of any other elements. Furthermore, the terms “unit,” “device,” “component,” and “module” described in the specification refer to a unit for performing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0039] Furthermore, the control logic of this invention can be embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions that are executed by a processor, controller, etc. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, optical disc (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed across a network-coupled computer system, such that the computer-readable medium is stored in a distributed manner and executed in a distributed manner, for example, via a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0040] The specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the specification or applications are only for describing embodiments according to the present invention. Therefore, embodiments according to the present invention can be implemented in various forms, and the present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described in the specification or applications.

[0041] Various changes and modifications can be made to embodiments according to the present invention, and therefore specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification or application. However, it should be understood that embodiments according to the concept of the present invention are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0042] Terms such as “first” and / or “second” can be used to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are intended only to distinguish one element from others. For example, without departing from the scope of this invention, a first element may be named a second element, and similarly, a second element may be named a second element.

[0043] When an element is described as being "connected" or "close to" other elements, it should be understood that not only is the element directly connected or close to the other elements, but there may also be another element between them. In contrast, when a component is described as being "directly connected" or "directly close to" any other component, it should be understood that there is no component between them. Other expressions describing the relationships between structural elements, namely "between" and "only between," or "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," should be interpreted similarly to the descriptions above.

[0044] The terminology used in this invention is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless they are clearly distinct in the context. As used herein, the expressions “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of the mentioned features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, and should be construed as not excluding the possibility of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof being present or added.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field, and unless expressly defined herein, such terms should not be interpreted as having an ideal or excessive form of meaning.

[0046] The control unit (controller) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be implemented by a non-volatile memory (not shown) and a processor (not shown), the memory being configured to store data relating to algorithms configured to control the operation of various vehicle components or software instructions for reproducing the algorithms, and the processor being configured to perform the operations described below using data stored in the corresponding memory. In this document, the memory and processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as an integrated single chip. The processor may be in the form of one or more processors.

[0047] In the following description, an apparatus for restraining a passenger in a relaxed position in a vehicle seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figures 1 to 11This is a view of a restraint device for a passenger seated in a relaxed position according to the invention, and shows an embodiment in which, in an initial state before the restraint device is operated, the support foam is configured to stand vertically upward, and when the operation of the restraint device is completed, the vertically upward support foam is configured to rotate and then be positioned laterally.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a view showing the initial state of the restraint device according to the invention before operation. Figure 2 This is a view showing the state of the restraint device after operation.

[0050] The restraint device for a passenger in a relaxed position according to the invention comprises: a rod member 700 connected to a seat cushion 10 and configured to have a variable length; and a support foam 400 connected to one end of the rod member 700 and located in front of the seated passenger 1 to restrain the legs of the passenger 1.

[0051] The rod member 700 includes: a bracket guide 100 connected to the seat cushion 10 and configured to have a track groove 110 formed to extend longitudinally along the seat cushion 10; and a slide bar 200 connected to the bracket guide 100 and configured to move along the track groove 110.

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention also include a drive mechanism 300 configured to connect the bracket guide 100 and the slide bar 200 to move the slide bar 200 during operation.

[0053] The support foam 400 is connected to one end of the slide bar 200 and is located in front of the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 to restrain the legs of the seated passenger as the slide bar 200 moves in its full range in the direction (front) from the bracket guide 100.

[0054] The bracket guide 100 is fixedly mounted on one side surface of the seat cushion 10 so as to extend forward and backward by using a plurality of mounting brackets 120.

[0055] Furthermore, the restraint device according to the invention also includes a controller 500 configured to control the operation of the drive mechanism 300, and the controller 500 is also configured to receive signals from the drive mechanism operation switch 510, the release mode switch 520 and the vehicle speed sensor 530 to control the operation of the drive mechanism 300.

[0056] The drive mechanism operating switch 510 can be located on a side surface of the seat cover 20 to allow the seated passenger 1 to operate it easily and comfortably, and can be a switch that allows the passenger to turn the device on or off.

[0057] The autonomous vehicle is equipped with a driving mode switch that allows the driver to select the autonomous driving mode while the vehicle is in motion, and a relaxation mode switch 520 that allows passengers to select a relaxation mode while the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode.

[0058] When a passenger operates the relaxation mode switch 520, the signal from operating the relaxation mode switch is transmitted to the controller 500, and the controller 500 controls the drive of the drive mechanism 300 by using the signal from the relaxation mode switch 520.

[0059] The signal from the relaxation mode switch 520 can be used to determine whether to enter the relaxation mode, but information about the seat back tilt angle can also be used if needed. The seat back tilt angle can be defined as the angle at which the seat back tilts backward, the angle formed by the seat back and seat cushion based on the forward and backward rotation of the seat back, etc.

[0060] The movable block 210 is located at the rear end of the slide bar 200 and is inserted into the track groove 110 for movement along the track groove 110, while the support arm 220 is located at the front end of the slide bar 200. The support arm 220 is configured to surround the support foam 400 to form a structure in which the support foam is connected.

[0061] The support foam 400 is a component that comes into contact with the legs 2 of the passenger 1. Therefore, in order to cushion the impact, the support foam is preferably formed as a material with a cushioning feel.

[0062] The slide bar 200 also includes a support bracket 230 configured to surround the upper surface of the bracket guide 100, and the support bracket 230 moves while being supported on the upper surface of the bracket guide 100 as the slide bar 200 moves.

[0063] The support bracket 230 is configured to increase the supporting force of the slide bar 200 when the restraint device of the present invention is not in operation, and the support arm 220 is configured to support the legs 2 of the passenger 1 after the restraint device is in operation. In addition, the support foam 400 is mounted on the support arm 220 and is configured to distribute the weight through the seat cushion when the legs 2 of the passenger 1 come into contact with it after the restraint device is in operation.

[0064] The drive mechanism 300 includes a motor 310 fixedly connected to the rear end of the bracket guide 100, a lead screw 320 located in the guide groove 110 and arranged longitudinally along the lead screw 320, a plurality of gear members 330 configured to connect the motor 310 and the lead screw 320, and a gear cover 340 fixed to the bracket guide 100 and configured to cover the gear members 330.

[0065] The motor 310 is fixedly mounted on the rear end of the bracket guide 100 via the motor bracket 311.

[0066] The front end of the lead screw 320 is rotatably supported on the front end of the bracket guide 100, and the rear end of the lead screw 320 is connected to the gear member 330 through the movable block 210 in the insertion groove 110 of the slide bar 200.

[0067] As the movable block 210 extends through the slide bar 200, the rear end of the lead screw 320 is threaded to the movable block 210, so that when the lead screw 320 rotates, the movable block 210 moves longitudinally along the lead screw 320 in a state guided by the guide groove 110. Therefore, the slide bar 200 and the movable block 210 move together in the longitudinal direction along the bracket guide 100.

[0068] The gear component 330 may include a drive gear connected to the motor 310, a driven gear connected to the lead screw 320, and an idler gear for connecting the drive gear and the driven gear.

[0069] Multiple first stop protrusions 240 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the slide bar 200 on the front surface of the movable block 210 of the slide bar 200. The rotating plate 600 is integrally connected to the front end of the lead screw 320, and multiple second stop protrusions 610 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotating plate 600 on one surface of the rotating plate 600.

[0070] The first stop protrusion 240 and the second stop protrusion 610 are formed to have a structure that faces each other.

[0071] Therefore, as the slide bar 200 moves throughout its entire stroke in the direction (forward) where it protrudes from the bracket guide 100, the first stop protrusion 240 formed on the movable block 210 moves to the front end of the bracket guide 100 to be positioned between the second stop protrusions 610, and the first stop protrusion 240 and the second stop protrusion 610 contact each other via a rotating plate 600, which rotates together with the lead screw 320 via the power of the motor 310. Thus, the rotational force of the lead screw 320 and the rotating plate 600 is transmitted to the slide bar 200 via the movable block 210 through the contact between the first stop protrusion 240 and the second stop protrusion 610, causing the slide bar 200 to rotate in one direction. Therefore, through the rotation of the slide bar 200, the support foam 400 connected to the slide bar 200 is positioned in front of the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 to restrain the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 (see Figures 12A and 12B).

[0072] An opening 130 (which is configured to allow the movable block 210 to rotate) is formed at the front end of the bracket guide 100 to open upward.

[0073] Therefore, in the initial state where the movable block 210 is located at the rear end of the bracket guide 100 (the state before the restraint device is operated), the support foam 400 connected to the front end of the slide bar is positioned to protrude upwards (see...). Figure 1And when the movable block 210 moves to the front end of the bracket guide 100 and rotates through the opening 130, the support foam 400 rotates in an upwardly projecting state to be positioned in its lateral direction in order to restrain the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0074] Furthermore, when the movable block 210 rotates through the opening 130, the movable block 210 is configured to contact the bracket guide 100 to suppress excessive rotation, and the drive of the motor 310 terminates as the resistance of the motor 310 increases due to the continuous rotation of the lead screw 320. Therefore, the support foam 400 can continuously maintain the restrained condition of the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1.

[0075] exist Figures 13 to 16 Another embodiment of the restraint device according to the invention described herein has a structure in which an opening 130, configured to allow rotation of the movable block 210, is formed at the front end of the bracket guide 100 to open downward.

[0076] Therefore, in the initial state where the movable block 210 is located at the rear end of the bracket guide 100 (the state before the restraint device is operated), the support foam 400 connected to the front end of the slide bar 200 is positioned to protrude downwards (see...). Figure 13 and Figure 14 Therefore, the upward protrusion of the support foam 400 can be concealed to the greatest extent possible to improve its aesthetic appearance.

[0077] Furthermore, when the movable block 210 moves to the front end of the bracket guide 100 and rotates through the opening 130, the support foam 400 rotates in a downwardly protruding state to position itself laterally to restrict the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 (see...). Figure 15 and Figure 16 ).

[0078] Reference Figure 17 The present invention describes a method for controlling the operation of a device for restraining a passenger in a relaxed position in a vehicle seat.

[0079] When the vehicle starts (starting ON) and enters the driving state (step S1), the controller 500 performs the first determination step to determine whether the drive mechanism operation switch 510 is in the operation ON state (step S2).

[0080] When the determination result of step S2 is that the drive mechanism operation switch 510 is determined to be in the operation ON state, the second determination step is executed to determine whether a release mode signal caused by the release mode switch 520 has occurred (step S3).

[0081] When the result of step S3 is that a relaxation mode signal has been detected, the third determination step is executed to determine whether the vehicle's current speed is greater than or equal to the vehicle's reference speed (step S4).

[0082] The reference speed of a vehicle is the minimum speed at which a passenger would be injured in an accident while the vehicle is in motion; for example, it can be defined as 26 km / h (kph), but is not limited to this.

[0083] When the determination result of step S4 is that the current speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference speed of the vehicle, the passenger restraint step drives the motor 310 via the controller 500, the slide bar 200 moves forward along the bracket guide 100 and then rotates in one direction via the rotation of the lead screw 320 driven by the motor 310, and the support foam 400 connected to the slide bar 200 is positioned in front of the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 by the rotation of the slide bar 200 to restrain the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 (step S5).

[0084] The state after the operation of the restraint device according to the invention corresponds to the passenger restraint step and is the same as the state in FIG12A, at which time the passenger 1 is in the state of fastening the seat belt 30.

[0085] As shown in Figure 12A, when the passenger's legs are supported by the support foam 400 in the relaxed position, an accident occurs while the passenger's legs 2 are restrained, as shown in Figure 12B. Because legs 2 are restrained, the upper body of passenger 1 will rotate forward. However, since the seatbelt 30 is fastened to the upper body of passenger 1, the passenger will experience a high restraining force from the seatbelt 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the passenger from slipping off the seatbelt 30 due to the lower body of passenger 1. Thus, it is beneficial to effectively protect passenger 1 in the relaxed position.

[0086] Meanwhile, according to the control logic of the present invention, when the determination result of the first determination step (step S2) is that the drive mechanism operation switch 510 is in the OFF state, the motor 310 is not driven by the controller 500, the slide bar 200 does not move in front of the bracket guide 100, and therefore the support foam 400 connected to the slide bar 200 continues to maintain the initial position of not restricting the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 (step S6).

[0087] Furthermore, according to the control logic of the present invention, even if the drive mechanism operation switch 510 is determined to be in the operation ON state by the determination of the first determination step (step S2), when the state of no relaxation mode signal is determined by the second determination step (step S3), the controller 500 supports the foam 400 to continuously maintain the initial position of the unrestrained leg 2 of the seated passenger 1 (step S6).

[0088] Furthermore, according to the control logic of the present invention, even if the drive mechanism operation switch 510 is determined to be in the operation ON state by the determination of the first determination step (step S2), and the state of the relaxation mode signal is determined by the second determination step (step S3), when the current speed of the vehicle is determined to be equal to or less than the reference speed of the vehicle by the third determination step (step S4), the controller 500 supports the foam 400 to continuously maintain the initial position of the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 without restraint (step S6).

[0089] Furthermore, after executing the passenger restraint step (step S5), the control logic according to the invention is fed back to the first determination step (step S2), and the first determination step (step S2) to the third determination step (therefore, step S4) are executed sequentially and continuously. Moreover, during the execution of the first to third determination steps, if at least one of the following conditions is not met: the drive mechanism operation switch 510 is in the ON state, a relaxation mode signal appears, or the current vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the vehicle speed, the slide bar 200 moves backward along the bracket guide 100 via the drive of the motor 310 of the controller 500 and the rotation of the lead screw 320, thereby supporting the foam 400 to return to its initial position before operation, while simultaneously releasing the restraint on the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1.

[0090] As described above, the vehicle seat restraint device for a passenger in a relaxed position according to the present invention is configured to operate automatically so that the legs 2 of the seated passenger 1 in an autonomous vehicle are restrained when the passenger 1 enters a relaxed mode and the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed. Therefore, according to the present invention, the passenger 1 in a relaxed position can be effectively protected in the event of an accident.

[0091] Although the invention has been described and illustrated in conjunction with its specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various improvements and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for restraining a passenger in a relaxed position in a vehicle seat, the device comprising: A rod member, which is connected to the seat cushion and is configured to have a variable length; and A support foam, attached to one end of the rod member and positioned in front of the seated passenger, restrains the passenger's legs. The rod component includes: A bracket guide, which is coupled to the seat cushion and configured to have a track groove formed extending longitudinally along the seat cushion; and A slide bar, which is connected to the bracket guide and configured to move along the track groove, and The slide bar also includes a support bracket configured to surround the upper surface of the bracket guide, and the support bracket moves while being supported on the upper surface of the bracket guide when the slide bar moves.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A drive mechanism configured to connect the bracket guide and the slide bar to move the slide bar during operation.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The support foam is connected to one end of the slide bar, and The support foam is configured to restrain the legs of the seated passenger when the slide bar protrudes from the bracket guide.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: A controller configured to control the operation of the drive mechanism, wherein the controller is configured to receive signals from a drive mechanism operation switch, a release mode switch, and a vehicle speed sensor to control the operation of the drive mechanism.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The drive mechanism operation switch is located on one side surface of the seat cover to allow operation by the seated passenger.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The movable block is located at the rear end of the slide bar and inserted into the track groove to move along the track groove. The support arm is located at the front end of the slide bar and is connected to the support foam so that the support foam surrounds the support arm.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The drive mechanism includes: A motor, which is fixedly connected to the rear end of the bracket guide; A lead screw, which is located in the guide groove and arranged longitudinally along the lead screw; and Multiple gear components are configured to connect the motor and the lead screw, wherein, The front end of the lead screw is rotatably supported at the front end of the bracket guide, and The rear end of the lead screw passes through the movable block inserted into the track groove of the slide bar and connects to the gear component.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The lead screw extends through the movable block and is threaded to the movable block, such that when the lead screw rotates, the movable block moves along the longitudinal direction of the lead screw while the movable block is guided in the track groove.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, Multiple first stop protrusions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the movable block on the front surface of the movable block; The rotating plate is integrally connected to the front end of the lead screw; Multiple second stop protrusions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotating plate on one surface of the rotating plate; The first stop protrusion and the second stop protrusion are configured such that when the slide rod moves in its full stroke in the direction in which the slide rod protrudes from the bracket guide, the first stop protrusion and the second stop protrusion come into contact with each other by rotating together with the lead screw via the rotating plate; The slide bar is configured to rotate in one direction via the contact between the first and second stop protrusions, through the rotational force transmitted from the lead screw and the rotating plate to the slide bar via the movable block; and The support foam connected to the slide bar is positioned in front of the seated passenger's legs by the rotation of the slide bar, thereby restraining the seated passenger's legs.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, An opening is formed at the front end of the bracket guide to open upward and is configured to allow the movable block to rotate; In the initial state where the movable block is located at the rear end of the bracket guide, the support foam connected to the front end of the slide bar is positioned to protrude upwards; and As the movable block moves toward the front end of the bracket guide and then rotates through the opening, the support foam is configured to rotate in an upwardly projecting state to position itself in the lateral direction to restrain the legs of the seated passenger.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, When the movable block completes its rotation through the opening, the movable block is configured to contact the bracket guide to prevent excessive rotation of the movable block; As the resistance of the motor increases due to the continuous rotation of the lead screw, the motor drive terminates; and The support foam is configured to continuously maintain the seated passenger's legs in a restrained state.

12. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, An opening is formed at the front end of the bracket guide to open downward and is configured to allow the movable block to rotate; In the initial state where the movable block is located at the rear end of the bracket guide, the support foam connected to the front end of the slide bar is positioned to protrude downwards; and As the movable block moves toward the front end of the bracket guide and then rotates through the opening, the support foam is configured to rotate in a downwardly projecting state to position itself in the lateral direction to restrain the legs of the seated passenger.

13. A method for controlling the operation of a device for restraining a passenger in a relaxed position for a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1-12, the method comprising the steps of: The first determining step: With the vehicle in motion, determine whether the drive mechanism operation switch is in the ON position; Second determination step: When the determination result of the first determination step is that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the operation ON state, determine whether a release mode signal has appeared; Third determination step: When the determination result of the second determination step is the occurrence of the relaxation mode signal, determine whether the current speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference speed of the vehicle; and In the passenger restraint step, when the determination result of the third determination step is that the current speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference speed of the vehicle, the controller drives the motor, the slide bar moves forward along the bracket guide and then rotates in one direction by the rotation of the lead screw caused by the drive of the motor, and the support foam connected to the slide bar is positioned in front of the seated passenger's legs by the rotation of the slide bar to restrain the seated passenger's legs.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, When the determination result of the first determining step is that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the OFF state, the controller does not drive the motor, the slide bar does not move in front of the bracket guide, and the support foam connected to the slide bar remains in the initial position that allows the seated passenger's legs to be unrestrained.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, When the determination result of the first determining step is that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the ON state, and when the determination result of the second determining step is that the relaxation mode signal does not appear, the controller does not drive the motor, the slide bar does not move in front of the bracket guide, and the support foam connected to the slide bar remains in the initial position that allows the seated passenger's legs to be unrestrained.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, When the determination result of the first determining step is that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the ON state, when the determination result of the second determining step is that the relaxation mode signal does not appear, and when the determination result of the third determining step is that the current vehicle speed is equal to or less than the reference speed of the vehicle, the controller does not drive the motor, the slide bar does not move in front of the bracket guide, and the support foam connected to the slide bar remains in the initial position that allows the seated passenger's legs to be unrestrained.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein, After the passenger constraint step is executed, the control logic feeds back to the first determination step, and executes the first determination step to the third determination step sequentially and continuously. and During the execution of the first to the third determination steps, if at least one of the following conditions is not met: the condition that the drive mechanism operation switch is in the ON state, the condition that the relaxation mode signal appears, and the condition that the current speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to the reference speed of the vehicle, the slide bar moves backward along the bracket guide via the controller, the drive of the motor, and the rotation of the lead screw, and the support foam returns to its initial position in response to the release of the restraint on the seated passenger's legs.

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