Seat adjustment apparatus and system for motor vehicle and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a seat adjustment apparatus and system for a motor vehicle and a method of controlling the same, the seat adjustment apparatus comprising: a guide rail extending in a vertical direction; a moving unit including a moving portion movable along the guide rail and a first driving portion configured to move the moving portion in a vertical direction; a seat unit including a backrest portion and a cushion portion, where the backrest portion is connected to the moving portion, the cushion portion is rotatable relative to the backrest portion, and the seat unit further includes a second driving portion configured to adjust a rotation angle of the cushion portion relative to the backrest portion; and a tilting unit including a third driving portion and a rotating link portion, the rotating link portion being coupled to the backrest portion and the moving portion, and the third driving portion being connected to the rotating link portion such that the backrest portion is movable in the front-rear direction when the link is rotated by an operation of the third driving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat adjustment device and system for a motor vehicle and a method of controlling the same, which can automatically adjust the position and shape of a seat according to the type of occupant to improve the convenience of the occupant. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles (including vehicles) in which an occupant can ride are provided with seats to ensure the convenience of the occupant. The seat enables the occupant to sit in a comfortable posture, so that the occupant does not feel fatigued even during a long journey.

[0003] The seat is fixed in place in the cabin, and the occupant needs to manually adjust the positions of the seat cushion and the backrest.

[0004] At the same time, occupants sitting in a motor vehicle have different body sizes, and the motor vehicle needs to have space suitable for various situations, including the occupant carrying items, the occupant traveling with a pet dog, or the occupant sitting in a wheelchair.

[0005] However, the occupant needs to manually adjust the position of the seat provided in the compartment space in the cabin to make the position of the seat suitable for the occupant, which causes inconvenience.

[0006] In addition, since the seat cushion of the seat is fixed to the floor, useless space and installation area are increased, thereby reducing the usability.

[0007] The information included in the background art of the present disclosure is only used to enhance the understanding of the general background of the present disclosure, and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a seat adjustment device and system for a motor vehicle and a method of controlling the same, which are configured to automatically adjust the position and shape of a seat according to the type of occupant to improve the convenience of the occupant.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the present disclosure provides a seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle, the seat adjustment device comprising: a guide rail extending in the vertical direction; a moving unit including a moving part and a first driving part, wherein the moving part engaged with the guide rail is capable of moving along the guide rail, and the first driving part is provided on the moving part and configured to move the moving part in the vertical direction; a seat unit including a backrest part and a seat cushion part, wherein the backrest part is connected to the moving part, the seat cushion part pivotally coupled to the backrest part is capable of rotating relative to the backrest part, and the seat unit further includes a second driving part configured to adjust the rotation angle of the seat cushion part relative to the backrest part; and a tilting unit including a third driving part and a rotating link part, the rotating link part including a plurality of links, wherein the rotating link part is coupled to the backrest part and the moving part, and the third driving part is connected to the rotating link part such that the backrest part can move in the front-rear direction when the links rotate by the operation of the third driving part.

[0010] The third driving part may be provided on the moving part, the rotating link part may include a first link and a second link, and in a state where the first link is connected to the third driving part and the second link is rotatably connected to the backrest part, the first link and the second link may be rotatably coupled to each other.

[0011] The tilting unit may further include a fixed link part, and one end part of the fixed link part may be connected to the moving part and the other end part of the fixed link part is rotatably coupled to an upper part of the backrest part.

[0012] The rotating link part may be located below the fixed link part and connected to the moving part and the backrest part.

[0013] The total length of the fixed link part may be shorter than the total length of the rotating link part.

[0014] The seat adjustment device may further include a support unit including a support part and a fourth driving part, wherein the support part is configured to be capable of moving in the longitudinal direction of the seat cushion part, and the fourth driving part is provided on the seat cushion part, connected to the support part and configured to adjust the position of the support part.

[0015] A fixed rail may be provided on the seat cushion part and the fixed rail extends in the longitudinal direction, and the support part is slidably provided on the fixed rail.

[0016] The fourth driving part may include: a gear part fixed to the seat cushion part and configured to rotate in response to power transmitted to the gear part; and a rack part that may be provided on the support part and engaged with the gear part.

[0017] The seat adjustment device may further include a controller configured to control the moving unit, the seat unit, the reclining unit, and the support unit, and to control the positions of the backrest portion, the seat cushion portion, and the support portion based on the received occupant information.

[0018] Meanwhile, a method of controlling a seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle includes: an identification step of identifying occupant information; a derivation step of deriving optimized positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion for the occupant by analyzing the occupant information; and a control step of adjusting the positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion by controlling the moving unit, the seat unit, and the reclining unit.

[0019] The identification step may include identifying the physical condition of the occupant, and the derivation step may include deriving the up-and-down positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion suitable for the physical condition of the occupant based on the sitting posture analyzed according to the physical condition of the occupant.

[0020] In response to the controller identifying in the identification step that an accompanying object including luggage or a pet animal is with the occupant, the angle of the seat cushion portion is derived in the derivation step such that the occupant or the accompanying object is supported in a state where the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion are moved upward.

[0021] In response to the controller identifying in the identification step that the occupant arrives and sits in the motor vehicle, the positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion are derived in the derivation step such that the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion are unfolded in a state where the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion are moved upward.

[0022] Meanwhile, a seat adjustment system for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a seat including a moving unit, a seat unit, and a reclining unit, the moving unit being configured to move along a guiding track provided in a cabin, the seat unit including a backrest portion and a seat cushion portion, the backrest portion being provided on the moving unit, the rotational angle of the seat cushion portion relative to the backrest portion being adjustable, the reclining unit being configured to move along the moving unit, connected to the backrest portion and configured to adjust the reclining angle of the backrest portion; a sensing portion configured to detect the presence of an occupant in the cabin or identify occupant information while communicating; and a controller configured to control the moving unit, the seat unit, and the reclining unit, and to control the positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion based on the occupant information input through the sensing portion.

[0023] In addition to identifying the occupant information, the sensing portion may also confirm the seating position of the occupant, and the controller may be configured to control the positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion of the seat corresponding to the seating position of the occupant.

[0024] According to the seat adjustment device and system for a motor vehicle constructed as described above and the method of controlling the same, the position and shape of the seat can be automatically adjusted and optimized for the occupant according to the body type of the occupant, whether the occupant is accompanied by a pet dog or an item, whether an auxiliary device such as a wheelchair is used, etc., thereby improving the convenience of the occupant.

[0025] In addition, since the position of the backrest portion and the position of the seat cushion portion can be adjusted as needed, the useless space can be minimized and the state and situation of the occupant can be optimized, and the position of the backrest portion and the position of the seat cushion portion can be adjusted to ensure the satisfaction of the occupant in the compartment space.

[0026] The methods and apparatuses of the present disclosure have other features and advantages that are apparent from or are more particularly set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, which are incorporated herein by reference to illustrate certain principles of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a view exemplarily showing a seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 is exemplarily showing Figure 1 a view of the deployed state of the seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle shown in

[0029] Figure 3 is exemplarily showing in Figure 1 a view of an exemplary embodiment in which a plurality of third drive portions are provided in the seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle shown in

[0030] Figure 4 is exemplarily showing in Figure 1 a view of an exemplary embodiment in which a single third drive portion is provided in the seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle shown in

[0031] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of the seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle shown in

[0032] Figure 6 is exemplarily showing Figure 1 a view of a seat unit and a support unit of the seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle shown in

[0033] Figure 7 is exemplarily showing Figure 1View of a support unit of a seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle as shown.

[0034] Figure 8 Is a flowchart showing a method of controlling a seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle.

[0035] Figure 9 Is a view exemplarily showing an exemplary embodiment of a seat for a motor vehicle adjusted in response to the occupant being an adult.

[0036] Figure 10 Is a view exemplarily showing an exemplary embodiment of a seat for a motor vehicle adjusted in response to the occupant being a child.

[0037] Figure 11 Is a view exemplarily showing an exemplary embodiment of a seat for a motor vehicle adjusted in response to the occupant being accompanied by a pet dog.

[0038] Figure 12 Is a view exemplarily showing an exemplary embodiment of a seat for a motor vehicle adjusted in response to the occupant sitting in a wheelchair.

[0039] Figure 13 Is a configuration diagram exemplarily showing a seat adjustment system for a motor vehicle.

[0040] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrating the basic principles of the present disclosure. Specific design features of the present disclosure as included herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0041] In the drawings, in several of the entire drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the drawings and described below. Although the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present disclosure to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present disclosure is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0043] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments included in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals, and their repeated description will be omitted.

[0044] In the following description, the suffixes “module,” “unit,” “section,” and “part” used to describe components are used together or interchangeably for ease of description, but the suffixes themselves do not have distinguishable meanings or functions.

[0045] In the description of the exemplary embodiments included in this specification, in view of the determination that a specific description may obscure the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments included in this specification, the specific description of well-known related technologies will be omitted. In addition, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings are provided only to enable those skilled in the art to easily understand the exemplary embodiments included in this specification, and the technical spirit included in this specification is not limited by the drawings and includes all changes, equivalents, and alternatives included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] Ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” etc. may be used to describe multiple components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0047] When one component is described as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that one component can be coupled or directly connected to another component, and there may also be intermediate components between these components. When one component is described as being “directly coupled to” or “directly connected to” another component, it should be understood that there are no intermediate components between these components.

[0048] Unless explicitly described as having a different meaning in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0049] In this specification, it should be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains,” “containing,” or other variations thereof are inclusive and thus denote the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0050] The controller may include: a communication device configured to communicate with another control unit or sensor to control corresponding functions; a memory configured to store an operating system, logical instructions, and input / output information; and one or more processors configured to perform determinations, calculations, decisions, etc. required to control corresponding functions.

[0051] Hereinafter, a seat adjustment device and system for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and a method of controlling the same will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] As Figures 1 to 7 shown, a seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a guide rail 100 extending in its vertical direction; a moving unit 200 including a moving part 210 and a first driving part 220, wherein the moving part 210 is arranged to be movable along the guide rail 100, and the first driving part 220 is provided on the moving part 210 and configured to move the moving part 210; a seat unit 300 including a backrest part 310 and a seat cushion part 320, wherein the backrest part 310 is connected to the moving part 210, the seat cushion part 320 is rotatably provided on the backrest part 310, and includes a second driving part 330 for adjusting the rotation angle of the seat cushion part 320 relative to the backrest part 310; and a tilting unit 400 including a third driving part 420 and a rotating link part 410, the rotating link part including a plurality of links, wherein the rotating link part 410 is connected to the backrest part 310 and the moving part 210, and the third driving part 420 is connected to the rotating link part 410 such that the links rotate by the operation of the third driving part 420, thereby moving the backrest part 310 in its front-rear direction.

[0053] The guide rail 100 is provided on the inner wall of the compartment space of the motor vehicle while extending in the vertical direction, and is configured such that the backrest part 310 and the seat cushion part 320 forming the seat unit 300 can move upward or downward.

[0054] The moving unit 200 includes a moving part 210 and a first driving part 220. The moving part 210 is mounted on the guide rail 100 and arranged to be movable along the guide rail 100. The first driving part 220 is provided on the moving part 210 and moves the moving part 210. For example, in a state where the first driving part 220 is connected to the moving part 210, the moving part 210 moves along the guide rail 100 extending in the vertical direction. The guide rail 100 may be configured as a lead screw, and the motor includes a lead nut such that the moving part 210 can move in its vertical direction.

[0055] In addition, the guide rail 100 may be provided as a pair of guide rails 100. The moving part 210 is slidably mounted on the pair of guide rails 100 such that the vertical movement of the moving part 210 can be stably performed.

[0056] Therefore, the backrest part 310 and the seat cushion part 320 forming the seat unit 300 can move upward or downward.

[0057] Meanwhile, the seat unit 300 includes a backrest portion 310 and a seat cushion portion 320. The backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are rotatably connected to each other such that the angle of the seat cushion portion 320 relative to the backrest portion 310 can be adjusted.

[0058] The second driving portion 330 may be provided on the backrest portion 310 or the seat cushion portion 320 such that the angle of the seat cushion portion 320 can be automatically adjusted. That is, the second driving portion 330 may be provided at a portion where the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are rotatably connected to each other. In a state where the second driving portion 330 is connected to the seat cushion portion 320, the second driving portion 330 generates power to rotate the seat cushion portion 320.

[0059] The backrest portion 310 may be provided on the moving portion 210 and move together with the moving portion 210 in response to the movement of the moving portion 210 along the guiding track 100 such that the vertical positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 can be adjusted.

[0060] Therefore, the vertical positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 forming the seat unit 300 can be adjusted, and the angle of the seat cushion portion 320 can be adjusted.

[0061] Meanwhile, the tilting unit 400 may include a rotating link portion 410 and a third driving portion 420, and the rotating link portion 410 may include a plurality of links.

[0062] The rotating link portion 410 includes a plurality of links, and any one of the links is connected to the third driving portion 420 such that the links are deployed or folded by the operation of the third driving portion 420, thereby moving the backrest portion 310 away from or toward the moving portion 210.

[0063] Therefore, the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 forming the seat unit 300 may be configured such that the angle of the backrest portion 310 can be adjusted.

[0064] As described above, the seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a moving unit 200, a seat unit 300, and a reclining unit 400. The seat unit 300 including a backrest portion 310 and a seat cushion portion 320 can be moved in the up / down direction by the moving unit 200, and the angle of the seat cushion portion 320 of the seat unit 300 with respect to the backrest portion 310 can be adjusted. By the reclining unit 400, the reclining angle of the backrest portion 310 can be adjusted. Accordingly, the present disclosure can adjust the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 while optimizing the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 for occupants in different states, thereby improving the convenience of the occupants.

[0065] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described.

[0066] The position of the seat unit 300 can be adjusted in the up and down directions by the moving unit 200.

[0067] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the moving unit 200 includes a moving part 210 and a first driving part 220. The moving part 210 can be mounted on the guide rail 100 and move along the guide rail 100. The first driving part 220 includes a motor and a guide rod that extends in the same direction as the guide rail 100. The first driving part 220 is connected to the moving part 210 so that the moving part 210 can move along the guide rail 100 while moving along the guide rod. In this case, the guide rod can be configured as a screw, and the motor can include a nut. As described above, the moving part 210 linearly moves along the guide rail 100 by receiving the rotational force from the first driving part 220, thereby changing the up and down position of the seat unit 300.

[0068] Meanwhile, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the seat cushion portion 320 of the seat unit 300 is rotatably connected to the backrest portion 310 so that the angle of the seat cushion portion 320 can be adjusted. The backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are rotatably connected to each other by a recliner, and the second driving part 330 can adjust the rotational angle of the seat cushion portion 320. The second driving part 330 can include a motor. The second driving part 330 can be connected to the hinge shaft of the seat cushion portion 320 or to the recliner, thereby adjusting the rotational angle of the seat cushion portion 320 by the rotational force.

[0069] In addition, the second driving part 330 can be provided as a plurality of second driving parts 330, as Figure 5as shown, or the second driving part 330 may be set as a single second driving part 330, as Figure 6 shown therein.

[0070] Meanwhile, the tilt angle of the backrest part 310 can be adjusted by the tilting unit 400.

[0071] The third driving part 420 may be disposed on the moving part 210, and the rotating link part 410 may include a first link 411 and a second link 412. In a state where the first link 411 is connected to the third driving part 420 and the second link 412 is rotatably connected to the backrest part 310, the first link 411 and the second link 412 are rotatably connected to each other.

[0072] As Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, the rotating link part 410 may include a first link 411 and a second link 412, and these links may be connected to each other by hinges and rotate relative to each other. In this case, the first link 411 may be connected to the third driving part 420 and rotate by the operation of the third driving part 420. The second link 412 is rotatably connected to the backrest part 310.

[0073] Therefore, in response to the operation of the third driving part 420, the first link 411 rotates to push the second link 412 and unfold these links or pull the second link 412 and fold these links. Accordingly, the backrest part 310 can be adjusted as the first link 411 and the second link 412 rotate, so that the tilt angle can be adjusted.

[0074] Meanwhile, as can be seen in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the tilting unit 400 may further include a fixed link part 430. One end part of the fixed link part 430 may be connected to the moving part 210, and the other end part of the fixed link part 430 can be rotatably connected to the upper part of the backrest part 310.

[0075] The fixed link part 430 may be set in the form of a rod-shaped member. One end part of the fixed link part 430 is fixed to the moving part 210 so that the backrest part 310 can move in its up and down direction together with the moving part 210. The other end part of the fixed link part 430 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the backrest part 310 so that the backrest part 310 can be tilted relative to the fixed link part 430. That is, the upper part of the backrest part 310 is rotatably connected to the fixed link part 430 so that a tilting operation can be performed when the lower part of the backrest part 310 and the seat part 320 move in their front and back directions.

[0076] In this case, the rotating link part 410 can be located below the fixed link part 430 and connected to the moving part 210 and the backrest part 310. Therefore, since the upper part of the backrest part 310 is rotatably connected to the fixed link part 430, the rotation center point can be defined on the upper part of the backrest part 310. When the lower part of the backrest part 310 moves in the front-rear direction as the link of the rotating link part 410 rotates, the reclining operation can be performed.

[0077] In addition, the total length of the fixed link part 430 can be shorter than the total length of the rotating link part 410. That is, since the total length of the first link 411 and the second link 412 forming the rotating link part 410 is longer than the length of the fixed link part 430, the links of the rotating link part 410 rotate and extend longer than the fixed link part 430 so that the multiple links of the rotating link part 410 unfold, thereby pushing the backrest part 310.

[0078] As described above, the fixed link part 430 is connected to the upper part of the backrest part 310, and the links of the rotating link part 410 operate as the third driving part 420 rotates, so that the reclining operation can be performed.

[0079] Meanwhile, a support unit 500 can also be provided on the seat cushion part 320 of the seat unit 300. The support unit 500 includes a support part 510 and a fourth driving part 520.

[0080] In this case, the support part 510 can be provided on the seat cushion part 320 and expand the width of the seat cushion part 320 when moving in the longitudinal direction of the seat cushion part 320. That is, the support part 510 can be configured as a leg support member that is configured to move through the fourth driving part 520 to adjust the total area of the seat cushion part 320.

[0081] A fixed track 321 can be provided on the seat cushion part 320 and extend in the longitudinal direction, and the support part 510 can be slidably provided on the fixed track 321.

[0082] As Figure 7 shown, the fixed track 321 is fixed to the seat cushion part 320 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the seat cushion part 320. The support part 510 is slidably connected to the fixed track 321 so that the support part 510 can move in the extending direction of the fixed track 321.

[0083] The fourth driving part 520 may include: a gear part 521, fixed to the seat cushion part 320 and configured to rotate in response to power transmission to the gear part; and a rack part 511, disposed on the support part 510 and configured to engage with the gear part 521.

[0084] In other words, the fourth driving part 520 may include a motor. In response to the rotation of the gear part 521 due to the operation of the motor, the rack part 511 engaged with the gear part 521 may move along a straight line while moving together with the support part 510. Therefore, the rack part 511 may extend in the same direction as the fixed track 321, and the movement amount of the support part 510 may be determined according to the length of the rack part 511.

[0085] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, the tilting unit 400, and the support unit 500 may respectively adjust the vertical position of the seat unit 300, the rotation angle of the seat cushion part 320, the tilting angle of the backrest part 310, and the width of the seat cushion part 320.

[0086] The moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, the tilting unit 400, and the support unit 500 may be controlled by a controller 600. The controller 600 may receive occupant information and control the position of the backrest part 310, the position of the seat cushion part 320, and the position of the support part 510.

[0087] In this case, the occupant information may be obtained through sensors such as cameras, and the height of the occupant, whether the occupant is accompanied by a pet dog, whether the occupant is sitting in a wheelchair, etc. may be confirmed based on the occupant information. The occupant information may be information input by the occupant when communicating with the motor vehicle.

[0088] Based on the occupant information, the controller 600 derives the positions of the backrest part 310, the seat cushion part 320, and the support part 510 optimized for the occupant to improve the convenience of the occupant when sitting on the seat unit 300 in the compartment space of the cabin.

[0089] Meanwhile, as Figure 8 shown, a method for controlling a seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an identification step S10 of identifying occupant information; a derivation step S20 of deriving the positions of the backrest part 310 and the seat cushion part 320 optimized for the occupant by analyzing the occupant information; and a control step S30 of adjusting the positions of the backrest part 310 and the seat cushion part 320 by controlling the moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, and the tilting unit 400.

[0090] The positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 can be adjusted under the control of the controller 600 through the recognition step S10, the derivation step S20, and the control step S30.

[0091] In the recognition step S10, the occupant information can be recognized by a camera provided in the cabin or beside the vehicle door. The occupant sits in the motor vehicle passing by this camera, or the occupant information can be recognized when the occupant communicates with the motor vehicle in advance.

[0092] In the recognition step S10, various information of the occupant can be recognized, such as the height of the occupant, the state of the occupant, the luggage size, whether the occupant is accompanied by a pet dog, and whether the occupant is sitting in a wheelchair, etc.

[0093] In response to the recognized occupant information as described above, in the derivation step S20, the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are adjusted. That is, in the derivation step S20, according to the occupant information, the optimal position of the seat cushion portion 320 and the optimal position of the backrest portion 310 are derived under the control of the controller 600.

[0094] In the control step S30, in response to the optimal positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 derived as described above, the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are moved to the finally determined positions by controlling the moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, the tilting unit 400, and the support unit 500.

[0095] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure related to control will be described. In the recognition step S10, the physical condition of the occupant can be recognized. In the derivation step S20, the sitting posture can be analyzed based on the physical condition of the occupant, and the up-and-down positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 suitable for the physical condition of the occupant can be derived.

[0096] For example, as Figure 9 shown, in response to the occupant information indicating that the occupant is recognized as a large-sized adult in the recognition step S10, the position of the seat cushion portion 320 is derived in the derivation step S20 so that the height of the seat unit 300 can be increased according to the physical condition of the occupant, enabling the occupant to sit. Therefore, in the control step S30, the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are adjusted by controlling the moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, and the tilting unit 400 according to the derived control values.

[0097] In addition, as Figure 10As shown, in the recognition step S10, if the occupant information indicates that the occupant is recognized as a small-sized child, the position of the seat cushion portion 320 can be derived, and the seat unit 300 can be controlled so that the height of the seat unit can be reduced, enabling the occupant to be seated.

[0098] Meanwhile, if the information in the recognition step S10 indicates that there is an accompanying object (such as luggage or a pet) with the occupant, in the derivation step S20, the angle of the seat cushion portion 320 can be derived such that the occupant or the accompanying object is supported in a state where the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are moved upward.

[0099] As Figure 11 shown, in response to the information in the recognition step S10 indicating that the occupant is accompanied by a pet dog, in the derivation step S20, the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are derived so that the height of the seat unit can be adjusted according to the physical condition of the occupant, enabling the occupant to lean on the backrest portion and enabling the occupant to be seated with the pet dog. Therefore, in the control step S30, the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are adjusted by controlling the moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, and the tilting unit 400 according to the derived control values.

[0100] Meanwhile, in response to the information in the recognition step S10 indicating that the occupant has arrived at or is seated in a motor vehicle, in the derivation step S20, the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 can be derived such that the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are unfolded in a state where the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are moved upward.

[0101] As Figure 12 shown, in response to the information in the recognition step S10 indicating that the occupant entering the compartment space of the cabin is sitting in a wheelchair, in the derivation step S20, the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are derived so that the wheelchair can be fixed to a safety device provided in the cabin without interfering with the seat unit 300. In this case, the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 can be unfolded in a straight line state. In the control step S30, the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 are adjusted by controlling the moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, and the tilting unit 400 according to the derived control values.

[0102] Meanwhile, as Figure 13As shown, a seat adjustment system for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a seat including a moving unit 200, a seat unit 300, and a reclining unit 400. The moving unit is configured to be movable along a guiding track 100 provided in a cabin. The seat unit includes a backrest portion 310 and a seat cushion portion 320. The backrest portion is provided on the moving unit 200. The rotation angle of the seat cushion portion relative to the backrest portion 310 is adjustable. And the reclining unit is configured to be movable along the moving unit 200, connected to the backrest portion 310 and configured to adjust the reclining angle of the backrest portion 310; a sensing portion 700 configured to detect whether there is an occupant in the cabin or identify occupant information while performing communication; and a controller 600 configured to control the moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, and the reclining unit 400, and control the position of the backrest portion 310 and the position of the seat cushion portion 320 according to the occupant information input through the sensing portion 700.

[0103] As described above, the present disclosure provides the moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, and the reclining unit 400. The seat unit 300 including the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 can be moved in the up / down direction by the moving unit 200, and the angle of the seat cushion portion 320 of the seat unit 300 relative to the backrest portion 310 can be adjusted. Through the reclining unit 400, the reclining angle of the backrest portion 310 can be adjusted. Therefore, the present disclosure can adjust the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 while optimizing the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 for occupants in different states, thereby improving the convenience of the occupants.

[0104] The sensing portion 700 can be a camera provided in a door or a cabin. Alternatively, the sensing portion 700 can be a communication device configured to communicate with an occupant. The sensing portion 700 can collect information about the occupant sitting in the cabin space of the cabin.

[0105] The controller 600 adjusts the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 to positions optimized for the occupant by controlling the moving unit 200, the seat unit 300, and the reclining unit 400 according to the occupant information input via the sensing portion 700.

[0106] In addition to identifying occupant information, the sensing portion 700 can also confirm the seating position of the occupant. The controller 600 can be configured to control the positions of the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 of the seat corresponding to the seating position of the occupant.

[0107] As described above, in a case where a plurality of occupants are seated in a compartment space of a motor vehicle, the sensing unit 700 can identify the occupant information of each occupant and distinguish the seating position of the occupant, so that the backrest portion 310 and the seat cushion portion 320 of the seat unit 300 on which the occupant intends to be seated can be adjusted according to the identified occupant information for each occupant and optimized for the occupant.

[0108] According to the seat adjustment device and system for a motor vehicle constructed as described above and the method for controlling the same, the position and shape of the seat can be automatically adjusted according to the body type of the occupant, whether the occupant is accompanied by a pet dog or an item, whether an auxiliary device such as a wheelchair is used, etc. and optimized for the occupant, thereby improving the convenience of the occupant.

[0109] In addition, since the position of the backrest portion 310 and the position of the seat cushion portion 320 can be adjusted as needed, the useless space can be minimized and the state and situation of the occupant can be optimized, and the position of the backrest portion 310 and the position of the seat cushion portion 320 can be adjusted to ensure the satisfaction of the occupant in the compartment space.

[0110] In addition, terms related to a control device (such as "controller", "control device", "control unit", "control apparatus", "control module" or "server", etc.) refer to a hardware device including a memory and a processor and configured to execute one or more steps interpreted as an algorithm structure. The memory stores the algorithm steps, and the processor executes the algorithm steps to perform one or more processes in the methods according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented by a non-volatile memory and a processor, the non-volatile memory being configured to store an algorithm for controlling the operation of various components of the vehicle or data on software commands for executing the algorithm, and the processor being configured to use the data stored in the memory to perform the operations described above. The memory and the processor can be separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be integrated in a single chip. The processor can be implemented as one or more processors. The processor can include various logic circuits and operation circuits, can be configured to process data according to a program provided by the memory, and can be configured to generate a control signal according to the processing result.

[0111] The control device can be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program, and the predetermined program can include a series of commands for performing the methods included in the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described above.

[0112] The foregoing invention may also be embodied as computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data that can be subsequently read by a computer system and store and execute program instructions that can be subsequently read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc. and implementations as carrier waves (e.g., transmission via the Internet). Examples of program instructions include machine language code (such as machine language code generated by a compiler) and high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0113] In various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the operations described above may be performed by a control device, and the control device may be configured as a plurality of control devices or an integrated single control device.

[0114] In various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the memory and the processor may be provided as one chip or as separate chips.

[0115] In various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the scope of the present disclosure includes: software or machine-executable commands (e.g., operating systems, application software, firmware, programs, etc.) for enabling the operations of the methods according to different embodiments to be executed on a device or a computer; and non-transitory computer-readable media including such software or commands stored thereon and executable on a device or a computer.

[0116] In various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control device may be implemented in the form of hardware or software, or may be implemented in a combination of hardware and software.

[0117] Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" included in this specification refer to units for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle may be referred to based on the concept including various transportation modes. In some cases, a vehicle may be interpreted based on the concept including not only various land transportation modes (such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses traveling on roads), but also other transportation modes such as airplanes, drones, ships, etc.

[0119] For the sake of illustration and to precisely define the appended claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "back", "interior", "exterior", "inward", "outward", "inner side", "outer side", "inside", "outside", "forward", and "backward" are used to describe such features with reference to the positions in which the features of the exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refers to both direct connection and indirect connection.

[0120] The term "and / or" can include combinations of multiple related listed items or any one of the multiple related listed items. For example, "A and / or B" includes all three cases, such as "A", "B", and "A and B".

[0121] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, singular expressions include plural expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0122] In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, "at least one of A and B" can refer to "at least one of A or B" or "at least one combination in the combination of at least one of A and B". In addition, "one or more of A and B" can refer to "one or more of A or B" or "one or more combinations in the combination of one or more of A and B".

[0123] In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the possibility of adding or existing one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0124] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, each component can be combined with each other to be implemented as one component, or some components can be omitted.

[0125] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, according to the above teachings, various modifications and variations are possible. To illustrate certain principles of the invention and their practical applications, these exemplary embodiments have been selected and described so that other technicians in the art can make and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle, the seat adjustment device comprising: A guide rail extending in the vertical direction; A moving unit including a moving part and a first driving part, wherein the moving part engaged with the guide rail is capable of moving along the guide rail, and the first driving part is provided on the moving part and configured to move the moving part in the vertical direction; A seat unit including a backrest part and a seat cushion part, wherein the backrest part is connected to the moving part, the seat cushion part pivotally coupled to the backrest part is capable of rotating relative to the backrest part, and the seat unit further includes a second driving part configured to adjust the rotation angle of the seat cushion part relative to the backrest part; and A tilting unit including a third driving part and a rotating link part, the rotating link part including a plurality of links, wherein the rotating link part is coupled to the backrest part and the moving part, and the third driving part is connected to the rotating link part such that the backrest part is capable of moving in the front-rear direction when the links rotate by the operation of the third driving part.

2. The seat adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, The third driving part is provided on the moving part, the rotating link part includes a first link and a second link, and in a state where the first link is connected to the third driving part and the second link is rotatably connected to the backrest part, the first link and the second link are rotatably coupled to each other.

3. The seat adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, The tilting unit further includes a fixed link part, and a first end part of the fixed link part is connected to the moving part and a second end part of the fixed link part is rotatably coupled to an upper part of the backrest part.

4. The seat adjusting device according to claim 3, wherein, The rotating link part is located below the fixed link part and is connected to the moving part and the backrest part.

5. The seat adjustment device according to claim 4, wherein, The total length of the fixed link part is shorter than the total length of the rotating link part.

6. The seat adjustment device according to claim 1, further comprising: A support unit including a support part and a fourth driving part, wherein the support part is configured to be capable of moving in the longitudinal direction of the seat cushion part, and the fourth driving part is provided on the seat cushion part, connected to the support part and configured to adjust the position of the support part.

7. The seat adjustment device according to claim 6, wherein A fixed rail is installed on the seat cushion part and the fixed rail extends in the longitudinal direction, and the support part is slidably provided on the fixed rail.

8. The seat adjustment device according to claim 6, wherein The fourth driving part includes: a gear part fixed to the seat cushion part of the seat unit and configured to rotate in response to power transmitted to the gear part; and a rack part provided on the support part and engaged with the gear part.

9. The seat adjustment device according to claim 6, further comprising: A controller configured to control the moving unit, the seat unit, the tilting unit and the support unit, and to control the positions of the backrest part, the seat cushion part and the support part based on the received occupant information.

10. A method of controlling a seat adjustment device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, the method comprising: an identifying step of identifying occupant information; a deriving step of deriving positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion optimized for the occupant by analyzing the occupant information; and a controlling step of adjusting the positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion by controlling the moving unit, the seat unit, and the tilting unit.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The identifying step includes identifying the physical condition of the occupant, and the deriving step includes deriving vertical positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion suitable for the physical condition of the occupant based on a seating posture analyzed according to the physical condition of the occupant.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, In response to the controller identifying, in the identifying step, an accompanying object including luggage or a pet animal together with the occupant, an angle of the seat cushion portion is derived in the deriving step such that the occupant or the accompanying object is supported in a state where the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion are moved upward.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein, In response to the controller identifying, in the identifying step, that the occupant has arrived and is seated in the motor vehicle, positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion are derived in the deriving step such that the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion are unfolded in a state where the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion are moved upward.

14. A seat adjustment system for a motor vehicle, the seat adjustment system comprising: a seat including: a moving unit configured to move along a guide rail provided in a cabin; a seat unit including a backrest portion and a seat cushion portion, the backrest portion being provided on the moving unit, and a rotation angle of the seat cushion portion relative to the backrest portion being adjustable; a tilting unit configured to move along the moving unit, connected to the backrest portion and configured to adjust a tilting angle of the backrest portion; a sensing portion configured to detect whether there is an occupant in the cabin or identify occupant information while performing communication; and a controller configured to control the moving unit, the seat unit, and the tilting unit, and control positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion according to occupant information input through the sensing portion.

15. The seat adjustment system according to claim 14, wherein, The controller is further configured to confirm an occupant seating position via the sensing portion, where the occupant seating position is identified together with the occupant information, and the controller is configured to control positions of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion of the seat corresponding to the occupant seating position.

16. The seat adjustment system according to claim 14, Among them, wherein the moving unit includes a moving part and a first driving part, wherein the moving part engaged with the guide rail is configured to move along the guide rail, and the first driving part is provided on the moving part and configured to move the moving part in a vertical direction; Wherein, the backrest portion is connected to the moving portion, the seat cushion portion pivotally coupled to the backrest portion is rotatable relative to the backrest portion, and the seat unit further includes a second driving portion configured to adjust a rotation angle of the seat cushion portion relative to the backrest portion; and Wherein, the tilting unit includes a third driving portion and a rotating link portion, the rotating link portion includes a plurality of links, the rotating link portion is coupled to the backrest portion and the moving portion, and the third driving portion is connected to the rotating link portion such that the backrest portion can move in the front-rear direction when the links rotate by operation of the third driving portion.

17. The seat adjustment system according to claim 16, wherein, The third driving portion is disposed on the moving portion, the rotating link portion includes a first link and a second link, and the first link and the second link are rotatably coupled to each other in a state where the first link is connected to the third driving portion and the second link is rotatably connected to the backrest portion.

18. The seat adjustment system according to claim 16, wherein, The tilting unit further includes a fixed link portion, and a first end portion of the fixed link portion is connected to the moving portion and a second end portion of the fixed link portion is rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the backrest portion.

19. The seat adjustment system according to claim 16, further comprising a support unit, the support unit including a support portion and a fourth driving portion, Among them, The support portion is configured to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the seat cushion portion, and the fourth driving portion is disposed on the seat cushion portion, connected to the support portion and configured to adjust a position of the support portion, and Wherein, a fixed track is mounted on the seat cushion portion and the fixed track extends in the longitudinal direction, and the support portion is slidably disposed on the fixed track.

20. The seat adjustment system according to claim 19, wherein, The fourth driving portion includes: a gear portion fixed to the seat cushion portion of the seat unit and configured to rotate in response to power transmitted to the gear portion; and a rack portion disposed on the support portion and engaged with the gear portion.

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