Pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat

Abstract

Disclosed is a pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat, in which a main printed circuit board is mounted in a housing, and in a state in which a sub-printed circuit board provided with a pressure sensor is fastened to the main printed circuit board so as to be capable of being slidably moved and exchanging electrical signals with the main printed circuit board, the main printed circuit board and the sub-printed circuit board are connected to each other. The plunger of the actuator pulls or pushes the sub-printed circuit board through the switching signal, so that the pressure sensor on the sub-printed circuit board can move to different positions where the pressure sensor can sense air pressure. Therefore, not only can the air pressure of the first air bag installed in the seat cushion and the second air bag installed in the side cushion be easily detected in the air inlet and exhaust process, but also the air pressure of the third air bag installed in the seat back can be easily detected in the air inlet and exhaust process.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0055833, filed on April 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat that can change the arrangement of pressure sensors mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) of the pneumatic controller to the position where the pressure sensors can sense air. Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, vehicle seats include seat backs that support the upper body of passengers, seat cushions that allow passengers to sit on them, headrests that support the neck and head of passengers, and various seat position adjustment devices and convenience devices are installed on the inside and outside of the seats.

[0005] The seat back is constructed using side bolsters that protrude on both sides to surround the upper body of the passenger, and the seat cushion is constructed using side bolsters that protrude on both sides to surround the lower body of the passenger.

[0006] Recently, so-called "Ergo Motion seats" have been installed in vehicles. In Ergo Motion seats, the air pressure of airbags installed in the seat cushion, seat back, and side pads is adjusted to provide the best sitting comfort for the driver or passenger's body shape.

[0007] For this purpose, a first airbag can be installed in the seat cushion, a second airbag can be installed in the side cushions formed on both sides of the seat cushion and the seat back, and a third airbag configured to support the passenger's lumbar region can be installed in the seat back.

[0008] For example, in the case of the Ergo Motion seat, at least two first airbags can be installed in the seat cushion, at least one second airbag can be installed in each of the side cushions formed on both sides of the seat cushion and the seat back, and at least three third airbags can be installed in the seat back, so a total of seven or more airbags can be used.

[0009] Therefore, by selectively controlling the intake and exhaust volumes of the first airbag installed in the seat cushion, the second airbag installed in the side cushion, and the third airbag installed in the seat back, the seating posture of the driver or passenger can be adjusted.

[0010] For reference, the Ergo Motion seat's operating modes include: Massage Mode, which massages the driver's or passenger's lower back by repeatedly adjusting the air intake and exhaust volume of the third airbag; Driving Mode, which adjusts the seat cushion height by inflating the first airbag and surrounds the driver's or passenger's body with the side cushions by inflating the second airbag; Getting in and out Mode, which allows the driver or passenger to easily get in and out of the vehicle by deflating the second airbag and side cushions; and Smart Adaptation Mode, which automatically adjusts the air volume of the first, second, and third airbags according to the driver's or passenger's set seating posture.

[0011] Here, the configuration of the conventional pneumatic controller for performing pneumatic control on the Ergo Motion seat is as follows.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram showing a traditional pneumatic controller. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional pneumatic controller. Figure 3 and Figure 4 They are along Figure 2 The longitudinal section diagram taken from lines AA and BB.

[0013] The conventional pneumatic controller performs pneumatic control for each operating mode of the Ergo Motion seat and includes a housing 10, a printed circuit board 20, multiple valve units 30, and a pressure sensor 40.

[0014] The housing 10 includes: a body 12 having an air inlet port (not shown) and an air outlet port 11 formed therein; and a cover 13 connected to the opening formed in the body 12.

[0015] The printed circuit board 20 is fixedly mounted inside the main body 12 of the housing 10 and controls the opening and closing of the valve unit 30 based on the switching signal of Ergo Motion and the detection signal of the pressure sensor 40.

[0016] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the valve unit 30 includes an intake valve 30-1 and an exhaust valve 30-2, and is arranged on one side of the printed circuit board 20 and is capable of being opened and closed.

[0017] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the valve unit 30 may include: a first valve unit 31 and a second valve unit 32, which control the air intake and exhaust of two first airbags 1 installed in the seat cushion; a third valve unit 33 and a fourth valve unit 34, which control the air intake and exhaust of second airbags 2 installed in each side cushion; and a fifth valve unit 35, a sixth valve unit 36 ​​and a seventh valve unit 37, which control the air intake and exhaust of three third airbags 3 installed in the seat back.

[0018] Pressure sensors 40 are electrically soldered to one side of printed circuit board 20 at equal intervals and detect the current pressure of the air filling each air bladder in real time.

[0019] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the pressure sensor 40 may include: a first pressure sensor 41 and a second pressure sensor 42, arranged to communicate with the air outlets of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 to detect the air pressure during the air intake and exhaust processes of the two first airbags 1 installed in the seat cushion; and a third pressure sensor 43 and a fourth pressure sensor 44, arranged to communicate with the air outlets of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 to detect the air pressure during the air intake and exhaust processes of the second airbags 2 installed in each side cushion.

[0020] Here, an air guide 14 is installed in the housing 10 to guide air to the air outlet port 11. An air flow path 15 communicating with the air outlet port 11 is formed between the air guide 14 and the inner wall of the housing 10. In particular, such as Figure 3 As shown, a pressure sensing channel 16 is formed at a predetermined position on the air guide 14 to guide air to the first to fourth pressure sensors 41, 42, 43 and 44.

[0021] Therefore, when air is filled into the first airbag 1 and the second airbag 2, air also flows into the pressure sensing channel 16 before air is supplied to the first airbag 1 and the second airbag 2, and when air is discharged from the first airbag 1 and the second airbag 2, thereby enabling the first to fourth pressure sensors 41, 42, 43 and 44 to detect air pressure.

[0022] Considering that the pressure sensor 40 is an expensive component, and that the third airbag 3, which inflates and deflates only in massage mode, is used less frequently than the first airbag 1 and the second airbag 2, such as Figure 4 As shown, no pressure sensors are installed at the air outlets of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37, which control the air intake and exhaust of the three third airbags 3 installed in the seat back.

[0023] Of course, air guides 14 that guide air to the outlet port 11 are also installed at the outlet ports of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36 ​​and the seventh valve unit 37 inside the housing 10, and an air flow path 15 communicating with the outlet port 11 is formed between the air guides 14 and the inner wall of the housing 10.

[0024] Here, the operation procedure of the traditional pneumatic controller configured as above is as follows.

[0025] Inflation and deflation of the first airbag

[0026] When the intake valve 30-1 of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 in the valve unit 30 is opened, air can be supplied through the air flow path 15 between the inner wall of the housing 10 and the air guide 14 and the air outlet port 11 to fill the first airbag 1, so that the seat cushion can expand. On the other hand, when the exhaust valve 30-2 of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 is opened, the air in the first airbag 1 is discharged along the air outlet port 11 and the air flow path 15, so that the seat cushion can contract.

[0027] At this time, when air is filled into the first airbag 1, the air passing through the air intake valve 30-1 of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 also flows into the pressure sensing channel 16. Therefore, the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 in the pressure sensor 40 can detect the air pressure.

[0028] Specifically, the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 in the pressure sensor 40 detect the air pressure before the first airbag 1 is filled with a set amount of air and the air pressure after the first airbag 1 is filled with a set amount of air in real time, and send the detection signal to the printed circuit board 20.

[0029] Therefore, when air is expelled from the first airbag 1, the exhaust valves 30-2 of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 can be opened to expel air, and the opening operation time of the exhaust valves 30-2 can be controlled by a control signal from the printed circuit board 20.

[0030] For example, the opening time of the exhaust valve 30-2 can be limited until the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 detect the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the first airbag 1 with a set amount of air).

[0031] In other words, after the exhaust valves 30-2 of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 are opened to exhaust air, when the air pressure detected in real time by the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 reaches the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the first airbag 1 with a set amount of air), the exhaust valves 30-2 of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 are controlled to close by a control signal from the printed circuit board 20.

[0032] Therefore, the amount of air discharged from the first airbag 1 is adjusted to the same level as the amount of air filling the first airbag 1, so that the expansion and contraction of the seat cushion can always be adjusted to a constant level.

[0033] Therefore, the expansion amount of the seat cushion based on the intake of the first airbag 1 and the contraction amount of the seat cushion based on the exhaust of the first airbag 1 are controlled to be the same, so that the seat cushion can accurately return to its original position (the state before expansion) after expansion.

[0034] Inflation and deflation of the second airbag

[0035] When the intake valve 30-1 of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 in the valve unit 30 is opened, air can be supplied through the air flow path 15 between the inner wall of the housing 10 and the air guide 14 and the air outlet port 11 to fill the second airbag 2, so that the side pad can expand. On the other hand, when the exhaust valve 30-2 of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 is opened, the air in the second airbag 2 is discharged along the air outlet port 11 and the air flow path 15, so that the side pad can contract.

[0036] At this time, when air is filled into the second airbag 2, the air passing through the air intake valve 30-1 of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 also flows into the pressure sensing channel 16. Therefore, the third pressure sensor 43 and the fourth pressure sensor 44 in the pressure sensor 40 can detect the air pressure.

[0037] Specifically, the third pressure sensor 43 and the fourth pressure sensor 44 in the pressure sensor 40 detect the air pressure before the second airbag 2 is filled with a set amount of air and the air pressure after the second airbag 2 is filled with a set amount of air in real time, and send the detection signal to the printed circuit board 20.

[0038] Therefore, when air is expelled from the second airbag 2, the exhaust valves 30-2 of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 can be opened to expel air, and the opening time of the exhaust valves 30-2 can be controlled by a control signal from the printed circuit board 20.

[0039] For example, the opening time of the exhaust valve 30-2 can be limited until the third pressure sensor 43 and the fourth pressure sensor 44 detect the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the second airbag 2 with a set amount of air).

[0040] In other words, after the exhaust valves 30-2 of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 are opened to exhaust air, when the air pressure detected in real time by the third pressure sensor 43 and the fourth pressure sensor 44 reaches the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the second airbag 2 with a set amount of air), the exhaust valves 30-2 of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 are controlled to close by a control signal from the printed circuit board 20.

[0041] Therefore, the amount of air discharged from the second airbag 2 is adjusted to the same level as the amount of air filling the second airbag 2, so that the expansion and contraction of the side pad can always be adjusted to a constant.

[0042] Therefore, the side pads are controlled to expand at the same rate as the second airbag 2 insulates and contract at the same rate as the second airbag 2 deflates, so that the side pads can accurately return to their original position (the state before expansion) after expansion.

[0043] Inflating and deflating the third airbag

[0044] As mentioned above, considering that the pressure sensor 40 is an expensive component, and that the third airbag 3, which inflates and deflates only in massage mode, is used less frequently than the first airbag 1 and the second airbag 2, Figure 4 As shown, no pressure sensors are installed at the air outlets of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37, which control the air intake and exhaust of the three third airbags 3 installed in the seat back.

[0045] When the intake valves 30-1 of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37 in the valve unit 30 are opened, air can be supplied through the air flow path 15 between the inner wall of the housing 10 and the air guide 14 and the air outlet port 11 to fill the third airbag 3, so that the lumbar support of the seat back can expand. On the other hand, when the exhaust valves 30-2 of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37 are opened, the air in the third airbag 3 is discharged along the air outlet port 11 and the air flow path 15, so that the lumbar support of the seat back can contract.

[0046] At this time, the time for supplying a set amount of air to the third airbag 3 and the time for discharging a set amount of air from the third airbag 3 are controlled to be the same by the control signal from the printed circuit board 20.

[0047] For this purpose, the opening time of the intake valves 30-1 of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37 is controlled by a control signal from the printed circuit board 20 to supply a set amount of air to the third airbag 3, and the opening time of the exhaust valves 30-2 of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37 is controlled by a control signal from the printed circuit board 20 to discharge a set amount of air from the third airbag 3.

[0048] However, since the air intake and exhaust times of the third airbag 3 are controlled only by controlling the opening time of the intake valve 30-1 of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37, and the opening time of the exhaust valve 30-2 of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37, without detecting the air pressure of the third airbag 3 during intake and exhaust, there is a problem of inaccurate matching between the expansion and contraction of the lumbar support of the seat back.

[0049] In other words, during Ergo Motion, when the third airbag 3 installed in the lumbar support of the seat back is repeatedly inflated and deflated in the massage mode, since only the air intake and exhaust time of the third airbag 3 installed in the lumbar support of the seat back are controlled, and the air pressure of the third airbag 3 during air intake and exhaust is not detected, that is, the air pressure changes over time is not considered, an error occurs between the expansion and contraction of the third airbag 3.

[0050] Therefore, due to the error between the amount of air filling the third airbag 3 and the amount of air expelled from the third airbag 3, the following problem exists: when the massage mode ends, the lumbar support of the seat back does not accurately return to its original position (the state before inflation) after inflation.

[0051] Therefore, there is a need for a method to use a pressure sensor to detect air pressure during the intake and exhaust of the third airbag 3 installed in the lumbar support of the seat back so as to control the expansion and contraction of the third airbag 3 to be the same.

[0052] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0053] To address the aforementioned problems related to the prior art, this disclosure is made. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a pneumatic controller for at least one vehicle seat. In this pneumatic controller, a main printed circuit board is mounted in the housing of the pneumatic controller. When a sub-printed circuit board, on which a pressure sensor is mounted, is fastened to the main printed circuit board so as to be slidably movable and exchanging electrical signals with the main printed circuit board, the plunger of the actuator pulls or pushes the sub-printed circuit board through a switching signal. This causes the pressure sensor mounted on the sub-printed circuit board to move to a position where the pressure sensor can sense air pressure. Therefore, it is possible to easily detect not only the air pressure during the intake and exhaust processes of the first airbag installed in the seat cushion and the second airbag installed in the side cushion, but also the air pressure during the intake and exhaust processes of the third airbag installed in the seat back.

[0054] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat, the pneumatic controller comprising: a housing having a plurality of air outlet ports formed on one side of the housing; a main printed circuit board having a structure with sliding holes and mounted in the housing, the sliding holes being formed in the main printed circuit board; a plurality of valve units arranged on the main printed circuit board and capable of opening and closing; a sub-printed circuit board inserted into the sliding holes and capable of linear movement; a plurality of pressure sensors configured to be fewer in number than the plurality of valve units and mounted on the sub-printed circuit board at predetermined intervals; and an actuator mounted on the main printed circuit board and pushing the sub-printed circuit board in one direction or pulling the sub-printed circuit board in the opposite direction.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the sliding hole of the main printed circuit board can be formed to be open on one side, so that the sub-printed circuit board can be inserted into the sliding hole.

[0056] In another preferred embodiment, the inner periphery of the sliding hole of the main printed circuit board can be set as a sliding edge, and a sliding groove can be formed on the outer periphery of the sub-printed circuit board, so that the sliding edge can be inserted into the sliding groove.

[0057] In another preferred embodiment, a first conductive pattern may be formed on the surface of the main printed circuit board along the sliding edge, and a second conductive pattern may be formed along the outer periphery of the sub-printed circuit board so as to make conductive contact with the first conductive pattern when the sub-printed circuit board is inserted into the sliding hole.

[0058] In yet another preferred embodiment, the pneumatic controller may further include a dummy block having the same height as the plurality of pressure sensors and may be disposed on the surface of a sub-printed circuit board between the plurality of pressure sensors.

[0059] In yet another preferred embodiment, the pneumatic controller may further include a sealing member and an air guide, the air guide including a pressure sensing channel configured to guide air to a pressure sensor. The sealing member may be attached to the lower end of the pressure sensing channel of the air guide, and the sealing member may be in close contact with the pressure sensor or dummy block to maintain airtightness during linear movement of the sub-printed circuit board.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the actuator may be a solenoid valve type actuator, which includes a plunger connected to a sub-printed circuit board and driven forward or backward.

[0061] In another further preferred embodiment, the pneumatic controller may further include a fastening bracket mounted on the front end of the sub-printed circuit board, such that the plunger can be fastened to the fastening bracket.

[0062] In yet another preferred embodiment, the pneumatic controller may further include: a pair of fastening ends formed on the upper end of the fastening bracket; and a fastening groove formed along the outer peripheral surface of the plunger, such that the pair of fastening ends can be inserted into the fastening groove.

[0063] In yet another preferred embodiment, the pneumatic controller may further include a spring configured to provide an elastic restoring force as the sub-printed circuit board moves to return to its original position, and is connected between the bottom surface of the main printed circuit board and the bottom surface of the sub-printed circuit board.

[0064] In yet another preferred embodiment, when the sub-printed circuit board is pushed by the actuator and brought back to its original position before the sub-printed circuit board was moved, the first and second pressure sensors among the plurality of pressure sensors mounted on the sub-printed circuit board can be arranged to align with the air outlets of the first and second valve units among the plurality of valve units in order to detect the air pressure during the air intake and exhaust processes of the first airbag installed in the seat cushion, and the third and fourth pressure sensors among the plurality of pressure sensors mounted on the sub-printed circuit board can be arranged to align with the air outlets of the third and fourth valve units among the plurality of valve units in order to detect the air pressure during the air intake and exhaust processes of the second airbag installed in the corresponding side cushion.

[0065] In yet another preferred embodiment, when the sub-printed circuit board is pulled by the actuator and brought to a different position offset from the original position by a set distance, the first, second, and third pressure sensors among the plurality of pressure sensors mounted on the sub-printed circuit board can be arranged to align with the air outlets of the fifth, sixth, and seventh valve units among the plurality of valve units, respectively, in order to detect the air pressure during the intake and exhaust processes of the third airbag mounted in the seat back.

[0066] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of this disclosure are discussed below.

[0067] The above and other features of this disclosure are discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0068] The above and other features of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments of the disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given illustratively only and therefore do not limit the disclosure, wherein:

[0069] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing a conventional pneumatic controller;

[0070] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional pneumatic controller;

[0071] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The longitudinal section diagram taken from line AA;

[0072] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The longitudinal section diagram taken from line BB;

[0073] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the internal components of a pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the pressure sensor of the pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure before position movement;

[0075] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The longitudinal cross-sectional view taken by line CC shows the state of the pressure sensor of the pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure before position movement;

[0076] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the pressure sensor of the pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure after positional movement; and

[0077] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The longitudinal cross-sectional view taken by line DD shows the state of the pressure sensor of the pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure after the position has been moved.

[0078] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present a simplified representation of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of this disclosure. Specific design features of this disclosure, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and environment of use.

[0079] In the figures, reference numerals throughout the various figures refer to the same or equivalent parts of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The specific structural or functional descriptions set forth in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely illustrative of embodiments based on the concepts of this disclosure, and embodiments based on the concepts of this disclosure may be implemented in different forms. Furthermore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, and it will be understood that this disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives encompassing the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0081] In the following description of the embodiments, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to describe various elements, and these elements should not be construed as being limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from other elements. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element described below may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element described below may be referred to as a first element.

[0082] Where possible, the same reference numerals will always be used in the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular form may also be intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of said features, integers, operations, actions, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, actions, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0083] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the internal components of a pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the pressure sensor of the pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure before its position is moved.

[0085] The housing 10 of the pneumatic controller according to this disclosure is configured such that, in addition to the air inlet port (not shown), a plurality of air outlet ports 11 are formed on one side.

[0086] The main printed circuit board 110 controls the opening and closing of multiple valve units 30 based on the switch signals of the seat's Ergo Motion and the detection signals of the pressure sensor 40.

[0087] A sliding hole 111 is formed on one side of the main printed circuit board 110. The sliding hole 111 is formed to be open on one side, so that the sub-printed circuit board 120 can be inserted into the sliding hole 111.

[0088] Multiple valve units 30, including an intake valve 30-1 and an exhaust valve 30-2, are arranged on the main printed circuit board 110 and are capable of being opened and closed.

[0089] For example, valve unit 30 may include: a first valve unit 31 and a second valve unit 32, for controlling the air intake and exhaust of at least two first airbags 1 installed in the seat cushion; a third valve unit 33 and a fourth valve unit 34, for controlling the air intake and exhaust of second airbags 2 installed in each side cushion; and a fifth valve unit 35, a sixth valve unit 36 ​​and a seventh valve unit 37, for controlling the air intake and exhaust of at least three third airbags 3 installed in the seat back.

[0090] Specifically, the sub-printed circuit board 120 is inserted into the sliding hole 111 of the main printed circuit board 110 and can reciprocate.

[0091] For this purpose, the inner periphery of the sliding hole 111 of the main printed circuit board 110 is set as a sliding edge 113, and a sliding groove 121 is formed on the outer periphery of the sub-printed circuit board 120, with the sliding edge 113 inserted into the sliding groove 121.

[0092] Therefore, when the sub-printed circuit board 120 reciprocates linearly, the sliding groove 121 contacts the sliding edge 113 of the main printed circuit board 110, allowing the sub-printed circuit board 120 to slide along the sliding edge 113, thereby enabling the sub-printed circuit board 120 to easily reciprocate linearly.

[0093] Multiple pressure sensors 40 are mounted at equal intervals on the sub-printed circuit board 120 by soldering, and the multiple pressure sensors 40 are set in a minimum number less than the number of multiple valve units 30, taking into account the cost reduction due to expensive components.

[0094] For example, pressure sensor 40 may include a number of first to fourth pressure sensors 41, 42, 43 and 44 less than the number of first to seventh valve units 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37, so as to detect not only the air pressure during the intake and exhaust of at least two first airbags 1 installed in the seat cushion and the air pressure during the intake and exhaust of second airbags 2 installed in each side pad of the seat, but also the air pressure during the intake and exhaust of at least three third airbags 3 installed in the seat back.

[0095] At this time, considering that the detection signal of the pressure sensor 40 must be sent from the sub-printed circuit board 120 to the main printed circuit board 110, a first conductive pattern 112 is formed on the surface of the main printed circuit board 110 along the sliding edge 113, and a second conductive pattern 122 that is in conductive contact with the first conductive pattern 112 is formed on the surface of the sub-printed circuit board 120 along the sliding groove 121.

[0096] Therefore, when the sub-printed circuit board 120 reciprocates linearly, the first conductive pattern 112 formed along the sliding edge 113 of the main printed circuit board 110 and the second conductive pattern 122 formed on the sliding groove 121 of the sub-printed circuit board 120 make conductive contact with each other so as to exchange electrical signals, thereby enabling the detection signal of the pressure sensor 40 to be easily transmitted from the sub-printed circuit board to the main printed circuit board 110.

[0097] In some embodiments, a dummy block 45 having the same height as each pressure sensor 40 is provided between a plurality of pressure sensors 40 on the surface of the sub-printed circuit board 120, namely between the first to fourth pressure sensors 41, 42, 43 and 44.

[0098] In addition to the first to fourth pressure sensors 41, 42, 43 and 44, the reason for forming a dummy block 45 on the sub-printed circuit board 120 is to ensure that the sealing member 17, which is attached to the air guide 14 and guides air to the lower end of the pressure sensing channel 16 of the pressure sensor 40, is tightly attached to each pressure sensor 41, 42, 43 and 44 or the dummy block 45, so as to maintain airtightness when the sub-printed circuit board 120 reciprocates linearly.

[0099] An air guide 14 configured to guide air to an outlet port 11 is installed in the housing 10. An airflow path 15 communicating with the outlet port 11 is formed between the air guide 14 and the inner wall of the housing 10. In particular, such as Figure 3 As shown, a pressure sensing channel 16 is formed at a predetermined position on the air guide 14 to guide air to each pressure sensor 40, and a sealing member 17 is attached to the lower end of the pressure sensing channel 16 to maintain airtightness in close contact with each pressure sensor 41, 42, 43 and 44.

[0100] Therefore, when air is filled into one or more of the first airbag 1, the second airbag 2, and the third airbag 3, before air is supplied to one or more of the first airbag 1, the second airbag 2, and the third airbag 3, and when air is discharged from one or more of the first airbag 1, the second airbag 2, and the third airbag 3, air flows into the pressure sensing channel 16 sealed by the sealing member 17, thereby enabling the first to fourth pressure sensors 41, 42, 43, and 44 to detect air pressure.

[0101] If the sub-printed circuit board 120 reciprocates linearly when no dummy block 45 is formed on the sub-printed circuit board 120, and the first to fourth pressure sensors 41, 42, 43 and 44 mounted on the sub-printed circuit board 120 also move together with the sub-printed circuit board 120 and deviate from the sealing member 17, the object in close contact with the sealing member 17 is removed, and therefore the sealing member 17 may separate.

[0102] On the other hand, with the dummy block 45 formed on the sub-printed circuit board 120, even if the sub-printed circuit board 120 moves linearly back and forth, and the first to fourth pressure sensors 41, 42, 43 and 44 mounted on the sub-printed circuit board 120 also move together with the sub-printed circuit board 120 and deviate from the sealing member 17, the sealing member 17 is also in close contact with the dummy block 45 between each pressure sensor 41, 42, 43 and 44. Therefore, the sealing member 17 can be prevented from separating and the sealing member 17 can be protected.

[0103] As a drive unit for causing the sub-printed circuit board 120 to reciprocate linearly, an actuator 130 is mounted on the main printed circuit board 110. The actuator 130 is driven to push the sub-printed circuit board 120 in one direction or pull the sub-printed circuit board 120 in another direction.

[0104] In some embodiments, actuator 130 may be an electromagnetic valve type actuator, which includes a plunger 131 connected to sub-printed circuit board 120 and driven forward and backward.

[0105] In other words, the actuator 130 can be an electromagnetic valve type actuator in which the plunger 131 moves forward when it is pulled by a magnetic field due to the applied current, and moves backward when the plunger 131 is pushed by the elastic restoring force of a spring installed in the actuator 130 when the current is released.

[0106] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, in order to enable the sub-printed circuit board to reciprocate linearly, a fastening bracket 123 is installed at the front end of the sub-printed circuit board 120, so that the plunger 131 of the actuator 130 is fastened to the fastening bracket 123.

[0107] Specifically, the fastening bracket 123 of the sub-printed circuit board 120 is interconnected with the plunger 131 of the actuator 130 by inserting a pair of fastening ends 124 formed on the upper end of the fastening bracket 123 into the fastening groove 132 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the plunger 131.

[0108] Therefore, by pulling the fastening bracket 123 when the plunger 131 of the actuator 130 is pulled, the sub-printed circuit board 120 can be moved forward in a straight line, and by pushing the fastening bracket 123 when the plunger 131 of the actuator 130 is pushed, the sub-printed circuit board 120 can be moved backward in a straight line to its original position (the position before moving forward).

[0109] like Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, a spring 140 is connected between the bottom surface of the main printed circuit board 110 and the bottom surface of the sub-printed circuit board 120 to provide elastic restoring force when the sub-printed circuit board 120 returns to its original position (moving backward in a straight line), thereby enabling the sub-printed circuit board 120 to return completely to its original position (the position before moving forward) by the elastic restoring force of the spring 140.

[0110] Here, the operation flow of the pneumatic controller for vehicle seats of this disclosure having the above-described structure is as follows.

[0111] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the pressure sensor of the pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure before position movement. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The longitudinal section diagram taken from line CC.

[0112] Inflation and deflation of the first airbag

[0113] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 If the sub-printed circuit board 120 is pushed by the plunger 131 of the actuator 130 and placed in its original position before sliding movement, the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 among the plurality of pressure sensors 40 mounted on the sub-printed circuit board 120 are arranged to communicate with the air outlets of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 among the plurality of valve units 30 in order to detect the air pressure during the intake and exhaust process of the first airbag 1 mounted in the seat cushion.

[0114] Therefore, when air is filled into the first airbag 1, the air passing through the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 also flows into the pressure sensing channel 16, thereby enabling the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 to detect the air pressure.

[0115] Specifically, the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 detect the air pressure before the first airbag 1 is filled with a set amount of air and the air pressure after the first airbag 1 is filled with a set amount of air in real time, and send the detection signal from the sub-printed circuit board 120 to the main printed circuit board 110.

[0116] Therefore, when air is expelled from the first airbag 1, the exhaust valves 30-2 of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 can be opened to expel air, and the opening operation time of the exhaust valves 30-2 can be controlled by the control signal from the main printed circuit board 110.

[0117] For example, the opening time of the exhaust valve 30-2 can be limited until the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 detect the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the first airbag 1 with a set amount of air).

[0118] In other words, after the exhaust valves 30-2 of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 are opened to exhaust air, when the air pressure detected in real time by the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 reaches the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the first airbag 1 with a set amount of air), the exhaust valves 30-2 of the first valve unit 31 and the second valve unit 32 are controlled to close by a control signal from the main printed circuit board 110.

[0119] Therefore, the expansion amount of the seat cushion based on the intake of the first airbag 1 and the contraction amount of the seat cushion based on the exhaust of the first airbag 1 are controlled to be the same, so that the seat cushion can accurately return to its original position (the state before expansion) after expansion.

[0120] Inflation and deflation of the second airbag

[0121] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 If the sub-printed circuit board 120 is pushed by the plunger 131 of the actuator 130 and placed in its original position before sliding movement, the third pressure sensor 43 and the fourth pressure sensor 44 among the plurality of pressure sensors 40 mounted on the sub-printed circuit board 120 are arranged to communicate with the air outlets of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 among the plurality of valve units 30 in order to detect the air pressure during the intake and exhaust processes of the second airbag 2 mounted in each side pad.

[0122] Therefore, when air is filled into the second airbag 2, the air passing through the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 also flows into the pressure sensing channel 16, thereby enabling the third pressure sensor 43 and the fourth pressure sensor 44 in the pressure sensor 40 to detect the air pressure.

[0123] Specifically, the third pressure sensor 43 and the fourth pressure sensor 44 in the pressure sensor 40 detect the air pressure before the second airbag 2 is filled with a set amount of air and the air pressure after the second airbag 2 is filled with a set amount of air in real time, and send the detection signal from the sub-printed circuit board 120 to the main printed circuit board 110.

[0124] Therefore, when air is expelled from the second airbag 2, the exhaust valves 30-2 of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 can be opened to expel air, and the opening time of the exhaust valves 30-2 can be controlled by a control signal from the main printed circuit board 110.

[0125] For example, the opening time of the exhaust valve 30-2 can be limited until the third pressure sensor 43 and the fourth pressure sensor 44 detect the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the second airbag 2 with a set amount of air).

[0126] In other words, after the exhaust valves 30-2 of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 are opened to exhaust air, when the air pressure detected in real time by the third pressure sensor 43 and the fourth pressure sensor 44 reaches the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the second airbag 2 with a set amount of air), the exhaust valves 30-2 of the third valve unit 33 and the fourth valve unit 34 are controlled to close by a control signal from the main printed circuit board 110.

[0127] Therefore, the side pads are controlled to expand at the same rate as the second airbag 2 insulates and contract at the same rate as the second airbag 2 deflates, so that the side pads can accurately return to their original position (the state before expansion) after expansion.

[0128] Inflating and deflating the third airbag

[0129] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the pressure sensor of the pneumatic controller for a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure after positional movement. Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The longitudinal section diagram taken from line DD.

[0130] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, if the sub-printed circuit board 120 is pulled by the plunger 131 of the actuator 130 and slides a set distance and is placed in a forward-moving position, the first pressure sensor 41, the second pressure sensor 42 and the third pressure sensor 43 among the multiple pressure sensors 40 mounted on the sub-printed circuit board 120 are arranged to communicate with the air outlets of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36 ​​and the seventh valve unit 37 among the multiple valve units 30, so as to detect the air pressure during the intake and exhaust process of the third airbag 3 installed in the seat back.

[0131] Therefore, when air is filled into the third airbag 3, air also flows into the pressure sensing channel 16 through the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36 ​​and the seventh valve unit 37, thereby enabling the first pressure sensor 41, the second pressure sensor 42 and the third pressure sensor 43 to detect the air pressure.

[0132] Specifically, the first pressure sensor 41, the second pressure sensor 42, and the third pressure sensor 43 in the pressure sensor 40 detect the air pressure before the third airbag 3 is filled with a set amount of air and the air pressure after the third airbag 3 is filled with a set amount of air in real time, and send the detection signal from the sub-printed circuit board 120 to the main printed circuit board 110.

[0133] Therefore, when air is expelled from the third airbag 3, the exhaust valves 30-2 of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36 ​​and the seventh valve unit 37 can be opened to expel air, and the opening operation time of the exhaust valves 30-2 can be controlled by the control signal from the main printed circuit board 110.

[0134] For example, the opening time of the exhaust valve 30-2 can be limited until the first pressure sensor 41, the second pressure sensor 42, and the third pressure sensor 43 detect the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the third airbag 3 with a set amount of air).

[0135] In other words, after the exhaust valves 30-2 of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37 are opened to exhaust air, when the air pressure detected in real time by the first pressure sensor 41, the second pressure sensor 42, and the third pressure sensor 43 reaches the pre-detected air pressure (e.g., the air pressure detected before filling the third airbag 3 with a set amount of air), the exhaust valves 30-2 of the fifth valve unit 35, the sixth valve unit 36, and the seventh valve unit 37 are controlled to close by a control signal from the main printed circuit board 110.

[0136] Therefore, the lumbar support of the seat back is controlled to be the same based on the expansion amount of the third airbag 3 and the contraction amount of the lumbar support of the seat back based on the exhaust amount of the third airbag 3. Thus, the lumbar support of the seat back can accurately return to its original position (the state before expansion) after expansion.

[0137] In this way, the pressure sensor 40 installed on the sub-printed circuit board 120 can be moved to a position where the pressure sensor 40 can sense air pressure, so that it can not only easily detect the air pressure during the intake and exhaust process of the first airbag 1 installed in the seat cushion and the second airbag 2 installed in each side pad, but also easily detect the air pressure during the intake and exhaust process of the third airbag 3 installed in the seat back.

[0138] As is apparent from the above description, this disclosure provides the following effects.

[0139] First, the pressure sensor mounted on the sub-printed circuit board of the pneumatic controller can be moved to a position where the pressure sensor can sense air pressure, thereby minimizing the number of expensive pressure sensors mounted on the pneumatic controller and thus reducing costs.

[0140] Second, the actuator plunger pulls or pushes the printed circuit board via the switch signal of Ergo Motion. Therefore, the pressure sensor mounted on the printed circuit board can be moved to a position to detect the air pressure during the intake and exhaust processes of the first airbag installed in the seat cushion and the second airbag installed in the side cushion, or to detect the air pressure during the intake and exhaust processes of the third airbag installed in the seat back. Thus, the air pressure during the intake and exhaust processes of any airbag can be easily detected using only a minimum number of pressure sensors.

[0141] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to one embodiment, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and it will be understood that various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A pneumatic controller for at least one vehicle seat, comprising: The housing includes a plurality of air outlet ports formed on one side of the housing; The main printed circuit board has a structure with a sliding hole and is mounted in the housing, the sliding hole being formed in the main printed circuit board; Multiple valve units are arranged on the main printed circuit board and are capable of opening and closing; The sub-printed circuit board is inserted into the sliding hole and can move linearly. Multiple pressure sensors, fewer in number than the multiple valve units, are mounted on the sub-printed circuit board at predetermined intervals; as well as An actuator is mounted on the main printed circuit board and pushes the sub-printed circuit board in one direction or pulls the sub-printed circuit board in the opposite direction.

2. The pneumatic controller according to claim 1, wherein, The sliding hole of the main printed circuit board is formed to be open on one side, so that the sub-printed circuit board can be inserted into the sliding hole.

3. The pneumatic controller according to claim 2, wherein, The inner periphery of the sliding hole of the main printed circuit board is set as a sliding edge, and a sliding groove is formed on the outer periphery of the sub-printed circuit board, so that the sliding edge can be inserted into the sliding groove.

4. The pneumatic controller according to claim 3, wherein, A first conductive pattern is formed on the surface of the main printed circuit board along the sliding edge, and a second conductive pattern is formed along the outer periphery of the sub-printed circuit board so that the sub-printed circuit board makes conductive contact with the first conductive pattern when it is inserted into the sliding hole.

5. The pneumatic controller according to claim 1, wherein, The pneumatic controller further includes a dummy block having the same height as the plurality of pressure sensors and being configured to be disposed between the plurality of pressure sensors on the surface of the sub-printed circuit board.

6. The pneumatic controller of claim 5, further comprising a sealing member and an air guide, the air guide including a pressure sensing channel configured to guide air to a pressure sensor, and wherein, The sealing member is attached to the lower end of the pressure sensing channel of the air guide, and the sealing member is configured to be in close contact with the pressure sensor or the dummy block to maintain airtightness during linear movement of the sub-printed circuit board.

7. The pneumatic controller according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is an electromagnetic valve type actuator, which includes a plunger connected to the sub-printed circuit board and driven forward or backward.

8. The pneumatic controller of claim 7, further comprising a fastening bracket configured to be mounted on the front end of the sub-printed circuit board such that the plunger can be fastened to the fastening bracket.

9. The pneumatic controller according to claim 8, further comprising: A pair of fastening ends are formed at the upper end of the fastening bracket; And a fastening groove is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the plunger, such that the pair of fastening ends can be inserted into the fastening groove.

10. The pneumatic controller of claim 1, further comprising a spring configured to provide an elastic restoring force as the sub-printed circuit board moves to return to its original position, the spring being connected between the bottom surface of the main printed circuit board and the bottom surface of the sub-printed circuit board.

11. The pneumatic controller according to claim 1, wherein, When the sub-printed circuit board is pushed by the actuator and brought back to its original position before the sub-printed circuit board was moved, the first and second pressure sensors among the plurality of pressure sensors mounted on the sub-printed circuit board are arranged to align with the air outlets of the first and second valve units among the plurality of valve units in order to detect the air pressure during the air intake and exhaust process of the first airbag installed in the seat cushion, and the third and fourth pressure sensors among the plurality of pressure sensors mounted on the sub-printed circuit board are arranged to align with the air outlets of the third and fourth valve units among the plurality of valve units in order to detect the air pressure during the air intake and exhaust process of the second airbag.

12. The pneumatic controller according to claim 1, wherein, When the sub-printed circuit board is pulled by the actuator and placed at a different position offset from the original position by a set distance, the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor and the third pressure sensor among the plurality of pressure sensors mounted on the sub-printed circuit board are arranged to be aligned with the air outlets of the fifth valve unit, the sixth valve unit and the seventh valve unit among the plurality of valve units, respectively, in order to detect the air pressure during the air intake and exhaust process of the third airbag.

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