Vehicle seat and method for controlling vehicle seat

Abstract

The present application relates to a vehicle seat and a method for controlling the vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising: a seat cushion on which an occupant is seated; a seat back which is configured so as to be capable of tilting backwards and which supports the back of the occupant; a lifting mechanism which is provided in the seat cushion and which lifts the front part of the seat surface of the seat cushion; and a pressing mechanism that is provided in the seatback, presses a portion of the front surface of the seatback toward the front side of the seat, and operates the pressing mechanism after operating the raising mechanism when the reclining angle of the seatback is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle and a frontal collision of the vehicle is predicted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle seat and a method for controlling the vehicle seat. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle occupant protection device is known that, when it is determined that a frontal collision is unavoidable and the seat back is tilted at an angle greater than a predetermined angle, deploys an airbag between the seat back and the occupant's upper body, thereby raising the occupant's upper body (e.g., see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-069871). Furthermore, a vehicle seat structure is known that, in the event of a forward-moving collision involving a seated occupant, uses a gunpowder-type lumbar support mechanism to press the upper part of the occupant's lower back towards the front of the seat, thereby tilting the occupant's pelvis forward (e.g., see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-055500). Summary of the Invention

[0003] With the widespread adoption of autonomous driving, driving in a reclining (comfortable) posture with the seat back reclined significantly is conceivable. However, in such a reclining posture, due to the inertial force during a frontal collision, the spinal axis component of the occupant's upper body increases, raising concerns about increased lumbar load. Furthermore, when airbags or lumbar support mechanisms are used to press the occupant's back forward to suppress this increased lumbar load, the occupant may still shift forward, thus potentially rendering the suppression of forward lurching ineffective.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle seat and a control method for the vehicle seat that can suppress occupant subsidence even when the vehicle is in a frontal collision while driving with the seat back reclined at an angle greater than a specified angle.

[0005] The vehicle seats disclosed herein possess the following features: Seat cushion, for passengers to sit on; The seat back is configured to recline and support the back of the occupant. A lifting mechanism is provided in the cushion and raises the front part of the seat surface of the cushion. A pressing mechanism is provided in the seat back and presses a portion of the front surface of the seat back toward the front of the seat.

[0006] When the reclining angle of the seat back is above a predetermined angle and a frontal collision with the vehicle is anticipated, the pressing mechanism is activated after the lifting mechanism has been activated.

[0007] According to the above method, a lifting mechanism is provided in the seat cushion for occupants to sit on, which raises the front part of the seat surface. Furthermore, a pressing mechanism is provided in the seat back, which is configured to recline and support the occupant's back, for pressing a portion of the front surface of the seat back towards the front of the seat.

[0008] Here, when the seat back is reclined at a predetermined angle or higher and a frontal collision is anticipated, the pressing mechanism operates after the lifting mechanism has activated. That is, after the front portion of the seat cushion is raised, a portion of the front surface of the seat back is pressed forward. This effectively suppresses forward movement of the occupant. Therefore, even in a frontal collision while the vehicle is traveling with the seat back reclined at a predetermined angle or higher, occupant lurching can be prevented.

[0009] In the vehicle seats described above, The lifting mechanism can also be an electric tilting mechanism, a cushioning telescopic device, or a seat cushion airbag. The pressing mechanism can also be a lumbar support airbag or an electric lumbar support mechanism.

[0010] Based on the above structure, the lifting mechanism is configured as an electrically tilting mechanism, a cushioning telescopic device, or a seat cushion airbag. Therefore, the front portion of the seat cushion surface is effectively lifted. Furthermore, the pressing mechanism is configured as a lumbar support airbag or an electrically operated lumbar support mechanism. Therefore, a portion of the front surface of the seat back is effectively pressed forward towards the seat.

[0011] Furthermore, the control method for the vehicle seat that controls the vehicle seat in the above manner can also be configured to include: When the reclining angle of the seat back is above a predetermined angle and a frontal collision with the vehicle is anticipated, the lifting mechanism is activated to raise the front part of the seat cushion. After the front part of the seat cushion is raised, the pressing mechanism is activated to press a portion of the front surface of the seat back towards the front of the seat.

[0012] According to the above technical solution, when the seat back is tilted back at a predetermined angle or higher and a frontal collision is anticipated, the front part of the seat cushion is raised (raising process). Then, a portion of the front surface of the seat back is pressed forward (pressing process). Therefore, forward movement of the occupant can be effectively suppressed. Thus, even if a frontal collision occurs while the vehicle is traveling with the seat back tilted back at a predetermined angle or higher, occupant subsidence can be suppressed.

[0013] As described above, according to the present invention, even if a frontal collision occurs while the vehicle is traveling with the seat back reclined at an angle greater than a specified angle, the phenomenon of occupant submersion can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing the structure of the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2A This is a summary side view showing the working state of the vehicle seat lifting mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2B This is a summary side view showing the state of the pressing mechanism of the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment after it has been operated.

[0017] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the function of the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4A This is a summary side view showing the state of the vehicle seat lifting mechanism according to the second embodiment after it has been operated.

[0019] Figure 4B This is a summary side view showing the state of the pressing mechanism of the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment after it has been operated.

[0020] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the function of the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6A This is a summary side view showing the working state of the vehicle seat lifting mechanism according to the third embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6B This is a summary side view showing the state of the pressing mechanism of the vehicle seat according to the third embodiment after it has been operated.

[0023] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the function of the vehicle seat according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, arrow UP, appropriately shown in each figure, will be designated as the direction above the seat, and arrow FR as the direction in front of the seat. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up / down, front / back, and left / right will be used to represent the up / down, front / back, and left / right directions of the seat. Additionally, the left / right direction is synonymous with the seat width direction.

[0025] First Implementation Method First, the first embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle seat 12 according to the first embodiment is configured as, for example, the front seat of a vehicle 10 with an autonomous driving mode. The vehicle seat 12 includes a seat cushion 14 for an occupant to sit on, and a seat back 16 disposed on the rear side of the seat cushion 14 in a manner that can rotate (tilt backward and forward) about the width direction of the seat. The vehicle seat 12 includes: a seat back 16 that supports the back of the occupant; and a headrest 18 that is disposed at the center of the upper end of the seat back 16 in the width direction of the seat and is height-adjustable, supporting the head of the occupant.

[0026] In addition, Figure 1 In the above, a model of the occupant (seat-taker) to be protected is shown, in which a crash test dummy (human model) is seated on the cushion 14 of the vehicle seat 12. The dummy is, for example, AM50 (50th percentile of adult male in the United States) of a frontal crash test dummy (Hybrid III). Hereinafter, this dummy will be referred to as "Occupant P".

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, when vehicle 10 is in autonomous driving mode, occupant P sometimes adopts a reclining posture, in which the seat back 16 is tilted back at an angle θ or more relative to the vertical direction. Figure 1 As an example, the seat back 16 is shown reclined at 45 degrees relative to the vertical direction, where the specified angle θ is, for example, 45 degrees.

[0028] Furthermore, the reclining angle of the seat back 16 is detected by the detection sensor 24, etc. Additionally, in the vehicle 10, a frontal collision prediction sensor 26, etc., is installed at a predetermined location. Furthermore, in the vehicle 10, a control device 28 electrically connected to the detection sensor 24 and the prediction sensor 26 is installed at a predetermined location.

[0029] like Figure 2BAs shown, a lumbar support airbag 22 is provided in the seat back 16 to press a portion of the front surface 16A of the seat back 16 forward, and an inflation device (not shown) for ejecting gas into the lumbar support airbag 22 is provided. Specifically, the portion of the front surface 16A of the seat back 16 is the skin of the part opposite the lumbar region of the occupant P. The pressing mechanism 20 is constituted by the lumbar support airbag 22 and the inflation device for ejecting gas into the lumbar support airbag 22, and the inflation device is also electrically connected to the control device 28 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0030] Furthermore, the pressing mechanism 20 is not limited to a lumbar support airbag 22 and an inflation device that ejects gas into the lumbar support airbag 22. Although not shown in the figure, it could be, for example, an electric lumbar support mechanism comprising a plate that moves forward by a motor and presses a portion of the front surface 16A of the seat back 16 forward. In this case, the motor is electrically connected to the control device 28.

[0031] In addition, such as Figure 2A , Figure 2B As shown, an electrically operated tilting mechanism 32 is provided in the seat cushion 14 as a lifting mechanism 30 that raises the front part of the seat surface 14A of the seat cushion 14. The electrically operated tilting mechanism 32 is a known mechanism and is electrically connected to the control device 28.

[0032] The control device 28 is configured to first activate the electric tilt mechanism 32 when the recline angle of the seat back 16 is greater than a predetermined angle θ and a frontal collision with the vehicle 10 is anticipated. Then (with a predetermined time difference), the control device 28 is configured to activate the inflation device that ejects gas into the lumbar support airbag 22, thereby inflating the lumbar support airbag 22.

[0033] In the vehicle seat 12 described in the first embodiment with the structure as described above, next, based on Figure 3 The flowchart shown illustrates its function (control method).

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, firstly, the reclining angle of the seat back 16 is detected by the detection sensor 24 (S11). When the reclining angle is less than a predetermined angle θ (e.g., θ = 45 degrees), the lifting mechanism 30 and the pressing mechanism 20 do not operate. When the reclining angle is greater than or equal to the predetermined angle θ, a determination is made regarding whether a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 is anticipated (S12). If a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 is not anticipated, the lifting mechanism 30 and the pressing mechanism 20 do not operate.

[0035] In the event of a foreseeable frontal collision with vehicle 10, firstly, as Figure 2A As shown, the control device 28 activates the electric tilting mechanism 32, which serves as the lifting mechanism 30, thereby raising the front of the seat cushion 14 (lifting process: S13). Furthermore, thereafter, as... Figure 2B As shown, the control device 28 causes the pressing mechanism 20 to operate. That is, the control device 28 causes the inflation device that sprays gas into the lumbar support airbag 22 to operate, thereby inflating the lumbar support airbag 22 (pressing process: S14).

[0036] In this manner, when the seat backrest 16 is tilted back at a predetermined angle θ or higher and a frontal collision with the vehicle 10 is anticipated, the pressing mechanism 20 is activated after the lifting mechanism 30 has been activated. That is, after the front portion of the seat surface 14A of the seat cushion 14 is raised, a portion of the front surface 16A of the seat backrest 16 is pressed forward. Therefore, forward movement of the occupant P can be effectively suppressed. Thus, even if a frontal collision occurs while the vehicle 10 is traveling with the seat backrest 16 tilted back at a predetermined angle θ or higher, the occupant P's tendency to lurch forward can be effectively suppressed.

[0037] Furthermore, since the lifting mechanism 30 is configured as an electrically tilting mechanism 32, the front portion of the seat surface 14A of the seat cushion 14 can be effectively raised. Additionally, since the pressing mechanism 20 is configured as a lumbar support airbag 22, a portion of the front surface 16A of the seat back 16 can be effectively pressed forward. The pressing mechanism 20 also functions in the case of an electrically lumbar support mechanism.

[0038] Second Implementation Method Next, the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment described above, the same symbols will be used, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0039] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown, in this second embodiment, the only difference from the first embodiment described above is that the lifting mechanism 30 is constituted by a buffer telescopic device (hereinafter referred to as "CRD34"). CRD34 is built into the front of the seat cushion 14.

[0040] CRD34 is configured to include a main body 34A extending along the width direction of the seat, a support rod 34B, and a rotating shaft 34C. One end of the support rod 34B is rotatably disposed at both ends of the main body 34A in the width direction of the seat. The rotating shaft 34C is axially disposed in the width direction of the seat.

[0041] The main body 34A is made of resin, for example, and is formed into a generally elliptical shape with a specified thickness when viewed from the side. The rotation shaft 34C is rotatably supported at the front end of a cushion frame (not shown) disposed inside the cushion 14. Furthermore, the rotation shaft 34C is connected to an electric motor (not shown) via a gearbox (not shown), and the electric motor is electrically connected to the control device 28.

[0042] Therefore, when the reclining angle of the seat back 16 is at or above a predetermined angle θ and a frontal collision with the vehicle 10 is anticipated, the control device 28 first activates the electric motor. That is, the control device 28 drives the electric motor to rotate the rotating shaft 34C counterclockwise as shown in the figure, thereby raising the main body 34A of the CRD 34. Then, the control device 28 activates the inflation device that sprays gas into the lumbar support airbag 22, thereby inflating the lumbar support airbag 22.

[0043] In the vehicle seat 12 according to the second embodiment with the structure described above, next, based on Figure 5 The flowchart shown illustrates its function (control method). Furthermore, descriptions of functions equivalent to those in the first embodiment described above are appropriately omitted.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, firstly, the reclining angle of the seat back 16 is detected by the detection sensor 24 (S21). When the reclining angle is less than a predetermined angle θ (e.g., θ = 45 degrees), the lifting mechanism 30 and the pressing mechanism 20 do not operate. When the reclining angle is greater than or equal to the predetermined angle θ, a determination is made regarding whether a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 is anticipated (S22). If a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 is not anticipated, the lifting mechanism 30 and the pressing mechanism 20 do not operate.

[0045] In the event of a foreseeable frontal collision with vehicle 10, firstly, as Figure 4A As shown, the control device 28 activates the CRD34, which serves as the lifting mechanism 30, thereby raising the front of the seat cushion 14 (lifting process: S23). Furthermore, subsequently, as... Figure 4B As shown, the control device 28 causes the pressing mechanism 20 to operate. That is, the control device 28 causes the inflation device that sprays gas into the lumbar support airbag 22 to operate, thereby inflating the lumbar support airbag 22 (pressing process: S24).

[0046] In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, when the reclining angle of the seat back 16 is a predetermined angle θ or higher and a frontal collision with the vehicle 10 is anticipated, the pressing mechanism 20 is activated after the lifting mechanism 30 has been activated. That is, after the front portion of the seat surface 14A of the seat cushion 14 has been raised, a portion of the front surface 16A of the seat back 16 is pressed forward.

[0047] Therefore, it can effectively suppress the forward movement of occupant P, and when driving with the seat back 16 tilted back at a predetermined angle θ or higher, it can effectively suppress the occupant P from falling over even in a frontal collision with the vehicle 10. In addition, since the lifting mechanism 30 is set as CRD34, the front part of the seat surface 14A of the seat cushion 14 can be effectively raised.

[0048] Third Implementation Method Finally, the third embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment described above, the same symbols will be used, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0049] like Figure 6A , Figure 6B As shown, in this third embodiment, the only difference from the first embodiment described above is that the lifting mechanism 30 is composed of a seat airbag 36 and an inflation device (not shown) that sprays gas into the seat airbag 36.

[0050] The seat airbag 36 is built into the front of the seat cushion 14, and the inflation device for injecting gas into the seat airbag 36 is located inside or outside the seat cushion 14. Furthermore, the inflation device for injecting gas into the seat airbag 36 is electrically connected to the control device 28.

[0051] Therefore, when the reclining angle of the seat back 16 is greater than a predetermined angle θ and a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 is anticipated, the control device 28 first activates the inflation device that ejects gas into the seat cushion airbag 36, thereby inflating the seat cushion airbag 36. Then, the control device 28 activates the inflation device that ejects gas into the lumbar support airbag 22, thereby inflating the lumbar support airbag 22.

[0052] In the vehicle seat 12 described in the third embodiment with the structure as described above, next, based on Figure 7 The flowchart shown illustrates its function (control method). Furthermore, descriptions of functions equivalent to those in the first embodiment described above are appropriately omitted.

[0053] like Figure 7As shown, firstly, the reclining angle of the seat back 16 is detected by the detection sensor 24 (S31). When the reclining angle is less than a predetermined angle θ (e.g., θ = 45 degrees), the lifting mechanism 30 and the pressing mechanism 20 do not operate. When the reclining angle is greater than or equal to the predetermined angle θ, a determination is made regarding whether a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 is anticipated (S32). If a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 is not anticipated, the lifting mechanism 30 and the pressing mechanism 20 do not operate.

[0054] In the event of a foreseeable frontal collision with vehicle 10, firstly, as Figure 6A As shown, the control device 28 operates the inflation device that sprays gas into the seat airbag 36, which serves as the lifting mechanism 30, thereby inflating the seat airbag 36. As a result, the front part of the seat 14 is raised (lifting process: S33).

[0055] And then, as Figure 6B As shown, the control device 28 causes the pressing mechanism 20 to operate. That is, the control device 28 causes the inflation device that sprays gas into the lumbar support airbag 22 to operate, thereby inflating the lumbar support airbag 22 (pressing process: S34).

[0056] In the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the reclining angle of the seat back 16 is a predetermined angle θ or higher and a frontal collision with the vehicle 10 is anticipated, the pressing mechanism 20 is activated after the lifting mechanism 30 has been activated. That is, after the front portion of the seat surface 14A of the seat cushion 14 is raised, a portion of the front surface 16A of the seat back 16 is pressed forward.

[0057] Therefore, it can effectively suppress the forward movement of occupant P, and when driving with the seat back 16 tilted back at a predetermined angle θ or higher, it can effectively suppress the occupant P from falling down even in a frontal collision with the vehicle 10. In addition, since the lifting mechanism 30 is configured as a seat cushion airbag 36, it can effectively raise the front part of the seat surface 14A of the seat cushion 14.

[0058] The vehicle seat 12 and its control method according to this embodiment have been described above based on the accompanying drawings. The vehicle seat 12 and its control method according to this embodiment are not limited to the contents shown in the drawings, but can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the pressing mechanism 20 and the lifting mechanism 30 are not each limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the vehicle seat 12 according to this embodiment can also be configured as the rear seat of the vehicle 10, or as the front or rear seat of a vehicle without an autonomous driving mode.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, comprising: Seat cushion, for passengers to sit on; The seat back is configured to recline and support the back of the occupant. A lifting mechanism is provided in the cushion and raises the front part of the seat surface of the cushion. A pressing mechanism is provided in the seat back and presses a portion of the front surface of the seat back towards the front of the seat. The vehicle seat is configured such that, when the reclining angle of the seat back is above a predetermined angle and a frontal collision of the vehicle is anticipated, the pressing mechanism is activated after the lifting mechanism has been activated.

2. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The lifting mechanism can be an electric tilting mechanism, a cushioning telescopic device, or a seat cushion airbag. The pressing mechanism is a lumbar support airbag or an electric lumbar support mechanism.

3. A method for controlling a vehicle seat, comprising controlling the vehicle seat as described in claim 1 or claim 2, and including: When the reclining angle of the seat back is above a predetermined angle and a frontal collision with the vehicle is anticipated, the lifting mechanism is activated to raise the front part of the seat cushion. After the front part of the seat cushion is raised, the pressing mechanism is activated to press a portion of the front surface of the seat back towards the front of the seat.

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