Automobile seat calf leg rest massage device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of automobile seats, in particular to a calf leg rest massage device for automobile seats, which has a leg rest massage unit and a leg rest driving unit. The leg rest driving unit comprises a connecting rod support, a transmission rod support, a transmission rod, a driven rod, a motor, a driven connecting rod structure and a driving connecting rod structure. The angle adjustment of the leg rest massage unit relative to the automobile seat is realized by rotating the motor controlled by the adjustment switch, and the passenger can adjust it at will according to the body state and comfort. The leg rest massage unit adjusts the sequence, speed and air volume of the inflation and deflation of the massage air bag through the air pump and the air path system, and effectively relaxes the legs during driving combined with the unique massage strategy. The air pump, the motor and the air bag valve are controlled by the ECU controller of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive seat technology, specifically to a car seat leg rest massage device. Background Technology

[0002] Most car seat leg rests on the market do not have a massage function, so drivers or passengers cannot effectively relax their legs while driving.

[0003] In view of the above problems, the inventors of this invention have finally obtained this invention after a long period of research and practice. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a car seat leg support massage device that allows drivers and passengers of all sizes to effectively relax their legs and improve driving and riding comfort.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] A car seat leg support massage device is provided, which is installed under the car seat and includes a leg support massage unit and a leg support drive unit.

[0007] The leg support drive unit is connected to the leg support massage unit, and the leg support drive unit is fixedly connected to the car seat frame;

[0008] The leg support massage unit includes an air pump, an air circuit system, a leg support support plate, and multiple massage air bags mounted on the leg support support plate; the air pump is connected to each massage air bag via the air circuit system.

[0009] The tilt angle of the leg support massage unit is adjusted by the leg support drive unit, and the order, speed and volume of inflation and deflation of the massage air bag are adjusted by the air pump and the air circuit system.

[0010] Furthermore, the leg support drive unit includes a linkage bracket, a transmission rod bracket, a transmission rod, a driven rod, a motor, a driven linkage structure, and an active linkage structure;

[0011] The transmission rod bracket is fixedly connected to the car seat frame, the connecting rod bracket is fixedly connected to the leg rest massage unit, the transmission rod and the driven rod are rotatably connected to the transmission rod bracket, the two free ends of the driven connecting rod structure are respectively connected to the transmission rod and the connecting rod bracket, and the two free ends of the active connecting rod structure are respectively connected to the transmission rod and the connecting rod bracket;

[0012] The motor can drive the transmission rod to rotate, and the transmission rod drives the connecting rod bracket to move through the active connecting rod structure. The connecting rod bracket drives the driven connecting rod structure to move, and the driven connecting rod structure drives the driven rod to rotate.

[0013] Furthermore, the device also includes a transmission plate and a lead screw, the lead screw being connected to the transmission plate, and the transmission plate engaging with the transmission rod in a transmission cooperation; the motor is capable of driving the lead screw to move back and forth, thereby driving the transmission plate to move, and the transmission plate is capable of driving the transmission rod to rotate.

[0014] Furthermore, the leg support massage unit also includes a foam support body and an outer foam board. The foam support body is fixed to the leg support support plate, the inner side of the massage air bag is connected to the support foam board, and the outer foam board is disposed on the outer side of the massage air bag.

[0015] Furthermore, each massage air bag has an air valve connected to the air passage system.

[0016] Furthermore, the motor, the air pump, and the valve are respectively connected to the vehicle's ECU controller. The ECU controller adjusts the tilt angle of the leg rest massage unit by controlling the motor, and adjusts the order, speed, and volume of inflation and deflation of each massage air bag by controlling the air pump and the valve.

[0017] Furthermore, the first stage of the inflation process of the massage airbag is sonic inflation, and the second stage is subsonic inflation; the formula for calculating the total inflation time of the massage airbag is:

[0018]

[0019] in:

[0020] A—Effective cross-sectional area of ​​the gas path; P1—Gas pump pressure; k—Adiabatic index; R—Gas constant;

[0021] M—molar mass of gas; T—gas temperature; P0—initial gas pressure before the gas bag is inflated;

[0022] Pv—Air pressure in the airbag during the sonic inflation stage, Pv=P1 / 1.9 and Pv / P1≤0.525;

[0023] Ps—Air pressure of the air bag at the start of subsonic inflation;

[0024] V—Total volume of the airbag; t—Total inflation time of the airbag;

[0025] Qc—Flow rate during the sonic inflation phase, measured in Pa·m³. 3 / s;

[0026] Pc—critical pressure, taken as 0.525P1;

[0027] Based on the above formula, the effective cross-sectional area A of the air passage that maintains the preset inflation speed can be calculated, and the opening area of ​​the valve can be controlled accordingly.

[0028] Further, the adiabatic index k = 1.4; the gas constant R = 8.3143 J / (K·mol); the gas molar mass M = 0.029 kg / mol; the gas temperature T = 293 K; for air at 20 °C, the initial air pressure P0 before inflation of the airbag is 0.5 Pa; the airbag pressure Ps at the start of subsonic inflation is 0.525 Pa.

[0029] Furthermore, there are 6 massage air bags, each with a volume of 0.1L, that is, the total volume of the air bags V = 0.6L; the inflation time of the air bags is t = 3s, and the height of the air bags after inflation is 30mm.

[0030] Furthermore, the massage airbag is positioned corresponding to the Chengshan acupoint on the leg of the passenger in the car seat and its surrounding area.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The car seat leg support massage device of the present invention has a leg support massage unit and a leg support drive unit. The angle of the leg support massage unit relative to the car seat can be adjusted by the leg support drive unit, allowing the passenger to adjust it freely according to their body posture and comfort. The leg support massage unit uses an air pump and air circuit system to adjust the order, speed, and volume of inflation and deflation of the massage air bag, combined with a unique massage strategy, to effectively relax the legs during driving. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 An exploded view of a calf support massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a calf support massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the control circuit of a calf support massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 4A functional logic diagram of a calf support massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The above-mentioned and other technical features and advantages of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] The leg rests of car seats are installed at the bottom of the car seat. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this calf support massage device includes a leg support massage unit 1 and a leg support drive unit 2. The leg support drive unit 2 is connected to the leg support massage unit 1, and the leg support drive unit 1 is fixedly connected to the car seat frame.

[0039] The leg rest drive unit 2 includes a linkage bracket 21, a transmission rod bracket 22, a transmission rod 23, a driven rod 24, a motor 25, a driven link structure 28, and an active link structure 27. The transmission rod bracket 22 is fixedly connected to the car seat frame, and the linkage bracket 21 is fixedly connected to the leg rest massage unit 1. The transmission rod 23 and the driven rod 24 are rotatably connected to the transmission rod bracket 22. The two free ends of the active link structure 27 are connected to the transmission rod 23 and the linkage bracket 21, respectively. The two free ends of the driven link structure 28 are connected to the transmission rod 24 and the linkage bracket 21, respectively. It can be understood that the rotation of the transmission rod 23 can drive the active link structure 27 to move, the active link structure 27 can drive the linkage bracket 21 to rotate, the linkage bracket 21 can drive the driven link structure 28 to move, and the driven link structure 28 can drive the driven rod 24 to rotate. The motion trajectories of the active linkage structure 27 and the driven linkage structure 28 together define the flipping angle of the linkage bracket 21. Since the leg support massage unit 1 is fixed on the linkage bracket 21, it pushes the leg support massage unit 1 to flip.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the leg rest drive unit 2 uses a motor 25 to drive the transmission rod 23 to rotate. Specifically, a power bracket is fixed to the bottom of the car seat frame, and the motor 25 is fixed to the power bracket. A lead screw 29 is threaded onto the power bracket, and the motor 25 can drive the lead screw 29 to rotate. One end of the lead screw 29 is connected to a transmission plate 26. The rotation of the motor 25 drives the lead screw 29 to rotate and move, while simultaneously pushing the transmission plate 26 to move and causing the transmission rod 23 to rotate. By toggling the adjustment switch, the motor rotation is controlled, and the rotation angle of the transmission rod 23 is controlled by the lead screw 29, thereby realizing the angle adjustment of the leg rest massage unit relative to the car seat. The passenger can adjust it freely according to their body posture and comfort.

[0041] like Figures 1-4As shown, the leg support massage unit includes an air pump 15, an air supply system, a leg support plate 11, a foam support body 12, an outer foam board 14, and multiple massage air bags 13 mounted on the leg support plate. The air pump 15 is connected to each massage air bag 13 via the air supply system. The foam support body 12 is fixed to the leg support plate 11, the inner side of the massage air bag 13 is connected to the supporting foam board 12, and the outer foam board 14 is disposed on the outer side of the massage air bag 13. Each massage air bag 13 has an air valve (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the air supply system.

[0042] The motor 25, air pump 15, and valves are connected to the vehicle's ECU controller. The ECU controller adjusts the tilt angle of the leg rest massage unit 1 by controlling the motor 25, and adjusts the order, speed, and volume of inflation and deflation of the massage air bags 13 by controlling the air pump 15 and valves. Specifically, pins 10 and 11 on the ECU controller represent the positive LIN signal, and the motor 25 is activated via pins 1 and 2 to begin adjusting the leg rest position. When the occupant presses the massage switch, the ECU controller sends an electrical signal to the air pump 15 via pins 5 and 6, controlling the air pump 15 to operate and opening and closing the valves of the massage air bags at a certain frequency, thus initiating the massage. When the occupant releases the adjustment button, the ECU controller stops the motor 25 via pins 1 and 2. When the occupant presses the massage switch again, the ECU controller sends an electrical signal to the air pump via pins 5 and 6, shutting off the air pump 15 and stopping the massage.

[0043] Derivation and determination of various parameters:

[0044] Research shows that there are multiple acupoints on the human leg. Massaging these acupoints can make people relax and healthier. The most important of these acupoints is Chengshan acupoint. Chengshan acupoint is located on the calf. The muscles on the inner side of the calf are very developed. When we stand on tiptoe, the muscles here will bulge slightly, and the depression at the end of the bulge is the Chengshan acupoint. It is between Weizhong acupoint and Kunlun acupoint, that is, in the middle of two human-shaped muscles. Pressing and kneading Chengshan acupoint can help expel dampness, promote blood circulation, relieve calf fatigue, dispel dampness, treat leg cramps, relieve low back pain, and can also treat diseases such as constipation and rectal prolapse. When the human body stands, the inner side of the calf will feel slightly tight, and Chengshan acupoint is a knot of tendons, bones and muscles, and is the most direct stress point. The weight of a person will fall on this point, so this acupoint is very important. At the same time, traditional Chinese medicine research shows that Chengshan and Chengjin acupoints are on the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang. The Bladder Meridian is responsible for the yang qi of the whole body. On the one hand, Chengshan acupoint is the gathering place of tendons, bones and muscles that bear the most pressure in the whole body. On the other hand, it is the hub of the meridian with the most prosperous yang qi in the human body. Therefore, it can expel the dampness of the human body by invigorating the yang qi of the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang. Most people will feel obvious soreness, swelling and pain when pressing and kneading Chengshan acupoint, which is because the leg muscles are not relaxed; after pressing and kneading Chengshan acupoint and Chengjin acupoint for a period of time, it can gather the yang qi on the Bladder Meridian and play a role in relaxation and dampness removal.

[0045] After research, the best massage method for Chengshan acupoint is as follows: first, press, knead and rub the inner side of the calf up and down with hands. Generally, knead about 10 times between 5 cm above the Achilles tendon and 5 cm below the knee; then press the inner side of Chengshan acupoint on the calf with both hands alternately about 10 times. In order to simulate this massage method, we set the following massage strategy and related parameters for the massage airbag:

[0046] The massage strategy is that the three rows of airbags inflate and deflate cyclically from bottom to top. One small cycle is: three rows - two rows - one row - two rows - three rows, and it circulates 10 times in total. Then all the airbags inflate and deflate cyclically and massage 10 times at the same time. All the above operations together constitute a large cycle. The height and speed at which the massage airbag lifts up, after being evaluated by a professional comfort evaluation team and relevant literature, we believe that the height of lifting up 30 mm within 3 s is the most comfortable parameter. For this reason, we need to design the air pump parameters that meet the relevant requirements.

[0047] Air pump parameter settings: When the ratio of the air source pressure to the pressure inside the vacuum container is greater than the critical pressure ratio, the inflation process is a sonic inflation process; otherwise, it is a subsonic inflation process. The critical pressure ratio of air is approximately 1.9. Standards specify that the pressure of an automotive air pump (Pa ≤ 50 kPa) is required; here, we initially select 45 kPa, with a pre-set pressure of 0.5 Pa in the air bag. The pressure ratio is much greater than the critical pressure ratio; therefore, the inflation process is first sonic inflation, then subsonic inflation. It is easy to prove that when air with a pressure close to atmospheric pressure flows into the vacuum container through the valve, regardless of changes in the pressure inside the vacuum container, the flow filling can only be viscous flow. Under viscous flow conditions, the gas flow rate through the orifice is:

[0048]

[0049] In the formula:

[0050] A—Effective cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage, in meters 2 ;

[0051] P1—Air pump pressure, here taken as 45000Pa;

[0052] P2—Pressure inside the vacuum bag, here taken as 0.5 Pa;

[0053] K—Adiabatic index, here we take k = 1.4;

[0054] R—gas constant, here taken as 8.3143 J / (K·mol);

[0055] M—molar mass of the gas, here taken as 0.029 kg / mol;

[0056] T—gas temperature, here taken as 293K;

[0057] Q—Flow rate, Pa.m 3 / s.

[0058] The formula for flow rate under vacuum is:

[0059]

[0060] In the formula:

[0061] P—Pressure of the air bag after inflation, Pa;

[0062] V—Total volume of the airbag, in meters 3 ;

[0063] t—the total inflation time of the air bag, in seconds.

[0064] The time required for sonic inflation is t1(s):

[0065] During sonic inflation, the inflation flow rate is constant. Equation (2) shows a linear relationship between container pressure and inflation time. Therefore, the formula for calculating sonic inflation time can be derived:

[0066]

[0067] In the formula:

[0068] P0—Initial air pressure before the air bag is inflated, taken as 0.5 Pa;

[0069] P—Pressure after the air bag is inflated, take P = P1 / 1.9;

[0070] Q c —Flow rate during the sonic inflation phase, Pa.m. 3 / s;

[0071] For air at 20℃, P0 = 0.5 Pa, a simplified calculation formula can be obtained:

[0072]

[0073] For equation (4), P = P1 / 1.9 = 23683.71 Pa. Substituting this into equation (4) yields a simplified calculation formula:

[0074]

[0075] The condition for equation (4) to hold is: P / P1≤0.525;

[0076] Subsonic inflation time t2(s):

[0077]

[0078] In the formula:

[0079] V—Total volume of the airbag, in meters 3 ;

[0080] A—Effective cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage, in meters 2 ;

[0081] Pc—critical pressure, taken as 0.525P1;

[0082] P—Inflation pressure of the air bag at the start of subsonic inflation, P = 0.525 Pa.

[0083] From equation (7), the total subsonic inflation time of the air source at 20℃ and 45000Pa can be obtained:

[0084]

[0085] Total inflation time:

[0086] In summary, for an air source at 20℃ and 45000Pa, the total inflation time is:

[0087]

[0088] Inflation speed control:

[0089] This invention uses six 0.1L airbags, totaling 0.6L. Based on feedback from the comfort evaluation team and analysis of test drive results, we believe the optimal adjustment speed for the airbags is: raising them 30mm in height within 3 seconds. Therefore, the theoretical adjustment speed is 10mm / s.

[0090] From equation (9), we get: effective cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage A = 0.007526V / t = 15.052mm2. It can be assumed that the valve opening area is approximately equal to the effective cross-sectional area. In the intelligent adjustment system, the controller will control the valve to maintain the opening area as much as possible in order to keep the adjustment speed stable in the optimal range.

[0091] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are illustrative rather than restrictive. The structure and connection methods of the components in the present invention can be varied, and any equivalent transformations and improvements made based on the technical solution of the present invention should not be excluded from the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A car seat leg rest massage device, characterized in that, Installed under the car seat, the device includes a leg rest massage unit and a leg rest drive unit; The leg support drive unit is connected to the leg support massage unit, and the leg support drive unit is fixedly connected to the car seat frame; The leg support massage unit includes an air pump, an air circuit system, a leg support support plate, and multiple massage air bags mounted on the leg support support plate; the air pump is connected to each massage air bag via the air circuit system. The tilt angle of the leg support massage unit is adjusted by the leg support drive unit, and the order, speed and volume of inflation and deflation of the massage air bag are adjusted by the air pump and the air circuit system.

2. The car seat calf massager as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The leg support drive unit includes a linkage bracket, a transmission rod bracket, a transmission rod, a driven rod, a motor, a driven linkage structure, and an active linkage structure; The transmission rod bracket is fixedly connected to the car seat frame, the connecting rod bracket is fixedly connected to the leg rest massage unit, the transmission rod and the driven rod are rotatably connected to the transmission rod bracket, the two free ends of the driven connecting rod structure are respectively connected to the transmission rod and the connecting rod bracket, and the two free ends of the active connecting rod structure are respectively connected to the transmission rod and the connecting rod bracket; The motor can drive the transmission rod to rotate, and the transmission rod drives the connecting rod bracket to move through the active connecting rod structure. The connecting rod bracket drives the driven connecting rod structure to move, and the driven connecting rod structure drives the driven rod to rotate.

3. The car seat calf massager as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The device also includes a transmission plate and a lead screw, the lead screw being connected to the transmission plate, and the transmission plate engaging with the transmission rod in a transmission relationship; the motor can drive the lead screw to move back and forth, thereby driving the transmission plate to move, and the transmission plate can drive the transmission rod to rotate.

4. The car seat calf massager as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The leg support massage unit also includes a foam support body and an outer foam board. The foam support body is fixed to the leg support support plate. The inner side of the massage air bag is connected to the support foam board, and the outer foam board is disposed on the outer side of the massage air bag.

5. A car seat calf massager as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Each massage air bag has an air valve, which is connected to the air passage system.

6. A car seat calf massager as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The motor, the air pump, and the valve are respectively connected to the vehicle's ECU controller. The ECU controller adjusts the tilt angle of the leg rest massage unit by controlling the motor, and adjusts the order, speed, and volume of inflation and deflation of each massage air bag by controlling the air pump and the valve.

7. A car seat calf massager as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The inflation process of the massage airbag involves two stages: a first stage of sonic inflation and a second stage of subsonic inflation. The formula for calculating the total inflation time of the massage airbag is as follows: in: A—Effective cross-sectional area of ​​the gas path; P1—Gas pump pressure; k—Adiabatic index; R—Gas constant; M—molar mass of gas; T—gas temperature; P0—initial gas pressure before the gas bag is inflated; Pv—Air pressure in the airbag during the sonic inflation stage, Pv=P1 / 1.9 and Pv / P1≤0.525; Ps—Air pressure of the air bag at the start of subsonic inflation; V—Total volume of the airbag; t—Total inflation time of the airbag; Qc—Flow rate during the sonic inflation phase, measured in Pa·m³. 3 / s; Pc—critical pressure, taken as 0.525P1; Based on the above formula, the effective cross-sectional area A of the air passage that maintains the preset inflation speed can be calculated, and the opening area of ​​the valve can be controlled accordingly.

8. A car seat leg rest massage device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The adiabatic index k = 1.4; the gas constant R = 8.3143 J / (K·mol); the gas molar mass M = 0.029 kg / mol; the gas temperature T = 293 K; for air at 20 °C, the initial air pressure P0 before inflation of the airbag is 0.5 Pa; the airbag pressure Ps at the start of subsonic inflation is 0.525 Pa.

9. A car seat leg rest massage device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The massage airbags consist of 6 units, each with a volume of 0.1L, for a total volume of V = 0.6L. The inflation time of the airbags is t = 3s, and the height of the airbags after inflation is 30mm.

10. A car seat calf massager as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The massage airbag is positioned corresponding to the Chengshan acupoint on the leg of the passenger in the car seat and its surrounding area.

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