Seat hover control method and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a seat hovering control method and a vehicle. The seat hovering control method comprises the following steps: detecting an electric adjustment action of a seat; generating a mechanical holding torque for mechanical self-locking through a gear box after the electric adjustment action stops; and controlling a motor to output an electric control holding torque and compensate the mechanical holding torque, wherein the gear box and the motor jointly control the seat hovering. The technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the application improves the hovering effect of the seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of seat control technology, and more particularly to a seat hovering control method and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As vehicles become increasingly electrified, rear seats are now commonly equipped with power adjustment functions. These adjustments, such as seat cushion movement and seat folding, expand the interior storage space. During seat adjustment, there may be instances where the seat remains suspended in a certain position; in such cases, it is crucial to ensure the reliability of this suspension.

[0003] However, due to the limited space in the vehicle, the upper limit of the mechanical holding torque of the seat adjustment gearbox is relatively low. Under heavy load and steep slope conditions, relying solely on the gearbox can easily lead to gear slippage and insufficient locking reliability, which can easily cause instability in seat suspension. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a seat hovering control method and a vehicle to solve the problem of poor seat hovering performance.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a seat hovering control method is provided, comprising: Detect the electric adjustment function of the seat; When the electric adjustment action stops, a mechanical holding torque for mechanical self-locking is generated through the gearbox; The control motor outputs an electrically controlled holding torque and compensates for the mechanical holding torque; the gearbox and the motor jointly control the seat's suspension.

[0006] Optionally, the step of generating a mechanical holding torque for mechanical self-locking via the gearbox after the electric adjustment action stops includes: The gearbox outputs a constant mechanical holding torque through its own mechanical self-locking characteristic.

[0007] Optionally, the control motor outputs an electrically controlled holding torque and compensates for the mechanical holding torque, and the gearbox and the motor jointly control the seat suspension, including: The electronically controlled holding torque is generated based on the magnitude of the mechanical holding torque; The motor outputs an electronically controlled holding torque, which, combined with the mechanical holding torque, controls the seat's hovering.

[0008] Optionally, after the control motor outputs an electrically controlled holding torque and compensates for the mechanical holding torque, and the gearbox and the motor jointly control the seat suspension, the method further includes: Within the first moment after the electric adjustment action stops, the passive displacement signal of the seat is detected; Based on the passive displacement signal, the motor is controlled to output auxiliary torque; the auxiliary torque is used to cooperate with the gearbox to drive the seat to move.

[0009] Optionally, detecting the passive displacement signal of the seat within a first time after the electric adjustment action stops includes: The rotation and direction of rotation of the motor rotor are detected, and the passive displacement signal is generated.

[0010] Optionally, after detecting the passive displacement signal of the seat within a first time after the electric adjustment action stops, the method further includes: When the motor rotor stops rotating, the gearbox maintains the mechanical holding torque and controls the motor to maintain the electronic holding torque.

[0011] Optionally, when controlling the motor to output auxiliary torque according to the passive displacement signal, the following steps are included: The real-time current of the motor and the displacement change rate of the seat are detected, and the stall condition of the motor is determined. The motor is controlled to reduce its speed or power output according to the stall condition.

[0012] Optionally, detecting the real-time current of the motor and the displacement change rate of the seat, and determining the stall condition of the motor includes: The real-time current change rate of the motor is calculated based on the real-time current of the motor. When the real-time current change rate is less than the current change rate threshold and the displacement change rate is less than the displacement change rate threshold under the real-time current, the motor is in a slight stall condition; when the real-time current change rate is greater than the current change rate threshold and the displacement change rate is less than the displacement change rate threshold under the real-time current, the motor is in a severe stall condition.

[0013] Optionally, controlling the motor to reduce speed or power operation according to the stall condition includes: When the motor is in the slight stall condition, control the motor to run at a reduced speed; When the motor is in the severe stall condition, the motor is controlled to operate with reduced power, wherein the reduced power is positively correlated with the real-time current change rate.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising: a plurality of seats, wherein the seats are controlled by the seat hovering control method described in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The technical solution provided by this invention uses a gearbox to generate a mechanical holding torque for mechanical self-locking, and a motor to output an electrically controlled holding torque to compensate for the mechanical holding torque. This dual-torque superposition achieves reliable and effective seat suspension. After the electric adjustment stops, the invention automatically enters a dual-torque superposition suspension state without releasing force or unlocking. This reduces the problems of gear shifting and insufficient locking reliability caused by a low upper limit of mechanical holding torque, and also reduces the heat generation caused by the motor continuously outputting full holding torque. It compensates for the deficiency of insufficient single mechanical holding torque, balancing seat suspension stability with motor heat dissipation performance.

[0016] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a seat hovering control method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of another seat hovering control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another seat hovering control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another seat hovering control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of another seat hovering control method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0021] This invention provides a seat hovering control method. Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a seat hovering control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 1 Seat hovering control methods include: S110, Detect the electric adjustment of the seat.

[0022] When the seat is electrically adjusted, it can move according to a control signal. For example, the motor's output shaft is connected to the input end of a gearbox, and the gearbox's output end is connected to the transmission mechanism of the seat frame. After the motor's rotational motion is reduced and amplified by the gearbox, it outputs sufficient torque to drive the seat, causing it to perform actions such as backrest angle adjustment, seat cushion translation, seat retraction, and repositioning. Specifically, the electric adjustment of the seat can be achieved by pressing the seat adjustment buttons inside the vehicle to send a control signal.

[0023] The seat stops its electric adjustment the instant the button adjustment stops. At this moment, the position of the seat being adjusted may be at a significant angle to the horizontal plane, therefore, it is necessary to ensure that it can reliably hover and prevent further movement.

[0024] S120. When the electric adjustment action stops, a mechanical holding torque for mechanical self-locking is generated through the gearbox.

[0025] The gearbox provided by this invention has a mechanical self-locking feature. When the motor stops driving, the gearbox relies on the mechanical self-locking of the internal meshing pairs to lock the seat in the target position and bear the weight of the seat itself, preventing the seat from rotating or sliding on its own.

[0026] S130 controls the motor to output electronically controlled holding torque and compensates for mechanical holding torque. The gearbox and motor jointly control the seat suspension.

[0027] If the seat position is maintained solely by the mechanical self-locking of the gearbox, the gearbox is prone to slippage when the seat is on a steep incline, resulting in poor locking reliability. Therefore, an auxiliary control can be provided by a motor, which combines the two torques to jointly bear the entire load of the seat.

[0028] Specifically, after the electric adjustment stops, the motor remains energized and outputs an electronically controlled holding torque. This allows the motor's electronically controlled holding torque to compensate for the fluctuations and attenuation of the gearbox's mechanical holding torque, thereby compensating for any potential insufficient bearing capacity of the mechanical holding torque.

[0029] By using the mechanical holding torque as the primary torque for seat suspension and the electronically controlled holding torque as the auxiliary torque to compensate for the mechanical holding torque, the motor does not bear the entire weight of the seat. This reduces the problems of excessive heat generation and excessive temperature rise of the motor windings caused by continuous motor power supply, which shortens the product's lifespan.

[0030] The technical solution provided by this invention uses a gearbox to generate a mechanical holding torque for mechanical self-locking, and a motor to output an electrically controlled holding torque to compensate for the mechanical holding torque. This dual-torque superposition achieves reliable and effective seat suspension. After the electric adjustment stops, the invention automatically enters a dual-torque superposition suspension state without releasing force or unlocking. This reduces the problems of gear shifting and insufficient locking reliability caused by a low upper limit of mechanical holding torque, and also reduces the heat generation caused by the motor continuously outputting full holding torque. It compensates for the deficiency of insufficient single mechanical holding torque, balancing seat suspension stability with motor heat dissipation performance.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of another seat hovering control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference) Figure 2 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, in step S120, after the electric adjustment action stops, a mechanical holding torque for mechanical self-locking is generated through the gearbox, including: S121. The gearbox outputs a constant mechanical holding torque through its own mechanical self-locking characteristics.

[0032] When the electric adjustment stops, the seat adjustment stops, and the motor no longer rotates actively. At this time, the gearbox relies on the frictional self-locking of the meshing pairs to passively generate a resistance torque against reverse rotation, i.e., a mechanical holding torque, without the need for electricity or motor output. This torque is used to hold the seat in place, preventing it from rotating and sagging under its own weight and external load.

[0033] To improve hovering reliability, the mechanical holding torque can be used to bear most of the static load of the seat. With this setting, even if the motor fails, the mechanical holding torque of the gearbox can independently bear the load of the seat, achieving bottom locking and preventing the seat from slipping or loosening. This effectively improves the seat position stability and safety redundancy in the event of a motor failure.

[0034] Continue to refer to Figure 2 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, S130, controlling the motor to output an electrically controlled holding torque and compensating for the mechanical holding torque, with the gearbox and motor jointly controlling the seat suspension, includes: S131. Generate an electrically controlled holding torque based on the magnitude of the mechanical holding torque.

[0035] In order to improve the effectiveness of seat suspension, the electronically controlled holding torque can be adjusted to ensure that the mechanical holding torque and the electronically controlled holding torque, when combined, can meet the total torque requirements for seat suspension.

[0036] S132, the motor outputs an electronically controlled holding torque, which, together with the mechanical holding torque, controls the seat suspension.

[0037] Among them, the electronically controlled holding torque can be used to compensate for the insufficiency of the mechanical holding torque. Through the synchronous superposition of the two torques, the problem of seat slippage and loosening can be solved together. At the same time, relying on the gearbox as the main load, the power consumption and heat generation of the motor during long-term full-load operation are greatly reduced.

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention achieve dynamic compensation for mechanical holding torque by outputting controllable electronic holding torque, resulting in better seat control and dynamically meeting the hovering requirements.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another seat hovering control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference) Figure 3 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, after S130, controlling the motor to output electronically controlled holding torque and compensating for mechanical holding torque, and the gearbox and motor jointly controlling the seat suspension, the method further includes: S140. Detect the passive displacement signal of the seat within the first moment after the electric adjustment action stops.

[0040] When the motor stops driving, the gearbox and motor work together to control the seat's hovering state. However, during actual seat adjustment, passengers may manually push the seat to continue adjusting it.

[0041] Therefore, the passive displacement signal of the seat can be detected in real time immediately after the electric adjustment stops. The passive displacement signal can be used to reflect whether the seat has been manually pushed.

[0042] S150: Based on the passive displacement signal, control the motor to output auxiliary torque; the auxiliary torque is used to cooperate with the gearbox to drive the seat movement.

[0043] The passive displacement signal can include the pushing direction and speed, and a corresponding auxiliary torque can be generated based on the passive displacement signal. At this time, the motor rotates through the auxiliary torque, and drives the seat to move synchronously with the manual pushing, effectively reducing the resistance of manual pushing.

[0044] The technical solution provided by this invention can, after the electric adjustment action stops, detect changes in the seat position and control the motor to output an appropriate auxiliary torque. This torque, combined with the gearbox's transmission structure, follows the manual pushing force to complete a smooth displacement adjustment, effectively reducing manual pushing resistance. Furthermore, by setting a first time, it avoids seat movement caused by bumps or accidental touches during vehicle operation, improving the reliability of seat adjustment.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another seat hovering control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference) Figure 4 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, in step S140, detecting the passive displacement signal of the seat within the first time after the electric adjustment action stops includes: S141. Detect the rotation and direction of rotation of the motor rotor and generate a passive displacement signal.

[0046] The motor can be equipped with a Hall displacement detection unit, which can monitor minute displacement changes of the seat in real time by detecting the rotation of the motor rotor. When a valid passive displacement signal is detected by manually pushing the seat, the rotation direction can be quickly and accurately determined through the passive displacement signal, thereby reflecting the pushing direction and controlling the motor to output an appropriate auxiliary torque. In conjunction with the gearbox transmission structure, it follows the manual pushing force to complete a smooth displacement adjustment.

[0047] When adjusting the seat, this invention supports continuous and multiple fine-tuning by the passenger, providing high operational flexibility and more precise adjustment of the seat position.

[0048] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, after detecting the passive displacement signal of the seat in the first time after the electric adjustment action stops, the method further includes: when the motor rotor stops rotating, the gearbox maintains the mechanical holding torque and controls the motor to maintain the electronic holding torque.

[0049] When the system detects that the occupant has withdrawn the thrust, the motor rotor stops rotating and the passive displacement signal disappears. At this point, the gearbox outputs mechanical holding torque and the motor outputs electronic holding torque, causing the seat to return to the dual-torque hovering control mode, and the seat stops moving and remains in the current position.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of another seat hovering control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference) Figure 5 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, in S150, when controlling the motor to output auxiliary torque according to the passive displacement signal, the following is included: S160: Detects the real-time current of the motor and the rate of change of seat displacement, and determines the stall condition of the motor.

[0051] When the gearbox or other transmission mechanisms become jammed due to foreign objects or other reasons, the motor may experience a stall condition. This condition leads to an increase in motor current. Therefore, to ensure the reliability of the motor during operation, real-time current monitoring is necessary.

[0052] Optionally, detecting the real-time current of the motor and the displacement change rate of the seat, and determining the motor's stall condition, includes: calculating the real-time current change rate of the motor based on the real-time current. When the real-time current change rate is less than the current change rate threshold and the displacement change rate is less than the displacement change rate threshold under that real-time current, the motor is in a slight stall condition; when the real-time current change rate is greater than the current change rate threshold and the displacement change rate is less than the displacement change rate threshold under that real-time current, the motor is in a severe stall condition.

[0053] During normal operation, the real-time current change rate of the motor tends to stabilize. When the real-time current change rate exceeds the current change rate threshold, it indicates an abnormal current.

[0054] To improve the reliability of identifying stall conditions, the seat displacement change rate can be used to jointly determine the motor's stall condition. For example, different motor currents correspond to different speeds and torques, thus causing the seat to move at different speeds. Therefore, different displacement change rate thresholds can be set for different real-time currents. When the real-time current change rate is less than the current change rate threshold and the displacement change rate is less than the displacement change rate threshold for that real-time current, the motor is determined to be in a slight stall condition. When the real-time current change rate is greater than the current change rate threshold and the displacement change rate is less than the displacement change rate threshold for that real-time current, the motor is determined to be in a severe stall condition.

[0055] S170: Control the motor to reduce speed or power operation according to stall conditions.

[0056] Optionally, controlling the motor to reduce speed or power based on stall conditions includes: controlling the motor to reduce speed when the motor is in a slight stall condition; and controlling the motor to reduce power when the motor is in a severe stall condition, wherein the reduced power is positively correlated with the real-time current change rate.

[0057] When the motor is in a slight stall condition, the real-time current change rate of the motor is within a safe range, and the displacement change rate of the seat is low due to reasons such as foreign objects getting stuck. At this time, the motor implements a low-torque buffering escape strategy, that is, it reduces the speed of the motor and runs slowly without triggering the shutdown protection, and also ensures the smoothness of manual adjustment without affecting normal use.

[0058] When a motor is in a severe stall condition, the real-time current change rate exceeds the current change rate threshold, posing a risk of motor burnout. This can be caused by mechanical jamming, large-area obstruction by foreign objects, or transmission failure. To protect the motor, it is necessary to immediately implement reduced power operation to decrease the motor current. If the real-time current change rate continues to rise, the motor can be shut off to prevent damage.

[0059] This invention combines the real-time current change rate of the motor and the displacement change rate of the seat as dual signals to collaboratively determine the stall condition, thereby achieving differentiated graded protection and exhibiting good control performance.

[0060] This invention also provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes multiple seats, which are controlled using the seat hovering control method provided in any embodiment of this invention, and have similar beneficial effects to the seat hovering control method, which will not be described further.

[0061] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0062] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A seat hovering control method, characterized in that, include: Detect the electric adjustment function of the seat; When the electric adjustment action stops, a mechanical holding torque for mechanical self-locking is generated through the gearbox; The control motor outputs an electrically controlled holding torque and compensates for the mechanical holding torque; the gearbox and the motor jointly control the seat's suspension.

2. The seat hovering control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the electric adjustment action stops, the mechanical holding torque for mechanical self-locking is generated through the gearbox, including: The gearbox outputs a constant mechanical holding torque through its own mechanical self-locking characteristic.

3. The seat hovering control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control motor outputs an electrically controlled holding torque and compensates for the mechanical holding torque. The gearbox and the motor jointly control the seat suspension, including: The electronically controlled holding torque is generated based on the magnitude of the mechanical holding torque; The motor outputs an electronically controlled holding torque, which, combined with the mechanical holding torque, controls the seat's hovering.

4. The seat hovering control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the control motor outputs an electrically controlled holding torque and compensates for the mechanical holding torque, and the gearbox and the motor jointly control the seat suspension, the system further includes: Within the first moment after the electric adjustment action stops, the passive displacement signal of the seat is detected; Based on the passive displacement signal, the motor is controlled to output auxiliary torque; the auxiliary torque is used to cooperate with the gearbox to drive the seat to move.

5. The seat hovering control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection of the passive displacement signal of the seat within the first time after the electric adjustment action stops includes: The rotation and direction of rotation of the motor rotor are detected, and the passive displacement signal is generated.

6. The seat hovering control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After detecting the passive displacement signal of the seat within the first time after the electric adjustment action stops, the method further includes: When the motor rotor stops rotating, the gearbox maintains the mechanical holding torque and controls the motor to maintain the electronic holding torque.

7. The seat hovering control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When controlling the motor to output auxiliary torque according to the passive displacement signal, the following is included: The real-time current of the motor and the displacement change rate of the seat are detected, and the stall condition of the motor is determined. The motor is controlled to reduce its speed or power output according to the stall condition.

8. The seat hovering control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The process of detecting the real-time current of the motor and the displacement change rate of the seat, and determining the stall condition of the motor, includes: The real-time current change rate of the motor is calculated based on the real-time current of the motor. When the real-time current change rate is less than the current change rate threshold and the displacement change rate is less than the displacement change rate threshold under the real-time current, the motor is in a slight stall condition; when the real-time current change rate is greater than the current change rate threshold and the displacement change rate is less than the displacement change rate threshold under the real-time current, the motor is in a severe stall condition.

9. The seat hovering control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control of the motor to reduce speed or power operation according to the stall condition includes: When the motor is in the slight stall condition, control the motor to run at a reduced speed; When the motor is in the severe stall condition, the motor is controlled to operate with reduced power, wherein the reduced power is positively correlated with the real-time current change rate.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: Multiple seats, wherein the seats are controlled by the seat hovering control method according to any one of claims 1-9.

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