JPH09266935A - Vibration control device for vibration seat - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vibration control device for a vibration seat by which a person sitting on the seat can be given appropriate vibrations. SOLUTION: This device is to control vibrations of a vibration seat with a vibration unit. This control device has a vibration level detection sensor 22 installed inside the vibration seat, and a control means 24. The control means 24 compares signals from the vibration level detection sensor with a prescribed value and controls an electromagnet 28 in the vibration unit by outputting signals to a driving circuit 60 so that the detected vibration level of the vibration unit will be the prescribed value.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a vibration sheet. By using this vibrating seat as a seat for the driver of the vehicle, it is possible to prevent drowsy driving and further function as a lumbar support for massaging the lower back. In addition, by using it as a general household or office seat, it can have a function as a lumbar support for giving a massage to the waist in addition to the function of a normal chair.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A vibrating unit for vibrating a person sitting on a seat and an elastic unit for supporting the vibrating unit, and moving the vibrating unit between an operating position protruding forward and a retracted position retracted rearward. There has been proposed a vibrating sheet including a torsion bar to be operated and a means for operating the torsion bar so that the vibrating unit is in the operating position or the storage position (Japanese Patent Application No. 6-233850).

The vibration sheet according to the above proposal is intended to be installed in a vehicle to prevent a driver from falling asleep and to be used as a lumbar support. That is, when it is highly probable that the driver will fall asleep, the seat can be vibrated to wake up the driver, and the waist of the driver can be massaged to relieve fatigue.

[0004]

However, since the vibrating force of the vibrating unit is kept constant, the heavier driver and the lighter driver receive different degrees of vibration. As shown in FIG. 12, since the vibration level tends to decrease as the weight increases, the vibration becomes weak for a heavy driver, and conversely, the vibration is too strong for a light driver. I will end up. As a result, a sufficient alertness or massage effect may not be obtained, and discomfort may occur. This also applies to a vibrating sheet that can be used as a general household or office sheet to have a function as a lumbar support for massaging the lower back in addition to the function of a normal chair.

The present invention provides a vibration control device for a vibrating sheet, which can give a proper vibration to a person sitting on the vibrating sheet.

[0006]

The present invention is an apparatus for controlling the vibration of a vibrating sheet having a vibrating unit. The control device compares a vibration level detection sensor arranged in the vibration sheet and a signal from the vibration level detection sensor with a set value, and the vibration level of the vibration unit is adjusted to the set value. And control means for controlling the unit.

The vibration level detection sensor can be attached to the vibration unit.

The control device according to the present invention also includes a weight detection sensor arranged in the vibration sheet, and control means for causing the vibration unit to vibrate at a preset level in response to a signal from the weight detection sensor. With.

The weight detection sensor may be a strain gauge attached to a seat spring arranged in the cushion of the vibration seat.

The vibrating unit can be operated by a signal from the doze determination means or a signal from a manual switch.

The vibrating unit may include an electromagnet and a drive circuit for supplying a pulsed current to the electromagnet. In this case, the vibration level of the vibration unit can be adjusted by at least one of the magnitude of the current from the drive circuit and the load time ratio of the ON time and the OFF time of the current from the drive circuit.

[0012]

In the invention described in claim 1, the vibration level is set to an appropriate set value in advance. The vibration unit is vibrated, and the vibration level detection sensor detects the vibration level. When the detected vibration level is lower than the set value, the vibration level is increased, and when the detected vibration level is higher than the set value, the vibration level is decreased. As a result, the vibration sheet can always be appropriately vibrated regardless of the weight of the person sitting on the vibration sheet.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the vibration level detection sensor is attached to the vibration unit, which is advantageous in terms of space. Moreover, since the vibration level can be detected with higher accuracy, the vibration sheet can be vibrated more appropriately.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the vibrating sheet is vibrated at the preset level according to the body weight detected by the body weight detection sensor. Therefore, an appropriate vibration state according to the body weight is seated on the vibrating sheet. Can be given to people.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the weight detection sensor is attached to the seat spring arranged in the cushion, which is advantageous in terms of space. Moreover, since the weight detection sensor is a strain gauge, highly accurate detection can be performed with a simple structure.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, by incorporating the drowsiness determining means and the manual switch in the vehicle together with the vibrating sheet, the driver's awakening action and massage action can be particularly performed. That is, when the vibration unit is operated by the signal from the drowsiness determination means, it is possible to give an appropriate vibration to the driver via the vibration sheet to awaken the driver who is likely to fall asleep. On the other hand, when the vibration unit is operated by the signal from the manual switch, the driver can be given appropriate vibration through the vibration sheet to heal fatigue. Further, when the office or home chair is formed of the vibration sheet, the vibration unit can be operated by a signal from the manual switch, and appropriate vibration can be given to the person sitting on the vibration sheet to relieve fatigue.

In the invention according to claim 6, the magnitude of the current flowing from the drive circuit to the electromagnet is changed, or the duty ratio between the 0N time and the OFF time of the current, that is, the load time rate is changed, or the current is changed. Since the vibration level can be adjusted by changing the load time rate and the load time rate, the adjustment is easy.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A vibrating unit of a vibrating sheet is attached to an intermediate portion of a torsion bar. The torsion bar is formed by bending a round spring steel material into a crank shape. One of the two ends of the torsion bar, which serves as the rotation axis, is swingably attached to the seat frame of the vibrating sheet, and the other end is connected to the electric motor. When the electric motor is activated, the vibrating unit takes an operating position that projects forward and a retracted position that retracts rearward. In one aspect, the vibration level detection sensor is directly attached to the vibration unit, and
Set appropriate vibration level in the control means. The control means
The vibration unit is controlled so that the detected vibration level becomes the set vibration level. In another aspect, the strain gauge is attached to the surface of the seat spring in the vibrating sheet, and the current value and the strain gauge output that become the vibration level according to the weight are stored in the control means as a map. The control means obtains an appropriate vibration level from the strain gauge output corresponding to the detected body weight, and operates the vibration unit at this set vibration level. The control means can be a CPU or a computer.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1 which is a block diagram and FIG. 2 which shows a perspective view excluding a cover (cover) and a pad, a vibration control device for a vibrating seat vibrates a seated person. Vibration unit 20 and vibration level detection sensor 22
And a control means 24. The seat frame 26 is
In the example shown, it is for a driver's seat of a motor vehicle.

The vibration unit 20, which is known per se with an electromagnet 28, is attached to the torsion bar 30 and is positioned corresponding to the waist of the driver. Referring to FIG. 3 showing the disassembled state and FIG. 4 showing the side view, the torsion bar 30 is moved from the center toward one side to the L-shaped end portion 34 from the intermediate mounting portion 32 through the meandering curved portion 33. In the middle, from the center to the other side, the intermediate mounting portion 32
Is bent into a crank shape so as to be continuous with the L-shaped end portion 35.

On the other hand, the mounting bracket 38 has two notches 39 into which the intermediate portion 32 of the torsion bar 30 is inserted. The vibration unit 20 is attached to the torsion bar 30 by inserting the intermediate portion 32 into the notch 39, passing the bolt 40 through the holes provided in the vibration unit 20 and the mounting bracket 38, and screwing the nut 42. The curved portion 33 of the torsion bar 30 provides the length and hardness required for the torsion bar 30 to resonate with the vibration unit 20. For that purpose, the curved portions 33 are provided on both sides of the torsion bar 30 as necessary.

The two ends 34, 3 of the torsion bar 30
One end 34 of 5 is fixed to the sector gear 44, the other end 35 is movably inserted into the hole of the seat frame 26, and the sector gear 44 is pinned by the pin 45.
6 is movably attached. As a result, the torsion bar 30
Can swing with respect to the seat frame 26 together with the sector gear 44. Gear 4 connected to electric motor 46 (FIG. 1)
8 meshes with the sector gear 44. When the electric motor 46 is actuated, the torsion bar 30 is driven and the vibration unit 20 takes an operating position that projects forward and a retracted position that retracts rearward. In the operating position, the vibration unit 20 is pressed against the driver via the skin. On the other hand, in the storage position, the vibration unit 20 moves away from the driver.

Referring to FIG. 1, the signal from the vibration level detection sensor 22 is amplified by the vibration amplifier 50 and input to the control means 24 via the input interface 52. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the vibration level detection sensor 22 is directly attached to the vibration unit 20. The control means 24 is a CPU. A signal from the drowsiness determination means 54 and a signal from the manual switch 56 are input to the input interface 52. The control means 24 outputs to the drive circuit 60 of the electromagnet 28 of the vibration unit 20 and the drive circuit 62 of the electric motor 46 via the output interface 58.

The drowsiness determination means 54 may be configured, for example, to detect the heart rate by a heart rate detection sensor incorporated in the wristwatch and determine whether or not the person is in the dozing state based on the heart rate. As the drowsiness determination means 54, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-42129, a method of statistically processing the heart rate and the respiratory rate to determine whether or not the person is in the dozing state can be used.

Next, a control method by the vibration control device for the vibration sheet will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the vibration control device for the vibration sheet is started (100) and an appropriate vibration level is initialized (101).

After the initial setting, it is judged whether or not there is a signal from the dozing judgment means 54 (102). When there is no signal,
It is determined whether or not there is a signal from the manual switch 56 (103). When a signal from any one is input, the operation signal 1 is output to the drive circuit 62 (104), and the motor 4
6 is driven to move the torsion bar 30 forward. Based on the pulse signal generated by the rotation of the electric motor 46, it is determined whether the vibrating unit 20 is projected to the operating position (105). If it does not project, the rotation of the electric motor 46 is continued, and when it reaches the operating position, the stop signal 1 is output (106) and the rotation of the electric motor 46 is stopped.

When the vibrating unit 20 reaches the predetermined operating position, the operating signal 2 is output to the drive circuit 60 (10
7) Energize the electromagnet 28 of the vibration unit 20 to cause vibration. On the other hand, the vibration level detection sensor 22 detects the vibration level (108), and the detected signal is input to the control means 24 and compared with the set value (109). When the detected vibration level is lower than the set value, the vibration level is raised (110), and when the detected vibration level is higher than the set value, the vibration level is lowered (111).

The vibration of the vibration unit 20 is ON / OFF.
Is generated by passing a pulsed current through the electromagnet 28. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the vibration level can be adjusted by changing the pulsed current value, changing the ON / OFF load time ratio, or changing the current value and the load time ratio. That is, the vibration level is increased by setting the pulsed current value a ₁ to a larger current value a ₂ , and conversely, the vibration level is decreased by decreasing the current value. In addition, the load time ratio c ₁ / b ₁ of ON and OFF is set to a larger load time ratio c
_The vibration level becomes high by setting ₂ / b ₂ , and conversely, the vibration level becomes low by decreasing the load time ratio.

When the detected vibration level reaches the set value, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed (112).
Here, the predetermined time is, for example, a fixed time such as 30 seconds or 60 seconds, and means that the vibration such as 20 seconds and the subsequent non-vibration for 10 seconds are repeated several times. After the elapse of a predetermined time, the stop signal 2 is output to the drive circuit 60 (113), and the energization of the electromagnet 28 is stopped. Then, the operation signal 1 is output to the drive circuit 62 (114),
The electric motor 46 is rotated in the reverse direction. The pulse signal generated by the reverse rotation of the electric motor 46 determines whether the vibration unit 20 is retracted to the storage position (115). If it is not retracted, the rotation of the electric motor 46 is continued, and when it is retracted, the stop signal 1 is output (116) to stop the rotation of the electric motor 46. Then, the same control is repeated.

Next, another embodiment of the vibration control device for the vibration sheet will be described with reference to FIGS. The vibration control device relates to the vibration seat including the vibration unit 20 that vibrates the person sitting on the seat, as in the above-described embodiment, and the weight detection sensor 72 arranged in the vibration seat.
And a control means 74. The weight detection sensor 72 is
In the illustrated embodiment, it is a strain gauge. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the so-called hardware of the vibrating sheet other than the weight detection sensor 72 and the control means 74 is substantially the same as that of the above embodiment.

The signal from the strain gauge 72 is amplified by the strain amplifier 76 and input to the control means 74 via the input interface 78. The control means 74 is a CPU. The input interface 78 has a drowsiness determination means 54.
And the signal from the manual switch 56 are input. The control means 74 outputs to the drive circuit 60 of the electromagnet 28 of the vibration unit 20 and the drive circuit 62 of the electric motor 46 via the output interface 80.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the vibration seat includes a seat spring 82 arranged in the cushion. The seat spring 82 includes three bent portions 84 bent in a zigzag shape, and a rectangular straight portion 85 arranged around the bent portions 84 and fixing the bent portion 84. The strain gauge 72 is attached to a part of the surface of the curved portion 84. The strain gauge 72 outputs to the strain amplifier 76 via the lead wire 88.

Next, a control method of the vibration control device for the vibration sheet shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The vibration control device for the vibration sheet is started (200) and initialized (201). Here, the initial setting is the weight detection sensor 72.
It is determined that the vibration unit 20 is caused to vibrate at a preset level in response to the signal from. Specifically, as shown in (a) of FIG. 11, since there is a fixed relationship between the strain gauge output and the body weight, the vibration according to the body weight is adjusted so that the strength of the vibration does not change with the body weight. The relationship between the current value that causes the level and the strain gauge output is stored as a map ((b) in the same figure), and the current value corresponding to the strain gauge output is used. As described with reference to FIG. 6, since the vibration level can be adjusted by changing the load time rate in addition to the current value, the relationship between the load time rate and the strain gauge output can be used as a map. The loading time rate corresponding to the strain gauge output can be stored and used. Furthermore, the current value, the load time rate, and the strain gauge output may be stored as a three-dimensional map, and the current value and the load time rate corresponding to the strain gauge output may be used.

After the initial setting, it is judged whether or not there is a signal from the dozing judgment means 54 (202). When there is no signal,
It is judged whether or not there is a signal from the manual switch 56 (203). When a signal from any one is input, the operation signal 1 is output to the drive circuit 62 (204), and the motor 4
6 is driven to move the torsion bar 30 forward. Based on the pulse signal generated by the rotation of the electric motor 46, it is determined whether the vibrating unit 20 is projected to the operating position (205). If it does not project, the rotation of the electric motor 46 is continued, and when it reaches the operating position, the stop signal 1 is output (206) and the rotation of the electric motor 46 is stopped.

When the vibrating unit 20 reaches a predetermined operating position, the output of the strain gauge 72 is measured (207),
Set the current value from the map ((b) of FIG. 11) (20
8). The current value set in this way is output to the drive circuit 60 as the operation signal 2 (209), and the electromagnet 28 of the vibration unit 20 is energized to cause vibration. Then, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed (210). This predetermined time is used in the same meaning as the predetermined time in FIG. After the elapse of a predetermined time, the stop signal 2 is output to the drive circuit 60 (21
1) Stop energizing the electromagnet 28. Then, the operation signal 1 is output to the drive circuit 62 (212), and the electric motor 46
To reverse rotation. A pulse signal generated by the reverse rotation of the electric motor 46 determines whether or not the vibration unit 20 is retracted to the storage position (213). If not retracted, the rotation of the electric motor 46 is continued, and when retracted, the stop signal 1 is output (214), and the rotation of the electric motor 46 is stopped. Then, the same control is repeated.

In the vibration control device for the vibration seat shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, it is intended that the vibration seat is incorporated for a driver of an automobile. Alternatively, the vibrating seat can be used for the passenger seat, rear seat, office or home of a vehicle. In this case, the drowsiness determination means may be omitted and the vibration unit may be operated only by the manual switch.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a vibration control device for a vibrating sheet according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a skin or the like of a vibration sheet is removed.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a vibration unit and a torsion bar used for a vibration sheet.

4 is a side view in which the vibration unit and the torsion bar shown in FIG. 3 are assembled.

5 is a flow chart of control of a vibration control device for a vibration sheet according to the present invention shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a time chart of pulsed currents used for control of the vibration control device for a vibration sheet according to the present invention.
(C) shows a different aspect.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the vibration control device for a vibrating sheet according to the present invention.

8 is a perspective view of a seat spring used in the vibration control device for a vibrating seat according to the present invention shown in the block diagram of FIG. 7. FIG.

9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion surrounded by 9 in FIG.

10 is a flowchart of control of a vibration control device for a vibration sheet according to the present invention shown in the block diagram of FIG.

11 is a graph used for controlling the vibration control device for the vibration sheet according to the present invention, which is shown in the block diagram of FIG.
(A) shows the relationship between strain gauge output and body weight,
(B) shows the relationship between the current value and the strain gauge output, which is stored as a map.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between vibration level and body weight.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20 vibration unit 22 vibration level detection sensor 24, 74 control means 26 seat frame 28 electromagnet 30 torsion bar 46 electric motor 54 dozing judgment means 56 manual switch 60, 62 drive circuit 72 weight detection sensor (strain gauge) 82 seat spring

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for controlling vibration of a vibration sheet having a vibration unit, comprising: a vibration level detection sensor arranged in the vibration sheet; and a signal from the vibration level detection sensor compared with a set value. And a vibration control device for controlling the vibration unit so that the vibration level of the vibration unit becomes a set value. 2. The vibration control device for a vibration sheet according to claim 1, wherein the vibration level detection sensor is attached to the vibration unit. 3. A device for controlling vibration of a vibrating sheet having a vibrating unit, comprising a weight detection sensor arranged in the vibrating sheet and a level set in advance in response to a signal from the weight detection sensor. A vibration control device for a vibrating sheet, comprising: a control unit that causes a vibration in the vibration unit. 4. The vibration control device for a vibrating seat according to claim 3, wherein the weight detection sensor is a strain gauge attached to a seat spring arranged in a cushion of the vibrating seat. 5. The vibration control device for a vibrating sheet according to claim 1, wherein the vibration unit is operated by a signal from a doze judging means or a signal from a manual switch. 6. The vibrating unit comprises an electromagnet and a drive circuit for supplying a pulsed current to the electromagnet, and the vibration level of the vibrating unit is such that the magnitude of the current from the drive circuit and the level of the drive circuit. The vibration control device for a vibrating sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibration control device is adjusted by at least one of a load time ratio of an ON time and an OFF time of an electric current.