Vehicle Seat Control System And Method Therefor

A vehicle seat control system includes: at least one seat comprising an one or more electronic devices for a seat sliding function, a backrest angle adjustment function, a leg-rest angle adjustment function, and a seat swivel function; a seat control module disposed in each seat to collect seat state data of the corresponding seat and control the functions of the one or more electronic devices based on an applied command; and a seat controller disposed to correspond to the seat control module, predicting an obstruction condition by another component during seat swivel by checking the seat state data if receiving a seat swivel request from a user, removing the obstruction condition through a pre-processing control by using the seat control module, and then performing a seat swivel control.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0178474 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Dec. 19, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat control system and a method therefor, and more particularly, to a vehicle seat control system for securing a space during seat swivel, and a method therefor.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle seat may be provided with a motor to improve passenger convenience. For example, the following functions may be applied to the vehicle seat (e.g., based on a driver or passenger switch and/or control manipulation): a seat sliding/height adjustment function, a backrest angle adjustment function, a leg-rest angle adjustment function, or the like. A relax function to automatically adjust the seat to a neutral position and an easy access function to secure a space if a passenger gets on/off a vehicle may also be applied to the vehicle seat (e.g., in a one-touch mode, such as via a preprogrammed switch or setting) to improve the passenger comfort and convenience.

Meanwhile, the vehicle has added value as a resting or business space, in addition to being a convenient means of transportation, in accordance with the spread of an electric vehicle and the development of an autonomous driving technology.

Also, or alternatively, the leg rest function mainly applied to a rear (or second row) seat, has recently been expanded to a front (or first-row) seat due to expansion of an interior space of an electric vehicle platform, and it is thus necessary to develop multi-faceted technologies to realize the space in consideration of the two technologies together.

However, the seat may occupy a large proportion in the vehicle, and there are many cases where the seat is obstructed by another component during its movement. Accordingly, operation of the seat swivel function may have a restriction, which may cause a user to feel uncomfortable if manipulating the seat.

Also, or alternatively, in a case where an organic space is secured by simply reducing sizes of the seat and a center console to operate the seat swivel function, it is inevitable to reduce existing seat functions to improve the passenger convenience, which may cause customer dissatisfaction.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is provided only to assist in better understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and may thus include information not included in the prior art already known to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

SUMMARY

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a controlling a vehicle seat. A vehicle seat control system may comprise a seat comprising at least one electronic device configured to perform a plurality of functions comprising: a seat sliding function, a backrest angle adjustment function, a leg-rest angle adjustment function, and a seat swivel function; a seat control module, for the seat, configured to collect seat state data and to control, based on a received command, the at least one electronic device to perform at least one of the plurality of functions; and a seat controller, communicatively connected to the seat control module. The seat controller may be configured to predict an obstruction condition of a seat swivel by checking, based on receiving a request for the seat swivel, the seat state data; resolve the obstruction condition via a pre-processing control of the seat control module; and based on the obstruction condition being resolved, cause the seat control module to control the at least one electronic device to perform the seat swivel via the seat swivel function.

A method for a vehicle seat control may comprise checking, based on receiving a signal indicating user input requesting to swivel a seat, seat state data of the seat; determining, based on the seat state data, whether a plurality of conditions, comprising preset conditions of a closed leg rest and the seat at a target position, are satisfied; based on at least one of the plurality of conditions not being satisfied: determining an obstruction condition for performing a seat swivel function, and performing a pre-processing control to remove the obstruction condition; and based on the performing the pre-processing control and the plurality of conditions being satisfied, performing a swivel control to swivel the seat to a preset angle via the seat swivel function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, examples of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains to easily practice the present disclosure.

A term used herein is only to describe a specific example, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. A term of a singular number used herein is intended to include its plural number unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “include,” “have,” “comprise” and/or variations thereof, as used in the specification, specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more of other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The term “and/or” used herein includes any one or all combinations of the associated listed items.

Terms such as “first,” “second,” A, B, (a), (b), 1, 2, and the like, may be used to describe various components throughout the specification, and these components are not to be construed as being limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish any component from another component, and the features, sequences, and the like of the corresponding components are not limited by these terms.

It is to be understood that if one component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, the one component may be connected directly to or coupled directly to the other component, or connected to or coupled to the other component with still one or more other component interposed therebetween. On the other hand, it is to be understood that if one component is referred to as being “connected directly to” or “coupled directly to” another component, the one component is connected to or coupled to the other component without still another component interposed therebetween.

Further, it is to be understood that one or more of methods described below or aspects thereof may be executed by at least one or more controllers. The term “controller” may refer to a hardware device including a memory and a processor. The memory may store program instructions, and the processor may be configured to execute the program instructions, which may cause performance of one or more processes described below in more detail. The controller may control operations of units, modules, components, devices, or the like, as described herein. It is also to be understood that the methods described below may be executed by an apparatus including the controller in conjunction with one or more other components, as appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Hereinafter, the description describes a vehicle seat control system and a method therefor according to the examples of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIRST EXAMPLE

A vehicle seat control system according to the first example may be configured to secure a space for smooth seat swivel in a vehicle equipped with an electric seat and a fixed console.

FIG.1schematically shows the vehicle seat control system according to the first example of the present disclosure. The vehicle seat control system may include at least one seat (e.g., seat S1, S2, S3, or S4) including one or more electronic devices (e.g., comprising one or more motors, such as motors M1, M2, M3, or M4) for performing a seat sliding function, a backrest angle adjustment function, a leg-rest angle adjustment function, and/or a seat swivel (alternatively referred to as seat rotation) function. A seat control module E1may be provided for (e.g., disposed in/on) the a seat S1, S2, S3, or S4to collect seat state data of the seat S1, S2, S3, or S4and control the functions of the one or more electronic devices based on an received command. A seat controller100may be communicatively connected to the seat control module E1, and may be configured to determine and/or predict an obstruction condition (or situation) by another component during seat swivel by checking the seat state data based on receiving a seat swivel request from a user. The seat controller may be configured to remove the obstruction condition (e.g., via a pre-processing control) by using the seat control module E1, and then performing a seat swivel control.

A center console may be disposed between the front seats S1and S2(e.g., between a driver seat and a passenger seat) of a vehicle. In the presently described first example relates to a fixed console C1disposed as the center console.

The one or more electronic devices may be included in the first seat S1(e.g., the driver seat) and/or the second seat S2(e.g., the front passenger seat), and/or may be disposed as each or any of the seats S1, S2, S3, and S4.

The vehicle may be a passenger vehicle having two-rows or more seats, a sports utility vehicle (SUV), an electric vehicle, and/or the like. An autonomous driving function may be applied to the vehicle. The vehicle may include a plurality of doors, such as illustrated D1, D2, D3, and D4, allowing the user to get on/off the vehicle by respectively being opened and/or closed corresponding to positions of the seats S1, S2, S3, and S4. One of more of the plurality of doors D1, D2, D3, and D4(e.g., each of the plurality of doors D1, D2, D3, and D4) may transmit data indicating opening and/or closing to the seat controller100(e.g., via a sensor). One or more of (e.g., each of) the plurality of doors D1, D2, D3, and D4may be a pillarless door and/or a door omitting a B-pillar, to utilize an interior space of the vehicle.

The one or more electronic devices may include a plurality of motors M1, M2, M3, and M4for performing the functions of the seat. The plurality of motors M1, M2, M3, and M4may be configured to perform the functions based on a control signal applied thereto. A plurality of sensors SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4may each be configured to determine (e.g., identify) a position of one or more corresponding motors of the plurality of motors M1, M2, M3, and M4.

A first motor M1may be operated for the seat sliding function (e.g., based on the control signal). The first motor M1may include and/or be communicatively connected to a first sensor SS1configured to measure a position of the first motor M1. The first motor M1may move the seat forward (+) or backward (−) along a slide rail.

A second motor M2may be operated for the backrest angle adjustment function (e.g., based on a control signal). The second motor M2may include and/or be communicatively connected to a second sensor SS2configured to measure a position of the second motor M2.

A third motor M3may be operated for the leg-rest angle adjustment function (e.g., based on a control signal). The third motor M3may include a third sensor SS3configured to measure a position of the third motor M3.

A fourth motor M4may be operated for the seat swivel function (e.g., based on a control signal). The fourth motor M4may include the fourth sensor SS4configured to measure a position of the fourth motor M4.

The fourth motor M4may be configured to swivel-switch a seat direction by swiveling the corresponding seat to various angles and/or directions (e.g., based on the control signal). For example, the fourth motor M4may swivel the seat in the seat direction so as to provide the user with a front view, a side view, and/or a rear view based on the control signal.

Each of the sensors SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4applied to the seats S1, S2, S3, and S4may comprise a Hall sensor and/or an encoder. The sensors SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4may measure the position of the corresponding motor in which the sensor is installed and/or with which the sensor is in communication. Here, measuring the position of the corresponding motor by each sensor SS1, SS2, SS3, or SS4may comprise measuring and/or determining a position at which a subject of the corresponding operation is operated. Therefore, the first sensor SS1may measure a seat movement position based on the operation of the first motor M1, the second sensor SS2may measure a backrest angle based on the operation of the second motor M2, the third sensor SS3may measure a leg rest angle based on the operation of the third motor M3, and the fourth sensor SS4may measure a seat-swivel angle based on the operation of the fourth motor M4.

The seat control module E1may collect a measurement value of one or more of (e.g., each of) the seat sensors SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4, and/or identify the state data including at least one of the leg rest angle, backrest angle, seat slide position, and seat swivel angle of the corresponding seat based thereon.

The seat control module E1may control the function of the corresponding seat based on a user input signal and/or a seat manipulation signal received from the seat controller100, collect the last state data measured by each sensor after performing the above control, and transfer the same to the seat controller100.

The seat control module E1may allow the seat controller100to manage current state data of the seat by controlling the operation of at least one of the plurality of motors M1, M2, M3, and M4based on the input signal, collect the last state data of each component from at least one of the plurality of seat sensors SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4, and transmit the same to the seat controller100.

The seat controller100may control an overall operation of the seat so as to prevent the obstruction of swiveling of the seat by another component. The seat controller100may control the operation based on the state data collected by the seat control module E1during the vehicle seat swivel according to the example of the present disclosure.

FIG.2schematically shows a configuration of the seat controller according to the first example of the present disclosure.

FIG.3shows a pre-processing control state for the seat swivel function according to the first example of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the seat controller100according to the example of the present disclosure may store, in a memory120, at least one program and data for controlling a seat input device110for a user seat manipulation and the corresponding seat (hereinafter referred to as S1). For example, the seat controller100may set a seat target position P1, a target leg rest angle (e.g., zero degrees relative to vertical), a target backrest angle T, the swivel angle, and/or the like, for moving the seat S1as much as the seat S1may not be obstructed by the fixed console C1during its swivel, and store the same in the memory120. The target backrest angle T refers to its angle erected toward the seat and/or a cushion of the seat.

The seat input device110may include a physical switch SW1or SW2disposed in the vehicle, a display AVN in the vehicle, and/or a digital switch SW3installed in a user terminal application (APP). It is also possible to input a voice command by using the ANV and/or the APP.

The seat controller100is a higher-level controller controlling an overall operation of the seat S1by transmitting an operation command to the corresponding seat control module E1based on the input signal of the seat input device110based on the user manipulation and/or a preset control condition (e.g., door-interlock easy access function). Therefore, it is to be understood that the seat control module E1controls the function of the seat S1actually by the operation command of the seat controller100in practice.

The seat controller100may manage the current state data of the seat S1in real time by controlling the function of the seat S1, and then updating the last (or latest) state data received from the seat control module E1in the memory120. Also, or alternatively, the seat controller110may collect the state data in real time from the seat control module E1and the sensors (alternatively, the doors or the like) in the vehicle.

The seat controller100may identify the state data of the seat S1if receiving the input signal (i.e., seat swivel request signal) of a seat swivel switch111of the seat input device110. Also, or alternatively, the seat controller100may perform the pre-processing control to close a leg rest of the seat S1through the leg-rest angle adjustment function if the leg rest is opened (e.g., raised), and/or move the seat S1to a seat target position P1, at which the seat S1may be swiveled in a vehicle interior, via the front/rear seat sliding function, and then perform the swivel control to swivel the seat S1at a set angle through the seat swivel function. The pre-processing control may indicate a pre-control to remove the surrounding obstruction condition (or situation) before performing the swivel control of the seat S1(seeFIG.3).

Also, or alternatively, the pre-processing control may further include controlling the seat S1to have the target angle T through the backrest angle adjustment function of the seat S1.

As such, the seat controller100may check the state data of the seat S1upon receiving the seat swivel request, reduce a swivel radius of the seat S1as much as possible through the pre-processing control, and move the seat S1to the target position to thus secure a sufficient swivel space, thereby preventing the obstruction by the surrounding component.

The swivel control may adjust the seat S1in various directions (e.g., clockwise and/or counterclockwise) and at various angles to provide the user with the front view, the side view, and/or the rear view. The swivel control may finely adjust the angle based on the time and/or operation amount of the seat swivel switch111if pressed by the user.

Also, or alternatively, the swivel control may perform one-touch adjustment of the switch disposed based on the preset angle and direction. For example, the seat controller110may perform mutual swivel control of the seat to provide the user with the front view, the side view, and/or the rear view with one touch. This control may be implemented by referring to the contents described above.

The seat controller100may be implemented as at least one processor operated based on a set program, and the set program may be programmed to perform each step of a method for a vehicle seat control according to the example of the present disclosure.

The method for the vehicle seat control is described in more detail with reference to the drawings below.

FIGS.4and5respectively show a flow chart showing the method for the vehicle seat control according to the first example of the present disclosure, and a seat state in each control step.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the description describes the method for the vehicle seat control according to the first example of the present disclosure by assuming a scenario in which the swivel function of the seat S1is operated in an initial seat state where the seat provides the front view.

If receiving a signal requesting swivel of the seat S1based on the user input of the seat swivel switch111(S110), the seat controller100may check the state data of the seat S1(S120).

Here, the seat controller100may collect the state data including at least one of the leg rest angle, the backrest angle, the seat slide position, and the seat-swivel angle to thus identify whether all the preset conditions of the leg rest closing, the backrest target angle T, and the seat target position P1are satisfied. Also, or alternatively, if there is an unsatisfied condition, the seat controller100may perform the pre-processing control to remove the obstruction condition by predicting the obstruction condition in operating the seat swivel function.

For example, the seat controller100may identify whether the leg rest angle of the seat S1is closed (S130), and if the leg rest angle is not closed (No in S130), the seat controller100may control the leg rest to be closed (or have the zero degrees) through the leg-rest angle adjustment function (S135).

The seat controller100may identify whether the backrest angle of the seat S1is the backrest target angle T (S140), and if the backrest angle is not the backrest target angle T (No in S140), the seat controller100may control a backrest to the set target angle through the backrest angle adjustment function (S145).

The seat controller100may identify whether the seat slide position of the seat S1is the seat target position P1(S150), and if the seat slide position is not the seat target position P1(No in S150), the seat controller100may control the seat S1to be moved backward to the seat target position P1through the seat sliding function (S155).

If all the conditions of the leg rest closing, backrest target angle, and seat target position P1of the seat S1are satisfied through the pre-processing control (Yes in all of S130, S140, and S150), the seat controller100may perform the swivel control to swivel the target seat at a preset angle through the seat swivel function (S160).

The seat controller100may continue the seat swivel control (No in S170) until the seat-swivel angle collected in the state data reaches a swivel setting angle (for providing the rear view for example), and end the corresponding control if the seat-swivel angle reaches the swivel setting angle and the seat swivel is completed (or the seat provides the rear view) (Yes in S170).

Here, the seat controller100may manage the current state data of all the seats by completing the seat swivel control of the seat S1, and then updating the last state data received from the seat control module E1in the memory120.

Then, if receiving a swivel signal requesting return of the seat S1by the user, the seat controller100may remove the obstruction condition by performing the pre-processing control in the same way as described above, and then performing the swivel control to swivel the seat to provide the front view through the seat swivel function.

Hereinabove, the description describes the vehicle seat control system and a method therefor according to the first example of the present disclosure. However, the examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and include various other modifications.

For example, the fixed console C1is described in the first example of the present disclosure with reference toFIG.1. However, the examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and use a manual console C2and/or an electric console C3, which may be moved forward/backward.

Therefore, the description describes hereinafter a vehicle seat control system using the manual console C2and/or the electric console C3and a method therefor through various examples of the present disclosure.

SECOND EXAMPLE

A vehicle seat control system according to the second example of the present disclosure provides a technology for securing a space for smooth seat swivel of a vehicle where an electric seat and a manual console capable of being moved forward/backward are disposed.

FIG.6schematically shows the vehicle seat control system according to the second example of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.6, the vehicle seat control system according to the second example of the present disclosure may include: at least one seat S1, S2, S3, or S4including one or more electronic devices for a seat sliding function, a backrest angle adjustment function, a leg-rest angle adjustment function, and a seat swivel function; a manual console C2disposed between the front seats S1and S2and capable of being moved forward/backward, and limit sensors LS1and LS2each detecting a position of the manual console C2; a seat control module E1disposed in each seat S1, S2, S3, or S4to collect seat state data of the corresponding seat and control the functions of the one or more electronic devices based on an applied command; and a seat controller100disposed to correspond to the seat control module E1, predicting an obstruction condition by another component including the manual console C2during seat swivel by checking the seat state data of the seat and further checking the position of the manual console C2if receiving a seat swivel request from a user, removing the obstruction condition through a pre-processing control by using the seat control module E1, and then performing a seat swivel control.

The configuration of the vehicle seat control system in the second example of the present disclosure is similar to the configuration of the vehicle seat control system in the first example described above, except for that this system includes the manual console C2instead of the fixed console C1. Therefore, in describing the second example of the present disclosure, descriptions similar to those of the first example are omitted and descriptions focusing on different points are provided.

The manual console C2may be moved forward and/or backward along a slide rail by the user. The slide rail may include the first limit sensor LS1disposed foremost (e.g., at or near a front end of the slide rail) and/or the second limit sensor LS2disposed rearmost (e.g., at or near a rear end of the slide rail). For example, the first limit sensor LS1and/or the second limit sensor LS2may detect the position of the manual console C2if contacted and/or pressed by the manual console C2.

FIGS.7and8respectively show a flow chart showing a method for a vehicle seat control according to the second example of the present disclosure, and a seat state in each control step.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, the description describes the method for the vehicle seat control according to the second example of the present disclosure by assuming a scenario in which the swivel function of the seat S1is operated in an initial seat state where the seat provides the front view.

If receiving a signal requesting swivel of the seat S1based on the user input of the seat swivel switch111(S110), the seat controller100may check the state data of the seat S1and the manual console C2(S120).

Here, the seat controller100may collect the state data including at least one of the leg rest angle, the backrest angle, the position of the manual console C2, the seat slide position, and the seat-swivel angle to thus identify whether all the conditions of the leg rest closing, the backrest target angle, a manual console target position P2, and the seat target position P1are satisfied. Also, or alternatively, if there is an unsatisfied condition, the seat controller100may perform the pre-processing control to remove the obstruction condition in operating the seat swivel function.

For example, the seat controller100may identify whether the leg rest angle of the seat S1is closed (S130), and if the leg rest angle is not closed (No in S130), the seat controller100may control the leg rest to be closed (or have the zero degrees) through the leg-rest angle adjustment function (S135).

The seat controller100may identify whether the backrest angle of the seat S1is the backrest target angle (S140), and if the backrest angle is not the backrest target angle T (No in S140), the seat controller100may control the backrest to the set target angle through the backrest angle adjustment function (S145).

The seat controller100may identify whether the position of the manual console C2is the foremost console target position P2(S147). While a foremost console target position is discussed herein, another console target position may be contemplated, (e.g., a rearmost target position, an intermediate target position, based on a structure of the console C2and/or a space used by the seat S1while swiveling). If the position of the manual console C2is not the console target position P2(No in S147), the seat controller100may guide the user to move the manual console C2to the console target position P2(S148). The guide may be expressed as a guide comment and/or graphics using the display in the vehicle, and/or another display and/or communication device accessible to the user. Here, the fact that the position of the manual console C2is not the console target position P2refers to a situation where the manual console C2is moved backward and in use based on user need. In this situation, the seat swivel of the seat S1may be obstructed by the manual console C2even though the seat S1is moved to the seat target position P1and then swiveled, and the seat controller100may guide the user to use the manual console C2.

The seat controller100may identify whether the seat slide position of the seat S1is the seat target position P1(S150), and if the seat slide position is not the seat target position P1(No in S150), the seat controller100may control the seat S1to be moved backward to the seat target position P1through the seat sliding function (S155).

If all the conditions of the leg rest closing, backrest target angle, console target position P2, and seat target position P1of the seat S1are satisfied through the pre-processing control (Yes in all of S130, S140, S147, and S150), the seat controller100may perform the swivel control to swivel the seat S1at a preset angle through the seat swivel function (S160). However, if any one of the above conditions is not satisfied, the seat controller100may stop the seat swivel control for safety, and inform the driver of a reason for the stop.

The seat controller100may continue the seat swivel control (No in S170) until the seat-swivel angle collected in the state data reaches a swivel setting angle (for providing the rear view for example), and end the corresponding control if the seat-swivel angle reaches the swivel setting angle and the seat swivel is completed (or the seat provides the rear view) (Yes in S170).

Here, after completing the seat swivel, the manual console C2may be moved backward by the user to be used as a table (S180).

Then, if receiving a swivel signal requesting return of the seat S1by the user, the seat controller100may remove the obstruction condition by performing the pre-processing control in the same way as described above, and then switch the seat to provide the front view through the seat swivel function.

THIRD EXAMPLE

A vehicle seat control system according to the third example of the present disclosure provides a technology for securing a space for smooth seat swivel of a vehicle where an electric seat and an electric console capable of being moved forward/backward are disposed.

FIG.9schematically shows a vehicle seat control system according to the third example of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.9, the vehicle seat control system according to the third example of the present disclosure may include: at least one seat S1, S2, S3, or S4including one or more electronic devices for a seat sliding function, a backrest angle adjustment function, a leg-rest angle adjustment function, and a seat swivel function; an electric console C3disposed between the front seats S1and S2and capable of being moved forward/backward, and a console position sensor M5detecting a position of the electric console C3; a seat control module E1disposed in each seat S1, S2, S3, or S4to collect seat state data of the corresponding seat and control the functions of the one or more electronic devices based on an applied command; and a seat controller100predicting an obstruction condition by another component including the electric console C3during seat swivel by checking the seat state data of the seat and further checking the position of the electric console C3if receiving a seat swivel request from a user, removing the obstruction condition through a pre-processing control by using the seat control module E1, and then performing a seat swivel control.

The configuration of the vehicle seat control system in the third example of the present disclosure is similar to the configuration of the vehicle seat control system in the first or second examples described above, except for that this system includes the electric console C3instead of the fixed console C1or the manual console C2. Therefore, in describing the third example of the present disclosure, descriptions similar to those of the first or second examples are omitted and descriptions focusing on different points are provided.

The electric console C3may be moved forward and/or backward along the slide rail by using the console motor M5operated based on the control signal, and include a console sensor SS5measuring the position of the console motor M5.

FIGS.10and11respectively show a flow chart showing a method for a vehicle seat control according to the third example of the present disclosure, and a seat state in each control step.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, the description describes the method for the vehicle seat control according to the third example of the present disclosure by assuming a scenario in which the swivel function of the seat (e.g., S1) is operated in an initial seat state where the seat provides the front view.

If receiving a signal requesting swivel of the seat S1based on the user input of the seat swivel switch111(S110), the seat controller100may check the state data of the corresponding seat S1and the electric console C3(S120).

Here, the seat controller100may collect the state data including at least one of the leg rest angle, the backrest angle, the position of the electric console C3, the seat slide position, and the seat-swivel angle to thus identify whether all the conditions of the leg rest closing, the backrest target angle, an electric console target position P2, and the seat target position P1are satisfied. Also, or alternatively, if there is an unsatisfied condition, the seat controller100may perform the pre-processing control to remove the obstruction condition in operating the seat swivel function.

For example, the seat controller100may identify whether the leg rest angle of the seat S1is closed (S130), and if the leg rest angle is not closed (No in S130), the seat controller100may control the leg rest to be closed (or have the zero degrees) through the leg-rest angle adjustment function (S135).

The seat controller100may identify whether the backrest angle of the seat S1is the backrest target angle (S140), and if the backrest angle is not the backrest target angle T (No in S140), the seat controller100may control the backrest to the set target angle through the backrest angle adjustment function (S145).

The seat controller100may identify whether the position of the electric console C3is the foremost console target position P2(S147), and if the position of the electric console C3is not the console target position P2(No in S147), the seat controller100may control the electric console C3to be moved to the console target position P2through a console controller E2(S149).

The seat controller100may identify whether the seat slide position of the seat S1is the seat target position P1(S150), and if the seat slide position is not the seat target position P1(No in S150), the seat controller100may control the seat S1to be moved backward to the seat target position P1through the seat sliding function (S155).

If all the conditions of the leg rest closing, backrest target angle, console target position P2, and seat target position P1of the seat S1are satisfied through the pre-processing control (Yes in all of S130, S140, S147, and S150), the seat controller100may perform the swivel control to swivel the seat S1at a preset angle through the seat swivel function (S160). However, if any one of the above conditions is not satisfied, the seat controller100may stop the seat swivel control for safety, and inform the driver of a reason for the stop.

The seat controller100may continue the seat swivel control (No in S170) until the seat-swivel angle collected in the state data reaches a swivel setting angle (for providing the rear view for example), and end the corresponding control if the seat-swivel angle reaches the swivel setting angle and the seat swivel is completed (or the seat provides the rear view) (Yes in S170).

Here, the seat controller100may dispose the electric console C3at its immediately-previous usage position by controlling the electric console C3moved to the console target position P2to be moved backward after completing the seat swivel (S180).

Then, if receiving a swivel signal requesting return of the seat S1by the user, the seat controller100may remove the obstruction condition by performing the pre-processing control in the same way as described above, and then switch the seat to provide the front view through the seat swivel function.

FOURTH EXAMPLE

The fourth example of the present disclosure may use the vehicle seat control system according to any one of the first to third examples, and provides a technology for securing a space from a pillar trim, a door trim, and/or the like if swivel of the electric seat is controlled to thus provide the user with the side view toward the outside of the vehicle.

The user may intend to install a child seat on the seat providing the side view toward the outside (or the door) of the vehicle. In this case, it may be difficult for the user to approach the corresponding seat and install the child seat if the leg rest is opened. Also, or alternatively, the leg rest may be opened if the passenger gets on/off the vehicle while the seat provides the side view. In this case, it may be difficult for the user to put user feet on a floor of the vehicle. Also, or alternatively, if swiveled to thus provide the side view toward the outside of the vehicle, the seat is may be obstructed by the pillar, the door trim, and/or the like.

Accordingly, the fourth example of the present disclosure aims to secure a space from the pillar trim, the door trim, and/or the like if the swivel of the electric seat is controlled to thus provide the side view toward the outside of the vehicle.

The seat controller100may perform a side view control to swivel the seat toward the outside of the vehicle in conjunction with the door D1of the vehicle and the seat control module E1.

The door D1may transmit the state data on its opening and/or closing to the seat controller100through the sensor. Each of the plurality of doors D1, D2, D3, and D4may be the pillarless door omitting the B-pillar to utilize the interior space of the vehicle.

FIGS.12and13respectively show a flow chart showing a method for a vehicle seat control according to the fourth example of the present disclosure, and a seat state in each control step.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, the description describes the method for the vehicle seat control according to the fourth example of the present disclosure by assuming a scenario in which the swivel function of the seat S1for providing the side view is operated in an initial seat state where the seat provides the front view.

If receiving a signal requesting side-view swivel of the seat S1based on the user input of the seat swivel switch111(S110), the seat controller100may check the state data of the seat S1and the corresponding door D1(S120).

Here, the seat controller100may collect the state data including at least one of a door state, the leg rest angle, the backrest angle, the seat slide position, the position of the center console, and the seat-swivel angle to thus identify whether all the conditions of the door opening, the leg rest closing, the backrest target angle, and the seat target position P1are satisfied. Also, or alternatively, if there is an unsatisfied condition, the seat controller100may perform the pre-processing control to remove the obstruction condition in operating the seat swivel function.

For example, the seat controller100may identify whether the door D1corresponding to the seat S1is opened (S123), and if the door D1is not opened (No in S123), the seat controller100may guide the user to open the door D1(S125). That is, the seat controller100may perform a process of switching the seat S1to provide the side view while the door D1corresponding to the seat S1is opened.

The seat controller100may identify whether the leg rest angle of the seat S1is closed (S130), and if the leg rest angle is not closed (No in S130), the seat controller100may control the leg rest to be closed (or have the zero degrees) through the leg-rest angle adjustment function (S135).

The seat controller100may identify whether the backrest angle of the seat S1is the backrest target angle (S140), and if the backrest angle is not the backrest target angle T (No in S140), the seat controller100may control the backrest to the set target angle through the backrest angle adjustment function (S145).

The seat controller100may identify whether the seat slide position of the seat S1exists at the seat target position P1(S150), and if the seat slide position is not the seat target position P1(No in S150), the seat controller100may control the seat S1to be moved backward to the seat target position P1through the seat sliding function (S155).

If all the conditions of the opening of the door D1, leg rest closing, backrest target angle, and seat target position P1of the seat S1are satisfied through the pre-processing control (Yes in all of S123, S130, S140, and S150), the seat controller100may perform a side-view swivel control to swivel the seat S1toward the outside of the vehicle (S160).

The seat controller100may continue the seat swivel control (No in S170) until the seat-swivel angle collected in the state data reaches a side-view swivel setting angle (for providing the rear view for example), and end the corresponding control if the seat-swivel angle reaches the swivel setting angle and the seat swivel is completed (or the seat provides the side view) (Yes in S170).

The seat controller100may then control the seat S1to swivel-return to provide the front view based on the user input of the seat swivel switch111if receiving a signal requesting return of the seat (S190).

Also, or alternatively, if receiving a signal indicating the door D1is closed during the pre-processing control, the seat controller100may stop the pre-processing control, cancel the side-view swivel request, and perform an inverted return control.

Also, or alternatively, the center console C applied to the vehicle may be the movable manual console C2and/or electric console C3instead of the fixed console C1. In this case, the seat controller100may guide the manual console C2to be moved to the console target position P2(see S148inFIG.7), and/or control the electric console C3to be moved to the console target position P2(see S149inFIG.10).

The present disclosure provides a vehicle seat control system capable of controlling smooth seat swivel. A space for seat swivel is secured via leg rest closing and seat sliding. Seat state data is identified based on a user request to swivel an electrified seat in a vehicle. A method for controlling the vehicle seat via the vehicle seat control system is provided.

According to an example, a vehicle seat control system includes: at least one seat including one or more electronic devices for a seat sliding function, a backrest angle adjustment function, a leg-rest angle adjustment function, and a seat swivel function; a seat control module disposed in each seat to collect seat state data of the corresponding seat and control the functions of the one or more electronic devices based on an applied command; and a seat controller disposed to correspond to the seat control module, predicting an obstruction condition by another component during seat swivel during seat swivel by checking the seat state data if receiving a seat swivel request from a user, removing the obstruction condition through a pre-processing control by using the seat control module, and then performing a seat swivel control.

The one or more electronic devices may include a first motor operated for the seat sliding function based on a control signal, and including a first sensor measuring a seat sliding position, a second motor operated for the backrest angle adjustment function based on a control signal, and including a second sensor measuring a backrest angle, a third motor operated for the leg-rest angle adjustment function based on a control signal, and including a third sensor measuring a leg rest angle, and a fourth motor operated for the seat swivel function based on a control signal, and including a fourth sensor measuring a seat swivel angle.

The fourth motor may perform swivel-switch by swiveling the seat in various angles and directions.

The fourth motor may swivel the seat in to a seat direction configured to provide the user with a front view, a side view, or a rear view based on the control signal.

Each of the first to fourth sensors may be a Hall sensor or an encoder, and measure the position of the corresponding motor.

The seat controller may control the function of the seat, then update, in a memory, the last seat state data received from each motor and each sensor, mounted in the seat, identify a current state data before performing the seat swivel control, and perform the pre-processing control to switch a leg rest of the seat to be closed through the leg-rest angle adjustment function if the leg rest is opened, and move the seat to a seat target position P1, where the seat is capable of being swiveled, through the seat sliding function.

The pre-processing control may further control the seat to a target angle through the backrest angle adjustment function of the seat.

The system may further include: a center console disposed between the front seats and capable of being moved forward/backward; and a console position sensor detecting a position of the center console, wherein the seat controller predicts the obstruction condition by another component including the center console during the seat swivel by further checking center console state data of the center console, removes the obstruction condition through the pre-processing control by using the seat control module, and then performs the seat swivel control.

The center console may be a manual console C2moved by the user, and the seat controller may identify whether a position of the manual console C2is a foremost console target position P2during the pre-processing control, and guide the user to move the manual console C2to the target position P2if the position of the manual console C2is not the console target position P2.

The center console may be an electric console C3moved through the motor and a console controller, and the seat controller may identify whether a position of the electric console C3is a foremost console target position P2during the pre-processing control, and control the electric console C3to be moved to the console target position P2through a console controller E2if the position of the electric console C3is not the console target position P2.

According to another example, a method for a vehicle seat control includes: checking seat state data of a seat if receiving a signal requesting swivel of the seat based on a user switch input; identifying whether a plurality of conditions including preset conditions of leg rest closing and a seat target position P1are satisfied based on the state date of the seat; performing a pre-processing control to remove an obstruction condition by determining the obstruction condition in operating a seat swivel function if at least one of the plurality of conditions is not satisfied; and performing a swivel control to swivel the seat at a preset angle through the seat swivel function if the pre-processing control is completed and the plurality of conditions are all satisfied.

The performing of the pre-processing control may include: identifying whether a leg rest angle of the seat is closed, and controlling the leg rest to be closed through a leg-rest angle adjustment function if the leg rest angle is not closed; and identifying whether a seat slide position of the seat is the seat target position P1, and controlling the seat to be moved backward to the seat target position through a seat sliding function if the seat slide position is not the seat target position P1.

The performing of the pre-processing control may further include identifying whether a backrest angle of the seat is a backrest target angle T, and controlling a backrest to the target angle through a backrest angle adjustment function if the backrest angle is not the backrest target angle.

In a case where a manual console C2capable of being moved forward/backward is disposed between the front seats of a vehicle and a limit sensor detecting a position of the manual console C2is disposed, the performing of the pre-processing control may further include identifying whether the position of the manual console C2is a foremost console target position P2, and guiding a user to move the manual console C2to the console target position P2if the position of the manual console C2is not the foremost console target position P2.

In a case where an electric console C3capable of being moved forward/backward is disposed between the front seats of a vehicle and a sensor detecting a position of the electric console C3is disposed, the performing of the pre-processing control may further include identifying whether the position of the electric console C3is a foremost console target position P2, and controlling the electric console C3to be moved to the console target position P2through a console controller if the position of the electric console C3is not the foremost console target position P2.

The method may further include disposing the electric console C3at its immediately-previous usage position by controlling the electric console C3moved to the console target position P2to be moved backward after the performing of the swivel control.

The performing of the swivel control may include swiveling the seat in various angles and directions for the seat to be switched to a seat direction configured to provide a user with a front view, a side view, and/or a rear view.

The method may further include identifying whether a door corresponding to the seat is opened before the switching of the seat to provide the side view, and guiding the user to open the door if the door is not opened, wherein the switching of the seat to provide the side view is performed if the door corresponding to the seat is opened.

The method may further include controlling the seat to return to the front view by swiveling the seat based on the user switch input if a signal requesting return of the seat is received after the completing of the switching of the seat to provide the side view.

According to the examples of the present disclosure, it may be possible to allow the seat to be swiveled without any obstruction by the surrounding components by identifying the seat state data and adjusting the leg rest angle, the backrest angle, and the seat slide position through the pre-processing control to secure the space where the seat may be swiveled if the user requests the seat swivel.

Also, or alternatively, if the fixed console, the movable manual console or the electric console is applied to the vehicle based on its specification, it may be possible to secure the space where the seat may be swiveled via the pre-processing control including the position adjustment of the center console.

Also, or alternatively, it may be possible to apply the smooth seat swivel function without reducing the size or function of the seat by securing the space where the seat may be swiveled through the organic control based on the state data of the multi-functional electrified seat, center console or door, applied to the vehicle, if the user requests the seat swivel.

As set forth above, according to the examples of the present disclosure, it is possible to allow the seat to be swiveled without any obstruction by the surrounding components by identifying the seat state data and adjusting the leg rest angle, the backrest angle, and the seat slide position through the pre-processing control to secure the space where the seat may be swiveled if the user requests the seat swivel.

Also, or alternatively, if the fixed console, the movable manual console and/or the electric console is applied to the vehicle based on its specification, it is possible to secure the space where the seat may be swiveled through the pre-processing control including the position adjustment of the center console.

Also, or alternatively, it is possible to apply the smooth seat swivel function without reducing the size or function of the seat by securing the space where the seat may be swiveled through the organic control based on the state data of the multi-functional electrified seat, center console or door, applied to the vehicle, if the user requests the seat swivel.

The examples of the present disclosure may be implemented not only through the system and/or method described above, but also through a program for realizing a function corresponding to the configuration of the examples of the present disclosure, a recording medium in which the program is recorded, or the like. Such implementation may be easily made by those in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description of the examples described above.

Although the examples of the present disclosure have been described in detail hereinabove, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, various modifications and alterations made by those skilled in the art by using a basic concept of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.