JP6582458B2 - Driving position control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving position control device that controls a seat position including a seating posture of an occupant.

  In Patent Document 1, an automobile driving position adjusting device that makes it easy for a driver to adjust to his / her optimum driving position by moving a seat or a pedal to a position adapted to the standard physique of the driver. Has been proposed.

  Specifically, in Patent Document 1, when the driver operates a standard key when the vehicle is stopped and the seat reclining position is in the driving region, the seat control means and the pedal control means are Is moved to a return point on a standard physique characteristic curve created by adapting to a plurality of standard physiques. Further, when the driver manually moves the seat position, the pedal control means automatically adjusts the pedal position based on the standard physique characteristic curve.

JP 2002-096700 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to easily adjust to the optimum driving position. However, in a vehicle capable of automatic driving, it is not always necessary to maintain a driving position suitable for driving, so there is room for improvement. There is.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide a driving position control device capable of setting a driving position suitable for both automatic operation and manual operation.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an automatic driving control unit that controls switching between automatic driving and manual driving of a vehicle, and a position of a control target device including a steering device, a seat device, and a pedal device. A first position suitable for driving during manual driving when the automatic driving control unit switches from manual driving to automatic driving. On the other hand, the steering device moves upward and forward of the vehicle, the seat device moves backward and downward of the vehicle, the seat back tilts backward, and the pedal device moves forward and upward of the vehicle. The ottoman is deployed to move the control target device to a second position where the ottoman is more relaxed than the first position. When switching to the rolling, the first to move the control target device to a position, and a control unit that controls the moving unit based on a detection result of the detecting unit, the control unit, the manual operation When switching to automatic operation, after switching to automatic operation is completed, move the control target device to the second position, and when switching from automatic operation to manual operation, before shifting to manual operation, The moving unit is controlled to move the device to be controlled to the first position .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the automatic driving control unit controls switching between automatic driving and manual driving of the vehicle.

The position of the control target device including the steering device, the seat device, and the pedal device is moved by the moving unit. That is, the occupant's driving position can be changed by moving the device to be controlled by the moving unit.

  Further, the position of the control target device is detected by the detection unit. For example, the detection unit may detect the position of the control target device using a sensor or the like, or may detect the driving amount of a moving unit such as a motor.

In the control unit, when the automatic operation control unit switches from manual operation to automatic operation , the steering device moves upward and forward of the vehicle with respect to a predetermined first position suitable for operation during manual operation. The second position where the seat device moves rearward and downward, the seatback tilts backward, the pedal device moves forward and upward, and the ottoman is deployed to be in a more relaxed position than the first position. When the control target device is moved to the automatic operation control unit by the automatic operation control unit, the moving unit is controlled based on the detection result of the detection unit so as to move the control target device to the first position. .

  By controlling in this way, the driving position suitable for driving can be taken during manual driving, and the occupant can be in a relaxed posture during automatic driving.

  In addition, when switching from automatic operation to manual operation, the position of the control target device is moved to the first position, which is a driving position suitable for driving, before shifting to manual operation. The switch can be communicated to the passenger in advance. And a passenger | crew can prepare for driving | operation by the movement to the 1st position of a control object apparatus, and can improve the safety | security at the time of driving | operation switching.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a driving position control device capable of setting a driving position suitable for each of automatic operation and manual operation.
Note that when switching from manual operation to automatic operation, the control unit moves the control target device to the second position after switching to automatic operation, and when switching from automatic operation to manual operation, Before moving to operation, the moving unit may be controlled so as to move the control target device to the first position.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a driving position control device capable of setting a driving position suitable for both automatic operation and manual operation.

It is a figure which shows the control object of the driving position control apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the driving position control apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the predetermined 1st position suitable for a driving | operation, (B) is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd predetermined position where a passenger | crew relaxes. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process performed with the control apparatus of the driving position control apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. (A) shows adjustment by the seat surface adjustment mechanism (vertical direction), side support mechanism, and headrest adjustment mechanism (vertical direction), (B) shows adjustment by the side support mechanism, and (C) shows the seat surface adjustment mechanism (angle). ), Adjustment by a lumbar support mechanism and a headrest adjustment mechanism (angle).

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a control target of the driving position control apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The driving position control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment controls the driving position of the occupant by controlling the operation of each mechanism provided in the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the driving position is adjusted by adjusting the position of the steering device 12, the position of the seat device 14, and the position of the pedal device 16. Therefore, the driving position control device 10 controls each position change with each of the steering device 12, the seat device 14, and the pedal device 16 as control target devices.

  The steering device 12 includes, for example, a tilt mechanism and a telescopic mechanism, and is movable in two directions. The tilt mechanism adjusts the angle of the steering shaft 12B to which the steering 12A is connected, and moves the steering device 12 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. Further, the telescopic mechanism adjusts the position of the steering device 12 along the direction of the steering shaft 12B, and moves the steering device 12 in the direction of arrow B in FIG. Note that only one of a tilt mechanism and a telescopic mechanism may be provided. Further, the moving mechanism of the steering device 12 is not limited to these, and other mechanisms may be applied in appropriate combination.

  The seat device 14 includes, for example, a reclining mechanism, a slide mechanism, a seat height adjustment mechanism, and the like, and is movable in three directions. The reclining mechanism adjusts the angle of the seat back 14A and moves the seat back 14A in the direction of arrow C in FIG. Further, the slide mechanism adjusts the position of the seat device 14 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and moves the seat device 14 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. Further, the seat height adjusting mechanism adjusts the height of the seat device 14 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and moves the seat device 14 in the direction of arrow e in FIG. Furthermore, the seat device 14 includes a ottoman 18 for adding a foot as a control target device. The ottoman 18 moves in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 1 and is movable between a deployment position where the occupant's feet are placed and a storage position. Note that the moving mechanism of the sheet device 14 is not limited to these, and may be configured to include at least one moving mechanism, or may be applied by appropriately combining other moving mechanisms. As another mechanism, you may provide the mechanism which moves each part shown to FIG. 5 (A)-(C) to an arrow direction, for example. That is, a seat surface adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle of the seat cushion and the vertical position of the vehicle, a side support mechanism that adjusts the side support, a lumbar support mechanism that adjusts the position of the waist, and a headrest adjustment that adjusts the angle and height of the headrest A mechanism or the like may be provided. FIG. 5A shows adjustment by a seat surface adjustment mechanism (vertical direction), a side support mechanism, and a headrest adjustment mechanism (vertical direction). FIG. 5B shows the adjustment by the support mechanism again. FIG. 5C shows adjustment by a seating surface adjustment mechanism (angle), a lumbar support mechanism, and a headrest adjustment mechanism (angle). Furthermore, a seat temperature adjusting mechanism such as a seat heater or a seat air conditioner may be provided.

  The pedal device 16 includes, for example, a vertical movement mechanism and a front / rear movement mechanism, and is movable in two directions. The vertical movement mechanism adjusts the position of the pedal device 16 in the vertical direction of the vehicle and moves the pedal device 16 in the direction of arrow G in FIG. Further, the front-rear moving mechanism adjusts the position of the pedal device 16 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and moves the pedal device 16 in the direction of arrow H in FIG. Note that the pedal device 16 may include a left-right movement mechanism that adjusts the pedal position in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle in addition to the vertical movement mechanism and the front-back movement mechanism.

  Next, the configuration of the driving position control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the driving position control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The driving position control device 10 includes a control device 20 as a control unit that controls movement of the steering device 12, the seat device 14, and the pedal device 16.

  The control device 20 includes a computer in which a CPU 20A, a ROM 20B, a RAM 20C, and an I / O (input / output interface) 20D are connected to a bus 20E.

  The ROM 210B stores a program for controlling the driving position, and the driving position is controlled by the CPU 20A executing the program stored in the ROM 20B in the RAM 20C and executing it.

  A steering device 12, a seat device 14, and a pedal device 16 to be controlled are connected to the I / O 20D, and an automatic operation control unit 22 is connected to the I / O 20D.

  The steering device 12 includes a steering position moving unit 24 as a moving unit for driving the above-described tilt mechanism, telescopic mechanism, and the like, and the operation of the steering position moving unit 24 is controlled by the control device 20. In addition, the steering device 12 includes a steering position detection unit 26 as a detection unit that detects the position of the steering device 12, and the position detection result of the steering device 12 is input to the control device 20. In the present embodiment, the steering position detection unit 26 detects the movement position of the steering device 12 by each mechanism of the tilt mechanism and the telescopic mechanism, and inputs the detection result to the control device 20. In addition, as the steering position detection part 26, you may detect the position of the steering apparatus 12 with the sensor which detects the movement position by each mechanism of the steering apparatus 12, for example. Alternatively, the amount of movement by the steering position moving unit 24 may be detected by a driving amount of a motor or the like (for example, the number of steps of the stepping motor).

  Further, the seat device 14 includes a seat position moving unit 28 as a moving unit for driving the reclining mechanism, the slide mechanism, the seat height adjusting mechanism, the ottoman 18 and the like described above. The operation of the moving unit 28 is controlled. Further, the sheet device 14 includes a sheet position detection unit 30 as a detection unit that detects the position of the sheet device 14, and the position detection result of the sheet device 14 is input to the control device 20. In the present embodiment, the seat position detection unit 30 detects the movement position of each of the reclining mechanism, the slide mechanism, the seat height adjustment mechanism, and the ottoman 18 and inputs the detection result to the control device 20. As the sheet position detection unit 30, for example, the position of the sheet device 14 may be detected by a sensor that detects the movement position of each mechanism of the sheet device 14. Alternatively, the amount of movement by the sheet position moving unit 28 may be detected by a driving amount of a motor or the like (for example, the number of steps of the stepping motor). In addition, when the seat surface adjustment mechanism, the side support mechanism, the lumbar support mechanism, the headrest adjustment mechanism, the seat temperature adjustment mechanism, and other mechanisms are provided, the seat position detection unit 30 detects these positions, The position moving unit 28 also drives these mechanisms.

  In addition, the pedal device 16 includes a pedal position moving unit 32 as a moving unit for driving the above-described vertical movement mechanism, the front and rear movement mechanism, and the operation of the pedal position moving unit 32 is controlled by the control device 20. The The pedal device 16 includes a pedal position detection unit 34 as a detection unit that detects the position of the pedal device 16, and the position detection result of the pedal device 16 is input to the control device 20. In the present embodiment, the pedal position detection unit 34 detects the movement position of each of the vertical movement mechanism and the forward / backward movement mechanism, and inputs the detection result to the control device 20. Note that the pedal position detection unit 34 may detect the position of the pedal device 16 by a sensor that detects the movement position of each mechanism of the pedal device 16, or the driving amount of a motor or the like (for example, the number of steps of the stepping motor) Etc.), the amount of movement by the pedal position moving unit 32 may be detected. When the above-described left / right movement mechanism is provided, the pedal position detection unit 34 detects a position in the vehicle width direction, and the pedal position movement unit 32 also drives the left / right movement mechanism.

  The automatic driving control unit 22 controls switching between automatic driving for controlling the vehicle by determining the situation around the vehicle and the situation of the vehicle, and manual driving by the occupant. During automatic driving, the automatic driving control unit 22 determines the state of the host vehicle and its surroundings based on information obtained from various sensors in order to make the vehicle run independently, and determines the accelerator amount, the brake amount, and the steering angle. An automatic operation control process for controlling the above is performed. Further, the automatic driving control unit 22 can store information indicating the traveling operation state of the vehicle and output information indicating the stored traveling operation state of the vehicle. The information indicating the driving operation state of the vehicle is information indicating a manual driving state in which the vehicle is manually driven by an occupant or information indicating an automatic driving state in which the vehicle is automatically driven by the automatic driving control unit 22.

  Moreover, the automatic driving control unit 22 outputs predetermined information related to driving assistance for the vehicle. Examples of the predetermined information include information indicating the start of the automatic driving control process, information indicating the end of the automatic driving control process, and the like.

  For example, the automatic driving control unit 22 can automatically start the automatic driving control process according to the behavior of the vehicle and the surrounding situation during the manual driving of the occupant to assist the driving of the vehicle by the occupant. In this case, the automatic operation control unit 22 outputs information indicating the start of the automatic operation control process. Further, in the case of switching from the occupant's manual operation to the automatic operation by the automatic operation control process according to the occupant's instruction, the automatic operation control unit 22 is information indicating that the driving sovereignty is transferred, that is, starting the automatic operation control process Predetermined information, which is information indicating

  Further, the automatic driving control unit 22 automatically terminates (cancels) the automatic driving control process according to the behavior of the vehicle and the surrounding conditions during the execution of the automatic driving control process, and prompts the occupant to manually drive the vehicle. Processing can be performed. In this case, the automatic driving control unit 22 outputs information indicating the end of the automatic driving control process in order to prompt the occupant to manually drive the vehicle. Further, in the case of switching from the automatic driving by the automatic driving control process to the manual driving of the occupant according to the instruction of the occupant, the automatic driving control unit 22 is information indicating that the driving sovereignty is transferred, that is, the end of the automatic driving control process. Predetermined information, which is information indicating

  Note that the automatic driving control unit 22 can include a communication device that exchanges information between the vehicle and the outside of the vehicle to receive peripheral information. An example of the communication device is a communication device that receives road conditions by road-to-vehicle communication such as a wireless communication device using DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) narrow-range communication. In addition, information indicating road conditions received by road-to-vehicle communication, which is peripheral information, includes the curvature of the lane, the lane such as the road surface cant, the shape and state of the road, the positional relationship of the vehicle with respect to the lane, Information indicating the positional relationship of the vehicle and the traffic volume around the vehicle. The automatic operation control unit 22 can include a navigation system as an example of a device for obtaining peripheral information.

  The driving position control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can change the occupant's driving position based on the predetermined information output from the automatic operation control unit 22.

  Specifically, during manual operation, the driving position control device 10 controls each mechanism so that the positions of the steering device 12, the seat device 14, and the pedal device 16 are set to predetermined first positions suitable for driving. . Here, the first position is, for example, a position as shown in FIG. 3A, and in this embodiment, the first position is registered in advance by a passenger at the time of boarding or the like. Note that the occupant's physique or the like may be detected by a camera or the like and automatically adjusted and registered at a predetermined position corresponding to the detected physique.

  On the other hand, during automatic driving, the driving position control device 10 controls each mechanism so that the positions of the steering device 12, the seat device 14, and the pedal device 16 become predetermined second positions where the occupant relaxes. Here, the second position is, for example, a position as shown in FIG. 3B, and is a position where the space on the vehicle front side of the occupant is wider than the first position. In the present embodiment, the steering device 12 moves upward and forward of the vehicle with respect to the first position, the seat device 14 moves backward and downward of the vehicle, the seat back tilts backward, and the pedal device 16 moves to the vehicle. While moving forward and upward, the ottoman 18 is deployed. In the second position, each mechanism may be moved to a predetermined position, or each mechanism is driven by a predetermined amount so that the space on the front side of the occupant is wider than the first position. Also good.

  In addition, when switching from manual operation to automatic operation, each mechanism is controlled to be in the second position after switching to automatic operation is completed, and when switching from automatic operation to manual operation, the first position Each mechanism is controlled to become Thus, after the passenger is informed in advance of switching from automatic operation to manual operation, the automatic operation is canceled and the operation is switched to manual operation.

  Next, processing performed by the driving position control device 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by the control device 20 of the driving position control device 10 according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing in FIG. 4 will be described as an example that starts when an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on.

  In step 100, the control device 20 registers the position for manual operation, and proceeds to step 102. That is, the first position is registered thereby. For example, in the present embodiment, the position for manual operation is registered by the occupant operating the position of the steering device 12, the position of the seat device 14, and the position of the pedal device 16 to register the operation result. As described above, the physique of the occupant is detected from the photographing result of the camera or the like, and the position of the steering device 12, the position of the seat device 14, and the position of the pedal device 16 are set in advance according to the detected physique. You may adjust and register.

  In step 102, the control device 20 determines whether or not automatic driving is performed. The determination is based on the information obtained from the automatic driving control unit 22 and information indicating the above-described traveling state and predetermined information. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 114.

  In step 104, the control device 20 determines whether or not the current driving position is a manual driving position. The determination is based on the detection results of the steering position detection unit 26, the seat position detection unit 30, and the pedal position detection unit 34 to determine whether or not the first position is the manual operation position registered in step 100. To do. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 108.

  In step 106, the control device 20 performs control so as to move to the automatic driving position, and the routine proceeds to step 108. That is, the control device 20 detects each position by the steering position detection unit 26, the seat position detection unit 30, and the pedal position detection unit 34. And based on each detection result, the steering position moving part 24, the seat position moving part 28, and the pedal position moving part 32 are controlled, and each position of the steering device 12, the seat device 14, and the pedal device 16 is set to the second position. Move to position. In the present embodiment, the steering device 12 moves upward and forward of the vehicle relative to the first position, the seat device 14 moves backward and downward of the vehicle, and the seat back tilts backward. Further, the pedal device 16 moves forward and upward of the vehicle, and moves to the second position where the ottoman 18 is deployed. As a result, each position is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3B, so that the occupant can take a relaxed posture during automatic driving, and fatigue can be reduced.

  In step 108, the control device 20 determines whether or not to switch to manual operation. This determination determines whether or not information indicating the end of the automatic driving process has been acquired from the automatic driving control unit 22. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 114.

  In step 110, the control device 20 performs control so as to move to the manual operation position, and the routine proceeds to step 112. That is, the control device 20 detects each position by the steering position detection unit 26, the seat position detection unit 30, and the pedal position detection unit 34. Then, based on each detection result, the steering position moving unit 24, the seat position moving unit 28, and the pedal position moving unit 32 are controlled, and the respective positions of the steering device 12, the seat device 14, and the pedal device 16 are set to step 100. Move to the registered first position.

  In step 112, the control device 20 notifies the automatic operation control unit 22 of permission to shift to manual operation, and proceeds to step 114. As a result, the automatic operation control unit 22 switches to manual operation and shifts to manual operation.

  In step 114, the control device 20 determines whether or not to finish the control of the driving position. This determination determines whether or not the ignition switch is turned off, or whether or not an instruction to end the control of the driving position is given by the occupant. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 102 and the above processing is repeated. When the determination is affirmative, the series of processing ends.

  By controlling the control device 20 in this way, a driving position suitable for driving can be taken during manual driving, and a passenger can be placed in a relaxed posture during automatic driving.

  In addition, when switching from automatic operation to manual operation, each mechanism is moved to the first position, which is a driving position suitable for driving, before shifting to manual operation. Can be communicated to the passengers in advance. The occupant can prepare for driving by moving each mechanism to the first position, and can improve safety when switching operation.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the positions of the steering device 12, the seat device 14, and the pedal device 16 are moved in order to adjust the driving position of the occupant has been described. The position of one device may be moved. Or you may apply combining the example which moves another apparatus suitably.

  Moreover, although the process performed by the control apparatus 20 in said embodiment was demonstrated as a software process performed by running a program, it is good also as a process performed by hardware. Alternatively, the processing may be a combination of both software and hardware. Further, the above-described program stored in the ROM 20B may be stored in various storage media and distributed.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the automatic driving control process assumes a case where the vehicle travels independently. However, an apparatus that performs driving assistance such as steering assistance may be applied. In this case, the second position may be a position where the posture is more relaxing than the first position and the posture can be driven.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

10 Driving position control device 12 Steering device (control target device)
14 Sheet device (device to be controlled)
16 Pedal device (device to be controlled)
18 Ottoman (Controlled device)
20 Control device (control unit)
22 Automatic operation control unit 24 Steering position moving unit (moving unit)
26 Steering position detector (detector)
28 Sheet position moving part (moving part)
30 Sheet position detector (detector)
32 Pedal position moving part (moving part)
34 Pedal position detector (detector)

Claims (1)

An automatic driving control unit that controls switching between automatic driving and manual driving of the vehicle;
A moving unit that moves the position of the control target device including the steering device, the seat device, and the pedal device;
A detection unit for detecting a position of the control target device;
When switching from manual driving to automatic driving by the automatic driving control unit, the steering device moves upward and forward of the vehicle with respect to a predetermined first position suitable for driving during manual driving, and the seat device Is moved rearward and downward of the vehicle, the seat back is tilted backward, the pedal device is moved forward and upward of the vehicle, and the ottoman is deployed to a second position where the posture is more relaxed than the first position. Based on the detection result of the detection unit, the moving unit moves the control target device and moves the control target device to the first position when the automatic operation control unit switches from automatic operation to manual operation. A control unit for controlling
Equipped with a,
When switching from manual operation to automatic operation, the control unit moves the control target device to the second position after completing the switch to automatic operation, and when switching from automatic operation to manual operation, A driving position control device that controls the moving unit to move the device to be controlled to the first position before shifting to manual operation .

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