FR2736879A1 - Automatic control process for configuration of electrically-powered seat e.g. in motor vehicle - involves using microprocessor to ensure that seat movements in all degrees of freedom are coordinated according to rules - Google Patents

Abstract

The control process is for a seat (1) having degrees of freedom comprising the sliding position (DL), the front and rear seat pivot angles (RAV,RAR) and back support angles (PHI,PSI). Movement in each of these degrees of freedom is controlled by electric motors and detected by potentiometers. In the interest of safety, for example to prevent submarining during an accident and also to achieve maximum ergonomic efficiency laws connecting pairs of the degrees of freedom are evaluated and used by the microprocessor to coordinate all movement following manually controlled displacement of one of the degrees of freedom.

Description

Method for automatically adjusting the configuration of a seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, and corresponding device.

 The invention relates to adjusting the configuration of a seat.

 It advantageously applies to the seats of motor vehicles but can also be applied, without limitation, to the seats of heavy goods vehicles, to the seats equipping rail and / or avionic means of transport, to the seats of industrial simulators, of rooms shows, in domestic seats as well as those used in medical fields such as dentists' seats.

 In the field of motor vehicles, the driver and passenger seats fitted to most vehicles on the market are conventional seats with mechanical adjustment. These seats offer mechanical and manual adjustment of the longitudinal position of the seat along the slide as well as the adjustment of the backrest angle.

 This type of seat has many disadvantages. Thus, manual adjustment of the seat configuration by its occupant requires muscular effort on its part. In addition, the adjustment is approximate and does not guarantee a comfortable and ergonomic position. Adjustment of the seat cushion is not possible and, finally, it is not possible to automatically return the seat to a comfortable position previously adjusted.

 In contrast to seats with mechanical adjustment, more simply called "mechanical seats", electrically adjustable seats have been developed, more simply called "electric seats". This type of seat is currently fitted to certain high-end vehicles. They allow to overcome some of the disadvantages of mechanical seats. However, some drawbacks still remain. In particular, the seat control interface is complicated requiring a control button per seat axis to be adjusted and the seat adjustment by the occupant remains approximate. In addition, given the flexibility offered in the positioning of the seat, backrest and seat along the slide, the adjustment carried out manually by the occupant does not necessarily lead to a situation meeting all safety requirements. .Finally, the seat adjustment time by its occupant, axis by axis, is quite long before finding a satisfactory combination of adjustments for all axes.

 The invention aims to provide a solution to these problems.

 An object of the invention is to automatically ensure the positioning of the seat from a single control button while ensuring compliance with comfort and safety criteria.

 The invention firstly proposes a method for automatically controlling the configuration of an electrically adjustable seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, in which at least one predetermined law of authorized couplings between at least one first and one is stored. second adjustable attitudes of the seat, and, in the presence of a predetermined condition, the configuration of the seat is modified by automatically adjusting, in response to a manual command to modify a single attitude chosen from said first and second attitudes, the other attitude of the head office taking into account the law of authorized couplings.

 For the purposes of the present invention, the word "attitude" is understood to be a parameter associated with a part of the seat capable of moving following a corresponding actuation movement.

 Thus, especially in the case of a motor vehicle seat, the different possible seat attitudes can be the position of the seat underbody in the slide, the front and rear riser angles of the seat cushion, l 'angle of inclination of the seat back.

 The invention guarantees compliance with comfort and safety criteria defined in the law (s) of ergonomic couplings coordinating the movements of the different parts of the seat. Such coupling law (s) can be obtained, for example, from ergonomic tests using mannequins and "guinea pig" occupants of the seat in order to guarantee in particular that the seat occupant occupies an optimal relative position with respect to the seat belt in order in particular to avoid potential problems of submarining (the seat occupant being able to slide under the belt in the event of a frontal impact if the seat is badly placed). Furthermore, this (these) coupling law (s) makes it possible to prohibit certain areas of movement on the seat.

 When the seat is in particular a motor vehicle seat, the first and second adjustable attitudes can be the longitudinal position of the seat in the slide, and the inclination of the backrest. Thus, the predetermined coupling law makes it possible to exclude moving the seat and tilting the backrest too far back so as not to put the rear passengers in a difficult or even dangerous situation.

 Furthermore, it suffices simply to choose a single control button for modifying only one of the attitudes to simply adjust the seat and also act on the other attitude. For example, you can choose to activate the slide control button (longitudinal movement of the seat in this slide) or the backrest tilt control button.

 This therefore makes it possible to obtain a rapid automatic and precise adjustment of the seat.

 The advantages of the invention, and in particular the simple, quick, automatic and precise adjustment of the seat by means of a single control button taking into account all aspects of comfort and safety, are even more perceptible when the seat, as is generally the case in motor vehicle seats in particular, has at least one additional attitude, and in particular at least two additional attitudes, for example the front riser and the rear riser of the seat cushion relative to to the base of the latter movable in translation in the slide.

Indeed, it then advantageously stores, for each additional attitude, a predetermined additional law of authorized couplings between one of said first and second attitudes and this additional attitude. The configuration of the seat is then modified by automatically adjusting, in response to the manual control of the modification of the only attitude chosen from the first and second attitudes, all the other attitudes of the seat taking into account the laws of authorized couplings.

 Thus, for example, in addition to the law of authorized couplings between the position of the base in the slide and the angle of inclination of the backrest, there is a law of authorized couplings between the front riser of the seat and the angle d 'inclination of the backrest, and a law of authorized couplings between the rear riser of the seat and the angle of inclination of the backrest.

 Thus, by the simple manual control of the movement of the underbody in the slide or by the simple manual control of the inclination of the backrest, and in the presence of said predetermined condition, the configuration of the seat is modified by automatically adjusting all the attitudes concerned of the seat. taking into account the laws of authorized coupling.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the satisfaction or not of the initial configuration of the seat is tested with said coupling law between the first and second attitudes (for example position in the slide and inclination of the backrest). Said predetermined condition then comprises the satisfaction of said configuration tested with said coupling law. In other words, the initial configuration satisfies said coupling law if the values of the first and second attitudes are in mutual correspondence taking into account this coupling law. Furthermore, in the presence of an initial configuration not satisfying said coupling law, an automatic primary modification of said initial configuration is then carried out by inhibiting the effects of any possible manual control until a configuration satisfying said law of predetermined couplings and from which said automatic configuration modification can be carried out in response to said manual command.

 In other words, if the seat occupant sits in it and selects the automatic adjustment mode, and if the configuration of the seat during this selection does not satisfy the predetermined coupling law between, for example the position of the slide and the inclination of the backrest, the seat will be automatically reconfigured so that the value of the position of the seat base in the slide and the value of the inclination of the backrest correspond to each other of the coupling law, even if the occupant actuates any control button intended to control the modification of the configuration of the seat.

 Said law of authorized couplings between the first and second attitudes (for example position in the slide and inclination of the backrest) defines for example a delimited set of possible seat configurations. The non-satisfaction of the initial configuration with said coupling law then corresponds to an initial configuration located outside this domain. In this case, the primary configuration modification step is advantageously carried out according to a predetermined attitude presetting law so as to obtain a configuration situated on the boundary of the domain.

 In other words, we will automatically bring the seat back into a configuration for which the pair of values of the first and second attitudes corresponds to a point lying on the border of the domain.

 This predetermined preset law preferably depends on the position of the initial configuration relative to the domain limit.

 In general, whether during the possible primary modification phase, or during the modification phase in response to the manual command from the user, the seat configuration is changed incrementally and each increment involves a modification of each attitude concerned. This allows to obtain a continuous variation of the seat configuration which increases the comfort of use.

 In addition, it is preferable that the modifications of the attitudes concerned take place according to a single predetermined scheduling.

This predetermined scheduling is chosen so as to further increase the comfort of use.

 Said predetermined condition may include, in addition or not to that resulting from the test of satisfaction or non-satisfaction of the initial configuration with the predetermined coupling law, a condition taken from the group comprising the opening / closing of a door of the vehicle, the position of the ignition key with respect to at least one reference position, the comparison of the vehicle speed with respect to a threshold speed, and the reception of a specific activation signal allowing for example d '' specifically activate the automatic adjustment mode.

 The invention also relates to a seat device comprising a seat having at least a first and a second attitude adjustable respectively by controllable actuation means, such as electric motors controlled in rotation, and attitude sensors associated with said attitudes to deliver information representative of the values of these attitudes, for example potentiometric sensors measuring the angles of rotation of the axes of the motors. The seat device also comprises memory means for storing at least one predetermined law of authorized couplings between the first and second attitudes and a member for manual control of the modification of a single attitude chosen from the first and second attitudes. incorporated in this device, have an automatic mode in which, in the presence of a predetermined condition as well as in response to the actuation of said manual control member, they are able to modify the configuration of the seat by automatically adjusting the Another attitude of the head office, taking into account the law of authorized couplings, by the automatic control of the corresponding actuation means.

 According to one embodiment of the invention, the processing means, for example a microprocessor, includes test means able to test the satisfaction or not of the initial configuration of the seat with said coupling law. Said predetermined condition then includes satisfying said tested configuration with said coupling law. In addition, in the presence of an initial configuration not satisfying said coupling law, the processing means inhibit any control signal emanating from the member. manual control and carry out an automatic primary modification of said initial configuration until a configuration satisfying said predetermined coupling law and from which the processing means can effect said automatic configuration modification in response to actuation of said member manual control.

 According to one embodiment of the invention, the microprocessor of the processing means determines, in response to the control signal emanating from the manual control member, different successive configurations of the seat in an incremental manner taking into account the coupling law or laws concerned, and controls, for each incremental modification of configuration, the actuation means (electric motors for example) concerned so as to modify the corresponding attitudes according to predetermined variation steps and, preferably according to a single predetermined scheduling.

 The memory means also preferably store software stops corresponding to attitude values slightly behind compared to those associated with corresponding mechanical stops arranged on the different seat movement taxes. In addition, thermal relays are provided which cut off the supply to the actuating means when the seat reaches the mechanical stop.

 The device also advantageously comprises a control panel incorporating said manual control member (for the first or second attitude) and other manual members for the other attitudes of the seat. The processing means then advantageously have a manual mode in which the configuration of the seat is only adjustable by manual actuation of the control members independently of any law of authorized couplings. In addition, a specific activation member can be provided allowing manual selection of the automatic mode or the manual mode.

 Alternatively, the seat may have a pivotally articulated upper part at the upper end of the backrest. The processing means are then able to control the actuation means associated with this articulation in the manual mode in response to the manual actuation of a specific control member located on the control panel.

 The processing means may also be able to store a selected configuration of the seat in response to the manual actuation of a storage control member. In response to the manual actuation of a memory recall control member, the processing means can then automatically control the actuation means concerned to automatically reconfigure the seat in said chosen and stored configuration.

 Finally, it is particularly advantageous for the processing means to block any action of the actuating means during starting of the vehicle, even if for example the seat is in an automatic reconfiguration state, in particular in order to conserve all the available power of the battery to start the vehicle engine.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description of an embodiment and implementation of the invention, in no way limiting, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an electrically adjustable seat according to the invention,
FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate three predetermined laws of authorized couplings between different possible attitudes of the seat in FIG. 1,
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the hardware architecture of other elements of a device according to the invention,
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a control panel of a device according to the invention,
FIGS. 7 to 9 represent flowcharts of operation of the device according to the invention,
FIG. 10 represents different signals available in response to the different positions of a vehicle ignition key, and
- Figure 11 illustrates another flowchart of operation of the device according to the invention.

 As illustrated in FIG. 1, the seat device according to the invention comprises a seat 1 proper, in particular a seat of a motor vehicle.

 This seat 1 comprises a base 2 movable in a slide 3 fixed to the chassis of the vehicle, according to a translational movement DL between a rear mechanical stop 31 and a front mechanical stop 32.

 The seat 1 also includes a seat 4 articulated at its front end 40 and at its rear end 41 on the base 2.

 More particularly, a link 51 is pivotally articulated on an axis 20 of the base 2 and the other end 54 of this link 51 is pivotally articulated with a second link 50 whose other end is pivotally articulated around an axis 53 located at the front end 40 of the seat 4.

 As regards the rear end 41 of the seat 4, this is integral with the base 2 by means of a third link 52 pivotally articulated at its two ends on an axis 21 of the base and an axis 55 of the seat.

 The seat 1 also includes a reclining backrest 6. For reasons of clarity the axis 60 around which the backrest 6 is capable of pivoting has been shown at a distance from the seat 4 although in reality it is incorporated therein .

 Finally, certain seats, and this is the case here, are equipped with an upper part 7 comprising the headrest, articulated pivotally about an axis 70 located at the upper end of the backrest 6.

Within the meaning of the present invention, the possible attitudes of this seat are therefore:
- the position DI of the base 2 in the slide 3,
- the front riser angle RAV of the seat 4 and the rear riser angle RAR of the seat 4,
- the angle of inclination PHI of the backrest 6, and,
- the tilt angle PSI of the upper part 7.

 The movements corresponding to these different attitudes are obtained by the control of actuating means, such as electric motors controlled in rotation. More specifically, one of these motors allows, through a rack, the displacement DL in translation of the base in the slide. Another motor, placed for example at the axis 20, allows the front riser movement, in one direction or the other. Another motor, placed for example at the axis 21 allows the RAR rear riser movement. Another motor, placed at the axis 60 allows the backrest to tilt, and finally, a last motor placed at the axis 110 allows the pivoting of the upper part of the backrest.

 Of course, these motors can be placed in different places but act on the corresponding axes by means of suitable transmission means.

 The values of the different attitudes are provided by potentiometric sensors measuring the angles of rotation of the axes of the motors. As will be seen in more detail below, these electric motors are controlled by control software incorporated within a microprocessor. Also, software stops are provided for each of the corresponding movements of the seat. These software stops correspond to attitude values slightly behind compared to those associated with corresponding mechanical stops arranged on different axes of movement of the seat. I1 is provided for this purpose thermal relays cutting power to the electric motors when the seat comes into mechanical abutment, due in particular to an electronic failure of the system.

 In the example described, the position of the base in the slide is defined by the distance DI counted from the rear stop and varies from 0 to 240 mm.

 The front riser angle RAV, defined by the angle of rotation of the corresponding motor, varies between 0 to 76 ". The rear riser angle, defined by the angle of rotation of the corresponding motor, also varies between 0 and 760 .

 The PHI angle of the backrest, defined by the angle of rotation of the corresponding motor, varies between 0 and 380.

 The seat cushion is in horizontal position for 0 "front riser and 760 rear riser. When the front riser increases, the seat rises and when the rear riser decreases the seat sinks.

 The value 0 of the PHI tilt angle corresponds to a backrest perpendicular to the seat, while an inclined backrest of 38 corresponds to a berth seat.

 An essential element of the invention resides, in the example described here, in coupling laws authorized between the position of the seat base in the slide and the angle of inclination of the backrest (FIG. 2), the rear riser and the backrest tilt angle (figure 3) and the front riser and the backrest tilt angle (figure 4).

 Within the meaning of the present invention, by authorized coupling between two attitudes, a pair of values of these two attitudes is understood to correspond mutually unequivocally, so as to satisfy in particular criteria of comfort and safety.

 In FIG. 2, the law of authorized couplings between the position of the base in the slide, represented by the distance DI in millimeters, and the angle of inclination PHI of the backrest, results in a domain DA of possible and authorized configurations relatively to these two attitudes, that is to say a set of points whose coordinates are on the one hand an angle and on the other hand a distance.

This domain DA is delimited by the ordinate axis (angle
PHI equal to zero), by a straight line parallel to the abscissa axis and passing through the ordinate point DI equal to 240 mm and finally by a curve CA.

 More particularly, this curve CA is defined by 38 points and comprises a first horizontal segment of 12 points whose ordinates are equal to zero and whose abscissa (angle PHI) varies from 0 to 11 "(point C2).

 This first segment continues with a second segment of 14 points (point C2 included) up to point C1 with coordinate DI = 130 and PHI = 24.

 This second segment continues with a third vertical segment of 15 points (point C1 included) joining the horizontal line of ordinate 240 mm.

It should be noted that the curve CA, which defines part of the border of the domain DA is part of this domain DA. Consequently, this curve CA also delimits a domain of configurations not satisfying the law of authorized couplings between the position of the base and the angle of inclination, that is to say a set of points lying to the right (on figure 2) of the curve
IT. As will be seen in more detail below, this domain of unauthorized configurations is subdivided into three subdomains DNA1, DNA2 and DNA3. The domain DNA1 is delimited by the third vertical segment of the curve CA and a segment parallel to the x-axis passing through point C1. The second DNA2 subdomain is delimited by this same horizontal segment and a vertical segment passing through the point C1 and joining the abscissa axis while the third DNA3 subdomain is delimited by this same vertical segment, the abscissa axis and the portion of curve
CA between points C1 and C2.

 While the law of authorized couplings between the variables DI and PHI (figure 2) defines a portion of the plane, the law of authorized couplings between the rear riser RAR and the angle PHI (figure 3) corresponds to a curve CB of 25 points extending between the point C1 of abscissa PHI = 24 and ordinate RAR = 0 and the point of abscissa 0 and ordinate 76 ".

 It is the same for the law of authorized couplings between the front riser and the angle of inclination of the backrest (FIG. 4) which results in a CC curve of 25 points comprising a first horizontal segment of 9 points located on the abscissa axis and extending to the abscissa point 9 ". This first segment continues with a second inclined segment extending, in steps of 1" on the abscissa axis, to the point C1 of abscissa PHI = 24 and ordinate RAV = 43.

 In addition to the seat 1 proper, the device according to the invention comprises a computer 8 physically structured, as illustrated very diagrammatically in FIG. 5, around a microprocessor 15 such as for example the microprocessor 68 HC 711 E9 from the company MOTOROLA operating at 8 MHz. With this microprocessor are associated, in a conventional manner, memory means (live and dead) referenced 13 and 14. These memory means memorize the executable program of the microprocessor incorporating in particular in software the various functional means of the invention, such as the processing means, as well as the authorized coupling laws (in the form for example of point tables) and the software stops.

 The microprocessor is also connected, by means of digital analog converters (not shown here for the sake of simplification) to the potentiometric attitude sensors 10 as well as to additional sensors 1 1 which will be discussed in more detail below on structure and functionality.

 The microprocessor controls, via a power interface also not shown for simplification purposes, the electric motors 16.

 Finally, the interface with the user here consists of a control keyboard 12, indicator lights 17, and an audible warning device 18 used in particular to warn the user that the seat has come to a stop on its axes of movement. .

 As illustrated in more detail but nevertheless diagrammatically, in FIG. 6, the control keyboard 12 comprises a horizontal elongated button 121 representing the seat cushion and a vertical elongated button 122 representing the seat backrest. The button 121 is articulated on the control keyboard so as to be able to move longitudinally forward (direction 121 AV) or rearward (direction 121 AR) to control movement of the base in the slide, as well as towards the up or down at its front end (left part in FIG. 6) in the respective directions 121AH and 121AB, to control the front riser of the seat, and, similarly up or down down (direction 121 RH and 121RB) at its rear end to control the rear seat lift movement.

 The backrest tilt control button 122 can move to the left (direction 122AV) or to the right (direction 122AR) to control a more or less significant tilt of the backrest.

 When the seat is provided with a hingeable upper part, the control panel includes another elongated control button 123 similar to the seat tilt button 122 which can move to the left or to the right (direction 123AV and 123AR) to control the inclination of the upper part of the backrest.

 Finally, on the right side of the control keyboard are provided a control button 124 making it possible to memorize a configuration of the seat, a button 125 making it possible to automatically return the seat to the memorized position and a button 126 making it possible to select the automatic adjustment mode. seat or manual adjustment mode.

 We will now describe in detail, with particular reference to Figures 7 and following, the operating mode of the device according to the invention.

 Generally, as illustrated in FIG. 7, during the initial commissioning of the device according to the invention, an initialization step 700 is carried out during which in particular, the processing means actuate the electric motors so to move the seat to its stops on each of its axes so as to calibrate the attitude sensors.

 As will be seen in more detail below, the processing means have a state of very low consumption during which they are in "sleep". Step 701 consists in detecting the reception of an IT wake-up pulse. Materially, this IT pulse, which is an interruption supplied on the clock input of the microprocessor, is supplied by control means which will be discussed in more detail below on the structure and the operation.

 In the event of non-awakening (step 703) there is a loop back upstream of step 701. On the other hand, in the event of reception of this IT interruption, the processing means pass into an active state (step 704).

 In this step, the microprocessor determines in particular (step 705) whether the processing means must return to a state of sleep or rest (step 706).

 Otherwise, the processing means determine (step 707), the operating mode, automatic or manual.

 The operating mode can be determined by the user using the button 126. However, in the absence of action by the user on the button 126, the processing means are by default in the mode they had before they woke up.

 In the manual mode (step 709), the user can adjust the configuration of his seat by acting on the various control buttons of the control keyboard 12. In this mode, the control of the configuration of the seat is independent of any law of pairings allowed. In other words, the backrest angle can vary from 0 to 38, the front riser from 0 to 43, the rear riser from 0 to 76 "and the DI distance from 0 to 240 mm, as the different values chosen by the user may or may not correspond to security or comfort requirements.

 It is otherwise in the automatic mode (step 708) which will now be described in more detail with particular reference to FIG. 8.

 In step 800, the processing means determine which instructions are given by the user via the control keyboard. However, before taking these instructions into account, the processing means determine, by analyzing the attitude values provided by the attitude sensors, whether the configuration of the seat relative to the position of the base in the slide and the backrest tilt angle, whether or not it belongs to the DA domain (step 801). If this is the case, the instructions provided by the user may be taken into account. Otherwise, the processing means carry out an automatic primary modification of the configuration of the seat so as to bring it back into a configuration situated on the curve CA (FIG. 2).

 In this respect, this automatic primary modification is carried out according to a predefined preset law but which, preferably, depends on the position of the initial configuration in the domain external to the domain DA.

 More precisely, if the initial values DI and PHI correspond to a point P3 located in the DNA3 sub-domain, the processing means only activate the electric motor making it possible to modify the position DI of the base in the slide without modifying the angle Backrest tilt PHI. In the present case, the base is therefore moved forward so as to join point P7 of the curve CA. Since the inclination of the backrest is not changed, the front riser and the rear riser are also not changed.

 If the initial configuration corresponds to a point P2 located in the DNA2 sub-domain, the value DI is not modified this time and it is the angle PHI which is modified so as to bring back the couple (DI, PHI ) at point P8. Consequently, during this movement, the front and rear risers of the seat are also automatically modified so as to be brought back to point P8 of the curves CB and CC.

 Finally, if the initial configuration corresponds to a point P1 located in the DNA1 sub-domain, the processing means control both the electric motor acting on the variable DI and the electric motor acting on the angle PHI so as to bring the seat at point C1. Consequently, since the PHI angle varies, the front and rear risers are also modified accordingly.

 It is now assumed that, when the seat is in automatic mode, the initial configuration thereof is located in the PA domain (on the curve CA or within it).

 If the seat occupant actuates the button 125 on the control keyboard, the processing means will then activate the corresponding electric motors so as to automatically bring the seat back to the configuration previously stored.

 To this end, the memorization of a configuration of the seat (step 804) is effected by actuation of the button 124.

 While the automatic primary modification provided for in step 802 takes place whatever the actuation of the control buttons of the control keyboard by the user (the processing means in fact inhibiting any effect of the corresponding control signals) , the automatic adjustment of the seat configuration provided in step 803 is carried out in response to the manual actuation of a control button on the keyboard 12.

 More specifically, an important advantage of the invention consists in the occupant being able to automatically adjust the configuration of their seat from manual actuation on the control panel with a single control button, that is to say from the manual actuation of the modification of a single attitude of the seat. More specifically, provision has been made to make inactive any effect of manual actuation on the control members of the modification of the front and rear risers. On the other hand, the seat user can choose to activate either the control member for modifying the position of the underbody in the slide or the member for controlling the angle of inclination of the seat back.

 Suppose now that the seat is in an initial configuration corresponding to point P4 in Figure 2. A control of the position of the underbody in the slide is possible forward or backward until the seat arrives at the front stop, either at point P5, that is to say on the curve CA. Throughout such a displacement, since the PHI angle remains constant, the front and rear risers also remain constant.

 The user can also choose to manually activate the backrest tilt control button. This is possible forwards and backwards until the seat reaches the zero angle of inclination or point C1. The base remains stationary in the slide. On the other hand, the front and rear risers will be modified as the PHI angle is modified in accordance with the curves CB and CC.

 Let us now suppose that the initial configuration of the seat corresponds to point P5 of FIG. 2, or else that the seat reaches this configuration following a previous displacement. If the user chooses to actuate for example the control member for the position of the base in the slide towards the rear (corresponding to the direction CM), the processing means will then automatically activate not only the electric motor intended for the displacement of the base in the slide, but also the other electric motors associated with the other movements of the seat so as to follow the curve CA up to point P6 with regard to the inclination of the backrest, the curve CC up to point P6 in with regard to the front riser and the curve CB to point P6 with regard to the rear riser.

 If the user continues to press the same command button under the same conditions, the seat configuration can be changed automatically by following the curves CA, CB and CC up to points C2 in Figures 2 to 4.

 Although it would have been possible to authorize a continuation of the automatic modification of the configuration of the seat, in response to the continuation of such manual actuation, from point C2 by following in particular the horizontal segment of the curve CA, that is to say by automatically modifying the inclination of the seat back in response to the only manual control of the position of the underbody in the slide, it was considered preferable, in particular for psychological reasons of use, to stop at point C2 the automatic movement of the seat and to allow its user to modify the inclination of the backrest only in response to manual actuation of the backrest tilting control button.

Similarly, if from point P5, the user chooses to actuate the backrest tilting control button, that is to say towards the right of the figure 2, the other attitudes will be automatically modified as the seat configurations evolve along the curves
CA, CB and CC until points C1 of Figures 2 to 4 are reached.

 Similarly, while it would have been possible to allow the later modification of the seat configuration from this single control button, which would have resulted in response to a request to modify the inclination of the backrest a modification of the position of the underbody in the slide, it was considered psychologically preferable to authorize such a pursuit only in response to the manual actuation of the control member of the position of the seat underbody in the slide.

 We will now describe in more detail, with particular reference to FIG. 9, the conditions for performing the various movements of the seat during the modification phases, whether in manual mode or in automatic mode.

 In fact, the different seat configurations correspond to discrete points of a mesh. More precisely, the PHI axis is graduated degree by degree, whether for the curves CA, CB or CC.

The 25 points of the curve CA extending from the point of origin 00 in FIG. 2 to the point C1 of this same figure, correspond respectively to 25 points of the curve CB extending from the point C1 to coordinate point (0.76), and 25 points from the CC curve extending from the coordinate point (0.0) to point C1.

 Thus, the variation of the seat configuration is carried out point by point according to the defined mesh and according to predetermined steps of variation for each of the attitudes.

 Thus, for each current point of a configuration, for example point P5, the processing means analyze the possible reception of a manual command instruction (step 901) and, as a function of this instruction and of the stored coupling laws authorized , calculate the coordinates of the corresponding target point, i.e. the new values of the attitudes.

 Knowing the coordinates of the target point, the processing means can execute the corresponding movements (step 903) in a predetermined order. In this regard, while it would have been possible to use stepping motors, it was considered preferable, in particular for reasons of economy, to use continuous motors, to analyze the clock signal at each cycle. of the microprocessor the corresponding attitude values and of stopping the corresponding motors when these attitude values correspond to those desired for the target point, in this case the point P6.

The actuation of the motors one after the other is always carried out in the following privileged and predetermined order:
- a forward raising movement if the movement is requested downwards,
- a rear raise movement if the movement requested is downwards,
- a longitudinal movement if rearward movement is requested,
- an inclination of the backrest forwards and backwards,
- a longitudinal displacement if the requested movement is forward,
- a rear raise movement if the movement requested is upwards and
- a forward raising movement if the movement requested is upwards.

In this case, to move from the current point P5 to the target point P6, it is necessary to carry out a longitudinal displacement towards the rear, an inclination of the backrest forwards, a movement of front raising upwards and a movement from rear riser to the top. Also, taking into account the above order, the following movements will be executed in order:
- raises front down,
- longitudinal displacement of the base backwards,
- tilting the backrest forward,
- rear riser upwards.

 It should be noted here that even if the user impulsively presses on the chosen control member, the configuration of the seat will at least be modified to pass from the current point to the neighboring target point. On the other hand, in the presence of a continuous action on the chosen control member, the processing means will successively calculate the different target points, and the configuration of the seat will be modified incrementally point by point by target point.

 The additional sensors preferably used to put to sleep or wake up the processing means of the device according to the invention notably comprise a detector of the position of the ignition key of the vehicle as well as an opening / closing detection switch. a door.

 In FIG. 10, the various electrical signals conventionally supplied by an ignition key position detector are recalled. When the ignition key changes from the anti-theft position to a so-called ACC position, in which in particular the dashboard lights come on, the corresponding ACC electrical signal changes to 1.

When the ignition key is turned to the DEM start position, it first passes through a so-called APC position. I1 results in a rise to 1 of the corresponding electrical signal APC then a rise to 1 of the corresponding electrical signal DEM. The ACC signal goes back to 0 during start-up and goes back to 1 when the ignition key automatically returns to the APC position. The APC signal remains at value 1 until the key is returned to the ACC position.

 In the following text for reasons of simplification, an APC signal at state 1 will be denoted APC and an APC signal at state 0 will be denoted APC.

 While the electrical signal DEM is used to cut off the power to the electric motors of the seat and to stop any automatic adjustment of the seat when starting the engine in order to conserve all the available battery power, the signals APC and APC are used to wake up or put the means of treatment to sleep. More precisely, in accordance with the logic flow diagram represented in FIG. 11, and in which the POV logic signal corresponds to an open door, the processing means of the device, initially dormant in state 110, are temporarily awakened (state 111 ) in the presence of the POV signal. If the APC signal is present, which corresponds to a desire to start the engine, the processing means keep their active state 112 (permanent awakening) as long as the APC signal does not appear. In state 111, if the signal APC is present and at the end of a time greater than a predetermined duration TR, for example 4 minutes, the processing means are returned to their rest state 110.

 They can also go directly from state 110 to state 112 if the APC signal is present.

 If, in the presence of the signal APC, the processing means have left state 112, then monitoring of the vehicle door is carried out. In the presence of a logic signal PFE signaling that the door is closed, the processing means return to their rest state 110. The same is true if the signal APC is present for a duration T greater than a predetermined duration TS which is in this case identical to the duration TR.

 The presence of the processing means in their active state can for example be signaled to the user by a flashing indicator light.

 Materially, a person skilled in the art will be able to produce, from logic gates, the control means receiving the various signals from the additional sensors and capable of delivering the IT wake-up interrupt to the processing means, making it possible to put them in their active state. .

 It can also be envisaged to provide another additional sensor, such as a vehicle speed sensor, systematically returning the processing means to their rest state when the vehicle has reached a certain threshold speed.

Claims (24)

 1. Method for automatically controlling the configuration of an electrically adjustable seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, in which at least one predetermined law of authorized couplings (DA) is stored between at least a first (DI) and a second (PHI) adjustable attitudes of the seat (1), and, in the presence of a predetermined condition, the configuration of the seat (1) is modified (803) by automatic adjustment, in response to a manual command (121) of the modification of 'a single attitude chosen from said first and second attitudes, the other attitude of the head office taking into account the law of authorized couplings.  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one tests (801) the satisfaction or not of the initial configuration of the seat to said coupling law (DA), by the fact that said predetermined condition includes the satisfaction of said configuration tested at said coupling law, while in the presence of an initial configuration not satisfying said coupling law, an automatic primary modification (802) of said initial configuration is carried out by inhibiting the effects of any possible manual control up to '' to obtain a configuration satisfying said predetermined coupling law and from which said automatic modification (803) of configuration can be effected in response to said manual command.  3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that said law of authorized couplings between the first and second attitudes defines a set (DA) delimited of possible configurations of the seat, by the fact that the non-satisfaction of the initial configuration with said law of couplings corresponds to an initial configuration located outside the domain, and by the fact that the step of primary configuration modification is carried out according to a predetermined law of preset attitudes so as to obtain a configuration lying on the limit (CA) of the domain.  4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the preset law depends on the position of the initial configuration with respect to the limit (CA) of the domain.  5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the seat has at least one additional attitude (RAV), and in particular at least two additional attitudes (RAV, RAR), characterized in that one stores , for each additional attitude, a predetermined additional law of authorized couplings (CB, CC) between one of said first and second attitudes and this additional attitude, and by the fact that the configuration of the seat is modified by automatically adjusting, in response on manual control of the modification of said single attitude chosen from said first and second attitudes, the other attitudes of the seat taking into account the laws of authorized couplings.  6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the configuration of the seat is modified incrementally and in that each increment involves a modification of each attitude concerned.  7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the modifications of the attitudes concerned take place according to a single predetermined scheduling.  8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat comprises a base (2) movable in translation along a slide (3), a seat (4) articulated at its front and rear ends on the underbody and can be raised relative to the latter, and a backrest (6) tiltable relative to the seat, characterized in that the first and second predetermined attitudes of the seat are the position (DI) of the underbody in the slide and the inclination (PHI) of the backrest with respect to the seat, while the front riser (RAV) and rear and (RAR) of the seat seat define two additional attitudes and that at least one law of authorized couplings is provided (DA) between the position of the base in the slide and the angle of inclination of the backrest, a law of authorized couplings (CC) between the riser before the seat and the angle of inclination of the backrest, and a law authorized couplings (CB) in be the rear seat riser and the backrest angle.  9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said predetermined condition comprises a condition taken from the group comprising the opening / closing of a vehicle door, the position of the ignition key with respect to at least one reference position, comparing the vehicle speed with a threshold speed, and receiving a specific activation signal.  10. Seat device, comprising  a seat (1) having at least a first and a second attitude adjustable respectively by controllable actuation means (16),  - attitude sensors (10) associated with said attitudes to deliver information representative of the values of these attitudes,  - memory means (13, 14) for storing at least one predetermined law of authorized couplings between the first and second attitudes,  a manual control member (12) for modifying a single attitude chosen from the first and second attitudes, and  - processing means (15) having an automatic mode in which, in the presence of a predetermined condition as well as in response to the actuation of said manual control member, they are able to modify the configuration of the seat by automatically adjusting the Another attitude of the head office taking into account the law of authorized couplings, by the automatic control of the corresponding actuation means.  11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the processing means comprise test means capable of testing whether or not the initial configuration of the seat is satisfied with said coupling law, by the fact that said predetermined condition comprises the satisfaction of said configuration tested with said coupling law, while in the presence of an initial configuration not satisfying said coupling law, the processing means inhibit any control signal emanating from the manual control member and perform a automatic primary modification (803) of said initial configuration until a configuration satisfying said predetermined coupling law is obtained and from which the processing means can effect said automatic configuration modification (803) in response to actuation of said member manual control.  12. Device according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that said law of authorized couplings between the first and second attitudes defines a defined set (DA) of possible seat configurations, and by the fact that the non-satisfaction of the initial configuration with said coupling law corresponds to an initial configuration located outside the field, and by the fact that the processing means effect said primary modification of the configuration of the seat according to a predetermined law of preset attitudes until a configuration is obtained on the limit (CA) of the domain.  13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the seat has at least one additional attitude adjustable by an additional actuation means (RAV, RAR), and in particular at least two additional attitudes, thus an additional attitude sensor associated with each additional attitude, by the fact that the memory means memorize, for each additional attitude, a predetermined additional law of authorized couplings between one of said first and second attitudes and this additional attitude, and by the fact that the processing means are capable, in response to the actuation of said manual control member, of modifying the configuration of the seat by automatically adjusting the other attitudes of the seat taking into account the laws of authorized couplings, by automatic control corresponding actuation means.  14. Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the processing means comprise a microprocessor determining, in response to the control signal emanating from the manual control member, the different successive configurations of the seat so incremental taking into account the relevant coupling law (s) (CA, CB, CC), and controlling, for each incremental modification of configuration, the actuation means concerned so as to modify the corresponding attitudes according to predetermined variation steps.  15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the processing means control the actuating means concerned according to a single predetermined scheduling.  16. Device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the seat comprises a base (2) movable in translation along a slide (3), a seat (4) articulated at its ends front and rear on the base and can be raised relative to the latter, and a backrest (6) tiltable relative to the seat, and by the fact that the first and second attitudes of the seat are the position (DI) of the base in the slide and tilt (PHI) of the backrest relative to the seat, while the front riser (RAV) and rear riser (RAR) of the seat cushion define two additional attitudes and that the memory means include a law of coupling authorized between the position of the base in the slide and the angle of inclination of the back, a law of coupling authorized between the riser before the seat and the angle of inclination of the back, and a law of coupling allowed between enhancement e rear of the seat and the angle of the backrest.  17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the seat is articulated at the front by means of two rods (50, 51) mutually pivotally articulated and respectively pivotally mounted on the seat and the base, and at the rear, by means of a link (52) pivotally mounted on the seat and the base, by the fact that the actuating means (16) are electric motors controlled in rotation, and by the fact that the attitude sensors (10) are potentiometric sensors measuring the angles of rotation of the axes of the motors.  18. Device according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the memory means memorize software stops corresponding to attitude values slightly recessed compared to those associated with corresponding mechanical stops arranged on the different axes of movement of the seat, and by the fact that there are thermal relays cutting off the supply of the actuating means when the seat reaches mechanical abutment.  19. Device according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that it further comprises at least one additional sensor (11) taken from the group consisting of an open door / closed door contactor, a speed sensor of the vehicle, and a position detection sensor of the ignition key, and by the fact that said predetermined condition includes a condition obtained from at least one item of information delivered by the additional sensor or sensors.  20. Device according to one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that it comprises a control panel (12) incorporating said manual control member and other manual control members for the other attitudes of the seat, by the fact that the processing means have a manual mode in which the configuration of the seat is only adjustable by manual actuation of the control members independently of any law of authorized couplings, and by the fact that there is provided a specific member d activation (126) allowing manual selection of automatic mode or manual mode.  21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the seat has a high part (7) pivotally articulated at the level of the upper end of the seat, and in that the processing means are able to control the actuation means associated with this articulation in the manual mode in response to the manual actuation of a specific control member located on the control panel.  22. Device according to one of claims 10 to 21, characterized in that it comprises control means able in the absence of said predetermined condition to inactivate the processing means and, in the presence of said predetermined condition, to reactivate the processing means in their previous mode.  23. Device according to one of claims 10 to 22, characterized in that the processing means are capable of memorizing a chosen configuration of seat in response to the manual actuation of a memorization control member (124), and by the fact that in response to the manual actuation of a memory recall control member (125), the processing means automatically control the actuation means concerned to automatically reconfigure the seat in said selected and stored configuration.  24. Device according to one of claims 10 to 23, taken in combination with claim 19, characterized in that the processing means block any action of the actuating means when starting the vehicle.