GB2554693A - Vehicle seat controller apparatus and method - Google Patents

Vehicle seat controller apparatus and method Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2554693A
GB2554693A GB1616828.8A GB201616828A GB2554693A GB 2554693 A GB2554693 A GB 2554693A GB 201616828 A GB201616828 A GB 201616828A GB 2554693 A GB2554693 A GB 2554693A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
seat
vehicle seat
vehicle
controller
control signal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
GB1616828.8A
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GB201616828D0 (en
Inventor
Robert Winter Kristoffer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Original Assignee
Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jaguar Land Rover Ltd filed Critical Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority to GB1616828.8A priority Critical patent/GB2554693A/en
Publication of GB201616828D0 publication Critical patent/GB201616828D0/en
Publication of GB2554693A publication Critical patent/GB2554693A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/0226—User interfaces specially adapted for seat adjustment
    • B60N2/0228—Hand-activated mechanical switches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B60N2/0021—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B60N2/0021—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement
    • B60N2/003—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon characterised by the type of sensor or measurement characterised by the sensor mounting location in or on the seat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/0244—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits
    • B60N2/0248—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits with memory of positions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/0244—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits
    • B60N2/0256—Arrangements for facilitating the occupant to get in or out of the vehicle, e.g. stowing a seat forward
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/0244—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits
    • B60N2/0268—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/0244—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits
    • B60N2/0278—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits using sensors external to the seat for measurements in relation to the seat adjustment, e.g. for identifying the presence of obstacles or the appropriateness of the occupants position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
    • B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/0226—User interfaces specially adapted for seat adjustment
    • B60N2/0233—Touchscreens
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
    • B60N2/266—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children with detection or alerting means responsive to presence or absence of children; with detection or alerting means responsive to improper locking or installation of the child seats or parts thereof
    • B60N2/268—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children with detection or alerting means responsive to presence or absence of children; with detection or alerting means responsive to improper locking or installation of the child seats or parts thereof detecting or alerting means responsive to the installation of the child seats in the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/005—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats
    • B60N2002/0055—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats characterised by special measures to ensure that no seat or seat part collides, during its movement, with other seats, seat parts or the vehicle itself
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2210/00—Sensor types, e.g. for passenger detection systems or for controlling seats
    • B60N2210/40—Force or pressure sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2220/00—Computerised treatment of data for controlling of seats
    • B60N2220/20—Computerised treatment of data for controlling of seats using a deterministic algorithm

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat controller (2) for controlling at least one vehicle seat (6-n) in a vehicle (1) to facilitate fitting of a child car seat (14). The controller (2) includes at least one processor (15) configured to receive a seat identification signal (SST) to identify a vehicle seat (6-n) where the child car seat (14) is to be fitted. A memory (16) is connected to the at least one processor (15). In dependence on said seat identification signal (SST), the at least one processor (15) is configured to generate a seat control signal (SC-n) to adjust the position and/or configuration of at least one vehicle seat (6-n) to facilitate fitting of the child car seat (14). The disclosure also relates to a vehicle (1) including said vehicle seat controller (2). Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method of controlling at least one vehicle seat (6-n) in a vehicle (1).

Description

(54) Title ofthe Invention: Vehicle seat controller apparatus and method Abstract Title: Vehicle seat controller apparatus and method
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat controller (2) for controlling at least one vehicle seat (6-n) in a vehicle (1) to facilitate fitting of a child car seat (14). The controller (2) includes at least one processor (15) configured to receive a seat identification signal (SST) to identify a vehicle seat (6-n) where the child car seat (14) is to be fitted. A memory (16) is connected to the at least one processor (15). In dependence on said seat identification signal (SST), the at least one processor (15) is configured to generate a seat control signal (SC-n) to adjust the position and/or configuration of at least one vehicle seat (6-n) to facilitate fitting ofthe child car seat (14). The disclosure also relates to a vehicle (1) including said vehicle seat controller (2). Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method of controlling at least one vehicle seat (6-n) in a vehicle (1).
Figure GB2554693A_D0001
Figure GB2554693A_D0002
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Figure GB2554693A_D0003
FIG. 1
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Figure GB2554693A_D0004
FIG. 2
Figure GB2554693A_D0005
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FIG. 3
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Figure GB2554693A_D0006
Figure GB2554693A_D0007
Figure GB2554693A_D0008
VEHICLE SEAT CONTROLLER APPARATUS AND METHOD
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat controller apparatus, a vehicle and method. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat controller operable to adjust the position and/or configuration of a vehicle seat to facilitate fitting of a child car seat. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle incorporating such a vehicle seat controller and to a related method.
BACKGROUND
It is known to provide a child car seat or child restraint system (CRS) for infants and young children travelling in a vehicle. The child car seat is typically fitted on top of an existing vehicle seat. The child car seat may be fastened in position using a mechanical attachment system, such as Isofix or LATCH connectors; or using existing seat belts provided in the vehicle. It is common for the child car seat to be removable from the vehicle. However, it can prove difficult to gain the required access to the vehicle whilst holding the child car seat, particularly if a child is secured in the child car seat. The seat position and/or configuration can be adjusted by manually operating levers and/or rotary knobs. However, operating these mechanisms can prove difficult when not seated in the vehicle seat due to limited or restricted access.
It will be appreciated that vehicle seats may be arranged in a range of positions and/or configurations and this may compound the problem to a greater or lesser extent. The increasing dimensions and protective properties of car seats may further reduce the available space in the vehicle cabin for fitting the child car seat. The incorporation of large amounts of padding in modern premium vehicle seat, and the bulky nature of protective systems provided in the vehicle seat may further reduce the available space. This problem may be compounded by the multifunctional nature of modern vehicle seat and the wide range of configurations. The length of the vehicle seat may present a particular problem as it may impinge on the available space behind that vehicle seat.
It is known to provide electrically operated vehicle seats (also referred to as a power operated- or power seat) comprising one or more electrical drive motors to adjust their position and/or configurations. However, the control interface for the vehicle seat is usually arranged for use by a person seated in the vehicle seat. It may prove difficult to adjust the seat position and/or configurations from outside the vehicle, for example whilst holding a child car seat. The electrically operated vehicle seat may comprise a memory device having one or more stored seat positions and/or configurations selectable by different users. Again, however, it may prove difficult to select one of the stored seat positions when not seated in the vehicle seat. The control interface may implement a press and hold function operable to revert the electrically operated vehicle seat to a predetermined position. It may prove difficult for an individual to operate the control interface from outside the vehicle, particularly if they are carrying a small child or a child car seat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle seat controller, a vehicle and a method as claimed in the appended claims.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle seat controller for controlling at least one vehicle seat in a vehicle to facilitate fitting or removal of a child car seat, the controller comprising:
at least one processor configured to receive a seat identification signal to identify a vehicle seat where the child car seat is to be fitted or to be removed from; and a memory connected to said at least one processor;
wherein, in dependence on said seat identification signal, the at least one processor is configured to generate a seat control signal to adjust the position and/or configuration of at least one vehicle seat to facilitate fitting or removal of the child car seat. The vehicle comprises a plurality of vehicle seats. The seat identification signal identifies which one of said vehicle seats is the intended location for fitting the child car seat. The vehicle seat controller is operative automatically (or semi-automatically) to reposition and/or to reconfigure one or more of the vehicle seats to facilitate fitting of the child car seat, for example to provide improved access and/or more space for the child car seat. The vehicle seat controller has particular application in controlling electrically operated vehicle seats. At least in certain embodiments of the vehicle seat controller may be activated from outside the vehicle, for example when a door of the vehicle is open.
The position and/or configuration of the at least one vehicle seat may be adjusted to an entry position. The entry position may be predefined, for example in said memory. The entry position may be defined in dependence on known dimensions of the vehicle cabin, for example the available rear leg room. Alternatively, or in addition, the entry position may also be predefined in dependence on the dimensions of the child car seat. The dimensions of different types of child car seats may be stored in said memory, thereby enabling a user to select the appropriate dimensions.
The seat identification signal may, for example, be generated upon activation of an input device associated with a particular seat. Alternatively, the seat verification signal may be generated by a user selection made via a control interface. The control interface may be associated with the vehicle or an electronic key associated with the vehicle. Alternatively, the control interface may be implemented on a software application executed on a remote computational device, such as a cellular telephone.
The at least one processor may be configured to receive an access request signal. The access request signal may provide a prompt to initiate the repositioning and/or reconfiguring of said one or more vehicle seat. The access request signal be generated in response to a user input. For example, the access request signal may be generated upon detection of a button being pressed and held for at least a predetermined period of time, such as 2 seconds.
The at least one processor may be configured to generate seat control signals to adjust the position and/or configuration of more than one vehicle seat.
The seat control signal may be operative to adjust the position and/or configuration of a first vehicle seat disposed in front of the identified vehicle seat. The position of the first vehicle seat may be set to an entry position to facilitate fitting the child car seat.
The seat control signal may comprise a first displacement control signal for controlling a first seat displacement actuator to displace the first vehicle seat in a forwards direction. The first seat displacement actuator may comprise an electric drive motor for displacing the first vehicle seat in a longitudinal direction.
The seat control signal may comprise a first incline control signal for controlling a first backrest actuator to incline a backrest of the first vehicle seat towards a front of the vehicle. The incline angle may be adjusted such that the backrest is in an upright position or in a position in which the backrest is inclined towards the front of the vehicle.
The at least one processor may be configured to check the position and/or occupancy of one or more vehicle seats in the vehicle cabin to determine if there is a potential clash. The at least one processor may be configured to determine if the first vehicle seat is occupied prior to outputting said seat control signal to adjust the position and/or configuration of the first vehicle seat. The at least one processor may, for example, receive a signal from a pressure sensor disposed in the vehicle seat. The at least one processor may be configured to inhibit output of said first control signal if the first vehicle seat is occupied. The at least one processor may be configured to enable output of said first control signal if the first vehicle seat is unoccupied.
Alternatively, or in addition, the processor may be configured to adjust the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat. The seat control signal may comprise a second displacement control signal for controlling a second seat displacement actuator to displace the identified vehicle seat in a rearwards direction. The second seat control signal may comprise a second incline control signal for controlling a second backrest actuator to incline a backrest of the identified vehicle seat towards a rear of the vehicle.
The at least one processor may be configured to determine if the identified vehicle seat is occupied prior to outputting said seat control signal to adjust the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat.
Alternatively, or in addition, the vehicle seat controller could adjust the position and/or configuration of a vehicle seat disposed adjacent to the identified vehicle seat.
The identified vehicle seat may be disposed in a back row of the vehicle or in a middle row of the vehicle.
The seat control signal may be operative to adjust the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat. The position of the first vehicle seat may be set to an entry position to facilitate fitting the child car seat. The identified vehicle seat may be disposed in a front row of the vehicle.
The seat control signal may comprise a displacement control signal for controlling a seat displacement actuator to displace the identified vehicle seat in a rearwards direction. The seat control signal may comprise an incline control signal for controlling a backrest actuator to incline a backrest of the identified vehicle seat towards a front of the vehicle. In alternate embodiments, the incline control signal may control the backrest actuator to incline the backrest towards a rear of the vehicle.
The at least one processor may be configured to output an airbag notification signal to prompt a user to deactivate an airbag associated with the identified vehicle seat. In alternative embodiments the at least one processor could be configured automatically to deactivate the airbag associated with the identified vehicle seat.
The vehicle seat controller is intended for use in a vehicle having a plurality of vehicle doors. The vehicle doors may be opened to provide access to a door opening through which the child car seat is introduced into the vehicle cabin. At least in certain embodiments the vehicle seat controller is operative to control one or more of the vehicle seat in order to provide improved access to introduce the child car seat into the cabin. The at least one processor may be configured to inhibit output of said first control signal when a vehicle door proximal to the identified vehicle seat identified is closed. The at least one processor may be configured to inhibit output of said control signal when all of the doors of the vehicle are closed.
The at least one processor may be configured to inhibit output of said control signal when the vehicle is in motion.
The at least one processor may be configured to output a stop signal to inhibit movement of the vehicle seat when an obstacle or obstruction is detected. The at least one processor may, for example, detect an increase in an electrical load on an electric actuator associated with the vehicle seat which may indicate that the vehicle seat has come into contact with an obstacle. Alternatively, the at least one processor may predict when movement of the vehicle seat will be obstructed, for example in dependence on a known position of one or more other vehicle seat in the cabin. The at least one processor may be configured to output said stop signal if the vehicle seat becomes occupied whilst being moved to said entry position.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a vehicle seat controller as described herein.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling at least one vehicle seat in a vehicle to facilitate fitting or removal of a child car seat, the method comprising:
receiving a user input indicating that a child car seat is to be fitted or removed; in dependence on said user input, identifying a vehicle seat where the child car seat is to be fitted or to be removed from; and adjusting the position and/or configuration of at least one vehicle seat to facilitate fitting or removal of the child car seat to or from the identified vehicle seat. The identification of the vehicle seat and/or the adjustment of the position and/or configuration of said at least one vehicle seat may be performed automatically or semi-automatically in dependence on receipt of said user input. The user input may be generated by a human machine interface, for example comprising activating a switch or depressing a button.
The method may comprise adjusting at least one vehicle seat which is different from the identified vehicle seat. The method may also comprise adjusting the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat.
The method may comprise adjusting the position and/or configuration of a first vehicle seat disposed in front of the identified vehicle seat. The method may comprise displacing the first vehicle seat in a forwards direction. The method may comprise inclining a backrest of the first vehicle seat towards a front of the vehicle.
The method may comprise determining if the first vehicle seat is occupied prior to adjusting the position and/or configuration of the first vehicle seat.
The method may comprise displacing the identified vehicle seat in a rearwards direction. The method may comprise inclining a backrest of the identified vehicle seat towards a rear of the vehicle. The method may comprise determining if the identified vehicle seat is occupied prior to adjusting the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat. The identified vehicle seat may be disposed in a back row of the vehicle or in a middle row of the vehicle.
The method may comprise adjusting the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat.
The method may comprise displacing the identified vehicle seat in a rearwards direction. The method may comprise inclining a backrest of the identified vehicle seat towards a front of the vehicle. The identified vehicle seat may be disposed in a front row of the vehicle.
The method may comprise prompting a user to deactivate an airbag associated with the identified vehicle seat.
Any control unit or controller described herein may suitably comprise a computational device having one or more electronic processors. The system may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. As used herein the term “controller” or “control unit” will be understood to include both a single control unit or controller and a plurality of control units or controllers collectively operating to provide any stated control functionality. To configure a controller or control unit, a suitable set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause said control unit or computational device to implement the control techniques specified herein. The set of instructions may suitably be embedded in said one or more electronic processors. Alternatively, the set of instructions may be provided as software saved on one or more memory associated with said controller to be executed on said computational device. The control unit or controller may be implemented in software run on one or more processors. One or more other control unit or controller may be implemented in software run on one or more processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. Other suitable arrangements may also be used.
Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle incorporating a vehicle seat controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a plan view of the cabin of the vehicle shown in Figure 1 with a child car seat fitted to a vehicle seat;
Figure 3 shows a vehicle seat for use in conjunction with the vehicle seat controller; and
Figure 4 shows a flow diagram illustrating operation of the vehicle seat controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A vehicle 1 comprising a vehicle seat controller 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The vehicle 1 is an automobile having a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z. The invention is described herein with reference to the front and rear of the vehicle 1 and these terms are to be given their normal meaning.
With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the vehicle 1 comprises front and rear doors 3, 4 to provide access to a cabin 5. A plurality of vehicle seats 6-n are arranged in first and second rows 7, 8 in the cabin 5. As shown in Figure 2, first and second vehicle seats 6-1, 6-2 are disposed in the first row 7; and third and fourth vehicle seats 6-3, 6-4 are disposed in the second row 8. As shown in Figure 3, each vehicle seat 6-n comprises a chassis 9-n, a seat squab 10-n, a backrest 11-n, a backrest actuator 12-n and a seat displacement actuator 13n. The chassis 9-n of each vehicle seat 6-n is slidably mounted on rails (not shown) fastened to a floor of the cabin 5 to enable longitudinal adjustment of the seat position. The seat squab 10-n and the backrest 11-n are mounted to the chassis 9-n. The backrest 11-n is pivotally mounted to the chassis 9-n. The backrest actuators 12-n are coupled to the backrest 11-n and are operable to adjust an incline angle of that backrest 11-n. The backrest actuators 12-n each comprise an electric drive motor connected to the backrest 11-n, for example by a gear train or other drive mechanism. The seat displacement actuators 13-n are coupled to the chassis 9-n of each vehicle seat 6-n and are operable to adjust the longitudinal position of the vehicle seats 6-n in the vehicle cabin 6. The seat displacement actuators 13-n each comprise an electric drive motor connected to the chassis 9-n, for example by a leadscrew or other drive mechanism. The backrest actuator 12-n and the seat displacement actuator 13-n of each vehicle seat 6-n are controllable independently by the vehicle seat controller 2. In alternate embodiments the chassis 9-3, 9-4 and/or the backrest 11-3,11-4 of the third and fourth vehicle seats 6-3, 6-4 may be fixed.
The vehicle seat controller 2 is configured to adjust the position and/or configuration of one or more of said vehicle seats 6-n to facilitate fitting a child car seat 14. The child car seat 14 is suitable for infants or young children and is adapted to be removably mounted on one of said vehicle seat 6-n, for example using a seatbelt associated with that vehicle seat 6-n and/or a mechanical connector, such as Isofix or LATCH connectors. With reference to Figure 1, the vehicle seat controller 2 comprises an electronic processor 15 configured to execute a set of computational instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable media. In the present embodiment, the computational instructions are stored in a system memory 16 connected to the electronic processor 15. The system memory 16 may, for example, comprise a memory device. The electronic processor 15 is configured to generate one or more seat control signals SC-n to control the vehicle seats 6-n. The seat control signals SC-n are published to a communications network 17. The electronic processor 15 is configured to control the backrest actuators 12-n and the seat displacement actuators 13-n associated with each vehicle seat 6-n. The control signals SC-n each comprise an incline control signal Sl-n for controlling the backrest actuators 12-n and a displacement control signal SD-n for controlling the seat displacement actuators 13-n. The seat control signals SC-n are published to the communications network 17. The backrest actuators 12-n and the seat displacement actuators 13-n read the incline control signal Sl-n and the displacement control signal SD-n from the communications network 17.
The vehicle seat controller 2 is connected to an interface device 18 for receiving a user input to indicate that the child car seat (14) is to be fitted or removed. The interface device 18 may, for example, comprise one or more of the following: a switch, a conductive sensor or a touch screen display. In the present embodiment the interface device 18 comprises at least one accessibility button (which may be referred to as a “BABY BUTTON”). The interface device 18 is disposed in a location readily accessible to a user. The accessibility button may optionally be clustered with other seat control functions. For example, the accessibility button may be provided in an internal door casing or panel for activation from outside the vehicle when the vehicle door is open. Other suitable locations for the interface device 18 include the back of the first and second vehicle seats 6-1, 6-2. In the present embodiment, the interface device 18 is configured to generate an access request signal SACC when the accessibility button is pressed and held for at least a predetermined time period, for example two (2) or three (3) seconds, while one of the vehicle doors is open (for example the passenger door, the rear right door or the rear left door). Alternatively, or in addition, the interface device 18 may be implemented in a computer program executed on a remote device, such as a cellular telephone. The interface device 18 could also be incorporated into a remote controller, such as an electronic key fob for the vehicle 1. The interface device 18 is also operative to specify the location where the child car seat 14 is to be installed. In particular, the user may operate the interface device 18 to identify one of said vehicle seats 6-n where the child car seat 14 is to be fitted. The interface device 18 is configured to generate a seat identification signal SST to identify the vehicle seat 6-n specified by the user. The vehicle seat controller 2 is configured to adjust the position and/or configuration of one or more of said vehicle seats 6-n in dependence on said seat identification signal SST.
The vehicle seat controller 2 is configured to control one or more of said vehicle seats 6-n in dependence on said seat identification signal SST. In particular, the vehicle seat controller 2 is configured to adjust the position of one or more of said vehicle seat 6-n to an entry position in order to facilitate fitting of a child car seat 14. The electronic processor 15 is configured to output an incline control signal Sl-n and a displacement control signal SD-n to the communications network 17 to reconfigure and/or reposition one or more of the vehicle seats 6-n to an entry position. The entry position is predefined in order to provide improved access to facilitate installation of the child car seat 14. The entry position may, for example, be defined in dependence on the dimensions of the cabin 5 and/or the child car seat 14. It is envisaged that the backrest actuators 12-n and the seat displacement actuators 13-n would operate slowly to reposition and/or reconfigure the vehicle seat 6-n to the predefined entry position.
The control strategy implemented by the vehicle seat controller 2 is dependent on whether the vehicle seat 6-n identified by the seat identification signal SST is disposed in the first row 7 or the second row 8 within the cabin 5. The different control strategies implemented by the vehicle seat controller 2 will now be described.
If the identified vehicle seat 6-n is disposed in the second row 8, the vehicle seat controller 2 is operative to adjust the position and/or configuration of the vehicle seat 6-n disposed in the first row 7 in front of the identified vehicle seat 6-n. For example, if the third vehicle seat 6-3 is identified by the seat identification signal SST, the vehicle seat controller 2 is operative to reposition and/or reconfigure the first vehicle seat 6-1 located directly in front of the third vehicle seat 6-3. If the fourth vehicle seat 6-4 is identified by the seat identification signal SST, the vehicle seat controller 2 is operative to reposition and/or reconfigure the second vehicle seat 6-2 located directly in front of the fourth vehicle seat 6-4. The electronic processor 15 outputs an incline control signal Sl-n and/or a displacement control signal SD-n to reconfigure and/or reposition either the first vehicle seat 6-1 or the second vehicle seat 62. The displacement control signal SD-n controls the seat displacement actuator 13-n to displace the chassis 9-n forwards (i.e. towards the front of the vehicle 1), thereby displacing the vehicle seat 6-n towards the front of the vehicle 1. The incline control signal Sl-n controls the backrest actuator 12-n of the vehicle seat 6-n to pivot the backrest 11 -n of that vehicle seat 6-n forwards. By displacing the first vehicle seat 6-1 or the second vehicle seat 6-2 forwards and pivoting the backrest 11-1, 11 -2 of that vehicle seat forwards, there is improved access in the rear of the cabin 5 to fit the child car seat 14. The vehicle seat controller 2 may optionally also control the position and/or configuration of the vehicle seat 6-n identified by the seat identification signal SST. The electronic processor 15 may output an incline control signal Sl-n and/or a displacement control signal SD-n to reconfigure and/or reposition the identified vehicle seat 6-n. The displacement control signal SD-n may control the seat displacement actuator 13-n of the identified vehicle seat 6-n to displace the chassis 9-n rearwards (i.e. towards the rear of the vehicle 1). The incline control signal Sl-n may control the backrest actuator 12-n of the identified vehicle seat 6-n to pivot the backrest 11-n of that vehicle seat 6-n rearwards. It is envisaged that the first vehicle seat 6-1 or the second vehicle seat 6-2 would travel in a forwards direction within allowed (predetermined) limits to ensure that an occupant of the first vehicle seat 6-1 or the second vehicle seat 6-2 still has adequate space. As outlined above, the chassis 9-3, 9-4 and/or the backrest 11-3, 11-4 of the third and fourth vehicle seats 6-3, 6-4 may be fixed. In these arrangements, the vehicle seat controller 2 does not control the position and/or configuration of the third and fourth vehicle seat 6-3, 6-4.
If the seat identification signal SST identifies a vehicle seat 6-n in the first row 7, the vehicle seat controller 2 is operative to adjust the position and/or configuration of that vehicle seat 6n. It will be understood that the child car seat 14 can only be fitted to the second vehicle seat 6-2 as the first vehicle seat 6-1 is the driver seat in the illustrated arrangement. The electronic processor 15 outputs an incline control signal Sl-n and/or a displacement control signal SD-n to reconfigure and/or reposition the identified vehicle seat 6-n. In particular, a displacement control signal SD-2 is output to controls the seat displacement actuator 13-2 to displace the chassis 9-2 rearwards (i.e. towards the rear of the vehicle 1), thereby displacing the second vehicle seat 6-2 towards the rear of the vehicle 1. An incline control signal SI-2 controls the backrest actuator 12-2 to pivot the backrest 11 -2 rearwards. By displacing the second vehicle seat 6-2 rearwards and pivoting the backrest 11-2 towards the rear of the vehicle 1, there is improved access to fit the child car seat 14.
An airbag 19-n may be associated with one or more of said vehicle seat 6-n. The airbag 19-n may comprise a front airbag and/or a side airbag, for example. At least in certain circumstances, it may be appropriate to deactivate the airbag 19-n associated with the vehicle seat 6-n where the child car seat 14 is to be fitted. If the child car seat 14 is to be fitted in the first row 7, an airbag 19 associated with the second vehicle seat 6-2 may be deactivated. The electronic processor 15 could be modified to provide automated deactivation subject to legislative approval. The vehicle seat controller 2 can be configured to provide a user alert to provide a reminder to deactivate the airbag. The user alert could, for example, comprise a visual and/or audio notification. The electronic processor 15 may be configured to generate an airbag notification signal SAB to prompt the output of the user alert. In certain embodiments, the ignition of the vehicle 1 may be inhibited until a user has confirmed that the airbag has been deactivated if the child car seat 14 is fitted. The user alert may be generated in dependence on said access request signal SACC and/or said seat identification signal SST.
To avoid repositioning and/or reconfiguration of a vehicle seat 6-n which is occupied, for example by a person or an object, the vehicle seat controller 2 may be configured to receive a pressure signal SP-n from a seat occupancy status sensor, such as a pressure sensor 20n, disposed in the seat squab 10-n of each vehicle seat 6-n. The electronic processor 15 may be configured to limit or inhibit the output of an incline control signal Sl-n and/or a displacement control signal SD-n if the pressure signal SP-n indicate that the vehicle seat 6n is occupied. The vehicle seat controller 2 may be configured to notify a user when one or more of said vehicle seats 6-n is occupied.
The operation of the vehicle seat controller 2 will now be described with reference to Figures 4. A flow diagram 100 is shown in Figure 4 to illustrate the operating procedure. A user selects a predefined child car seat 14 from a database stored in the system memory 16 (BLOCK 110). If the child car seat 14 to be fitted to the vehicle 1 is not in the database, the user may manually enter the dimensions and optionally save these dimensions for selection again in the future. The interface device 18 is operated by the user to identify one of the vehicle seat 6-n as the seat where the child car seat 14 is to be fitted (BLOCK 120) and the seat identification signal SST is output to the electronic processor 15 . The electronic processor 15 reads the pressure signal SP-n to determine whether any of the vehicle seats 6-n which will have to be reconfigured and/or repositioned in order to fit the child car seat 14 are already occupied (BLOCK 130). In particular, the electronic processor 15 determines if the identified vehicle seat 6-n is occupied and/or if the vehicle seat 6-n directly in front of the identified vehicle seat 6-n is occupied. If the electronic processor 15 determines that one or more of the vehicle seats 6-n is occupied an alert is output to advise the user that the vehicle seat(s) 6-n is occupied and cannot be repositioned and/or reconfigured (BLOCK 140). If the electronic processor 15 determines that the vehicle seat 6-n is not occupied, the control signal SC-n comprising an incline control signal Sl-n and/or a displacement control signal SD-n are output to adjust the position of said one or more vehicle seat 6-n to said entry position (BLOCK 150) to facilitate fitting of the child car seat 14. The electronic processor 15 generates an airbag notification signal to generate a driver alert indicating that an airbag associated with the identified vehicle seat 6-n should be deactivated (BLOCK 160). An activation/deactivation prompt may be output requiring the driver to deactivate the airbag or to confirm that the airbag should remain active. The vehicle ignition may be inhibited until a response is received to the activation/deactivation prompt. If the driver indicates that the airbag should be deactivated, a deactivation signal may be output to the appropriate airbag control module to deactivate the airbag associated with the identified vehicle seat 6-n (BLOCK 170). If the driver indicates that the airbag should remain active, the electronic processor 15 may output a guidance note advising of the benefits associated with deactivating the airbag (BLOCK 180). If the driver acknowledges the guidance note and elects not to deactivate the airbag, the airbag remains active.
The vehicle seat controller 2 may optionally be configured to return the one or more vehicle seat 6-n to a predefined position and/or configuration after the child car seat 14 has been fitted. The interface device 18 may enable a user to confirm that the child car seat 14 has been fitted. The vehicle seat controller 2 may, for example, operate to return said one or more vehicle seat 6-n to their previous position and/or configuration.
The vehicle seat controller 2 described herein has been described with particular reference to fitting a child car seat 14 in the cabin 5 of the vehicle 1. It will be understood that the same control strategies may be used to facilitate removal of the child car seat 14. If the child car seat 14 is to be removed, the vehicle seat controller 2 may be configured to issue a prompt or reminder to reactivate an airbag 19-n associated with the vehicle seat 6-n where the child car seat 14 was fitted. In certain embodiments, the vehicle seat controller 2 could be configured automatically to reactivate the airbag 19-n. The vehicle seat controller 2 may optionally be configured to return the one or more vehicle seat 6-n to a previous position and/or configuration when the child car seat 14 is removed.
It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiment(s) described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. At least some aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a vehicle 1 having a single row of vehicle seats 6. For example, the operation of the vehicle seat controller 2 to prompt the driver to deactivate the airbag 19 when the child car seat 4 is installed. Alternatively, the vehicle 1 may comprise a third row of vehicle seats 6. The third row may comprise one or more occasional vehicle seats which may, for example, be stowed in a luggage compartment when not in use.
The vehicle seat controller 2 could be configured to identify the vehicle seat 6-n where the child car seat 14 is to be fitted in dependence on which one of the vehicle doors is open when the accessibility button is depressed. Alternatively, if multiple accessibility buttons are provided, the vehicle seat controller 2 can identify the vehicle seat 6-n where the child car seat 14 is to be fitted in dependence on which one of said accessibility buttons is depressed.)

Claims (29)

CLAIMS:
1. A vehicle seat controller for controlling at least one vehicle seat in a vehicle to facilitate fitting or removal of a child car seat, the controller comprising:
at least one processor configured to receive a seat identification signal to identify a vehicle seat where the child car seat is to be fitted or to be removed from; and a memory connected to said at least one processor;
wherein, in dependence on said seat identification signal, the at least one processor is configured to generate a seat control signal to adjust the position and/or configuration of at least one vehicle seat to facilitate fitting or removal of the child car seat.
2. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat control signal is operative to adjust the position and/or configuration of a first vehicle seat disposed in front of the identified vehicle seat.
3. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in claim 2, wherein the seat control signal comprises a first displacement control signal for controlling a first seat displacement actuator to displace the first vehicle seat in a forwards direction.
4. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the seat control signal comprises a first incline control signal for controlling a first backrest actuator to incline a backrest of the first vehicle seat towards a front of the vehicle.
5. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine if the first vehicle seat is occupied prior to outputting said seat control signal to adjust the position and/or configuration of the first vehicle seat.
6. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat control signal comprises a second displacement control signal for controlling a second seat displacement actuator to displace the identified vehicle seat in a rearwards direction.
7. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second seat control signal comprises a second incline control signal for controlling a second backrest actuator to incline a backrest of the identified vehicle seat towards a rear of the vehicle.
8. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine if the identified vehicle seat is occupied prior to outputting said seat control signal to adjust the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat.
9. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the identified vehicle seat is disposed in a back row of the vehicle or in a middle row of the vehicle.
10. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat control signal is operative to adjust the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat.
11. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in claim 10, wherein the seat control signal comprises a displacement control signal for controlling a seat displacement actuator to displace the identified vehicle seat in a rearwards direction.
12. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the seat control signal comprises an incline control signal for controlling a backrest actuator to incline a backrest of the identified vehicle seat towards a front of the vehicle or towards a rear of the vehicle.
13. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in any one of claims 10, 11 or 12, wherein the identified vehicle seat is disposed in a front row of the vehicle.
14. A vehicle seat controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one processor is configured to output an airbag notification signal to prompt a user to deactivate an airbag associated with the identified vehicle seat.
15. A vehicle comprising a vehicle seat controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
16. A method of controlling at least one vehicle seat in a vehicle to facilitate fitting or removal of a child car seat, the method comprising:
receiving a user input indicating that a child car seat is to be fitted or removed; in dependence on said user input, identifying a vehicle seat where the child car seat is to be fitted or to be removed from; and adjusting the position and/or configuration of at least one vehicle seat to facilitate fitting or removal of the child car seat to or from the identified vehicle seat.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16 comprising adjusting the position and/or configuration of a first vehicle seat disposed in front of the identified vehicle seat.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17 comprising displacing the first vehicle seat in a forwards direction.
19 A method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 comprising inclining a backrest of the first vehicle seat towards a front of the vehicle.
20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17, 18 or 19 comprising determining if the first vehicle seat is occupied prior to adjusting the position and/or configuration of the first vehicle seat.
21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 20 comprising displacing the identified vehicle seat in a rearwards direction.
22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21 comprising inclining a backrest of the identified vehicle seat towards a rear of the vehicle.
23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22 comprising determining if the identified vehicle seat is occupied prior to adjusting the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat.
24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the identified vehicle seat is disposed in a back row of the vehicle or in a middle row of the vehicle.
25. A method as claimed in claim 16 comprising adjusting the position and/or configuration of the identified vehicle seat.
26. A method as claimed in claim 25 comprising displacing the identified vehicle seat in a rearwards direction.
27. A method as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 comprising inclining a backrest of the identified vehicle seat towards a front of the vehicle.
28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 25, 26, or 27, wherein the identified vehicle seat (6-n) is disposed in a front row of the vehicle.
5
29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 28 comprising prompting a user to deactivate an airbag associated with the identified vehicle seat.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: Claims searched:
GB1616828.8 Ito 29
GB1616828.8A 2016-10-04 2016-10-04 Vehicle seat controller apparatus and method Withdrawn GB2554693A (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102020207288A1 (en) 2020-06-10 2021-12-16 Brose Fahrzeugteile Se & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg Method for the automated enlargement of a free space in front of a vehicle seat and for the control of an adjustment of a seat belt
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