System and method for operating a seat assembly and a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for operating a seat assembly (3) that can be turned outward from or in a vehicle (2). The system (1) comprises a control unit (4) designed to receive and execute activation instructions (B) from an authorized vehicle user and a third person for turning the seat assembly (3) outward from an area inside the vehicle to an area accessible outside the vehicle (2). The invention also relates to a method for operating a seat assembly (3) that can be turned outward from or in a vehicle (2) and a vehicle (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system for operating a seat assembly / seat arrangement which can be turned outward from or in a vehicle.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for operating a seat assembly that can be turned outward from or in a vehicle.

[0003] The invention also relates to a means of transport. Background Art

[0004] EP 2 033 839 A1 discloses a tiltable seat for a motor vehicle, which has a double floor in the luggage compartment and a loading edge. The double floor of the luggage compartment can be tilted out of the luggage compartment in the rear area and rests on the loading edge after being tilted out. The cushioned seat surface is formed on the side of the double floor that points upward in the tilted-out state. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention is based on the object of specifying a novel system and a novel method for operating a seat assembly that can be folded out from or in a vehicle and a vehicle that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a system having the features described below, a method having the features described below, and a transport vehicle having the features described below.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below.

[0008] According to the invention, a system for operating a seat assembly that can be turned outward from or in a vehicle comprises a control unit that is designed to receive and execute activation commands from authorized vehicle users and third persons for turning the seat assembly outward from an area inside the vehicle into an area that can be accessed outside the vehicle.

[0009] The system allows comfortable seating options to be provided for third persons, in addition to the authorized vehicle user, for example in order to change shoes and / or to rest.

[0010] In one possible design of the system, the system comprises at least one electronic vehicle key having a function for allowing a third person to operate the seat assembly and / or comprises at least one mobile terminal having an application for allowing a third person to operate the seat assembly, thereby enabling the vehicle user to simply, comfortably and reliably allow the vehicle user to operate the seat assembly.

[0011] In another possible design of the system, the system comprises at least one mobile terminal device having an application for operating the seat assembly by a third person, thereby enabling simple, comfortable and reliable operation by the third person.

[0012] In a method for operating a seat assembly that can be tilted outward from or in a vehicle, after corresponding permission from an authorized vehicle user, the tilting out function of the seat assembly from an area within the vehicle into an accessible area outside the vehicle is permitted for a third person.

[0013] The method allows providing a comfortable seating option also for third persons other than the authorized vehicle user, for example in order to change shoes and / or to rest.

[0014] In another possible embodiment of the method, the authorization is activated or can be activated only when it is detected by means of a camera and / or confirmed by an authorized vehicle user that there are no other objects in the luggage compartment in which the seat assembly is in the retracted state. The risk of theft of objects from the luggage compartment can thus be reduced.

[0015] In another possible embodiment of the method, the location of vehicles with available outward-folding seat assemblies that can be operated by the third person using the application is output by means of an application on at least one mobile terminal of at least one third person. The third person can thus easily find a vehicle that provides the third person with the functionality of an outward-folding seat assembly.

[0016] In another possible design of the method, each operation of the seat assembly performed by a third person is stored in a central storage unit together with the corresponding geographical location of the vehicle when it was used, thus ensuring the possibility of backtracking in the event of damage, destruction and / or theft of items from the vehicle.

[0017] In another possible embodiment of the method, if a third person leaves the predetermined perimeter of the vehicle without previously retracting the seat assembly, a warning is output on the third person's mobile terminal by means of an application, and if the third person does not react, the seat assembly is automatically retracted. This ensures that the seat assembly is always retracted again after use and the vehicle is closed. The geographic location of the third person is determined in this case, for example, in conjunction with the mobile terminal used to execute the application. The geographic location of the vehicle is determined, for example, based on a positioning sensor of the vehicle itself, such as a so-called GPS sensor.

[0018] The vehicle with the inventive seat assembly can be operated with the aid of the above-described system. The vehicle allows comfortable seating for third persons other than the authorized vehicle user, for example, to change shoes and / or to rest. Since parked vehicles often occupy valuable space, for example in cities, corresponding equivalent and / or added value can be generated by providing third persons with suitable and, if appropriate, shaded seating conditions under an open trunk lid.

[0019] The vehicle and in particular a passenger car having a seat assembly that can be turned outward from or in the luggage compartment according to the present invention is characterized in that the seat assembly comprises at least one backrest member and at least one seat member arranged on the backrest member. The at least one backrest member extends at least substantially parallel to the inner wall that delimits the luggage compartment on the top side when the seat assembly is retracted. The at least one seat member extends at least substantially parallel to the inner wall that separates the luggage compartment from the passenger compartment when the seat assembly is retracted. The at least one backrest member and the at least one seat member can be rotated from the retracted state to the turned-out state, wherein the at least one backrest member in the turned-out state extends in the luggage compartment at least substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the vehicle, and the at least one seat member in the turned-out state extends from the lower end of the turned-out backrest member at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis of the vehicle to at least the cargo edge of the luggage compartment.

[0020] This vehicle has following characteristics because of the described arrangement of the seat assembly in the retracted state, that is, leaving a large luggage compartment space and good availability. In addition, a comfortable seating possibility can be provided by means of the vehicle, for example, for changing shoes and / or taking a rest. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A block diagram schematically shows a system for operating a seat assembly that can be turned outward from or in a vehicle,

[0023] Figure 2 schematically shows a semi-transparent side view of a vehicle section with a seat assembly in a first position that can be turned outward in the vehicle,

[0024] Figure 3 schematically showing a translucent side view of a vehicle section with a seat assembly in a second position that can be turned outward within the vehicle,

[0025] Figure 4 A semi-transparent side view of a vehicle detail is schematically shown with a seat assembly in a third position that can be turned outward within the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Parts that correspond to one another are provided with the same reference symbols in all the figures.

[0027] Figure 1 Shown for operation from or in Figure 2-4 A block diagram of one possible embodiment of a system 1 for an outward-facing seat assembly 3 in a vehicle 2 is shown.

[0028] The seat assembly 3 is designed in particular in such a way that, after activation, it is automatically transferred from the retracted position into the folded position by means of a motor.

[0029] Here, the seat assembly 3 in the everted state forms a comfortable seat, for example, for changing shoes and / or as a rest facility for a vehicle user. In addition, this function can also be used for a third person such as a pedestrian.

[0030] To this end, the system 1 comprises a control unit 4 designed to receive and execute activation commands B from authorized vehicle users and third persons for turning the seat assembly 3 outward from the vehicle interior area into an area accessible outside the vehicle 2 .

[0031] An authorized vehicle user can trigger the activation command B, for example, by means of an electronic vehicle key 5 or by means of an application of a first mobile terminal 6 , for example a smartphone or a so-called wearable device.

[0032] A third person can also trigger the activation instruction B by means of a second mobile terminal device 7 , such as a smartphone or an application of a so-called wearable device.

[0033] This means that the operation is performed by an authorized vehicle user using his vehicle key 5 or using his first mobile terminal 6, wherein the authorized vehicle user can, for example, in an application on the first mobile terminal 6, but also locally in the vehicle 2 itself, specify whether he allows third parties to use the seat assembly 3. If not allowed, the vehicle 2 remains locked. In addition, the user's permission is only granted if the camera 8 detects that a third party has been seated in the vehicle 2, in which the vehicle seat assembly 3 in the retracted state is located. Figure 2-4 The luggage compartment 9 shown in detail is activated or can be activated only if there are no other objects, for example objects left behind by an authorized vehicle user. Alternatively or additionally, the authorized vehicle user can also confirm that there are no objects in the luggage compartment 9, for example via an application on the first mobile terminal device 6. If there is no confirmation about "no objects in the luggage compartment 9", the vehicle 2 remains locked.

[0034] A third person can control, for example, the opening of the luggage compartment 9 of the parked vehicle 2 and the operation of the seat assembly 3, in particular the retraction and folding, by means of the application of the second mobile terminal 7. It is ensured that this can only be performed by a registered user (who, for example, has an account in the application, including valid address data) after logging into the application.

[0035] In one possible embodiment, the location of the vehicle 2 with the available flip-out vehicle seat assembly 3 which can be operated by a third person using the application is also output using the application on the second mobile terminal 7. This output is performed, for example, in a map display.

[0036] In addition, in one possible design, each operation of the vehicle seat assembly 3 performed by a third person is stored together with the corresponding geographical location of the vehicle 2 at the time of the operation in a central storage unit 10 which is a component of a central data processing unit 11 (e.g. a so-called backend server).

[0037] In a possible design, it is also provided that when a third person moves away from a predetermined surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 2 without retracting the vehicle seat assembly 3 in advance, a warning is output on the third person's second mobile terminal 7 with the help of an application, and the vehicle seat assembly 3 is automatically retracted again if the third person does not respond.

[0038] Figure 2-4 A semi-transparent side view of a section of a vehicle 2 is shown with a seat assembly 3 which can be turned outward in the vehicle 2 in several different positions.

[0039] The vehicle 2 is designed as a passenger car. The seat assembly 3 is arranged in a luggage compartment 9 of the vehicle 2 and can be transferred from a retracted position to an outwardly folded position in the luggage compartment.

[0040] The seat assembly 3 comprises a backrest member 3.1 and two seat members 3.2, 3.3 arranged on the backrest member 3.1. The first seat member 3.2 is fixedly arranged on the backrest member 3.1, and the second seat member 3.3 is rotatably arranged on the first seat member 3.2.

[0041] In the seat assembly 3 Figure 2 In the retracted state shown, the backrest part 3.1 extends below an inner wall (not shown in detail) which delimits the luggage compartment 9 at the top and at least substantially parallel to the inner wall. The seat parts 3.2, 3.3 are folded together in the retracted state of the seat assembly 3 and extend substantially perpendicularly to the backrest part 3.1 and parallel to the inner wall (not shown in detail) which separates the luggage compartment 9 from the passenger compartment.

[0042] In order to turn the seat assembly 3 outward, the luggage compartment cover 12 is automatically opened, and the backrest part 3.1 is as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, it is automatically moved toward the rear of the vehicle together with the seat parts 3.2, 3.3.

[0043] Finally, the backrest part 3.1 and the second seat part 3.3 are rotated downwards into the turned-out state, that is, the seat assembly 3 is rotated according to Figure 4 Here, the backrest part 3.1 in the folded-out state extends at least substantially parallel to the vehicle vertical axis Z within the luggage compartment 9, and the seat parts 3.2, 3.3 extend from the lower end of the folded-out backrest part 3.1 at least to the loading edge of the luggage compartment 9 and at least substantially perpendicular to the vehicle vertical axis Z.

[0044] Thus, in the folded-out state, the vehicle 2 , in particular a parked passenger car, can provide a resting facility in the form of a “park bench”-like seat under the shade of the trunk lid 12 , without having to provide and open the actual vehicle interior.

[0045] In a possible design of the transport vehicle 2, the outward-folding seat assembly 3 can be provided according to Figure 1 System 1 is operated.

Claims

1. A system (1) for operating a seat assembly (3) that can be turned outward from or in a vehicle (2), characterized in that: A control unit (4) is provided, which is designed to receive and execute activation instructions (B) from an authorized vehicle user and a third person for turning the seat assembly (3) from the area inside the vehicle to an area accessible outside the vehicle (2), wherein the control unit is configured so that permission for the third person to turn the seat assembly (3) from the area inside the vehicle to an area accessible outside the vehicle (2) is activated or can be activated only when it is detected by a camera (8) and / or confirmed by an authorized vehicle user that there are no other objects in the luggage compartment (9) where the seat assembly (3) in the retracted state is located.

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - comprising at least one electronic vehicle key (5) having a function for allowing a third person to operate the seat assembly (3), and / or - comprising at least one first mobile terminal device (6) having an application for allowing the seat assembly (3) to be operated by a third person.

3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least one second mobile terminal device (7) is included, and the at least one second mobile terminal device (7) has an application for operating the seat assembly (3) by a third person.

4. A method for operating a seat assembly (3) that can be turned outward from or in a vehicle (2), characterized in that: After the authorized vehicle user has given corresponding permission, the seat assembly (3) is allowed to be folded outward from an area inside the vehicle to an accessible area outside the vehicle (2) for a third party, and the permission is only activated or can be activated when it is detected with the aid of a camera (8) and / or confirmed by the authorized vehicle user that there are no other objects in the luggage compartment (9) where the seat assembly (3) is in the retracted state.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that: By means of an application on at least one mobile terminal of at least one third person, a location of a vehicle (2) having a usable outward-folding seat assembly (3) which can be operated by the third person by means of the application is output.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each operation of the seat assembly (3) performed by a third person is stored in the central storage unit (10) together with the corresponding geographical location of the vehicle (2) when in use.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: When a third person moves away from a predetermined perimeter of the vehicle (2) but has not retracted the seat assembly (3) in advance, a warning is output on the mobile terminal device of the third person with the aid of an application, and the seat assembly (3) is automatically retracted if the third person does not respond.

8. A vehicle (2) having a retractable seat assembly (3) which can be operated by means of a system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The vehicle (2) according to claim 8, comprising a seat assembly (3) which can be folded outward from the luggage compartment or in the luggage compartment (9), characterized in that: - the seat assembly (3) comprises at least one backrest component (3.1) and at least one seat component (3.2; 3.3) arranged on the backrest component (3.1), - the at least one backrest element (3.1) extends, in the retracted state of the seat assembly (3), below an inner wall delimiting the luggage compartment (9) on the top side and at least substantially parallel to the inner wall, - the at least one seat surface element (3.2; 3.3) extends at least substantially parallel to the inner wall separating the luggage compartment (9) from the passenger compartment in the retracted state of the seat assembly (3), - the at least one backrest element (3.1) and the at least one seat element (3.2; 3.3) are capable of rotating from an inwardly retracted state to an outwardly retracted state, - the at least one backrest part (3.1) extends in the luggage compartment (9) in the turned-out state at least substantially parallel to the vehicle vertical axis (Z), and The at least one seat part (3.2; 3.3) in the turned-out state extends from the lower end of the turned-out backrest part (3.1) at least substantially perpendicularly to the vehicle vertical axis (Z) at least to the loading edge of the luggage compartment (9).

10. The transportation vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: The transportation vehicle is a car.

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