Child seat latch system for vehicle

Abstract

A child seat latch assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a child seat including a base portion having a base bar, a back portion having a back bar, and a first magnet generating a first magnetic field. The assembly also includes a vehicle seat that includes a receiving portion having a base latch unit that includes a base connector that includes a base lock to secure the base rod in the base connector. The vehicle seat includes a support portion having a back latch unit including a back connector, the back latch unit including a back lock to secure a back lever in the back connector. The vehicle seat includes a second magnet that generates a second magnetic field when operated in conjunction with the first magnetic unit. The first magnetic field and the second magnetic field are arranged to align the portable child seat with the vehicle seat when the first magnet and the second magnet are within a predetermined distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to latch assemblies and, more particularly, to a latch system for a front / rear facing child seat secured in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Existing child seat assemblies may be bulky and large, and generally require relatively more time and effort to install or remove in the vehicle cabin. During the driving process of the vehicle, the position of the child seat may change without the user's knowledge. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, while existing child seat assemblies achieve their intended purposes, a need remains for a new and improved child seat latch assembly, and a system and method for controlling a child seat latch assembly of a vehicle.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a child seat latch system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a portable child seat arranged to be secured in a vehicle. The portable child seat includes a base portion, the base portion including a first cushion and a base rod disposed therein, the base rod being used to secure the base portion in the vehicle. The base portion has a base edge.

[0005] The portable child seat also includes a back portion including a second cushion and a back bar disposed therein for securing the back portion in a vehicle. The back portion has a rear edge connected to a base edge of the base portion such that the back portion extends vertically from the base portion. The portable child seat also includes a first magnetic unit disposed on one of the base portion and the back portion. The first magnetic unit is arranged to generate and sense a magnetic field for alignment in a vehicle.

[0006] The system also includes a fixed vehicle seat arranged to receive a portable child seat for fixing in a vehicle. The fixed vehicle seat includes a receiving portion, the receiving portion including a third cushion and a base latch unit disposed therein to receive a base rod. The base latch unit includes a base connector formed to receive the base rod. The base latch unit includes a base sensor and a base lock, the base sensor being disposed on the base connector for sensing the insertion of the base rod in the base connector, and the base lock being disposed on the base connector for locking the base rod in the base connector, so that when the base rod is inserted into the base connector at a first distance, the base rod is locked in the base connector for fixing the base portion to the receiving portion.

[0007] The fixed vehicle seat also includes a support portion including a fourth cushion and a back latch unit disposed therein to receive a back rod. The back latch unit includes a back connector formed to receive the back rod. The back latch unit includes a back sensor disposed on the back connector for sensing the insertion of the back rod into the back connector and a back lock disposed on the back connector for locking the back rod in the back connector, so that when the back rod is inserted into the back connector at a second distance, the back rod is locked in the back connector for fixing the back portion to the support portion.

[0008] The fixed vehicle seat further comprises a second magnetic unit arranged to generate and sense a magnetic field when operating in conjunction with the first magnetic unit. The second magnetic unit is disposed on one of the receiving portion and the supporting portion such that the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit align the portable child seat with the vehicle seat for fixation.

[0009] The system further includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates with the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit. The ECU is arranged to control the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit to align the portable child seat with the vehicle seat. The ECU also communicates with the base latch unit to lock the base rod in the base connector when the base rod is inserted into the base connector at a first distance. In addition, the ECU communicates with the back latch unit to lock the back rod in the back connector when the back rod is inserted into the back connector at a second distance to secure the portable child seat to the fixed vehicle seat.

[0010] In one embodiment, the base latch unit is embedded in the third cushion, the base rod extends from the first cushion into the third cushion, so that the base connector receives the base rod therein to secure the base portion to the receiving portion. The back latch unit is embedded in the fourth cushion. The back rod extends from the second cushion into the fourth cushion, so that the back connector receives the back rod therein to secure the back portion to the support portion.

[0011] In another embodiment, the base rod is embedded in the first portion. The base latch unit movably extends from the third cushion into the first cushion so that the base connector receives the base rod therein to secure the base portion to the receiving portion. In yet another embodiment, the back rod is embedded in the second portion. The back latch unit movably extends from the fourth cushion into the second cushion so that the back connector receives the back rod therein to secure the back portion to the support portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ECU communicates with the base latch unit to movably extend the base connector from the third seat cushion to receive the base rod therein. In another embodiment, the ECU communicates with the back latch unit to movably extend the back connector from the fourth seat cushion to receive the back rod therein.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fixed vehicle seat comprises a release device for unlocking the portable child seat therefrom, the release device being arranged to disengage the base rod from the base latch unit and the back rod from the back latch unit. In another embodiment, the fixed vehicle seat comprises a leveler for leveling the portable child seat relative to the fixed vehicle seat. In yet another embodiment, the base rod is a plurality of base rods and the back rod is a plurality of back rods. Furthermore, the base latch unit is a plurality of base latch units and the back latch unit is a plurality of back latch units.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a child seat latch assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a portable child seat arranged to be secured in a vehicle. The portable child seat includes a base portion, the base portion including a first cushion and a base rod disposed therein, the base rod being used to secure the base portion in the vehicle. The base portion has a base edge.

[0015] The portable child seat also includes a back portion including a second cushion and a back bar disposed therein for securing the back portion in a vehicle. The back portion has a rear edge connected to a base edge of the base portion such that the back portion extends vertically from the base portion. The portable child seat also includes a first magnet disposed on one of the base portion and the back portion. The first magnet is arranged to generate a first magnetic field for alignment in a vehicle.

[0016] The assembly also includes a fixed vehicle seat arranged to receive a portable child seat for fixing in a vehicle. The fixed vehicle seat includes a receiving portion, the receiving portion including a third cushion and a base latch unit arranged therein to receive a base rod. The base latch unit includes a base connector formed to receive the base rod. The base latch unit includes a base sensor and a base lock, the base sensor being arranged on the base connector for sensing the insertion of the base rod in the base connector, and the base lock being arranged on the base connector for locking the base rod in the base connector, so that when the base rod is inserted into the base connector at a first distance, the base rod is locked in the base connector for fixing the base portion to the receiving portion.

[0017] The fixed vehicle seat also includes a support portion including a fourth cushion and a back latch unit disposed therein to receive a back rod. The back latch unit includes a back connector formed to receive the back rod. The back latch unit includes a back sensor disposed on the back connector for sensing the insertion of the back rod into the back connector and a back lock disposed on the back connector for locking the back rod in the back connector, so that when the back rod is inserted into the back connector at a second distance, the back rod is locked in the back connector for fixing the back portion to the support portion.

[0018] The fixed vehicle seat also includes a second magnet arranged to generate a second magnetic field when operating in conjunction with the first magnetic unit. The second magnet is disposed on one of the receiving portion and the supporting portion, and when the first magnet and the second magnet are within a third distance, the first magnetic field is attracted to the second magnetic field to align the portable child seat with the vehicle seat.

[0019] In one embodiment, the base latch unit is embedded in the third cushion. The base rod extends from the first cushion into the third cushion so that the base connector receives the base rod therein to secure the base portion to the receiving portion. In another embodiment, the back latch unit is embedded in the fourth cushion. The back rod extends from the second cushion into the fourth cushion so that the back connector receives the back rod therein to secure the back portion to the support portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the base rod is embedded in the first portion. The base latch unit extends movably from the third cushion into the first cushion so that the base connector receives the base rod therein to secure the base portion to the receiving portion. In another embodiment, the back rod is embedded in the second portion. The back latch unit extends movably from the fourth cushion and into the second cushion so that the back connector receives the back rod therein to secure the back portion to the support portion. In this embodiment, the latch unit can then be moved back into the fixed vehicle seat to provide tension to the portable child seat and secure the child seat to the vehicle seat, thereby pulling the child seat toward the vehicle seat to hold the child seat relatively tightly on the vehicle seat.

[0021] In another embodiment, the fixed vehicle seat comprises a release device for unlocking the portable child seat therefrom. The release device is arranged to disengage the base bar from the base latch unit and to disengage the back bar from the back latch unit. In yet another embodiment, the fixed vehicle seat comprises a leveler for leveling the portable child seat relative to the fixed vehicle seat.

[0022] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for latching a child seat assembly in a vehicle is provided. The method includes providing a portable child seat arranged to be secured in a vehicle. The portable child seat includes a base portion, the base portion including a first cushion and a base bar disposed therein, the base bar being used to secure the base portion in the vehicle. The base portion has a base edge.

[0023] The portable child seat comprises a back portion including a second cushion and a back bar disposed therein for securing the back portion in a vehicle. The back portion has a rear edge connected to a base edge of a base portion so that the back portion extends vertically from the base portion.

[0024] The method also includes providing a fixed vehicle seat arranged to receive a portable child seat for fixing in a vehicle. The fixed vehicle seat includes a receiving portion, the receiving portion including a third cushion and a base latch unit disposed therein to receive a base rod. The base latch unit includes a base connector formed to receive the base rod. The base latch unit includes a base sensor and a base lock, the base sensor being disposed on the base connector for sensing the insertion of the base rod in the base connector, and the base lock being disposed on the base connector for locking the base rod in the base connector, so that when the base rod is inserted into the base connector at a first distance, the base rod is locked in the base connector for fixing the base portion to the receiving portion.

[0025] The fixed vehicle seat also includes a support portion including a fourth cushion and a back latch unit disposed therein to receive a back rod. The back latch unit includes a back connector formed to receive the back rod. The back latch unit includes a back sensor disposed on the back connector for sensing the insertion of the back rod into the back connector and a back lock disposed on the back connector for locking the back rod in the back connector, so that when the back rod is inserted into the back connector at a second distance, the back rod is locked in the back connector for fixing the back portion to the support portion.

[0026] The method also includes generating a first magnetic field using a first magnet from one of a base portion and a back portion of the portable child seat for alignment in a vehicle, and generating a second magnetic field using a second magnet from one of a receiving portion and a support portion of a vehicle seat.

[0027] The method also includes aligning the portable child seat with the vehicle seat by attracting the portable child seat to the fixed vehicle seat using the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field when the first magnet and the second magnet are within a third distance.

[0028] The method also includes inserting the base rod into the base connector and sensing the insertion of the base rod into the base connector. The method also includes locking the base rod into the base connector when the base rod is inserted into the base connector and sensed at a first distance to secure the base to the receiving portion.

[0029] The method also includes inserting the back bar into the back connector and sensing the insertion of the back bar into the back connector. The method also includes locking the back bar into the back connector when the back bar is inserted into the back connector and sensed at the second distance to fix the back portion to the support portion.

[0030] In one example, the method further includes disengaging the base rod from the base latch unit and disengaging the back rod from the back latch unit to unlock the portable child seat from the fixed vehicle seat. In another example, the method further includes leveling the portable child seat relative to the fixed vehicle seat when the base rod is locked in the base connector and the back rod is locked in the back connector.

[0031] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided in the present disclosure.It should be understood that these descriptions and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings described in the present disclosure are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling a child seat latch assembly of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 According to an embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the components of a system in a portable child seat.

[0035] Figure 3 According to an embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the components of a system for securing a vehicle seat.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Portable child seats and Figure 3 A perspective view of a fixed vehicle seat in FIG.

[0037] Figure 5 A diagram depicting a back latch unit taken along line 5-5 according to one embodiment Figure 4 A cross-sectional top view of a fixed vehicle seat.

[0038] Fig. 6A It is a top view of the back latch unit that secures the vehicle.

[0039] Figure 6B It is in the locked back position Fig. 6A A top view of the back latch unit.

[0040] Figure 7 According to another embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the components of a system in a portable child seat.

[0041] Fig. 8A According to another embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of an assembly of a fixed vehicle seat.

[0042] Figure 8B A base locking unit and a Fig. 8A A perspective view of a fixed vehicle seat in FIG.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional top view of the fixed vehicle seat of FIG. 8 taken along line 9 - 9 depicting a back latch unit thereof.

[0044] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Side view of the back latch unit in FIG.

[0045] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 Flowchart of a general process for controlling a child seat latch system in FIG.

[0046] Fig.12 According to an example of the present disclosure Figure 1 Flow chart of a method for controlling a child seat latch system in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0048] Embodiments and examples of the present disclosure provide a child seat latch assembly and a system and method for controlling a child seat latch assembly to secure in a vehicle. The child seat latch assembly requires relatively little time and effort to attach a portable child seat to a fixed vehicle seat. The system and method for controlling a child seat latch assembly provides alignment and securement of the child seat to the vehicle seat. In addition, the system monitors the assembly and can provide updates / warnings regarding its securement, thereby providing tension adjustment between the child seat and the vehicle seat.

[0049] Figure 1 A system 10 for controlling a child seat latch assembly 12 of a vehicle 14 is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1-Figure 2As shown, the system 10 includes a portable child seat 20 arranged to be secured in a vehicle 14. The portable child seat 20 includes a base portion 22 including a first cushion 23 and a base bar 24 disposed therein for securing the base portion 22 in the vehicle 14. In this embodiment, the base bar 24 extends outwardly from the first cushion 23 for securing in the vehicle 14. As further described, the base portion 22 has a base edge 25.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 The portable child seat 20 further includes a back portion 26 including a second cushion 27 and a back bar 28 disposed therein for securing the back portion 26 in a vehicle. In this embodiment, the back bar 28 extends outward from the second cushion 27 for securing in a vehicle. Figure 2 As further shown, the back portion 26 has a rear edge 29 that is connected to the base edge 25 of the base portion 22 such that the back portion 26 extends vertically from the base portion 22 when the base portion 22 is positioned on a horizontal surface.

[0051] As shown, the portable child seat 20 further includes a first magnetic unit 30 disposed on one of the base portion 22 and the back portion 26. In this embodiment, the first magnetic unit 30 is disposed on the back portion 26. The first magnetic unit 30 is arranged to generate a first magnetic field 32 and sense other magnetic fields for alignment of the portable child seat 20 in the vehicle.

[0052] refer to Figure 3-Figure 4 The system 10 further includes a fixed vehicle seat 40 arranged to receive the portable child seat 20 for securing in the vehicle. The fixed vehicle seat 40 includes a receiving portion 42 having a third cushion 43 and a base latch unit 44 disposed therein to receive the base rod 24. Figure 3-Figure 5 As shown, the base latch unit 44 includes a base connector 46 formed to receive the base rod 24 .

[0053] Figure 3-Figure 5The base latch unit 44 is shown to include a base sensor 47 provided on the base connector 46 for sensing the insertion of the base rod 24 into the base connector 46. The base latch unit 44 also includes a base lock 48 provided on the base connector 46 for locking the base rod 24 into the base connector 46, so that when the base rod 24 is inserted into the base connector 46 at a first distance, the base rod 24 is fixed in the base connector 46 to fix the base portion 22 of the portable child seat 20 to the receiving portion 42 of the fixed vehicle seat 40. In the present embodiment, the base latch unit 44 is embedded in the third cushion 43. As shown in the figure, the base rod 24 extends from the first cushion 23 into the third cushion 43, so that the base connector 46 receives the base rod 24 therein to fix the base portion 22 to the receiving portion 42.

[0054] refer to Figure 3-Figure 5 , the fixed vehicle seat 40 further includes a support portion 50 including a fourth cushion 51 and a back latch unit 52 disposed therein to receive the back bar 28. As shown in the figure, the back latch unit 52 includes a back connector 54 formed to receive the back bar 28. The back latch unit 52 includes a back sensor 55 disposed on the back connector 54 for sensing the insertion of the back bar 28 into the back connector 54. In addition, the back latch unit 52 includes a back lock 56 disposed on the back connector 54 for locking the back bar 28 in the back connector 54, so that when the back bar 28 is inserted into the back connector 54 at a second distance, the back bar 28 is locked in the back connector 54 for fixing the back portion 26 to the support portion 50. As shown in the figure, the back latch unit 52 is embedded in the fourth cushion 51. In addition, the back bar 28 extends from the second cushion 27 into the fourth cushion 51, so that the back connector 54 receives the back bar 28 therein to fix the back portion 26 to the support portion 50.

[0055] like Figure 3-Figure 4 As further shown, the fixed vehicle seat 40 includes a second magnetic unit 58, which is arranged to sense the first magnetic field 32 and generate a second magnetic field 59 when operating in conjunction with the first magnetic field 32. The second magnetic unit 58 is disposed on one of the receiving portion 42 and the support portion 50. In the present embodiment, the second magnetic unit 58 is disposed on the support portion 50 for alignment with the first magnetic unit 30. In addition, the second magnetic unit 58 is arranged to align the portable child seat 20 with the vehicle seat through the first magnetic field 32 and the second magnetic field 59, so that the portable child seat 20 is engaged with the fixed vehicle seat 40 when the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 are within a third distance to define an aligned position. It should be understood that the first magnetic unit 30 may simply include a metal plate for attracting the second magnetic unit, as described below.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 can generate dipole (N and S) magnetic fields to attract the portable child seat 20 to the fixed vehicle seat 40 and repel the portable child seat 20 from the fixed vehicle seat 40. For example, the first magnetic unit 30 can generate an N-pole field and the second magnetic unit 59 can generate an S-pole field to attract the portable child seat 20 to the fixed vehicle seat 40. Similarly, the first magnetic unit 30 can generate an N-pole field and the second magnetic unit 59 can generate an N-pole field to repel the portable child seat 20 from the fixed vehicle seat 40. In addition, and as described in more detail below, the second magnetic unit 58 is arranged to monitor the portable child seat 20 relative to the fixed vehicle seat 40 to maintain an aligned position.

[0057] refer to Figure 4 , the fixed vehicle seat 40 may include a manual release 60 for unlocking the portable child seat 20 therefrom. In addition, the release 60 is arranged to disengage the base rod 24 from the base latch unit 44 and to disengage the back rod 28 from the back latch unit 52. In one embodiment, the release 60 may be mechanically connected to the base lock 48 and the back lock 56 by a wire or pulley so that movement (such as rotation or rotation) of the release 60 will unlock the base lock 48 and the back lock 56 to unlock the base rod 24 and the back rod 28. It should be understood that the release may communicate with the ECU in any suitable manner for electronic disengagement without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0058] Additionally, the fixed vehicle seat 40 may include a leveler 62 for leveling the portable child seat 20 relative to the fixed vehicle seat 40. That is, the level switches 63, 64 may be arranged to horizontally move the third cushion 43, thereby adjusting the level of the base portion 22. The level switches 63, 64 may be configured in any suitable manner known for leveling a vehicle seat cushion.

[0059] It should be understood that the assembly 12 may include one base rod 24 or multiple base rods 24. In addition, the assembly 12 may include one back rod 28 or multiple back rods 28. In addition, the assembly 12 may include one base latch unit 44 or multiple base latch units 44. In addition, the assembly 12 may include one back latch unit 52 or multiple back latch units 52.

[0060] refer to Figure 1-Figure 4, the system 10 also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 70 that communicates with the fixed vehicle seat 40, the portable child seat 20, the cabin display unit 72, a user device 74 (such as a handheld smart phone), and a cloud server 76. In addition, the ECU 70 communicates with the cabin display unit 72, the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58, the base latch unit 44 including the base sensor 47 and the base lock 48, and the back latch unit 52 including the back sensor 55 and the back lock 56. In addition, the ECU 70 can send and receive data signals to each of the cabin display unit 72, the cloud server 76, the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58, the base latch unit 44 including the base sensor 47 and the bottom lock 48, and the back latch unit 52 including the back sensor 55 and the back lock 56. In this embodiment, the ECU 70 communicates with the cloud server 76, and the cloud server 76 communicates with the user device 74 and the portable child seat 20. In addition, the cloud server 76 can send and receive data signals to each of the portable child seats 20 including the first magnetic unit 30, the user device 74, and the ECU 70. It should be understood that any suitable cloud server 76, ECU 70, cockpit display unit 72, and user device 74 may be used to implement their respective functions provided herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] In this embodiment, when a request for activation of the child seat latch assembly 12 is received, the ECU 70 is arranged to identify a fixed vehicle seat 40 in the vehicle. In one example, the ECU 70 receives a reservation ticket / signal or activation request from a user device 74 via a cloud server 76 for boarding and activating the child seat latch assembly / system. The user device 74 is preferably equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) for determining the user's location via the user device 74. In one embodiment, the vehicle may include a plurality of fixed vehicle seats 40 that can be activated to engage with a portable child seat 20. For example, the vehicle may include a first fixed vehicle seat disposed on one side of the vehicle (such as the left side) and a second fixed vehicle seat disposed on the other side of the vehicle (such as the right side). In response to the request, the ECU 70 is arranged to identify and select one of the plurality of fixed vehicle seats 40 to be activated to engage with the portable child seat 20 based on the GPS location of the user device 74 relative to the vehicle. Furthermore, the ECU 70 is arranged to activate the child seat latch assembly 12 to enable the base latch unit 44 and the back latch unit 52 to secure the portable child seat 20 to the fixed vehicle seat 40 .

[0062] The ECU 70 is arranged to control the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 in communication with each other to align the portable child seat 20 with the vehicle seat. That is, the ECU 70 activates the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 to generate their respective magnetic fields (such as N-pole field and S-pole field) to attract the portable child seat 20 to the fixed vehicle seat 40 to the aligned position. In this embodiment, the second magnetic unit 58 is provided with a distance sensor 66 to monitor the portable child seat 20 relative to the fixed vehicle seat 40 to maintain the aligned position. In one embodiment, the second magnetic unit 58 is arranged to monitor the base portion 22 relative to the receiving portion 42, and is arranged to monitor the back portion 26 relative to the support portion 50. In this embodiment, when the portable child seat 20 is within a third distance from the fixed vehicle seat 40, the distance sensor 66 can send a confirmation signal to the ECU 70 indicating that the aligned position has been reached. In the event that the alignment position changes, the second magnetic unit 58 can send a warning signal to the ECU 70 indicating that the portable child seat 20 may need to be repositioned relative to the fixed vehicle seat 40. In this example, the ECU 70 can be configured to notify / warn the driver or occupant of the vehicle via the cabin display unit 72. Other suitable options may be used by the driver / occupant without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] refer to Figure 5 - FIG. 6 , the ECU 70 communicates with the base sensor 47 and the base latch unit 44 to lock the base rod 24 in the base connector 46 when the base rod 24 is inserted into the base connector 46 at a first distance. When the base rod 24 is inserted into the base connector 46, the base sensor 47 is arranged to sense the base rod 24 relative to the base connector 46. In addition, when the base rod 24 is sensed therein at the first distance, the base latch unit 44 is arranged to lock the base rod 24 in the base connector 46 for fixing the base portion 22 to the receiving portion 42 defining a locked base position. Therefore, when the base rod 24 is inserted into the base connector 46, the base sensor 47 is configured to sense the base rod 24 at the first distance from the base rod 24, so that the base latch unit 44 can be activated to lock the base rod 24 in the base connector 46. In operation, when the base sensor 47 senses that the base rod 24 in the base connector 46 is at or within the first distance therefrom, the base sensor 47 can send a locking signal to the ECU 70. The ECU 70 in turn sends a signal to the base latch unit 44 to lock the base rod 24 within the base connector 46, thereby securing the base portion 22 to the receiving portion 42 in the locked base position.

[0064] In addition, the base sensor 47 is arranged to monitor the locked base position. That is, by sensing that the base rod 24 is within a first distance from it, the base sensor 47 can monitor the locked base position between the base portion 22 and the receiving portion 42. In this embodiment, when the distance between the base rod 24 and the base sensor 47 is within the first distance, the base sensor 47 can send a confirmation signal to the ECU 70, indicating that the locked base position has been reached and / or is being maintained. In the event that the locked base position changes, the base sensor 47 can send a warning signal to the ECU 70, indicating that the base portion 22 may need to be repositioned relative to the receiving portion 42. In this example, the ECU 70 can be configured to notify / warn the driver or occupant in the vehicle through the cockpit display unit 72. Other suitable options may be used by the driver / occupant without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the ECU 70 communicates with the back sensor 55 and the back latch unit 52 to lock the back bar 28 in the back connector 54 when the back bar 28 is inserted into the back connector 54 at a second distance. When the back bar 28 is inserted into the back connector 54, the back sensor 55 is arranged to sense the back bar 28 relative to the back connector 54. In addition, when the back bar 28 is sensed in the back connector 54 at the second distance, the back latch unit 52 is arranged to lock the back bar 28 in the back connector 54 to fix the back portion 26 to the support portion 50 defining a locked back position. Therefore, when the back bar 28 is inserted into the back connector 54, the back sensor 55 is configured to sense the back bar 28 at the second distance from the back bar 28, so that the back latch unit 52 is activated to lock the back bar 28 in the back connector 54. In operation, when the back sensor 55 senses that the back bar 28 in the back connector 54 is at or within the second distance therefrom, the back sensor 55 may send a locking signal to the ECU 70. The ECU 70 then sends a signal to the back latch unit 52 to lock the back bar 28 in the back connector 54, thereby securing the back portion 26 to the support portion 50 in the locked back position.

[0066] In addition, the back sensor 55 is arranged to monitor the locked back position. That is, by sensing that the back bar 28 is within the second distance thereof, the back sensor 55 is able to monitor the locked back position between the back portion 26 and the support portion 50. In the present embodiment, when the distance between the back bar 28 and the back sensor 55 is within the second distance, the back sensor 55 can send a confirmation signal to the ECU 70 indicating that the locked back position has been reached and / or the locked back position is being maintained. In the case where the locked back position changes, the back sensor 55 can send a warning signal to the ECU 70 indicating that the back portion 26 may need to be repositioned relative to the support portion 50. In the present example, the ECU 70 can be configured to notify / warn the driver or occupant in the vehicle through the cockpit display unit 72. Without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, the driver / occupant may use other suitable options.

[0067] In the present embodiment, when a request for deactivation of the child seat latch assembly is received, the ECU 70 is arranged to de-energize the first magnetic field 32 and the second magnetic field 59. That is, when the destination of the trip is reached, the ECU 70 sends an end signal to the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 to de-energize the first magnetic field 32 and the second magnetic field 59. Once the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 are de-energized, the ECU 70 is arranged to unlock the base rod 24 from the base connector 46 and unlock the back rod 28 from the back connector 54 to disengage the portable child seat 20 from the fixed vehicle seat 40. That is, when the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 are de-energized, the ECU 70 sends a signal to the base latch unit 44 and the back lock 56 unit to unlock the base lock 48 and the back lock 56, respectively. Subsequently, the base rod 24 is unlocked from the base connector 46, and the back rod 28 is unlocked from the back connector 54. When the base rod 24 and the back rod 28 are unlocked, the ECU 70 determines that the child seat latch assembly is deactivated.

[0068] As the ECU 70 receives and sends signals from the various components described above, it should be understood that the ECU 70 can send signals to a cockpit display unit 72 (such as located on the dashboard of the vehicle) so that the cockpit display unit 72 can display status updates or warnings to the user, provide control options to the user, and receive input regarding control options for the system therefrom.

[0069] It should be understood that at least one of the cloud server 76 and the ECU 70 may include a plurality of algorithms and modules having algorithms for completing the tasks provided herein. For example, the cloud server 76 and the ECU 70 may include a user / vehicle registration module to verify the user and the vehicle. In addition, the cloud server 76 and the ECU 70 may include a resource discovery module to monitor and record the location of the vehicle 14 and the user device 74. In addition, the cloud server 76 and the ECU 70 may include an image processing (including facial recognition and positioning) module to identify and locate the user based on the visual domain data. In addition, the cloud server 76 and the ECU 70 may include a user identification and personalization module to store the user identification and its personalization settings.

[0070] Figure 7 It is shown that another embodiment according to the present disclosure can be obtained by the above and in Figure 1 The child seat latch assembly 112 implemented by the system 10 shown. As shown, the assembly 112 has a portable child seat 120 and includes a base portion 122 and a back portion 126 similar to the above-described embodiments. However, in this embodiment, the base portion 122 includes a first cushion 123 and a base rod 124 embedded therein. In addition, the back portion 126 includes a second cushion 127 and a back rod 128 embedded therein. In addition, the embedded rod will allow multiple child seats to be stacked for storage.

[0071] refer to Figure 8A-8B , the assembly 112 also includes a fixed vehicle seat 140 having a receiving portion 142 and a supporting portion 150. As shown, the receiving portion 142 includes a third cushion 143 and a base latch unit 144 similar to the above-described embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the base latch unit 144 is movably extended from the third cushion 143. In operation, the base latch unit 144 is movably extended from the third cushion 143 into the first cushion 123 so that the base connector 146 receives the base rod 124 therein to fix the base portion 122 to the receiving portion 142. When the ECU 70 communicates with the base latch unit 144, the ECU 70 may send a signal to the base latch unit 144 to cause the base connector 146 to movably extend from the third cushion 143 to receive the base rod 124 in the seat connector 146. It should be understood that the base connector 146 may be movably extended by any suitable means, such as a servo motor, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] refer to Figure 8A-Figure 10 , the support portion 50 includes a fourth cushion 51 and a back latch unit 52 similar to the above-described embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the back latch unit 52 is movably extended from the fourth cushion 51. Figure 9-10In operation, the back latch unit 52 is movably extended from the fourth cushion 51 into the second cushion 27 so that the back connector 54 receives the back bar 28 therein for fixing the back portion 26 to the support portion 50. When the ECU 70 communicates with the back latch unit 52, the ECU 70 can send a signal to the back latch unit 52 to cause the back connector 54 to movably extend from the fourth cushion 51 to receive the back bar 28 in the connector 54. It should be understood that the back connector 54 can be movably extended by any suitable means (such as a servo motor) without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the portable child seat can also be pulled back to the vehicle seat by a motor to fix the child seat to the vehicle seat.

[0073] Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 - A flow chart of a general process 210 for controlling a child seat latch assembly 12 in FIG. 6 . As shown in block 212 , a fixed vehicle seat identification step is performed. Additionally, in block 214 , a portable child seat securing (alignment) step is implemented. Additionally, in block 216 , a portable child seat locking and locking monitoring step is performed. Additionally, in block 218 , a portable child seat unlocking and unlocking monitoring step is completed.

[0074] Fig.12 A method 310 for controlling a child seat latch assembly 12 according to one example of the present disclosure is depicted. As shown, the method includes providing a portable child seat 20 arranged to be secured in a vehicle 14 in block 312 (generally, block 212 is a secured vehicle seat identification). In this example, the method implements Figure 2 - FIG. 6 including a portable child seat as discussed above Figure 1 System 10 in.

[0075] refer to Fig.12 The method further includes, when a request for activation of a child seat latch assembly is received, identifying a fixed vehicle seat 40 in the vehicle in box 314 (typically, box 212 is fixed vehicle seat identification). In this example, the method implements the above-discussed and Figure 1 - a fixed vehicle seat 40 shown in FIG6 . As described above, when a request for activation of a child seat latch assembly is received, the ECU 70 is arranged to identify a fixed vehicle seat 40 in the vehicle. In one example, the ECU 70 receives a reservation ticket / signal or activation request from a user device 74 via a cloud server 76 for boarding the vehicle and activating the child seat latch assembly / system. The user device 74 is preferably equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) for determining the user's location via the user device 74.

[0076] In one embodiment, the vehicle may include a plurality of fixed vehicle seats 40 that can be activated to engage with the portable child seat 20. For example, the vehicle may include a first fixed vehicle seat disposed on one side of the vehicle (e.g., the left side) and a second fixed vehicle seat disposed on another side of the vehicle (e.g., the right side). In response to the request, the ECU 70 is arranged to identify and select one of the plurality of fixed vehicle seats 40 to be activated to engage with the portable child seat 20 based on the GPS location of the user device 74 relative to the vehicle.

[0077] Then refer to Fig.12 , the method further comprises activating the child seat latch system in frame 316 to enable the base latch unit 44 and the back latch unit 52 of the identified fixed vehicle seat 40 to secure the portable child seat 20 thereto (typically, frame 212 is fixed vehicle seat identification). Thus, the ECU 70 is arranged to activate the child seat latch system so that the base latch unit 44 and the back latch unit 52 can receive the portable child seat 20 and secure the portable child seat 20 to the fixed vehicle seat 40. It should be understood that frame 316 of activating the child seat may include pulling or attracting the child seat toward the vehicle seat to provide tension therebetween to achieve a relatively tight fit between the child seat and the vehicle seat. As an example, one of the vehicle seat and the child seat may have a servo motor arranged to engage the child seat closer to the vehicle seat.

[0078] Fig.12The method is shown, and the method also includes aligning the portable child seat 20 with the vehicle seat by generating the first magnetic field 32 and the second magnetic field 59 in frame 318 to engage the portable child seat 20 with the fixed vehicle seat 40 when the first magnet and the second magnet are located within a third distance defining the alignment position (generally, frame 214 is the portable vehicle seat fixed). The ECU 70 is arranged to control the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 in communication with the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 to align the portable child seat 20 with the vehicle seat. That is, the ECU 70 activates the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 to generate their respective magnetic fields (such as N-pole field and S-pole field) to attract the portable child seat 20 to the fixed vehicle seat 40 to the alignment position. In this example, the second magnetic unit 58 is arranged with a distance sensor 66 to monitor the portable child seat 20 relative to the fixed vehicle seat 40 to maintain the alignment position. In one example, the second magnetic unit 58 is arranged to monitor the base portion 22 relative to the receiving portion 42, and is arranged to monitor the back portion 26 relative to the support portion 50. In operation, when the portable child seat 20 is within a third distance from the fixed vehicle seat 40, the distance sensor 66 can send a confirmation signal to the ECU 70 indicating that the alignment position has been reached. In the event that the alignment position changes, the second magnetic unit 58 can send a warning signal to the ECU 70 indicating that the portable child seat 20 may need to be repositioned relative to the fixed vehicle seat 40. In this example, the ECU 70 can be configured to notify / warn the driver or occupant in the vehicle through the cabin display unit 72. Other suitable options may be used by the driver / occupant without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] exist Fig.12 In the method, the method further includes, in block 320, sensing the base rod 24 relative to the base connector 46, and inserting the base rod 24 into the base connector 46 when the portable child seat 20 is aligned with the vehicle seat. In the above embodiment, when the base rod 24 is inserted into the base connector 46, the base sensor 47 is arranged to sense the base rod 24 relative to the base connector 46. The ECU 70 communicates with the base sensor 47 and the base latch unit 44, and locks the base rod 24 in the base connector 46 when the base rod 24 is inserted into the base connector 46 at a first distance.

[0080] refer to Fig.12, the method further includes, when the base rod 24 is sensed in the base connector 46 to be at a first distance, locking the base rod 24 in the base connector 46 in frame 322 to secure the base portion 22 to the receiving portion 42 defining a locked base position (typically, portable child seat locking and lock monitoring in frame 216). That is, when the base rod 24 is sensed in the base connector 46 to be at a first distance, the base latch unit 44 is arranged to lock the base rod 24 in the base connector 46 to secure the base portion 22 to the receiving portion 42 defining a locked base position. Therefore, when the base rod 24 is inserted into the base connector 46, the base sensor 47 is configured to sense the base rod 24 at the first distance from the base rod 24, so that the base latch unit 44 can be activated to lock the base rod 24 in the base connector 46. In operation, when the base sensor 47 senses that the base rod 24 in the base connector 46 is at or within a first distance therefrom, the base sensor 47 may send a locking signal to the ECU 70. In turn, the ECU 70 sends a signal to the base latch unit 44 to lock the base rod 24 within the base connector 46, thereby securing the base portion 22 to the receiving portion 42 in the locked base position.

[0081] Return to reference Fig.12 The method further includes, in frame 324, sensing the back bar 28 relative to the back connector 54, and inserting the back bar 28 into the back connector 54 when the portable child seat 20 is aligned with the vehicle seat. In the above embodiment, when the back bar 28 is inserted into the back connector 54, the back sensor 55 is arranged to sense the back bar 28 relative to the back connector 54. The ECU 70 communicates with the back sensor 55 and the back latch unit 52, and locks the back bar 28 in the back connector 54 when the back bar 28 is inserted into the back connector 54 at the second distance.

[0082] refer to Fig.12, the method further includes, in frame 326, locking the back bar 28 in the back connector 54 to fix the back portion 26 to the support portion 50 defining the locked back position when the back bar 28 is sensed in the back connector 54 at the second distance. That is, when the back bar 28 is sensed in the back connector 54 at the second distance, the back latch unit 52 is arranged to lock the back bar 28 in the back connector 54 to fix the back portion 26 to the support portion 50 defining the locked back position. Therefore, when the back bar 28 is inserted into the back connector 54, the back sensor 55 is configured to sense the back bar 28 at the second distance from the back bar 28, so that the back latch unit 52 can be activated to lock the back bar 28 in the back connector 54. In operation, when the back sensor 55 senses that the back bar 28 in the back connector 54 is at or within the second distance therefrom, the back sensor 55 can send a locking signal to the ECU 70. In turn, the ECU 70 sends a signal to the back latch unit 52 to lock the back bar 28 within the back connector 54, thereby securing the back portion 26 to the support portion 50 in the locked back position.

[0083] The method also includes monitoring the portable child seat 20 relative to the fixed vehicle seat 40 to maintain the aligned position, the locked base position, and the locked back position in box 328. In one example, the base sensor 47 is arranged to monitor the locked base position. That is, by sensing the base rod 24 within a first distance from it, the base sensor 47 can monitor the locked base position between the base portion 22 and the receiving portion 42. In this example, when the distance between the base rod 24 and the base sensor 47 is within the first distance, the base sensor 47 can send a confirmation signal to the ECU 70 indicating that the locked base position has been reached and / or is being maintained. In the event that the locked base position changes, the base sensor 47 can send a warning signal to the ECU 70 indicating that the base portion 22 may need to be repositioned relative to the receiving portion 42. In this example, the ECU 70 can be configured to notify / warn the driver or occupant in the vehicle through the cabin display unit 72. Other suitable options can be used by the driver / occupant without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0084] In addition, the back sensor 55 is arranged to monitor the locked back position. That is, by sensing that the back bar 28 is within the second distance from it, the back sensor 55 can monitor the locked back position between the back portion 26 and the support portion 50. In this example, when the distance between the back bar 28 and the back sensor 55 is within the second distance, the back sensor 55 can send a confirmation signal to the ECU 70, indicating that the locked back position has been reached and / or is being maintained. In the event that the locked back position changes, the back sensor 55 can send a warning signal to the ECU 70, indicating that the back portion 26 may need to be repositioned relative to the support portion 50. In this example, the ECU 70 can be configured to notify / warn the driver or occupant in the vehicle through the cockpit display unit 72. Without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, the driver / occupant may use other suitable options.

[0085] Fig.12 The method is depicted to further include, when the determination of the child seat latch assembly deactivation is completed, de-energizing the first magnetic field 32 and the second magnetic field 59 in box 330. In this example, when a request for deactivation of the child seat latch assembly is received, the ECU 70 is arranged to de-energize the first magnetic field 32 and the second magnetic field 59. That is, when the destination of the trip is reached, the ECU 70 sends an end signal to the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 to de-energize the first magnetic field 32 and the second magnetic field 59.

[0086] The method further includes, when the first magnetic field 32 and the second magnetic field 59 are de-energized, unlocking the base rod 24 from the base connector 46 and unlocking the back rod 28 from the back connector 54 in frame 332 to disengage the portable child seat 20 from the fixed vehicle seat 40 (typically, portable child seat unlocking and unlock monitoring in frame 218). In this example, once the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 are de-energized, the ECU 70 is arranged to unlock the base rod 24 from the base connector 46 and unlock the back rod 28 from the back connector 54 to disengage the portable child seat 20 from the fixed vehicle seat 40. That is, when the first magnetic unit 30 and the second magnetic unit 58 are de-energized, the ECU 70 sends a signal to the base latch unit 44 and the back lock 56 unit to respectively unlock the base lock 48 and the back lock 56. Subsequently, the base rod 24 is unlocked from the base connector 46, and the back rod 28 is unlocked from the back connector 54. Once the base rod 24 and the back rod 28 are unlocked, the ECU 70 determines that the child seat latch assembly is deactivated.

[0087] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. These variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A child seat latch system for a vehicle, the system comprising: A portable child seat, the portable child seat being arranged to be fixed in the vehicle, the portable child seat comprising: a base portion including a first cushion and a base rod disposed therein, the base rod being used to secure the base portion in the vehicle, the base portion having a base edge; a back portion including a second cushion and a back bar disposed therein for securing the back portion in the vehicle, the back portion having a rear edge connected to a base edge of the base portion such that the back portion extends perpendicularly from the base portion; and a first magnetic unit disposed on one of the base portion and the back portion, the first magnetic unit being arranged to generate and sense a magnetic field for alignment in the vehicle, A fixed vehicle seat arranged to receive a portable child seat for securing in the vehicle, the fixed vehicle seat comprising: a receiving portion, the receiving portion including a third cushion and a base latch unit disposed therein to receive the base rod, the base latch unit including a base connector formed to receive the base rod, the base latch unit including a base sensor and a base lock, the base sensor being disposed on the base connector for sensing the insertion of the base rod into the base connector, the base lock being disposed on the base connector for locking the base rod in the base connector, so that when the base rod is inserted into the base connector at a first distance, the base rod is locked in the base connector for fixing the base portion to the receiving portion; a support portion, the support portion comprising a fourth cushion and a back latch unit disposed therein to receive the back rod, the back latch unit comprising a back connector formed to receive the back rod, the back latch unit comprising a back sensor and a back lock, the back sensor being disposed on the back connector for sensing the insertion of the back rod into the back connector, the back lock being disposed on the back connector for locking the back rod in the back connector, so that when the back rod is inserted into the back connector at a second distance, the back rod is locked in the back connector, for fixing the back portion to the support portion; and a second magnetic unit arranged to generate and sense a magnetic field when operating in conjunction with the first magnetic unit, the second magnetic unit being disposed on one of the receiving portion and the supporting portion such that the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit align the portable child seat with the vehicle for securing; and an electronic control unit ECU, the electronic control unit communicating with the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit, the ECU being arranged to control the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit to align the portable child seat with the vehicle seat, the ECU communicating with the base latch unit to lock the base rod in the base connector when the base rod is inserted into the base connector at the first distance, the ECU communicating with the back latch unit to lock the back rod in the back connector when the back rod is inserted into the back connector at the second distance to secure the portable child seat to the fixed vehicle seat.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The base latch unit is embedded in the third cushion, and the base rod extends from the first cushion into the third cushion, so that the base connector receives the base rod therein to fix the base portion to the receiving portion.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The back latch unit is embedded in the fourth cushion, and the back bar extends from the second cushion into the fourth cushion, so that the back connector receives the back bar therein to fix the back portion to the support portion.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The base rod is embedded in the first portion, and the base latch unit movably extends from the third cushion and into the first cushion so that the base connector receives the base rod therein to fix the base portion to the receiving portion.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The back bar is embedded in the second portion, and the back latch unit movably extends from the fourth cushion and into the second cushion so that the back connector receives the back bar therein to secure the back portion to the support portion.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The ECU communicates with the base latch unit to movably extend the base connector from the third seat cushion to receive the base rod therein.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The ECU communicates with the back latch unit to movably extend the back connector from the fourth seat cushion to receive the back bar therein.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed vehicle seat comprises a release device for unlocking the portable child seat therefrom, the release device being arranged to disengage the base bar from the base latch unit and to disengage the back bar from the back latch unit.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed vehicle seat includes a leveler for leveling the portable child seat relative to the fixed vehicle seat.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The base rod is a plurality of base rods, the back rod is a plurality of back rods, the base latch unit is a plurality of base latch units, and the back latch unit is a plurality of back latch units.

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