Vehicle seat with integrated weight detection

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat part assembly (10), a floor assembly (13) carrying the seat part assembly (10), and a height adjustment device (12) for adjusting the distance between the seat part assembly (10) and the floor assembly (13) by means of a drive (3). The vehicle seat further comprises a control system (14) coupled to the drive means (3) and arranged to perform the steps of: activating the drive means (3) for adjusting the distance between the seat part assembly (10) and the floor assembly (13) in one direction (R1); detecting a value of a parameter during the adjustment of the height adjustment device (12) and / or the drive (3) in the direction (R1); and determining the weight acting on the seat part assembly (10) on the basis of the detected value of the parameter, the control system (14) being arranged to take into account the setting of the other seat adjustment device when determining the weight acting on the seat part assembly (10).

Description

[0001] The proposed solution relates to a vehicle seat, a system having a vehicle seat, a method, a corresponding computer program product, and a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.

[0002] Some functions in today's vehicles are based on seat occupancy detection. If a vehicle seat is occupied, the vehicle's controls periodically check if the corresponding seatbelt is also fastened. Furthermore, airbag deployment can be linked to seat occupancy. In some cases, this or other functions can be improved by not only detecting whether a vehicle seat is occupied in any way, but also quantifying the weight acting on the seat. Therefore, for example, if a vehicle seat is occupied by an object (such as a pocket) rather than by a passenger, the unfastened seatbelt alarm can be omitted. Additionally, airbag deployment can be adjusted based on the passenger's weight for optimized restraint.

[0003] In practice, for example, so-called cushioning pads or piezoelectric elements can be embedded in the seat portion to detect seat occupancy and perform approximate weight measurements. However, this type of component requires structural space and complicates manufacturing due to additional wiring and other factors.

[0004] DE 10 2006 061 669 A1 describes a method for determining an indication of the occupancy weight of a vehicle seat, wherein seat elements of the vehicle seat can be adjusted by means of a drive unit. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one measurement signal indicating the state of the drive unit; manipulating the drive unit for at least a predetermined time period; during the manipulation, detecting the measurement signal and determining a load torque from the measurement signal according to a motor model; and determining an indication of the occupancy weight of the seat elements based on the load torque. An electric drive unit can be provided to adjust the seat height. However, it has been found that the accuracy of the measurement needs to be improved.

[0005] DE 10 2017 217 331 A1 describes a method for operating an electric massage device for a seat, particularly for a motor vehicle, the electric massage device including a massage driver having an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is energized, the torque of the electric motor is detected and a reference value is determined therefrom, and the occupancy of at least a portion of the seat is determined based on the reference value.

[0006] DE 103 35 734 A1 relates to a method for detecting seat occupancy in a motor vehicle having at least one servo motor for seat adjustment. In this case, the power supply of one or more servo motors for seat adjustment is detected during operation and assessed as the degree of seat occupancy. However, there is potential to improve the accuracy of this measurement.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to improve the weight detection of vehicle seats.

[0008] This objective is achieved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0009] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat includes a seat portion assembly, a floor assembly supporting the seat portion assembly, and a height adjustment device for adjusting the distance between the seat portion assembly and the floor assembly via a drive mechanism. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat also includes a control system coupled to the drive mechanism via control technology, configured to perform the following steps: activating the drive mechanism for adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the distance between the seat portion assembly and the floor assembly in one (e.g., a first) direction (e.g., up or down); detecting the value of a parameter of the height adjustment device and / or the drive mechanism during adjustment in the (e.g., the first) direction; and determining the weight acting on the seat portion assembly based on the detected value of the parameter. In this embodiment, the control system is also configured to take into account the settings of another seat adjustment device when determining the weight acting on the seat portion assembly.

[0010] This is based on the idea that a height-adjustable motor generates torque corresponding to a current through adjustment. This current can be measured by a control system (which may include electronics arranged on the vehicle seat and / or a central vehicle controller) and used to assess the load. Significantly improved accuracy in weight measurement can be achieved by considering the settings of another seat adjustment device in the weight calculation. To determine the correct weight, the load applied to the seat at the same location may be relevant. For example, the center of gravity of the load on the seat can be affected by the settings of another seat adjustment device. Therefore, it is advantageous to consider the settings of another seat adjustment device as a further input variable to determine a more accurate measurement of the weight acting on the vehicle seat. Thus, support can be compensated for, for example, through backrest and / or legroom.

[0011] The setting of another seat adjustment device may, for example, involve the (static) position and / or orientation of one component of the vehicle seat relative to another component (such as the floor assembly or a component that may be fixedly connected to or attached to the vehicle floor). Alternatively or additionally, the setting of another seat adjustment device may include the (dynamic) setting of the adjustment movement of the other seat adjustment device.

[0012] Another seat adjustment device may be configured as a backrest tilt adjustment device or a seat tilt adjustment device for setting the backrest angle and / or seat tilt. For example, if the backrest is pivoted far back, the current intensity during actuation of the drive mechanism may differ from that measured when the same user is using the same seat for weight measurement. This can be corrected by taking the backrest tilt into account. For example, different calculations are provided for different backrest angles in each case. For example, for several different settings, different or different configurations of models (e.g., with LUTs) are used in each case, which assign weight values ​​to parameter values ​​in each case. The same applies to seat tilt.

[0013] Another seat adjustment device can be a floor assembly in the form of a longitudinal adjustment device. With the aid of a longitudinal adjustment device, when the vehicle seat is mounted on the vehicle floor, the seat components (e.g., together with the backrest components) can slide longitudinally relative to the vehicle floor on which the vehicle seat can be mounted. Depending on the longitudinal arrangement of the vehicle seat, the typical sitting posture of the seat occupant varies, causing the weight measured by the height adjustment device to show different values, even if the seat occupant always has the same weight. This can also be corrected in the manner described above by taking into account the setting of the longitudinal adjustment device. For this purpose, for example, starting from a certain setting, a correction factor is applied to the weight and / or another or other adjusted model is used to calculate the weight based on one or more values ​​of parameters. The tilt or acceleration of the mass, or frictional forces varying according to the setting, can also be taken into account in this way.

[0014] Another seat adjustment device may be a seat depth adjustment device for setting seat depth, a leg support adjustment device for setting leg support, a backrest headrest adjustment device for setting backrest headrest, a cheek support adjustment device for setting at least one cheek support, or a lumbar support adjustment device for setting lumbar support. Considering the corresponding settings of one or more of these seat adjustment devices can also improve the results of weight measurements by the height adjustment device. It should be noted that the control system can be configured to consider the settings of several other seat adjustment devices, particularly the settings of two or more other seat adjustment devices mentioned above or elsewhere, when determining the weight acting on the seat components.

[0015] Another seat adjustment device, including another drive unit, can be provided, by means of which the weight acting on the seat component assembly can also be determined. For this purpose, for example, a control system (or a control device communicatively connected thereto) is configured to perform, for example, the following steps: activating the drive unit of the other seat adjustment device to adjust the position and / or orientation of one component of the vehicle seat relative to another component (e.g., the floor assembly); detecting at least one value of a parameter of the other seat adjustment device and / or its drive unit during adjustment; and determining the weight acting on the seat component assembly based on the detected value of the parameter (wherein, prior to the determination step, the activation and detection steps may also be performed first in a first direction and then in a second, opposite direction). Furthermore, the control system can be configured to cancel out the respective results obtained by the two drive units (the height adjustment device and the other seat adjustment device). Therefore, a more accurate result can be determined.

[0016] During the offsetting process, individual results can be added (or averaged) to each other and / or one result can be corrected by at least one other result. It is also possible to provide the addition of corresponding quantities derived from the individual results to determine the weight. For example, the results are added proportionally. For instance, if measured using a height adjustment device, the weight of the upper body and thighs can be measured using that device. If the weight is determined separately using a backrest tilt adjustment device, the weight of the upper body can be determined, but the weight of the thighs cannot. The control system can be configured to proportionally consider the corresponding results and / or offset them with a scaling factor, such as adding or determining an average.

[0017] The control system may include a central control device that communicates with a control device of the drive unit in each case. The central control device may be configured to obtain individual results from the control device of the drive unit. The central control device may be, for example, a seat controller or a central vehicle controller. In this way, the calculation of individual weight measurements is performed separately, and these weight measurements cancel each other out only within the central control device.

[0018] Furthermore, the control system may include a central control device that reads the values ​​of parameters, such as the motor current of the drive unit, in order to calculate a single result. This central control device can then take over the entire calculation. Alternatively or additionally, it may also take over the control of the drive unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the control system may include a control device for one of the drive units, which communicates with a control device (or multiple control devices) of another drive unit to obtain a (corresponding) single result, and optionally cancels it out with its own result. Thus, one of the drive units may use the control device to cancel out a result. The control device may be arranged on the motor of the respective drive unit.

[0020] The control system can be configured to sequentially activate the drive units to perform the corresponding weight measurements. This allows for accurate measurements with a low total current intensity. Alternatively, simultaneous activation can be provided, resulting in shorter measurement durations.

[0021] This parameter can be an electrical parameter, specifically current intensity, voltage, or power. Alternatively or additionally, a parameter indicating torque can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, a parameter indicating (e.g., the rotational speed of the drive unit) can be provided, particularly the maximum rotational speed reached during adjustment. These parameters allow for easy conversion to weight, for example, via conversion rules and / or lookup tables (LUTs). This parameter can, in particular, refer to one or more drive motors of the drive unit. Optionally, the control system is configured (for each of the two directions) to increase the voltage and / or current intensity of the drive unit from an initial value (e.g., zero) until the components of the height adjustment device, particularly the drive motors of the drive unit, move from rest to motion. The value of the parameter is then recorded, for example, the reached value of the current intensity or voltage. The control system can also be configured to stop the drive unit once movement is recorded. Thus, only minimal movement is required for weight measurement. Therefore, the adjustment in the first and second directions is minimal and barely noticeable to the seat user.

[0022] In addition, parameters can be provided to indicate the adjustment path traveled within a specific (especially predetermined) time, particularly the length of the adjustment path, or the adjustment time required for a specific (especially predetermined) adjustment path. These parameters also allow for simple conversion to weight, for example, via conversion rules and / or LUTs.

[0023] The direction can be a first direction, and the control system can also be configured to perform the following steps: activating a drive mechanism to adjust (e.g., correspondingly decrease or increase) the distance between the seat portion assembly and the floor assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and detecting the value of a parameter during adjustment of the height adjustment device and / or the drive mechanism in the second direction. In this case, the control system is configured to determine the weight acting on the seat portion assembly, for example, based on the detected values ​​of the parameters (from adjustments in both directions). This patent is based on the understanding that friction and tolerances impair the accuracy of weight measurement; however, measurements in both adjustment directions allow this effect to be offset. Therefore, particularly accurate weight determination can be achieved with a very simple structure.

[0024] The control system can be configured to activate the drive device at predetermined times and / or via a predetermined adjustment path (e.g., measured by the number of motor rotations) in the first and second directions, respectively. Therefore, for example, the power at the predetermined adjustment path or predetermined adjustment time can be determined and used to determine the weight.

[0025] The drive unit can be activated at different adjustment speeds. In other words, the drive unit can allow for variable adjustment speeds. For example, the control system is configured to signal the drive unit to adjust the speed. Furthermore, the drive unit can have a maximum adjustment speed. For example, the drive unit operates at its maximum adjustment speed when setting the seat height. The control system can be configured to activate the drive unit at an adjustment speed in a first direction, and then activate it at that (or another) adjustment speed in a second direction, which is lower than the maximum adjustment speed. Therefore, the weight measurement process does not disturb the seat user. Specifically, the adjustment speed can be less than or equal to 50% of the maximum adjustment speed, optionally less than or equal to 10% of the maximum adjustment speed, or even less than or equal to 1% of the maximum adjustment speed, making the adjustment almost imperceptible. If the drive unit has a minimum operable adjustment speed, the control system can be configured to activate it at that minimum adjustment speed in a first direction, and then at the minimum adjustment speed in a second direction. The measurement can be considered quasi-static.

[0026] The control system may include a storage medium, such as a stored model, which assigns the value of the applied weight to each possible value of a parameter. Based on this model (e.g., in the form of a LUT), weight determination can be performed in a particularly simple manner. This model can also be a machine learning model, which has been trained, for example, with different weight loads.

[0027] Alternatively, the model assigns the value of the applied weight to each of the parameters (specifically, each possible value of the parameter) for multiple possible setting positions of the height adjustment device. Therefore, it can be assumed that, due to the kinematics of the height adjustment device, the same torque is not required for adjustment at each setting position.

[0028] Alternatively, the model assigns the applied weight to the parameter values ​​(specifically, each possible value of the parameter) independently of the adjustment in the first direction and the adjustment in the second direction. This can further improve the accuracy of the measurement.

[0029] For example, the control system is configured to determine the applied weight based on the detected values ​​of parameters in a first direction and the detected values ​​of parameters in a second direction, respectively. Optionally, the control system is also configured to determine the weight acting on the seat portion assembly 10 based on the two weight values ​​thus obtained, i.e., specifically forming an average value. In particular, a weighted average value can be formed, for which each of the two individual values ​​is multiplied by a weighting factor.

[0030] This parameter can be detected for the drive motors of the drive unit. Optionally, the drive unit includes multiple drive motors. The control system can be configured to detect the value of a parameter of each of the multiple drive motors during adjustment and determine the weight acting on the seat component based on the detected values ​​of the parameters of the multiple drive motors. For this purpose, the parameter values ​​of the drive motors can be added together, and then the weight can be determined based on the added value. Optionally, the corresponding weight acting on the seat component can be determined separately for each drive motor, and then, for example, an average value can be formed from them. As described above, adjustment is first performed in the first direction and then in the second direction. The measurements from multiple drive motors can further improve the accuracy of the determined weight.

[0031] When no weight is applied to the vehicle seat, the control system can be set to detect parameter values ​​for calibration. This can be achieved as described above, by activating the drive unit to adjust the distance between the seat component assembly and the floor assembly in a first direction, and detecting the drive unit's parameter values ​​during adjustment in the first direction; and by activating the drive unit to adjust the distance between the seat component assembly and the floor assembly in a second direction, and detecting the drive unit's parameter values ​​during adjustment in the second direction. Since the weight applied to the seat component assembly is known (0 kg), the detected values ​​can be stored as a reference and / or used for, for example, model calibration. Calibration can correct for aging-related effects, such as changes in efficiency, friction, etc., during the lifespan of the vehicle seat.

[0032] Optionally, the control system is configured to automatically repeat the calibration after a predetermined time interval. This ensures that high accuracy in weight determination is always possible.

[0033] The drive unit, and in particular each of a plurality of drive units, may (in each case) include a brushless DC motor. Such a motor allows for particularly precise setting of the regulated speed by setting the rotational speed. Typically, the regulated speed can be determined by the rotational speed.

[0034] The control system may optionally be configured to receive data on seat occupancy of the vehicle seats from a camera or another detection device (e.g., radar). The data may be camera images or other data evaluated by the control system, such as to determine the size of a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat and / or their position in the vehicle seat. This data may be used in conjunction with a determined weight. Furthermore, the determined weight may be corrected based on the seat occupancy data; for example, a measured weight that is too small may be corrected using the passenger's position in the vehicle seat.

[0035] According to the improved design, the control system may include a memory that stores a model in a retrievable manner, establishing at least a relationship between the weight acting on the seat component and the input values ​​of the adjuster position and measured parameters. This model may include further input variables, such as those described earlier herein. The model can be used to determine the weight acting on the seat component. The more input variables considered, the more accurate the weight measurement will be.

[0036] The aforementioned features can also be used to improve the methods and / or systems described and / or claimed herein.

[0037] According to one aspect, a system is provided comprising a vehicle seat and camera and / or another detection device and / or tilt sensor and / or temperature sensor for detecting vehicle tilt, according to any design scheme described herein.

[0038] The described vehicle seat or system may also include measuring devices for measuring the settings of another seat adjustment device, particularly for setting the backrest angle and / or seat tilt. This can be sensors arranged on the vehicle seat, particularly on the other seat adjustment device, or sensors arranged at a distance from the vehicle seat, such as distance sensors and / or tilt sensors. Furthermore, the control device for the other seat adjustment device can measure and / or control the settings.

[0039] According to one aspect, a computer-implemented method is provided for determining the weight acting on a vehicle seat, particularly the weight on a vehicle seat according to any design described herein. The method includes the steps of: activating a drive mechanism of a height adjustment device for the vehicle seat to adjust the distance between a seat portion assembly and a floor assembly of the vehicle seat in a (first) direction; detecting values ​​of parameters of the drive mechanism during adjustment in the (first) direction; (optionally: activating the drive mechanism to adjust the distance between the seat portion assembly and the floor assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction; detecting values ​​of parameters of the drive mechanism during adjustment in the second direction); and determining the weight acting on the seat portion assembly based on the detected parameter values. Regarding advantages, refer to the above information concerning vehicle seats.

[0040] This method may include steps based on various design schemes of the control system described above.

[0041] According to one aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes instructions that, when executed by one or more computers (e.g., in the form of the control system described above), cause it to perform the methods described above.

[0042] According to one aspect, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium is provided, having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more computers (e.g., in the form of the control system described above), cause them to perform the methods described above.

[0043] The concept of the present invention will now be explained in more detail based on the embodiments shown in the figures. Wherein:

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle seat with height adjustment devices carried by a floor assembly is shown, wherein the floor assembly is configured, for example, in the form of longitudinal adjustment devices;

[0045] Figure 2 A view of the seat portion assembly of a vehicle seat is shown;

[0046] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 A floor plan showing the layout;

[0047] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 2 A partially enlarged view of the arrangement shows the drive mechanism for connecting the seat section assembly to the floor assembly in the form of a longitudinal adjustment device;

[0048] Figure 5 It shows the method for using according to Figure 1 The drive unit for the alternative design of the vehicle seat; and

[0049] Figure 6 It shows according to Figure 1 A method for determining the weight acting on a vehicle seat.

[0050] Figure 1 A vehicle seat 1 is shown, which can be arranged, for example, as a front seat or a rear seat in the second or third row of seats in a vehicle. The vehicle seat 1 has a seat portion assembly 10, a backrest portion assembly 11 on which the recline is adjustable, and a floor assembly 13 in the form of a longitudinal adjustment device connected to a height adjustment device 12 for longitudinally adjusting the vehicle seat 1 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0051] like Figure 1 Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the longitudinal adjustment device 13 typically has two pairs of guide rails 130A, 131A, 130B, and 131B, which are respectively arranged on one side of the seat portion assembly 10 and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction Y, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. In this case, the lower guide rails 131A and 131B are fixedly connected to the vehicle floor 2. In contrast, the upper guide rails 130A and 130B are connected to the pivot elements 120A, 121A, 120B, and 121B of the height adjustment device 12, and the floor assembly 13 is connected to the seat portion assembly 10 via the pivot elements.

[0052] Pivoting elements 120A, 121A, 120B, and 121B, together with the upper guide rails 130A and 130B of the seat component assembly 10 and the side frame portions 100A and 100B, form two pairs of four-bar linkages. For this purpose, one end of each pivoting element 120A, 121A, 120B, and 121B is pivotally connected to the corresponding associated upper guide rail 130A and 130B, and the other end is pivotally connected to the seat component assembly 10, for example, to a transverse tube 102 that pivotally extends between the frame portions 100A and 100B of the seat component assembly 10 (or connected to another portion of the seat component assembly 10), such that the height position of the seat component assembly 10 can be changed along the height direction Z (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y) by pivoting the pivoting elements 120A, 121A, 120B, and 121B. In this case, the distance between the seat component assembly 10 and the floor assembly 13 is changed. Therefore, the height adjustment device 12 is configured to adjust the distance between the seat assembly 10 and the floor assembly 13. To achieve this adjustment, the height adjustment device 12 includes at least a drive unit 3 (with one or more drive motors).

[0053] The floor assembly, namely the longitudinal adjustment device 13 here, supports the seat portion assembly 10.

[0054] The vehicle seat 1 also includes a control system 14 coupled to the drive unit 3, which is configured to perform the following steps:

[0055] -Activate drive unit 3 to adjust the distance between seat assembly 10 and floor assembly 13;

[0056] - Detect the values ​​of parameters of the height adjustment device 12 and / or drive unit 3 during adjustment; and

[0057] - The weight acting on the seat component 10 is determined based on the measured values ​​of the parameters.

[0058] In this case, the control system 14 is configured to take into account the settings of at least one other seat adjustment device when determining the weight acting on the seat portion assembly 10.

[0059] As another seat adjustment device, the vehicle seat 1 includes the previously mentioned longitudinal adjustment device 13, as well as seat tilt adjustment device 15A, backrest tilt adjustment device 15B, seat depth adjustment device 15C, calf support adjustment device 15D, backrest head adjustment device 15E, side cheek adjustment device 15F, and lumbar support adjustment device 15G. However, the seat adjustment devices described are merely exemplary, and the vehicle seat 1 may also include only one, two, three, or other numbers of seat adjustment devices and / or other seat adjustment devices not shown herein.

[0060] Each seat adjustment device includes a drive unit 3 through which the corresponding seat adjustment device can be set. The drive unit 3 enables the setting of the corresponding seat adjustment device, for example, relative to a static position and / or orientation and / or relative to the direction of adjustment movement.

[0061] The seat tilt angle of the seat component 10 can be set by the seat tilt adjustment device 15A. In this case, the front pivot elements 120A and 120B are connected to the seat component 10 via additional pivot elements, wherein the adjustment of the seat tilt adjustment device 15A makes various settings of the seat tilt angle possible. The seat tilt adjustment device 15A can also be used as a rocking adjustment device, for example, to move the vehicle seat 1 to a relaxing or sleeping position.

[0062] In this case, the backrest tilt adjustment device 15B includes a number of accessories by means of which the angle of the backrest part assembly 11 relative to the seat part assembly 10 can be set.

[0063] The seat depth of the seat portion assembly 10 can be set by the seat depth adjustment device 15C. In this case, the (front) seat portion 103 of the seat portion assembly 10 can therefore slide longitudinally relative to another part of the seat portion assembly 10 (in this case, the rest of the seat groove) (optionally or additionally, with respect to its angle adjustable).

[0064] Using the calf support adjustment device 15D, the calf support 150 can be configured relative to the seat component 10, for example, it can be retracted and extended and / or configured in position and / or orientation relative to the seat component 10. The seat user can place his / her calves on the calf support 150.

[0065] The backrest head adjustment device 15E allows the backrest head 151 of the backrest part assembly 11 to be positioned, in this case, at the lower part of the backrest part assembly 11, which connects the backrest head 151 to the seat part assembly 10. In this case, the tilt angle of the backrest head 151 relative to the lower part of the backrest part assembly 11 is variable.

[0066] Using a cheek adjustment device 15F, one or more cheek plates 152, in this case two cheek plates 152, one of which is in Figure 1 As can be seen by example, it can be positioned relative to the backrest portion assembly 11, in which case it can pivot relative to it. Alternatively or additionally, one or more side cheek panels can be similarly positioned on the seat portion assembly 10.

[0067] The lumbar support 153 can be set by the lumbar support adjustment device 15G. The lumbar support 153 is mounted on the backrest part assembly 11, and in this case, its curvature and / or position can be set along the backrest part assembly 11.

[0068] In this case, as an example, the control system 14 includes a central control device 141 and separate (peripheral) control devices 35 for the respective drive units 3. Each control device 35 is, for example, arranged on or within the respective drive unit 3 (in...) Figure 1 (This is shown only once as an example in a simplified representation). The central control device 141 of the control system 14 is communicatively connected to the control device 35 of the control system 14 for the corresponding drive device 3.

[0069] In each case, the control device 35 sends its current settings to the central control device 141, which takes these settings into account when determining the weight, for example by using a correction factor that depends on the corresponding settings or by selecting a setting-specific model for determining the weight.

[0070] In this configuration, control device 35 also determines the weight for each case, as described above for height adjustment device 12, and transmits it to central control device 141. Central control device 141 then calculates the applied weight based on the individual weight values. This can be done by summing (in all or proportionally for each case) or averaging (especially by weighting) the individual weight values.

[0071] Alternatively, the control device 35 of the drive unit 3 may not itself calculate the weight value, or may not provide a peripheral control device 35 for the drive unit 3 at all. Then, the central control device 141 may obtain parameter values, such as current intensity, directly from each drive unit 3, and calculate the corresponding weight value based on these values. Therefore, the central control device 141 may receive already calculated weight values ​​(which may be calculated with particular consideration of the kinematics and / or position of the corresponding settable components) or parameter values.

[0072] Therefore, the other seat adjustment devices can (only) provide a load indication in each case. Thus, the central control device 141 can determine a corresponding compensation factor for measuring the weight of the height adjustment device 12, thereby calculating the weight. Furthermore, each of the other seat adjustment devices can provide its own partial weight, which is then directly added by the central control device 141. Additionally, the other seat adjustment devices can provide their own partial weight in each case, where the weight calculation is performed individually. For example, the weight result of the backrest tilt adjustment device 15B is already partially included in the result of the height adjustment device 12, so proportional compensation can be performed (e.g., using a corresponding correction factor of the other seat adjustment device, which may also depend on the setting of that other seat adjustment device).

[0073] The central control device 141 can also be configured to control (in particular, adjust) the individual drive devices 3 for setting, especially for weight measurement. In this case, the individual seat adjustment devices can be activated sequentially or simultaneously. Furthermore, priority can be assigned in the case of sequential measurements. For example, for the first result, only the height adjustment device 12 is used, then (alone or additionally) the seat tilt adjustment device 15A (or another seat adjustment device) is used; optionally, then (alone or additionally) the backrest tilt adjustment device 15B (or another seat adjustment device) is used. During operation, a geometric model of the entire seat can be used, which, for example, indicates how each seat adjustment device is set (and how the arrangement of the seat surface results from this). Based on this geometric model (and / or kinematic model), the direction of movement can be dynamically adjusted (e.g., when the tilt is large, the backrest tilt adjustment device lowers rather than raises, and vice versa).

[0074] Alternatively, the control system 14 may not include a central control device 141, wherein one of the control devices 35 may be one of the drive devices 3 that takes over one or more of the aforementioned functions. For example, one of the control devices 35, such as the control device 35 of the longitudinal adjustment device 13, receives weight values ​​or parameter values ​​from one or more (especially all) other drive devices 3 and thereby calculates the applied weight.

[0075] The control system 14 can also be configured to perform the following steps:

[0076] -Activate drive unit 3 to adjust the distance between seat part assembly 10 and floor assembly 13 in a first direction R1;

[0077] -Detect the value of the parameter of the drive unit 3 during the adjustment in the first direction R1;

[0078] -Activate drive unit 3 to adjust the distance between seat part assembly 10 and floor assembly 13 in a second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1;

[0079] - The value of the parameter detected during the adjustment of the drive unit 3 in the second direction R2; and

[0080] - The weight acting on the seat component 10 is determined based on the detected values ​​of the parameters, wherein the setting of another seat adjustment device is taken into account when determining the weight acting on the seat component 10.

[0081] according to Figure 1 The adjustment in the first direction R1 increases the distance between the seat assembly 10 and the floor assembly 13, while the adjustment in the second direction R2 decreases the distance between them. In this case, to determine the weight, only a minimal adjustment path is needed, for example, a few millimeters relative to the distance between the seat assembly 10 and the floor assembly 13, so that the seat user will not or hardly notice the measurement result.

[0082] Optionally, the measurement can be repeated, for example, three times consecutively, and the average weight can be determined. This can further improve accuracy.

[0083] The drive unit 3 can be activated at different adjustment speeds, and has minimum and maximum adjustment speeds. The control system 14 is configured to activate the drive unit 3 at the minimum adjustment speed in the first direction R1, and then activate the drive unit 3 at an adjustment speed less than the maximum adjustment speed in the second direction R2. Therefore, the seat user is barely aware of or completely unaware of the weight measurement.

[0084] In this case, the parameter is an electrical parameter, namely the current intensity through the power supply line of at least one drive motor 31 of the drive unit 3. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the applied power can also be used as a parameter. The current intensity corresponds to the corresponding torque of the drive unit 3 (one or more drive motors). Depending on the magnitude of the applied weight, such as the weight applied by a passenger, the drive unit 3 must apply a larger or smaller torque for adjustment, for example, through a predetermined adjustment path. Therefore, the control system 14 can determine the weight using a predetermined relationship between the current intensity (typically a parameter) and the applied weight (optionally based on the corresponding instantaneous adjustment position of the height adjustment device 12). Inaccuracies with different effects in different directions can be calculated by taking measurements in the two adjustment directions R1, R2, for example by (optionally weighted) averaging the weight values ​​determined for the two directions R1, R2 respectively. Inaccuracies caused by friction, tolerances, wear, etc., can be calculated by measuring the empty space of the vehicle seat 1 when it is not occupied. For example, the difference between the current intensity used for downward airborne measurement (typically: the value of a parameter) and the weight measurement used for downward occupancy is calculated, and then multiplied by a first factor to determine the weight in the measurement during downward adjustment. Similarly, the difference between the current intensity used for upward weight measurement (typically: the value of a parameter) and the current intensity used for upward airborne measurement is calculated, and then multiplied by a second factor to determine the weight in the measurement during upward adjustment. The first and second factors can be different from each other or the same. Then, for example, the weight is determined based on the sum of the two weight values.

[0085] The current intensity in the corresponding direction (typically: the value of the parameter) can be determined as an average value by adjusting the path. Optionally, starting the drive motor is excluded.

[0086] For example, this parameter can also indicate the maximum speed reached during regulation, the regulation path traveled within a specific time period, or the regulation time required for a specific regulation path.

[0087] Predetermined relationships are stored, for example, in storage medium 140. These relationships can be a model that associates the value of the applied weight with each possible value of the current intensity. Because these relationships depend on the adjustment direction in the example shown, the model also independently assigns the value of the applied weight to each possible value of the current intensity for adjustment relative to the first direction R1 and relative to the second direction R2. And because these relationships also depend on the adjustment position in the example shown, the model assigns the value of the applied weight to each possible value of the current intensity for all possible settings of the height adjustment device 12 in each case. This model can include a LUT and / or a trained machine learning model.

[0088] To generate LUTs and / or training data for machine learning models, test masses with various known weights (e.g., 0 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, 40 kg, and 80 kg, optionally with finer subdivisions) can be placed on the seat section component 10, and the values ​​of parameters can be determined in the manner described above (particularly at several adjustment positions). Therefore, a table with factors can be determined that assigns the weight value to each value of the parameter (e.g., current intensity) at each adjustment position. This table can be stored in a storage medium. Interpolation can be performed between two entries in the table.

[0089] To correct for changes in efficiency and friction, the control system 14 is configured to periodically perform calibration runs. In this case, the control system 14 is set to detect parameter values ​​for calibration when no weight is acting on the vehicle seat 1.

[0090] A camera 4 (or another detection device such as radar) is aimed at vehicle seat 1 to detect the size and position of the passenger sitting in vehicle seat 1 in the camera image. Camera 4 is directly or indirectly communicatively connected to control system 14, allowing control system 14 to receive data from camera 4 regarding seat occupancy of vehicle seat 1. This data can be in the form of recorded images or in the form of assessed information about weight, position, etc. By combining the determined weight with information about size and position, seat occupancy can be detected with particular precision. For example, weight determined due to seat position offset can also be corrected in this way. For this purpose, a correction table can be stored in a storage medium, which assigns correction factors to different seat positions (e.g., further forward, further back). This measure is particularly easy to implement due to the increasing number of passenger cameras installed in modern vehicles. For this purpose, control system 14 is configured to receive seat occupancy data based on camera images, for example, through an interface provided for this purpose.

[0091] The exemplary design of the height adjustment device 12 is explained in more detail below.

[0092] The frame portions 100A and 100B of the seat assembly 10 are connected to each other at the rear end via a transverse tube 102. The transverse tube 102 (in this example) is pivotally supported on the frame portions 100A and 100B and carries the associated rear pivot elements 121A and 121B.

[0093] In the front region, seat grooves 101 are arranged on frame portions 100A and 100B to form the seat surface of seat portion assembly 10.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 3 of the height adjustment device 12 is, for example, arranged on the rear pivot element 121A on the side of the guide rail pair 130A, 131A, such as... Figure 2 andFigure 3 Combination Figure 4 As shown. The drive unit 3 is configured as a spindle drive and is used to introduce an adjustment force into the pivot element 121A, such that the pivot elements 120A, 121A, 120B, and 121B pivot as a whole through the pivot element 121A, thereby allowing the seat part assembly 10 to adjust its height position, i.e., the distance between the seat part assembly 10 and the floor assembly 13.

[0095] At the set seat height, the seat component 10 is held in position on the pivot element 121A by the drive device 3. For this purpose, the drive device 3 is designed to be loadable, so that the force acting on the seat component 10 can be absorbed and transferred.

[0096] Now for reference Figures 2 to 4 The drive unit 3 has a main shaft 30, one end of which is pivotally connected to an associated guide rail 130A via a bearing element.

[0097] The pivoting element 121A is coupled to an accessory connected to the guide rail 130A and is pivotally supported on the guide rail 130A by bearing bolts.

[0098] The main shaft 30 has a threaded shaft 300 with external threads, extending substantially vertically from the end connected to the guide rail 130A. An adjusting gear 32 is operably connected to the main shaft 30 in such a way that it can be adjusted relative to the main shaft 30 along the longitudinal extension direction L by driving the adjusting gear 32, thereby changing the length between the adjusting gear 32 of the main shaft 30 and the end pivotally supported on the guide rail 130A, thus introducing an adjusting force into the pivoting element 121A, thereby adjusting the distance between the seat assembly 10 and the floor assembly 13.

[0099] The adjusting gear 32 has a main shaft nut and a drive element in the form of a drive worm, which engages with the external teeth of the main shaft nut via the teeth of the worm. The drive element is driven by a drive motor 31, which allows the main shaft nut to rotate. The main shaft nut engages with the external threads of the main shaft 30 via its internal threads, causing the main shaft nut to roll on the main shaft 30 by rotation, thereby adjusting longitudinally relative to the main shaft 30 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0100] Optionally, the height adjustment device 12 includes another drive motor 31, which may be arranged, for example, mirror-image of the drive motor 31, on the rear pivot element 121B on the side of the guide rail pair 130B, 131B. This is in Figure 3 The diagram is schematically shown. Based on the current intensity values ​​of the two drive motors, the applied weight can be determined with particular precision.

[0101] The drive motor 31 is a brushless DC motor (BLDC motor), whose speed and torque can be set with exceptional precision.

[0102] Adjusting gear 32 is pivotally supported on pivot element 121A. During adjustment, the length of the portion of the main shaft 30 extending between adjusting gear 32 and the side end of the track changes, so adjusting gear 32 can pivot on pivot element 121A in order to compensate for changes in the position of pivot element 121A relative to floor assembly 13.

[0103] The drive motor 31 is pivotally supported on the pivot element 121A via the adjusting gear 32. During the adjustment movement of the pivot element 121A, the drive motor 31 and the adjusting gear 32 move together with the pivot element 121A.

[0104] Figure 5 An example is shown for use according to Figure 1 The alternative design of the vehicle seat includes a drive motor 31 mounted on the seat assembly 10 and driving a pinion 33 via gears. The pinion 33 meshes with a curved toothed segment 34 fastened to an upper guide rail 130A. Otherwise, the operation method is as described above.

[0105] Figure 6 A method for a vehicle seat 1 is shown, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0106] Step S100: Activate the drive device 3 of the height adjustment device 12 of the vehicle seat 1 to adjust the distance between the seat part assembly 10 and the floor assembly 13 of the vehicle seat 1 in the first direction R1.

[0107] Step S101: Detect the value of parameters (e.g., current intensity or torque) of the drive unit 3 during adjustment in the first direction R1.

[0108] Step S102: Activate the drive unit 3 to adjust the distance between the seat assembly 10 and the floor assembly 13 in a second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1.

[0109] Step S103: Detect the value of the parameter of the drive device 3 during the adjustment in the second direction R2.

[0110] Step S104: Determine the weight acting on the seat component based on the detected values ​​of the parameters.

[0111] Optionally, the method may periodically restart in step S100, and optionally there may be a (e.g., predetermined) delay between steps S104 and S100.

[0112] For the specific design of this method, to avoid repetition, please refer to the information regarding control system 14 described above. This method may include corresponding method steps for the operating modes of control system 14.

[0113] The storage medium 140 contains a computer program product, which includes commands that, when executed by the control system 14, cause it to perform the methods described above.

[0114] List of reference signs

[0115]

[0116]

Claims

1. A vehicle seat (1), comprising: - Seat components (10). - The floor assembly (13) that supports the seat portion assembly (10), and - Height adjustment device (12), the height adjustment device being used to adjust the distance between the seat part assembly (10) and the floor assembly (13) via a drive device (3), Its features - A control system (14) coupled to the drive unit (3), the control system being configured to perform the following steps: o Activate the drive device (3) for adjusting the distance between the seat part assembly (10) and the floor assembly (13) in one direction (R1); o detect the value of the parameter of the height adjustment device (12) and / or the drive device (3) during adjustment in the direction (R1); and o Based on the detected values ​​of the parameters, determine the weight acting on the seat component assembly (10). The control system (14) is configured to take into account the settings of another seat adjustment device when determining the weight acting on the seat part assembly (10).

2. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other seat adjustment device is configured as a backrest tilt adjustment device (15B) or as a seat tilt adjustment device (15A) for setting the backrest angle and / or seat tilt.

3. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other seat adjustment device is the floor assembly (13) in the form of a longitudinal adjustment device (13), by means of which the seat part assembly (10) and the backrest part assembly (11) can slide longitudinally relative to the vehicle floor (2), on which the vehicle seat (1) can be mounted.

4. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other seat adjustment device is a seat depth adjustment device (15C) for setting seat depth, a leg support adjustment device (15D) for setting leg support, a backrest head adjustment device (15E) for setting backrest head (151), a cheek plate adjustment device (15F) for setting cheek plate (152), or a lumbar support adjustment device (15G) for setting lumbar support (153).

5. The vehicle seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The other seat adjustment device includes a drive unit (3), by means of which the weight acting on the seat part assembly (10) can also be determined, wherein the control system (14) is configured to cancel out the respective results obtained by the two drive units (3).

6. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the offsetting process, the individual results or quantities derived therefrom are added together.

7. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The control system (14) includes a central control device (141) that communicates with a control device (35) of the drive unit (3) in each case to obtain the respective results from the control device (35) of the drive unit (3).

8. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The control system (14) includes a central control device (141) that reads the motor current of the drive device (3) to calculate various results.

9. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The control system (14) includes a control device (35) of one of the drive devices (3), which communicates with a control device (35) of the other drive device (3) to obtain the single result therefrom.

10. The vehicle seat (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, The control system (14) is configured to sequentially activate the drive unit (3) in order to perform the corresponding weight measurement.

11. The vehicle seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The parameters are electrical parameters, particularly current intensity, voltage or power, and / or the parameters indicate torque and / or the parameters indicate the maximum speed reached during regulation.

12. The vehicle seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The parameter indicates the adjustment path that travels within a specific time period or the adjustment time required for a specific adjustment path.

13. The vehicle seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The direction (R1) is a first direction (R1), and the control system (14) is further configured to perform the following steps: o Activate the drive device (3) to adjust the distance between the seat part assembly (10) and the floor assembly (13) in a second direction (R2) opposite to the first direction (R1); as well as o Detect the values ​​of parameters of the height adjustment device (12) and / or the drive device (3) during adjustment in the second direction (R2); The control system (14) is configured to determine the weight acting on the seat assembly (10) based on the detected values ​​of the parameters adjusted from the two directions (R1, R2).

14. The vehicle seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control system (14) includes a storage medium (140) storing a model that associates the value of the applied weight with each possible value of the parameter.

15. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The model assigns the value of the applied weight to each possible value of the parameter for a plurality of possible setting positions of the height adjustment device (12).

16. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 14 or 15, when related to claim 13, is characterized in that, The model independently assigns the value of the applied weight to each possible value of the parameter, which is adjusted relative to the first direction (R1) and relative to the second direction (R2).

17. A system comprising a vehicle seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a measuring device for measuring the settings of the other seat adjustment device, particularly for setting the backrest angle and / or seat tilt.

18. A method for determining the weight acting on a vehicle seat, particularly on a vehicle seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising the following steps: oActivate (S100) the drive (3) of the height adjustment device (12) of the vehicle seat (1) for adjusting the distance between the seat part assembly (10) and the floor assembly (13) of the vehicle seat (1) in the direction (R1); o detects (S101) the value of the parameter of the height adjustment device (12) and / or the drive device (3) during adjustment in the direction (R1); o Based on at least the detected value of the parameter, determine (S104) the weight acting on the seat part assembly (10), When determining the weight acting on the seat part assembly (10), the setting of another seat adjustment device is taken into account.

19. A computer program product comprising, when executed by one or more computers, instructions that cause it to perform the method of claim 18.

20. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium (140) storing instructions that, when executed by one or more computers, cause to perform the method according to claim 18.

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