Seating arrangement with switch-based child seat recognition and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a seating arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a vehicle seat (14) to which a fastening device (20) is provided. To secure a child seat (24) to the body of the motor vehicle, at least one fastening element (26) belonging to the child seat (24) can be attached to the fastening device (20). A control device (28) is designed to control at least one functional unit of the motor vehicle depending on a signal from a detection device of the seating arrangement (10). The signal can be output as a result of at least one operating action related to the positioning of the child seat (24) on the vehicle seat (14).The detection device is arranged on a panel element (32) of the seat assembly (10), the panel element (32) having an access opening into which the fixing element (26) belonging to the child seat (24) can be inserted for securing the fixing element (26) to the fastening device (20). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such a seat assembly (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seating arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a vehicle seat to which a fastening device is provided. To secure a child seat to the vehicle body, at least one fastening element belonging to the child seat can be attached to the fastening device. A control device of the seating arrangement is configured to control at least one functional unit of the motor vehicle depending on a signal from a detection device of the seating arrangement. The signal can be output as a result of at least one operating action related to the placement of the child seat on the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such seating arrangement.

[0002] To securely attach a child car seat to the vehicle's body, a standardized fastening system exists, described in ISO 13216 and often referred to as the Isofix system. This Isofix system provides a vehicle-side mounting device consisting of two mounting brackets. The child seat's locking arms are attached to these brackets to create a secure connection between the child seat and the vehicle's body. The mounting brackets are positioned in a gap between the backrest and seat cushion of the vehicle seat to which the child seat is attached.

[0003] The i-Size approval standard according to UN ECE Reg.129 also relies on the use of such mounting brackets, to which the locking arms of the child seat can be attached, for fixing the child seat to the vehicle body.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2023 200 048 B3 describes a method for adjusting a comfort function depending on whether a child seat is installed in a vehicle seat. The detection of the child seat is achieved by monitoring the attachment status of an Isofix anchor point in the vehicle. When the Isofix anchor points on both sides of the child seat engage with the vehicle seat, a contact switch is activated. This sends a signal to a control unit, confirming the connection between the vehicle seat and the child seat.

[0005] Furthermore, US 2020 / 0017066 A1 describes an Isofix sensor attached to a child car seat. This Isofix sensor determines whether the child car seat is attached to an Isofix anchor point.

[0006] There are conceivable use cases in which it may be useful to determine, even before actually attaching the fixing element belonging to the child seat (e.g., in the form of the locking arms) to the fastening device, whether a child seat is on the vehicle seat on which the fastening device is provided.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create a seating arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset which enables particularly proactive child seat recognition, and to specify a motor vehicle with at least one such seating arrangement.

[0008] This problem is solved by a seating arrangement with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0009] The seating arrangement according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a vehicle seat to which a fastening device is provided. To secure a child seat to the vehicle body, at least one fastening element belonging to the child seat can be attached to the fastening device. A control device of the seating arrangement is designed to control at least one functional unit of the motor vehicle depending on a signal from a detection device of the seating arrangement. The signal can be output as a result of at least one operating action related to attaching the child seat to the vehicle seat. The detection device is arranged on a cover element of the seating arrangement, the cover element having an access opening. The fastening element belonging to the child seat can be inserted into the access opening for fastening to the fastening device.

[0010] This is based on the understanding that operations related to installing the child seat in the vehicle seat typically need to be performed in the area of ​​the cover element. For example, the access opening may be closed with a plug that must be removed to allow access to the fastening device. By positioning the detection device on the cover element, even an operation such as releasing the access opening, which precedes the actual securing of the fastening element to the fastening device, can be detected easily and reliably. The fastening element belonging to the child seat can then be inserted into the access opening to secure it to the fastening device.

[0011] In particular, by positioning the detection device on the cover element of the seat assembly, it is possible to detect the likely or imminent presence of a child seat in the vehicle seat even before the fixing element is attached to the mounting device. For example, making the access opening accessible can precede the insertion of the fixing element into the access opening and indicate that a user intends to secure the child seat. Such events are particularly easy to detect because the detection device is located on the cover element. Consequently, the seat assembly enables particularly proactive child seat detection.

[0012] This, in turn, means that at least one functional unit of the vehicle can be controlled early on, particularly even before the child seat is attached to the vehicle body, by securing the child seat's fixing element to the mounting device. This allows preparatory or supportive measures to be taken very early, as the control unit activates at least one functional unit of the vehicle depending on the signal. This is advantageous.

[0013] The cover element can be designed, in particular, to conceal or cover an area of ​​the seat assembly surrounding the access opening. This improves the visibility of the access opening and thus facilitates the installation of the child seat in the vehicle seat.

[0014] Preferably, the cover element has a flap that can be moved from a closed position, in which the access opening is at least partially covered, to an open position. Moving the flap into the open position allows the access opening to be uncovered. Such a flap provides good protection for the fastening device located in the access opening when the flap is in the closed position. This prevents, in particular, contamination or impairment of the fastening device's function. Furthermore, it effectively prevents unwanted objects from entering the access opening. This is advantageous for ensuring reliable functionality when securing the child seat by fixing the fastening element to the mounting device.

[0015] Preferably, the detection device comprises a switching element which has a first switching state when the flap is closed and a second switching state when the flap is open. The signal can be output by performing an operating action in the form of moving the flap to the open position.

[0016] This is based on the understanding that if the cover element has a flap, the flap must first be moved into the open position to allow access. If a vehicle user performs the operation of moving the flap into the open position, this can be interpreted as an indication that the user intends to subsequently secure the child seat to the vehicle body by attaching the child seat's securing element to the mounting device. However, this impending securing process does not yet need to be completed to cause the switching element to enter its second switching state and thus trigger the signal. This is because the signal, which the control unit can use to activate at least one functional unit of the vehicle, is already output as soon as the flap is moved into the open position.This allows at least one functional unit to be controlled very early or proactively. This is advantageous.

[0017] The signal is not triggered by the child seat's fixing element being engaged in the mounting bracket. Therefore, the vehicle's functional units can be pre-activated by the control unit even before this engagement. This prevents, in particular, operational sequences that would be hindered by the presence of the child seat in the vehicle. Consequently, such unfavorable situations can be advantageously avoided.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the detection device can include a switching element that can be moved from a first switching state to a second switching state by performing an operating action in the form of inserting the fixing element belonging to the child seat into the access opening. In the second switching state, the signal can be output. This is based on the understanding that inserting the fixing element into the access opening is necessary to secure it to the mounting device. If such an insertion process can be detected by the switching element of the detection device, the corresponding operating action can be anticipated to control at least one functional unit of the vehicle depending on the signal. This is advantageous.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be assumed with a particularly high degree of certainty that when the fixing element is inserted into the access opening, the vehicle user actually intends to secure the child seat to the vehicle body by attaching the fixing element to the mounting device. This allows for particularly targeted control of at least one functional unit.

[0020] Preferably, the signal can be output even before the fixing element reaches a locking position, whereby in the locking position the fixing element is fixed to the mounting device. This allows the control unit to evaluate the signal and use it to control the at least one functional unit even before the actual locking process has taken place, i.e., before the fixing element is fixed to the mounting device. This is advantageous with regard to predictive child seat detection.

[0021] The switching element, which can be moved into the second switching state by inserting the fixing element into the access opening, preferably remains in the second switching state when the fixing element has reached the locking position. This ensures that even after the child seat has been secured to the vehicle body by locking the fixing element to the mounting element, the second switching state of the switching element is still present. The signal can then continue to be used by the control unit to control at least one functional unit of the vehicle.

[0022] Preferably, the control device is configured to actuate an adjustment mechanism of the seat arrangement as at least one functional unit, depending on the signal, whereby the vehicle seat can be moved into an installation position by means of the adjustment mechanism. In the installation position, the placement of the child seat on the vehicle seat is facilitated compared to a position of the vehicle seat other than the installation position.

[0023] By activating the adjustment mechanism, the control unit can move the vehicle seat into the installation position. In the installation position, the vehicle seat can, in particular, have a predetermined position in its longitudinal direction. For example, in the installation position, the vehicle seat can be moved particularly far back longitudinally. This makes it easier for the user to position the child seat on the vehicle seat if they wish to install the child seat from the front of the vehicle seat.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, a predetermined inclination of the vehicle seat backrest can be set in the installation position, which allows for particularly easy placement of the child seat. This is based on the understanding that, for example, a vehicle seat backrest that is tilted too far forward can make it difficult to place the child seat on the vehicle seat cushion. Conversely, if the vehicle seat has the predetermined backrest inclination in the installation position, placing the child seat on the vehicle seat cushion is particularly easy.

[0025] Preferably, the control device is designed to deactivate an adjustment device of the seat arrangement as at least one functional unit, depending on the signal, wherein the adjustment device allows the inclination of a backrest of the vehicle seat and / or the position of the vehicle seat in its longitudinal direction to be changed.

[0026] This is based on the understanding that it is advisable to prevent the adjustment mechanism from altering the backrest angle and / or the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat when the child seat is installed on the vehicle seat cushion. For example, if the adjustment mechanism attempts to fold the backrest forward while the child seat is on the vehicle seat cushion, the child seat can block such an adjustment movement. This is undesirable. In particular, it can lead to damage or impaired function of the vehicle seat and / or the adjustment mechanism and / or the child seat. This can be avoided in this case by deactivating the seat adjustment mechanism based on the signal.

[0027] Furthermore, adjusting the vehicle seat longitudinally can be hindered or impeded if a child seat is in place. Therefore, it is advantageous if the control unit is designed to deactivate the seat adjustment mechanism based on a signal. This prevents any adjustments to the vehicle seat that are obstructed by the presence of a child seat or that could potentially damage components of the seat assembly and / or the child seat.

[0028] Preferably, the control device is designed to activate a door locking device depending on the signal from the functional unit. Activating the door locking device prevents a child in a child seat from accidentally opening a vehicle door by operating a corresponding door locking element. Activating the door locking device increases the safety of the child using the child seat.

[0029] In particular, to activate the door locking device, the control unit can activate an actuator, for example an electromechanical one, which prevents the corresponding door of the motor vehicle from being accidentally opened from the inside.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can be configured to deactivate an airbag system as at least one functional unit, depending on the signal. This is based on the understanding that the presence of a child seat on the vehicle seat cushion can prevent the airbag systems assigned to the vehicle seat from fulfilling their intended function to the same extent as they would without the child seat. Accordingly, it is advisable to deactivate at least one such airbag system. This applies particularly to an airbag system whose intended function may be impaired by the presence of the child seat on the vehicle seat cushion.

[0031] For example, an airbag system can be integrated into the vehicle seat cushion. When deployed, this system effectively prevents a passenger from sliding under the seat's lap belt in the event of a collision. However, activating such an airbag system is disadvantageous if a child seat is installed on the seat cushion. Therefore, deactivating such an airbag system based on a signal is advantageous.

[0032] Preferably, the control device is configured, depending on the signal, to act as at least one functional unit to control a communication device by means of which a message relating to the vehicle seat and / or the child seat can be output to a user of the motor vehicle. In particular, the user can be informed that, due to the detection of an operating action related to the installation of the child seat in the vehicle seat, certain settings relating to the vehicle seat have been made. For example, the user can be informed that an adjustment mechanism of the seat arrangement is deactivated and / or that airbag systems associated with the vehicle seat are deactivated.

[0033] This kind of warning is particularly helpful if the user did not intend to attach the child seat to the vehicle seat, especially if they did not intend to place the child seat on the vehicle seat cushion and then secure it to the fastening device. This allows the user to ensure that the detection device is no longer in a state where it sends a signal to the control unit. For example, if the switch is accidentally activated, any associated restrictions or settings of functional units can be reversed. This is advantageous.

[0034] The motor vehicle according to the invention has at least one seating arrangement according to the invention. This allows the vehicle's operating sequences to be coordinated very proactively with the detection of a child seat already installed on the vehicle seat or with the imminent installation of such a seat. This is advantageous.

[0035] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the seating arrangement according to the invention also apply to the motor vehicle according to the invention and vice versa.

[0036] The invention therefore also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features as already described in connection with the further developments of the seating arrangement according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0037] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus.

[0038] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0039] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 schematic and partial component of a seating arrangement for a motor vehicle, wherein a child seat which is arranged on a seat cushion of a vehicle seat of the seating arrangement has a locking arm which is not yet connected to a retaining bracket of a fastening device of the seating arrangement; Fig. 2 a panel element of the seating arrangement which has a flap, wherein the flap is shown in its closed position in which an access opening of the panel element is concealed; Fig. 3 the aperture element according to Fig. 2 with a flap moved into an open position, whereby a switching element or switch is in an evaluable switching state; Fig. 4 schematically the insertion of the locking arm of the child seat into the access opening of the cover element, whereby the insertion can activate a switch arranged on the cover element; Fig. 5 schematically the vehicle seat with an adjustment device for changing the inclination of a backrest of the vehicle seat and for changing the position of the vehicle seat in its longitudinal direction; and Fig. 6 schematically the motor vehicle having the seating arrangement as well as exemplary functional units which can be controlled by a control device of the seating arrangement depending on a signal from the switch or switching element.

[0040] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0041] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0042] One in Fig. 1. The schematically and partially shown seating arrangement 10 can be used in a motor vehicle 12, which is also schematically shown in Fig. 6 is shown. The seating arrangement 10 comprises a vehicle seat 14, from which in Fig. 1. Partially a backrest 16 and a seat cushion 18 (compare Fig. 5) are shown. A fastening device 20 is provided at a transition between the seat cushion 18 and the backrest 16, which comprises two retaining brackets 22. The retaining brackets 22 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle seat 14.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 1 shows only one of the two retaining brackets 22, but the seating arrangement 10 includes, based on Fig. In the variant to be explained, a second such retaining bracket 22 is provided. The retaining brackets 22 serve to fix a child seat 24 to the body of the motor vehicle 12. For the purpose of fixing the child seat 24 to the body of the motor vehicle, fixing elements 26 belonging to the child seat 24 can be attached to the retaining brackets 22 of the fastening device 20. Fig. Figure 1 shows only one of the two fixing elements 26 of the child seat 24, wherein the respective fixing element 26 is designed as a locking arm.

[0044] The corresponding fastening system is known as Isofix fastening and does not need to be explained in further detail here with regard to its functionality.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a control device 28 of the seating arrangement 10. The control device 28, which may be designed as a control unit, is configured to control at least one functional unit of the motor vehicle 12. This control occurs depending on a signal from a detection device of the seating arrangement 10. Thus, when the control device 28 receives the signal output by the detection device, the control device 28 can then control the at least one functional unit of the motor vehicle 12.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a switching element 30 of the detection device. The switching element 30 is arranged on a shutter element 32 or a shutter of the seating arrangement 10.

[0047] An exemplary embodiment of the aperture element 32 is made of Fig. 2 more clearly visible than from Fig. 1. According to Fig. 2. The aperture element 32 can have a frame part 34, which surrounds an access opening 36 of the aperture element 32 (compare Fig. 3) is formed around the entire perimeter. A flap 38 is pivotably held on the frame part 34 about a pivot axis.

[0048] In Fig. Figure 2 shows flap 38 in its closed position, in which the access opening 36 is at least partially covered. Fig. In contrast, Figure 3 shows flap 38 in its open position, in which the access opening 36 is uncovered. When flap 38 is opened or moved into its open position (compare Figure 3) Fig. 3), the retaining bracket 22 of the fastening device 20 for the fixing element 26, which is arranged within the access opening 36, is easily accessible (compare Fig. 1) For the sake of clarity, the retaining bracket 22 is in Fig. 3 not shown.

[0049] According to Fig. 3. A first contact part 40 of the switching element 30 can be arranged on the frame part 34 of the aperture element 32. A second contact part 42 of the switching element 30 can be arranged on the flap 38, as shown by way of example in Fig. Figure 3 shows that by closing the flap 38, i.e. by bringing the flap 38 into its closed position, a mechanical contact between the contact parts 40, 42 can be established.

[0050] With the flap 38 closed, the switching element 30 can therefore have a first switching state, and with the flap 38 open, a second switching state. By moving the switching element 30 into the second switching state, the signal can be output, which can be evaluated by the control device 28.

[0051] For example, the switching element 30 can have a lower electrical resistance when the flap 38 is closed than when the switching element 30 is in its second switching state, in which the flap 38 is in the Fig. The opening position shown in section 3 is used. However, other configurations of the exemplary switching element 30 are also possible, by means of which the opening of the flap 38 can be detected.

[0052] The operating action, namely opening the flap 38, which is designed like a cover for the panel or panel element 32, indicates that a user of the motor vehicle 12 likely intends to secure the child seat 24 to the body of the motor vehicle 12. After opening the flap 38, the securing element 26 belonging to the child seat 24 is attached to the fastening device 20 for securing the child seat.

[0053] In the case relating to Fig. 2 and Fig. In the variant of the seating arrangement 10 described in section 3, the opening of the flap 38 can already be evaluated as an operating action, which is related to the intended placement of the child seat 24 on the vehicle seat 14. Based on the signal issued by the switching element 30 to the control unit 28 when the flap 38 is opened, the control unit 28 can already control respective functional units of the motor vehicle 12.

[0054] To control the functional units, the fixing element 26 does not even need to be attached to the retaining bracket 22 of the fastening device 20. This allows for a very proactive or early response to the likely imminent fixing of the child seat 24 to the body of the motor vehicle 12. This is advantageous.

[0055] According to Fig. 4. The switching element 30 can be arranged in the area of ​​the access opening 36, for example on a wall part 44 of the aperture element 32, wherein the wall part 44 laterally limits the access opening 36. In particular, the wall part 44, on which according to Fig. 1 where the switching element 30 is arranged, limiting the access opening 36 towards its underside.

[0056] When the fixing element 26 is inserted into the access opening 36 so that the fixing element 26 can be secured to the retaining bracket 22 of the fastening device 20, it is actuated according to Fig. 4 the fixing element 26 the switching element 30. In particular, when the fixing element 26 is inserted into the access opening 36, the fixing element 26 can slide along the wall part 44 which can be used as a guide and thereby actuate the switching element 30.

[0057] Preferably, the switching element 30 is already actuated by the fixing element 26 before the fixing element 26 has reached its locking position, in which the fixing element 26 is fixed to the retaining bracket 22 of the fastening device 20.

[0058] By pressing the button in Fig. In the switching element 30 shown in section 4, the switching element 30 is moved from a first switching state to a second switching state, with the signal being output in the second switching state. This also occurs in the following scenario: Fig. In the embodiment of the switching element 30 shown in Figure 4, the actuation of the switching element 30 can be detected, for example, by the fact that in the second switching state of the switching element 30, its electrical resistance is lower than in the first switching state. However, even with this variant, numerous other or further possibilities for detecting the actuation of the switching element 30 or switch are conceivable.

[0059] At the in Fig. In the variant of the aperture element 32 shown in Figure 4, the switching element 30 arranged on the wall part 44 preferably remains actuated when the fixing element 26 is fixed to the retaining bracket 22 of the fastening device 20.

[0060] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Functional units that can be controlled by the control device 28 depending on the signal of the switching element 30 will be explained as examples.

[0061] In Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows the backrest 16 and the seat cushion 18 of the vehicle seat 14, on which the child seat 24 is to be arranged. The seat arrangement 10 comprising the vehicle seat 14 can have, as at least one functional unit, an adjustment device 46, which is preferably designed to change the inclination of the backrest 16 and to change the position of the vehicle seat 14 in its longitudinal direction 48.

[0062] The longitudinal direction 48 of the vehicle seat 14 is in Fig. 5 illustrated by an arrow. Accordingly, the vehicle seat 14 can be moved in this longitudinal direction 48, for example to move the vehicle seat 14 closer to a rear 50 when installed in the motor vehicle 12 (compare Fig. 6) of the motor vehicle 12 or closer to a front 52 of the motor vehicle 12. Changing the inclination of the backrest 16 by means of the adjusting device 46 is in Fig. 5 illustrated by a double arrow 54.

[0063] If the control device 28 determines, based on the signal from the at least one switching element 30, that the switching element 30 has been moved into the second switching state, the adjustment device 46 can ensure that the vehicle seat 14 is moved into a mounting position in which the arrangement of the child seat 24 on the vehicle seat 14 can be implemented particularly easily.

[0064] For example, the vehicle seat 14 can be moved far back along the longitudinal direction 48 and the backrest 16 can be brought into a position that facilitates the installation of the child seat 24 in order to achieve this mounting position of the vehicle seat 14.

[0065] In particular, after reaching or approaching the installation position favorable for installing the child seat 24, the control device 28 can deactivate the adjustment device 46. This prevents further movement of the vehicle seat 14 in the longitudinal direction 48 and / or further changes in the inclination of the backrest 16.

[0066] Such seat adjustments, such as moving the vehicle seat 14 in the longitudinal direction 48 and / or changing the inclination of the backrest 16, can in principle be caused by a command being transmitted to the adjustment device 46 to move the vehicle seat 14 to corresponding positions.

[0067] For example, the adjustment device 46 can be designed to move the vehicle seat 14 into a loading floor position in which the backrest 16 is folded forward so far that a front side 56 of the backrest 16 rests partially on the seat cushion 18.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment device 46 can be designed to move the vehicle seat 14 into a comfort position in which the backrest 16 is reclined relatively far backwards. In this comfort position, a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat 14 can assume a particularly comfortable posture. However, approaching the loading floor position of the vehicle seat 14 and / or the comfort position of the vehicle seat 14 may be inconvenient if the child seat 24 is installed on the vehicle seat 14.

[0069] For example, if the backrest 16 swivels forward, it may collide with the child seat 24 if the child seat 24 is positioned on the seat cushion 18 of the vehicle seat 14. Such a collision can occur even if the fixing element 26 of the child seat 24 is not yet attached to the retaining bracket 22 of the fastening device 20.

[0070] Such occurrences can be largely prevented in the present case. This is because the control device 28 is designed to control, for example, the functional unit in the form of the adjustment device 46 depending on the signal from the detection device, in particular depending on the signal from the at least one switching element 30 of the detection device.

[0071] It may be provided that the vehicle seat 14 can be moved or adjusted to positions other than the loading floor position and / or the comfort position mentioned here as examples by means of the adjustment device 46. For example, to facilitate entry of an occupant into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle 12, the seat cushion 18 can be moved forward and the backrest 16 folded forward. Furthermore, the movement of the vehicle seat 14 into such positions, which facilitate entry of occupants into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle 12, can be prevented by the control device 28 deactivating the adjustment device 46.

[0072] However, other or further positions of the vehicle seat 14 than those mentioned here as examples are also conceivable, the approach to which can be effected by the adjustment device 46 can be prevented by the control device 28 deactivating the adjustment device 46.

[0073] Other functional units that can be controlled by the control unit 28 are in Fig. Figure 6 shows, by way of example, at least one door locking device 58 and at least one airbag device 60. When the door locking device 58 is activated, a child sitting on the child seat 24 can no longer open one of the (not shown) vehicle doors of the motor vehicle 12 from the inside.

[0074] And by deactivating at least one airbag device 60, it is prevented that the airbag device 60 is impaired in its use because the child seat 24 is located on the vehicle seat 14. Therefore, deactivating at least one airbag device 60 depending on the signal from the switching element 30 is advantageous.

[0075] In Fig. Figure 6 also schematically shows a communication device 62 as a functional unit, by means of which information concerning the vehicle seat 14 and / or the arrangement of the child seat 24 on the vehicle seat 14 can be issued to a user of the motor vehicle 12. For example, the communication device 62, which is designed as a screen or similar display, can inform the user of the motor vehicle 12 that the seat adjustment functions of the vehicle seat 14 are deactivated, and / or that the door locking device 58 is activated, and / or that the at least one airbag device 60 is deactivated.

[0076] For example, the user can be notified of this via the communication device 62 after the flap 38 of the aperture element 32 has moved into its open position (compare Fig.3) was moved. It is possible that the user discovers that such an opening of flap 38 occurred in error, because the user did not intend to place the child seat 24 on the vehicle seat 14. In this case, closing flap 38 can reverse the corresponding restrictions or reactivate deactivated functional units. This is advantageous.

[0077] By integrating the switching element 30, designed, for example, in the manner of an electrical switch, into the cover element 32 for the fastening system, preferably made of plastic and designed in particular as an Isofix fastening system, as described above, the status of the child seat 24 to be installed can be detected. For this detection, the fixing element 26 of the child seat 24 preferably does not even need to be fixed to the retaining bracket 22 of the fastening device 20.

[0078] Overall, the examples show how a switch-based child seat recognition system can be provided in the Isofix or I-Size panel, as well as the functional sequences derived from it. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2023 200 048 B3

[0004] US 2020 / 0017066 A1

[0005]

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