Device for controlling a child seat, child seat, vehicle and method for controlling a child seat

Abstract

A device (1) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25), comprising one or more sensors (4), one or more actuators (5), and a control unit (6) that can process sensor data from the sensors (4) and actuate the actuators (5), characterized in that at least one of the sensors (4) is an ultra-wideband sensor (8). Furthermore, a corresponding child seat (2), a corresponding vehicle (25), in particular a motor vehicle, and a corresponding method (30) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25) are specified.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for controlling a child seat for a vehicle, comprising one or more sensors, one or more actuators and a control unit that can process sensor data from the sensors and actuate the actuators.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a child seat comprising such a device for regulating a child seat and to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such a device for regulating a child seat and / or such a child seat.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a child seat for a vehicle.

[0004] Such devices for regulating a child seat, child seats and vehicles, as well as methods for regulating a child seat, are known from practice and exist in various embodiments. For example, German patent application DE 10 2019 204 262 B3 discloses a method for checking the seatbelt status of a small child in a child seat in a vehicle.

[0005] Documents US 2020 / 0320841 A1 and US 2022 / 0179432 A1 describe systems and procedures that use sensors to detect whether a child is present in a vehicle.

[0006] The use of child car seats for transporting children is common practice, especially in motor vehicles, and mandatory in many countries. Child car seats are also called restraint systems and are designed to accommodate the smaller size and / or lighter weight of children.

[0007] Well-known child car seats include infant carriers, child car seats for toddlers with a seat, backrest and headrest / support, for example rear-facing reboarders, some of which can be turned around and used with the child facing forward from the permissible age / size / weight of the child, but also simple booster seats without a backrest and headrest.

[0008] The possible service life of an individual child car seat or model depends on the age, size and weight of the child being transported.

[0009] Using conventional child car seats always involves manual effort, usually by the driver or the child's caregiver. This effort primarily concerns adjusting the car seat to the child's size and checking its safety features. The ergonomics of the car seat for the child also need to be checked and adjusted regularly throughout its lifespan. In doing so, the driver or caregiver can make more or less serious operating errors, for example, due to haste or lack of knowledge, which can reduce the child's comfort or, in the worst-case scenario, compromise the car seat's safety features in the event of an accident. The caregiver could be the driver, a passenger, or someone not currently in the vehicle.

[0010] Known devices for controlling a child seat use sensors to detect whether a child is buckled up or whether a child has been left alone in the vehicle, and can issue a corresponding warning message.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved device for controlling a child car seat, which makes the child car seat easy, efficient, user-friendly and flexible to use and increases safety during use. A corresponding child car seat and a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, as well as a corresponding method for controlling a child car seat with such a device, are to be provided.

[0012] According to the invention, the above problem is solved by a device for controlling a child seat for a vehicle with the features of claim 1, a child seat with the features of claim 8, a vehicle with the features of claim 9 and a method with the features of claim 10.

[0013] The device according to the invention for controlling a child seat for a vehicle according to claim 1 is characterized in that at least one of the sensors is an ultra-wideband sensor.

[0014] In accordance with the invention, it has first been recognized that the aforementioned problem can be solved in a surprisingly simple manner through clever further development of the sensor technology. The technology of ultra-wideband radiation enables the detection and, in some cases, even penetration of surfaces, as well as a more comprehensive analysis of the detected surfaces or objects than is typically possible with the sensors used for child car seats. Ultra-wideband radiation is harmless to the health of the occupants. Preferably, the ultra-wideband sensor can be an ultra-wideband radar.

[0015] With such an ultra-wideband sensor, information regarding various state characteristics of a child in a child seat can be obtained, for example, regarding a size and / or contour of the child whose seating position a sleep state or Vital functions, such as the child's breathing rate, can be detected and / or monitored. Furthermore, an ultra-wideband sensor can, for example, determine the condition of the child car seat itself. whether the child seat or parts thereof are intact, as well as whether the child seat or parts of it are dirty and / or damp.

[0016] Using such input data from sensors, the device for controlling a child car seat can significantly improve the use of the child car seat.

[0017] The control unit can be configured to process the sensor data from the sensor(s) and to actuate the actuator(s). In particular, the control unit can be implemented and programmed in a microcontroller, computer, or mobile device.

[0018] The device according to the invention reduces the manual effort required when using child car seats. The only slightly higher costs of a vehicle or child car seat with such a device can be offset by a longer service life, since the child car seat can be used for a longer period due to the improved adjustment and adaptation options to the size and / or weight of the child.

[0019] This makes the child car seat simple, efficient, user-friendly, and flexible to use. It also increases safety when using the child car seat.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device can include a temperature warning system, wherein at least one of the sensors can be a temperature sensor, preferably configured to determine a child's body temperature. The temperature sensor can be designed as an infrared sensor. For example, infrared cameras positioned to the side of the child seat's headrest can be used to determine the surface temperature of the skin. If the temperature is outside a certain range, exceeds or falls below certain thresholds or limits, or changes in an unusual way that gives cause for concern, an error message or warning signal can be issued so that the caregiver or driver can intervene.Alternatively or additionally, in such a situation of problematic temperature, it may also be provided that the device for controlling a child seat regulates the heating or air conditioning of the vehicle accordingly in order to regulate the child's body temperature, or controls its own actuators that serve to climate control the child in the child seat, for example heating or cooling elements that may be built directly into the parts of the child seat.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device can include a warning system for a faulty installation, wherein at least one of the sensors can be a capacitive or resistive sensor or a weight sensor.

[0022] The device or warning system for incorrect installation can be configured to detect whether the seat has been installed correctly – for example, using the standardized Isofix system – and / or whether the straps securing the child seat in the vehicle, or the straps securing the child in the child seat, have been correctly fastened and closed. This also allows the seatbelt status to be monitored.

[0023] Correct installation of the child seat in the Isofix system can be verified, for example, by measuring resistance. The Isofix system has two Isofix anchor points on the vehicle body, which are also electrically connected via the body. Therefore, with the child seat installed, the electrical resistance between the two Isofix anchor points on the seat side can be measured. If the resistance is very high or infinitely high, the child seat is not installed correctly, or in other words, improperly secured. Conversely, if the resistance is very low, the child seat is correctly installed. In this case, one outer surface of the Isofix anchor point on the seat side may be insulated, while an inner surface is electrically conductive.

[0024] Furthermore, modern vehicles can detect whether a car seat is occupied but the seatbelt – which is meant to secure the child seat – is unfastened. This is done, for example, via a weight sensor in the car seat. A similar weight sensor can also be used as an occupancy sensor in the child seat to initiate the size adjustment of the child seat and, for example, to provide data about the weight of a child in the seat.

[0025] Additionally, the child seat can have pressure sensors – for example, piezoresistive sensors, piezoelectric sensors, etc. – at the points where the belt securing the child in the child seat rests on the top of the seat and then rests on the other side. These pressure sensors can preferably be provided twice on each side of the child seat, for example, once at approximately shoulder height and once at waist height.

[0026] The automatic safety systems and permanent automatic monitoring that can be implemented with such a further developed device for regulating a child seat for a vehicle enable carefree use of the child seat and significantly increase safety.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the actuators can be an electric motor, which can preferably be configured to adjust parts of the child seat.

[0028] The ultra-wideband sensors or radars significantly improve the ability to determine the child's contours. Adjusting or adapting, for example, the seat, backrest, and / or headrest to the child's size can be achieved through simple translational movements—up and down, sideways, etc.—using electric motors. The electric motor(s) associated with the device can preferably be integrated into the child seat.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the actuators can be a compressor, preferably configured to supply compressed air to inflatable elements of the child seat. The ultra-wideband sensors or radars significantly improve the ability to determine the child's contour. The inflatable elements allow the child seat, or its components, to be precisely adjusted. For example, improved lateral support for the child can be achieved by inflating the corresponding inflatable elements with compressed air until the child is comfortably snug.

[0030] The cushioning system with inflatable elements, implemented in this way, can distribute pressure evenly by continuously monitoring the child's contours and seating position, thus increasing the child's comfort. If the child is asleep and this is detected by the ultra-wideband sensors, the child seat can preferentially increase its recline to bring the child closer to a lying position, thereby improving sleeping comfort.

[0031] The compressed air supply for the inflatable elements can be provided by the compressor. The compressor associated with the device can preferably be integrated into the child seat. However, an embodiment with an external compressor or other external compressed air source is also proposed, in which the compressed air can alternatively or additionally be supplied to the inflatable elements via a connection / interface on the child seat.

[0032] The proposed actuators allow the child seat to be adjusted to the child's size and / or shape, as well as their seating position. The effort required by the driver or caregiver when using the child seat is significantly reduced with this device. The ultra-wideband sensors can monitor parameters such as the child's sitting angle and breathing rate. If the child seat is not optimally adjusted for the child's size and / or weight, or if the child is in an ergonomically unhealthy position or even asleep, the device can automatically make corrections using the electrically adjustable components or the inflatable elements. The driver or caregiver can receive a notification in case of a malfunction, for example, if the child is too warm or if the correct fastening of a seatbelt cannot be detected.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the actuators can be a signal output device, preferably configured to output error messages. In the event of an error, a voice message can be emitted via the signal output device. This can be achieved via a direct connection to the vehicle's audio system or indirectly via a connection to a mobile device. Alternatively or additionally, a loudspeaker can be installed in the seat, which indicates the errors by means of a voice message. This creates redundancies and ensures that even in the event of faulty connectivity or regardless of the vehicle's volume settings, an acoustic signal is emitted that the driver or attendant can perceive.

[0034] A visual signal in the form of a light or display message is also conceivable. The vehicle's existing light or display systems can be used for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, it is suggested that light or display systems be provided on the child seat.

[0035] The signal output device can therefore be implemented in a variety of ways. Feedback to the driver or caregiver via the signal output device can be used not only for error messages, but also, for example, for confirmation that the child seat installation, the child's seating position, or the seatbelt fastening is correct and not faulty.

[0036] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises an interface for a mobile device, preferably for implementing app connectivity. This app connectivity enables the driver or caregiver to receive real-time information about the safety of the child seat and / or the comfort of the child seat settings via a mobile device. The sensor data can also be monitored via a cloud connection – preferably with AI support. The described monitoring and warning systems can receive instructions via the cloud connection for the respective child / driver / caregiver or for the respective child seat, which can preferably also be AI-supported.

[0037] The described signal output device can also be designed as a speaker for the mobile device. For example, in case of errors, a voice message can be output via the corresponding mobile app.

[0038] With regard to the child seat, the above-mentioned task is solved by a child seat, in particular for a passenger car, comprising a device for regulating a child seat for a vehicle as described.

[0039] The child car seat can be powered via the vehicle's vehicle-to-load (V2L) connector. Alternatively, solar cells can be integrated into the head and / or side panels of the child seat to provide an independent power supply. Another option is to carry a battery near the child seat or integrate it directly into the seat, which can be charged via the vehicle's electrical system or at home. This allows the child seat, along with its battery, to be removed from the car and charged at an external charging station or using a charging cable. A portable battery integrated into the child seat can also be removed from the side panel and charged using the external charging station or cable.

[0040] With regard to the vehicle, the above-mentioned task is solved by a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, having a device for regulating a child seat as described and / or a child seat as described.

[0041] The procedure for regulating a child seat for a vehicle with the described device, which solves the above-mentioned problem, comprises the following steps: Recognizing that the child seat is occupied by a child, Monitoring of at least one characteristic of the child in the child seat and / or the child seat and Controlling at least one actuator of the device for regulating the child seat.

[0042] The state property can be, for example, the child's weight, a child's buckled-in condition, a size and / or contour of the child, whose seating position a state of sleep or, Vital functions such as the child's breathing rate, whether the child seat or parts of it are intact or Check if the child seat or parts of it are dirty and / or damp. Take action.

[0043] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the accompanying description of the figures.

[0044] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0045] Preferred embodiments and configurations of the present invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0046] This shows Fig. 1 in a schematic representation a device for controlling a child seat for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 in a schematic representation a vehicle with a device for controlling a child seat according to a further embodiment of the present invention and Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventive method for controlling a child seat for a vehicle.

[0047] Identical or similar features are indicated in the figures with the same reference symbols.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 for regulating a child seat 2 for a vehicle - in Fig. 1 not shown - according to an embodiment of the present invention. The child seat 2 is a removable or insertable infant carrier with a carrying handle 3.

[0049] The device comprises sensors 4, actuators 5, and a control unit 6. The control unit 6 can process sensor data from the sensors 4 and actuate the actuators 5. The sensors 4 and actuators 5 are integrated into the child seat, while the control unit 6 is external, for example, via app connectivity on a mobile device 7.

[0050] In at least one of the sensors 4 of the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1. This is an ultra-wideband sensor 8, for example, an ultra-wideband radar. At least one of the sensors 4 is a temperature sensor 9 or an infrared camera. A capacitive / resistive / weight sensor 11 is also provided, for example. The sensors 4 can be used to record the condition of the child seat or the child. This includes, for example, information regarding a child's weight, a child's buckled-in condition, a size and / or contour of the child whose seating position a state of sleep, Vital functions such as the child's breathing rate, whether the child seat or parts of it are intact or whether the child seat or parts of it are dirty and / or damp.

[0051] This sensor data can be made available to the device 1 or the control unit 6 for the control of the child seat 2 via a standard wired or wireless data connection 12.

[0052] In at least one of the actuators 5 of the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1. This is an electric motor 13. At least one of the actuators 5 is a compressor 15. Other actuators are heating or cooling elements 17, which are shown here as examples directly integrated into the parts of the child seat. The actuators 5 enable the child seat to be adjusted according to the child's weight, size, and / or contours, as well as their seating position. Temperature control and control of other characteristics of the child or the child seat described in the present application documents are also possible. For example, the heating or cooling elements 17 can be used for drying if moisture is detected on a part of the child seat 2.

[0053] At least one of the actuators 5 is also a signal output device 21 in the form of a loudspeaker installed in the child seat 2, which is set up to give acoustic feedback, for example in the form of an error message if an unfavorable seating position or a faulty installation of the child seat or a faulty buckle condition has been detected, or in the form of positive feedback if the seating position or the installation of the child seat or the buckle condition has been recognized or assessed as error-free by the control unit 6.

[0054] These actuators 5 can be controlled by the device 1 or the control unit 6 for the control of the child seat 2 via a standard wired or wireless data connection 19. Furthermore, a battery 20 is provided in the child seat 2 for the power supply of the device 1 as a whole and, in particular, the actuators 5.

[0055] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 25 with a child seat 2 in a further embodiment of a device 1 for controlling a child seat 2. The device 1 or the control unit 6 is installed in the child seat 2 or in its base. Thus, depending on the embodiment, the device 1 with its advantageous functions can either remain in the vehicle 25 when the child seat 2 is used in another vehicle or in another base, or be transported with the child seat 2 to the other vehicle and used there.

[0056] Child seat 2 is installed on the rear seat 27 of vehicle 25. As soon as child 29 is placed in child seat 2 or sits down on child seat 2, this is detected by the capacitive / resistive weight sensor 11. Subsequently, the ultra-wideband sensors 8 in the backrest of child seat 2 measure the contour, size, and seating position / position / pose of the child in child seat 2. The capacitive / resistive weight sensor 11 can also determine data on the weight of child 29. The control unit 6 of device 1 can then control the actuators and regulate child seat 2. Additional sensors 4 monitor the buckle-up status of child 29 in child seat 2 and of child seat 2 on the rear seat 27 of vehicle 25.

[0057] Fig.Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventive method 30 for controlling a child seat 2 for a vehicle with the described device. The method includes detecting 32 that the child seat 2 is occupied by a child 29. This can be done with the described capacitive / resistive / weight sensor of the device.

[0058] Subsequently, monitoring 34 of at least one condition of the child 29 in the child seat 2 and / or the child seat 2 is started, using additional sensors as described.

[0059] Depending on the sensor data determined by the sensors during monitoring 34 and processed by the control unit, the control then follows, as required, the activation 36 of at least one actuator of the device for controlling the child seat 2.

[0060] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following advantages and / or provides the following features: - An intelligent AI-powered child car seat with automatic size adjustment, built-in child monitoring systems, a warning system for incorrect installation and app connectivity. - Easier, more efficient, more user-friendly and more flexible operation and in particular the setting and adjustment of a child seat, resulting in increased comfort for the child and caregiver / driver. - Increased safety: Operating errors, faulty installations, incorrectly used seat belts, and harmful or uncomfortable seating positions are detected. The device can counteract these errors or issue an error message or other information to the driver / attendant.

[0061] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these, but can be modified in many ways. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 child seats 3 carrying handles 4 Sensor 5 Actuator 6 Control unit 7 Mobile device 8 Ultra-wideband sensor 9 Temperature sensor 11 Capacitive / resistive / weight sensor 12 Data connection 13 Electric motor 15 Compressor 17 heating or cooling elements 19 Data connection 20 batteries 21 Signal output device 25 vehicles 27 Rear seat 29 children 30 procedures 32 Recognize 34 Monitoring 36 Target 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 2019 204 262 B3

[0004] US 2020 / 0320841 A1

[0005] US 2022 / 0179432 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25), comprising one or more sensors (4), one or more actuators (5) and a control unit (6) that can process sensor data from the sensors (4) and actuate the actuators (5), characterized by , that at least one of the sensors (4) is an ultra-wideband sensor (8). [2] Device (1) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the device comprises a temperature warning system, wherein at least one of the sensors (4) may be a temperature sensor (9) which is preferably configured to determine the body temperature of a child (29). [3] Device (1) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by , that the device (1) comprises a warning system for a faulty installation, wherein at least one of the sensors (4) may be a capacitive or resistive sensor or a weight sensor (11). [4] Device (1) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that at least one of the actuators (5) is an electric motor (13) which may preferably be configured to adjust parts of the child seat (2). [5] Device (1) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that at least one of the actuators (5) is a compressor (15) which may preferably be configured to supply compressed air to inflatable elements of the child seat (2). [6] Device (1) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that at least one of the actuators (5) is a signal output device (21) which may preferably be configured to output error messages. [7] Device (1) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an interface for a mobile device (7), preferably for the purpose of enabling app connectivity. [8] Child seat (2), in particular for a passenger car, comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Vehicle (25), preferably a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, comprising a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and / or a child seat (2) according to claim 8. [10] Method (30) for controlling a child seat (2) for a vehicle (25) with a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising the following steps: Recognizing (32) that the child seat (2) is occupied by a child (29), Monitoring (34) of at least one characteristic of the child (29) in the child seat (2) and / or of the child seat (2) and Controlling (36) at least one actuator (5) of the device (1) for controlling the child seat (2).

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