Motor vehicle seat comprising an air conditioning system whose operation is adapted to the presence of a child seat on the seat.

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat for a motor vehicle, comprising an air conditioning system whose operation is adapted to the presence of a child seat on the seat. The seat (2) according to the invention comprises an air conditioning system (8) controlled by a regulation unit (10). Remarkably, the regulation unit (10) is capable of being connected to signaling means (16) of the presence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2), and the regulation unit (10) is configured to modify the operation of the air conditioning system (8), when the signaling means (16) indicate to the regulation unit (10) the presence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Seat for a motor vehicle comprising an air conditioning system whose operation is adapted to the presence of a child's seat on the seat. Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of the automotive industry and, more particularly, it relates to a seat for a motor vehicle comprising an air conditioning system. Technological background

[0002] Child seats, also known as car seats or booster seats, are essential elements for the safety and well-being of the youngest passengers when traveling in the car. Designed with particular attention to the specific needs of young children, these devices offer crucial protection in the event of an accident, thus minimizing the risk of serious injuries.

[0003] One of the primary functions of a child seat is to raise the child so that the vehicle seat belt is properly positioned on their body. Seat belts are designed to fit securely on specific parts of an adult's body. However, without proper elevation, these belts may fit poorly on a smaller child, putting their safety at risk in the event of an accident.

[0004] By raising the child, the child seat ensures that the seat belt passes correctly over the child's shoulders and pelvis. This allows for adequate distribution of force in the event of an impact, thus minimizing the risk of serious injuries related to excessive forward movement.

[0005] However, the use of a child seat may present a disadvantage when the seat is equipped with an air conditioning system.

[0006] The presence of a child seat on an air-conditioned seat, for example, hinders the circulation of air from the air conditioning system, thus reducing its effectiveness. The seat, by positioning itself between the child and the seat, can block or limit the flow of air intended to cool or heat the area occupied by the child. This interference can lead to uneven distribution of the air-conditioned air, affecting the child's thermal comfort during car journeys.

[0007] When the air conditioning system incorporates heating elements, the seat constitutes an obstacle to the propagation of the heat generated by these elements to the child. This configuration reduces the efficiency of the air conditioning system, while maintaining unchanged energy consumption.

[0008] The invention aims to solve these aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a seat for a motor vehicle, comprising an air conditioning system whose operation is adapted to the presence of a child's seat on the seat. Subject of the invention

[0009] The invention provides a seat for a motor vehicle, comprising an air conditioning system, the air conditioning system being controlled by a control unit.

[0010] The invention is remarkable in that the regulation unit is capable of being connected to means for signaling the presence of a child seat on the seat, and the regulation unit is configured to modify the operation of the air conditioning system, when the signaling means indicate to the regulation unit the presence of a child seat on the seat.

[0011] In other words, the control unit is set to operate the air conditioning system differently, depending on whether a child seat is present or not on the seat.

[0012] The term "child seat" means a device designed to provide safe and comfortable support to a child during a car journey. For example, a child seat may refer to a booster seat with or without a backrest, a group 1 car seat, a group 2 car seat or a group 3 car seat.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the air conditioning system is capable of independently air conditioning at least two distinct surfaces of the seat. Preferably, when the signaling means indicate the presence of a child seat on the seat, the control unit is configured to deactivate at least one part of the air conditioning system for air conditioning a surface of the seat covered by the seat. This embodiment makes it possible to optimize the operation of the air conditioning system, by deactivating the parts of the air conditioning system which are covered by the child seat. According to another advantage, the energy consumed by the air conditioning system is significantly reduced, without affecting the comfort of the child present on the seat.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, when the signaling means indicate the presence of a child seat on the seat, the regulation unit is configured to increase the operation of at least part of the air conditioning system for air conditioning a surface of the seat covered by the seat. This embodiment makes it possible to offer increased comfort to the child present on the seat, by making it possible to moderate the environment close to the child via the seat.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the regulation unit is connected to means for signaling the presence of a child seat on the seat.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the signaling means comprise a switch allowing a user to indicate the presence or absence of a child seat on the seat, and / or a graphical interface allowing a user to indicate the presence or absence of a child seat on the seat, and / or at least means for visually detecting the presence or absence of a child seat on the seat.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the seat comprises a seat and a backrest, and the air conditioning system is capable of independently air conditioning the seat and the backrest. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the seat is a booster seat, covering mainly the seat of the seat and little of its backrest. For example, the operation of the air conditioning system of the backrest can be unchanged by the presence of the booster seat on the seat of the seat.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the air conditioning system comprises means for heating and / or ventilating at least one surface of the seat intended to accommodate a passenger.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the seat is configured to accommodate one or more passengers. In other words, a seat according to the invention can also designate a bench seat of a motor vehicle.

[0020] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments mentioned above may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0021] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a seat as described above. Description of the figures

[0022] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0023] [Fig.l] illustrates a longitudinal section of a schematic representation of a seat according to the invention, comprising an active air conditioning system, controlled by a regulation unit, the regulation unit being connected to means for signaling the presence of a child seat on the seat;

[0024] [Fig.2] illustrates a child seat present on the seat represented by [Fig.l];

[0025] [Fig.3] illustrates an alternative embodiment of a seat represented by [Fig.2], where the reporting means include a digital camera coupled with an image processing system. Detailed description of the invention

[0026] As a reminder, the invention proposes a seat for a motor vehicle, comprising an air conditioning system, the operation of which is adapted to the presence of a child's seat on the seat.

[0027] [Fig.l] illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a seat 2 for a motor vehicle according to the invention. The seat 2 consists of a seat 4 and a backrest 6. The seat comprises an air conditioning system 8 integrated into the seat. The air conditioning system is controlled by a regulation unit 10, also integrated into the seat.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the regulation unit could be separate from the seat. The regulation unit could, for example, be part of a central unit of a motor vehicle.

[0029] According to the present example, the air conditioning system 8 is composed of heating mats. Each heating mat is configured to produce heat, at the request of the regulation unit 10. By way of non-limiting example, each heating mat may comprise one or more electrical resistors, supplied with electrical current by the regulation unit 10.

[0030] In the figures, the heating mats are illustrated by a black rectangle when they are electrically powered by the regulation unit, and by a black frame surrounding a white rectangle when they are not electrically powered by the regulation unit.

[0031] As illustrated by [Fig.l], a first heating layer 12 is present in the seat 4 of the seat and electrically powered by the regulation unit 10, so as to be able to raise the temperature of the seat 4.

[0032] A second heating layer 14 is present in the backrest 6 of the seat and electrically powered by the regulation unit 10, so as to be able to raise the temperature of the surface of the backrest 6.

[0033] According to the present example, the regulation unit 10 is connected to a push button 16, placed at the level of the seat 4, so as to allow a user to actuate said button to indicate to the regulation unit the presence of a child seat on the seat 2.

[0034] Remarkably, the regulation unit 10 is configured to modify the operation of the air conditioning system 8, depending on the position of the push button 16. More precisely, when the push button is not actuated as illustrated in [Fig.l], reflecting the absence of a child seat on the seat, the regulation unit 10 supplies the two heating mats with electric current. The seat 2 is then heated uniformly or substantially uniformly, at the level of its seat 4 and its backrest 6.

[0035] When the push button 16 is actuated by a user, the regulation unit 10 is informed of the presence of a child seat on the seat 4 of the seat 2, in this case a booster seat 18 as illustrated in [Fig.2]. The regulation unit 10 then no longer electrically supplies the first heating layer 12 present in said seat 4. Only the second heating layer 14 present in the backrest 6 of the seat is then electrically supplied by the regulation unit.

[0036] Thus, advantageously, the air conditioning system 8 generates heat only at the backrest 6 of the seat 2, in order to offer increased comfort to a child present on the booster seat and whose back rests against the backrest 6.

[0037] Naturally, the push button 16 is designed for reversible use, thus allowing a user to notify the removal of the booster seat to the regulation unit 10. The regulation unit 10 then supplies electric current to the first heating mat 12 and the second heating mat 14, as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0038] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the regulation unit can be connected to a wheel, allowing a user to inform the regulation unit of the presence or absence of a child seat on the seat.

[0039] According to another variant embodiment not illustrated, the regulation unit can be connected to sensors, located at the seat. More precisely, the sensors are arranged so as to allow the detection of means of attaching the booster seat to the seat.

[0040] According to another variant embodiment not illustrated, the regulation unit can be connected to an on-board computer of a motor vehicle. The on-board computer can be coupled with a graphical interface, preferably touch-sensitive, to allow a user to signal via the graphical interface the presence or absence of a booster seat on the seat.

[0041] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 3], the regulation unit 10 is connected to an optical shape detection device. The optical device consists of a digital camera 20, oriented towards the seat 2. The images acquired by the digital camera are transmitted to an image processing system 22. The image processing system is configured to identify, from the images taken by the digital camera 20, the presence of a child seat on the seat, and transmit this information to the regulation unit 10.

[0042] In another example of implementation of the invention, not shown here, the air conditioning system may include ventilation means configured to produce, as required, an air flow on the surface of the seat. The ventilation means are capable of being partially activated by the regulation unit according to the invention, when a child seat is present on the seat.

[0043] The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented above make it possible to adapt the operation of a seat air conditioning system when a child seat is present on the seat. More precisely, the regulation unit is configured to deactivate part of the air conditioning system, acting on the areas of the seat that are covered by the child seat. Thus, advantageously, the air conditioning system operates more economically, while providing similar or substantially similar comfort to the child present on the seat.

[0044] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the regulation unit can be configured to preferentially air-condition the areas of the seat which are not covered by the child seat.

[0045] According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the regulation unit can be configured to increase the air conditioning of the seat, at the areas of the seat covered by the child seat, so as to air condition said seat and, through it, the child present on the seat.

Claims

Claims

1. Seat (2) for a motor vehicle comprising an air conditioning system (8), the air conditioning system being controlled by a regulation unit (10), characterized in that the regulation unit (10) is capable of being connected to signaling means (16, 20, 22) of the presence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2), and in that the regulation unit (10) is configured to modify the operation of the air conditioning system (8), when the signaling means (16, 20, 22) indicate to the regulation unit (10) the presence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2).

2. Seat (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air conditioning system (8) is capable of independently air conditioning at least two separate surfaces (4, 6) of the seat (2).

3. Seat (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that when the signaling means (16, 20, 22) indicate the presence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2), the regulation unit (10) is configured to deactivate at least part of the air conditioning system (8) making it possible to air condition a surface of the seat (2) covered by the seat.

4. Seat (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the signaling means (16, 20, 22) indicate the presence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2), the regulation unit (10) is configured to increase the operation of at least part of the air conditioning system (8) for air conditioning a surface of the seat (2) covered by the seat.

5. Seat (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the regulation unit (10) is connected to signaling means (16, 20, 22) of the presence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2).

6. Seat (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the signaling means comprise a switch (16) allowing a user to indicate the presence or absence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2), and / or a graphical interface allowing a user to indicate the presence or absence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2), and / or at least visual detection means (20, 22) of the presence or absence of a child seat (18) on the seat (2).

7. Seat (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the seat (2) comprises a seat (4) and a backrest (6), and in that the air conditioning system (8) is capable of air conditioning independently the seat and the backrest.

8. Seat (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the air conditioning system (8) comprises means for heating (12, 14) and / or ventilating at least one surface of the seat (2) intended to accommodate a passenger.

9. Seat (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the seat (2) is configured to accommodate one or more passengers.

10. Motor vehicle comprising a seat (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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