Active seat module for vehicle seat, vehicle seat comprising such an active seat module, and methods for manufacturing and modifying such a vehicle seat

Abstract

Active seat module for vehicle seat, vehicle seat comprising such an active seat module, and methods for manufacturing and modifying such a vehicle seat. The active seat module is intended for a modularly constructed vehicle seat formed from a plurality of seat modules and having an electrical seat controller (16). The active seat module comprises one or more functional components (30) and two module connectors (34, 36) for connecting the seat module in series with the electrical seat controller (16) and at least one other active seat module, forming a linear network (18) or a bus network, the network (18) being configured for the transmission of power and communication signals intended for the functional components (30) of each active seat module. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Active seat module for vehicle seat, vehicle seat comprising such an active seat module and methods of manufacturing and modifying such a vehicle seat

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle seats, in particular vehicle seats comprising electrical functional components.

[0002] It is possible to equip a vehicle seat with functional components such as detection devices (e.g. detection of the presence of an occupant on the seat), safety devices (e.g. safety airbag) or adjustment devices (e.g. adjustment of the position of the vehicle seat).

[0003] Such functional organs are for example connected to an electrical seat controller equipping the vehicle seat, the electrical seat controller being configured to transmit power signals and communication signals to the functional organs for the power supply and control of the functional organs of the vehicle seat.

[0004] The seat electrical controller is provided with a respective controller connector associated with each functional element, through which the functional element is connected to the seat electrical controller.

[0005] It is possible to provide a modularly constructed vehicle seat, comprising several seat modules assembled together to form the seat, some seat modules being able to be active, i.e. equipped with functional components that can be controlled via the seat's electrical controller, other seat modules being able to be passive, i.e. without functional components.

[0006] The vehicle seat is then manufactured by assembling the seat modules, including the active seat modules according to options chosen by the customer, and connecting each active seat module to a respective controller connector of the seat's electrical controller.

[0007] However, this requires providing a large number of controller connectors on the electric seat controller, not all of the connectors necessarily being used, depending on the options chosen for the vehicle seat.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide an active seat module that can be easily integrated into a modularly constructed vehicle seat.

[0009] To this end, the invention proposes an active seat module for a modularly constructed vehicle seat formed from a plurality of seat modules and having an electrical seat controller, the active seat module comprising one or more functional components and two module connectors for connecting the module to seat in series with the seat electrical controller and at least one other active seat module forming a linear network or a bus network, the network being configured for the transmission of power signals and communication signals intended for the functional components of each active seat module.

[0010] The active seat module having two module connectors for connecting active seat modules to the seat controller in series by forming a linear network or a bus network allows a simple assembly of the active seat modules to form the vehicle seat, limiting in particular the number of controller connectors to be provided on the electrical seat controller for connecting the active seat modules to the electrical seat controller.

[0011] Indeed, a single controller connector of the electric seat controller allows several active seat modules to be connected in series to the electric seat controller, while ensuring the transmission of power and communication signals to the active seat modules connected in series to the electric seat controller.

[0012] The active seat module also facilitates a modification of a vehicle seat to add functionality, by replacing a passive seat module with an active seat module of the same type but equipped with a functional component, this added active seat module being able to be connected to a module connector of the last active seat module of a series of active seat modules connected in series to the electrical seat controller.

[0013] According to other advantageous aspects, the active seat module comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0014] - each module connector includes two contacts for the transmission of a power supply signal and at least one contact for the transmission of communication signals;

[0015] - each module connector includes two contacts for the transmission of a power supply signal and at least two contacts for the transmission of communication signals;

[0016] - each module connector comprises at least two contacts, each contact being used for the transmission of both the power supply signal and the communication signals;

[0017] - the module connectors are configured for network connection local interconnected (LIN) or a controller area network (CAN) or a low voltage differential transmission network (LVDS) or a Power over Ethernet (PoE) network or a Power over Coaxial (POC) network;

[0018] - the active seat module includes a connection cable equipped with connectors of cable at both ends, one being designed to plug into one of the two module connectors and the other to plug into a controller connector of the electric seat controller or a module connector of another active seat module, and / or a module cable having one non-detachable end connected to a housing of the active seat module and the other end having one of the two module connectors configured to plug into a controller connector of the electric seat controller or a module connector of another active seat module;

[0019] - the functional component(s) of the active seat module are selected from: a ventilation device, a heating device, a cooling device, a massage device, a vibration device, a device for detecting the presence of an occupant on the seat and a device for detecting the positioning of an occupant seated on the seat, a safety airbag device, a device for orienting an adjustable headrest, a device for adjusting the position of the seat, a device for adjusting the position of a seat cushion, a device for adjusting the position of a seat back, a device for adjusting the distance between two side bolsters of a seat cushion or a device for adjusting the distance between two side bolsters of a seat back, a module with ambient lighting, a fragrance diffusion device, a communication device, a wireless communication module;

[0020] - the active seat module comprising one or more trims;

[0021] - each trim is a seat trim, a side bolster trim seat, backrest trim, side bolster trim for the backrest, headrest trim or armrest trim.

[0022] The invention also relates to a modularly constructed vehicle seat, comprising a plurality of seat modules assembled to form the vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising an electrical seat controller and a first active seat module according to any one of the preceding claims connected to the electronic seat controller via one of the two module connectors of the first active seat module.

[0023] In some embodiments, the vehicle seat includes a second active seat module connected to the first active seat module via the other of the two module connectors of the first active seat module, forming with the first active seat module and the electrical seat controller a linear or bus network.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a modular vehicle seat comprising a plurality of assembled seat modules and having an electrical seat controller, the manufacturing method comprising the connecting a first active seat module as defined above to the electronic seat electrical controller via one of the two connectors of the first active seat module and then connecting a second active seat module to the first active seat module via the other of the two connectors of the first active seat module, forming a linear network or a bus network.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method of modifying a modular vehicle seat comprising a plurality of assembled seat modules and having an electrical seat controller, the plurality of assembled seat modules comprising a first active seat module as defined above connected to the electrical seat controller via one of the two connectors of the first seat module, directly or indirectly via one or more other active seat modules forming a linear network or a bus network, the modification method comprising replacing one of the seat modules with a second active seat module as defined above, with the connection of the second seat module to the first seat module via the other of the two connectors of the first seat module.

[0026] The invention and its advantages will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic front view of a motor vehicle seat consisting of a plurality of seat modules, in an assembled state;

[0028] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic front view of the motor vehicle seat the [Fig.l], in exploded state;

[0029] [Fig.3][Fig.4][Fig.5] Figures 3, 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of seats comprising a plurality of active seat modules connected to an electrical seat controller designed for the transmission of power and communication signals to the active seat modules;

[0030] [Fig.6][Fig.7][Fig.8] Figures 6, 7 and 8 are schematic front views of module connectors configured for the transmission of power and communication signals, each module connector comprising two, three or four contacts;

[0031] [Fig.9][Fig.10] Figures 9 and 10 are flowcharts illustrating methods for updating the configuration of a seat formed from a plurality of active seat modules connected to an electrical seat controller.

[0032] The motor vehicle seat 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is of modular construction. The seat 10 comprises a plurality of seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E assembled to form the seat 10.

[0033] The seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E are for example assembled together and / or to a seat frame 14 to form the seat 10. Each seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is assembled to one or more other seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and / or to the frame 14 to form the seat 10.

[0034] Seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include seat modules of different types.

[0035] The seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include, for example, a seat module 12A forming a seat cushion of the seat 10, a seat module 12B forming a backrest of the seat 10, a seat module 12C forming a headrest of the seat 10, one or more seat modules 12D forming side bolsters of the seat and / or one or more seat modules 12E forming side bolsters of the backrest.

[0036] A seat module 12A forming a seat preferably has a seat cushion allowing an occupant to sit down.

[0037] A seat module 12B forming a backrest preferably has a backrest trim allowing the occupant to lean back.

[0038] A seat module 12C forming a headrest preferably has a headrest cover or headrest cushion on which the occupant can rest their head. A headrest also constitutes a safety feature in the event of a collision involving the vehicle.

[0039] A 12D seat module forming a lateral seat bolster preferably has a lateral seat bolster lining designed to extend to the side of the seat to provide lateral support, in particular for the pelvis and / or thighs of the occupant, to improve the lateral support of the occupant.

[0040] A seat module 12E forming a backrest side bolster preferably has a backrest side bolster trim designed to extend along the side of the backrest to provide lateral support, in particular for the occupant's torso, to improve lateral support of the occupant's upper body.

[0041] Each seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is configured to be interchangeable with another seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E of the same type.

[0042] In particular, each seat module 12A forming a seat is interchangeable with another seat module 12A forming a seat, each seat module 12B forming a backrest is interchangeable with another seat module 12B forming a backrest, each seat module 12C forming a headrest is interchangeable with another seat module 12C forming a headrest, each seat module 12D forming one or more side bolsters of the seat is interchangeable with another seat module 12D forming one or more side bolsters of the seat and / or each seat module 12E forming one or more side bolsters of the backrest is interchangeable with another 12E seat module forming one or more side bolsters of the backrest.

[0043] In examples, some of the seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, such as seat modules 12D forming a side bolster of the seat and seat modules 12E forming a side bolster of the backrest, have a left variant and a right variant, in which case a right variant is interchangeable with a right variant and a left variant is interchangeable with a left variant.

[0044] Seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include active seat modules.

[0045] Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is equipped with one or more functional components. Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is equipped with a combination of functional components, the combination of functional components comprising one or more functional components.

[0046] Each functional component is configured to perform one or more functions. These functions may be associated with seat position adjustment (e.g., longitudinal position adjustment, seat height adjustment, seat tilt adjustment, backrest tilt adjustment, seat length adjustment, adjustment of the spacing between the side bolsters of the seat and / or backrest), occupant comfort (e.g., a heating device, a cooling device, a massage device, etc.), infotainment (e.g., a sound reproduction system, an image display system, etc.) and / or occupant safety (e.g., airbag, occupant presence detection device, fatigue detection device, stimulus generation device (vibration and / or sound) to alert the occupant in certain detected circumstances, etc.).

[0047] Each functional component is, for example, selected from: a ventilation device, a heating device, a cooling device, a massage device, a vibration device, a device for detecting the presence of an occupant on the seat and a device for detecting the positioning of an occupant seated on the seat, a safety airbag device, a device for orienting an adjustable headrest, a device for adjusting the position of the seat, a device for adjusting the position of a seat cushion, a device for adjusting the position of a seat back, a device for adjusting the spacing between two side bolsters of the seat cushion or a device for adjusting the spacing between two side bolsters of the seat back, a lighting module for creating ambient light, a fragrance diffusion device, and a communication module, in particular a wireless communication module.

[0048] In examples, the seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include passive seat modules. Each passive seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is devoid of a functional component.

[0049] In examples, the seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include interchangeable active and passive seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E of the same type. The seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include at least one active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and at least one passive seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E of the same type, interchangeable with each other.

[0050] In examples, the seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include:

[0051] - an active seat module 12A, equipped with one or more components functional, interchangeable with a 12A passive seating module,

[0052] - a 12B active backrest seat module, equipped with one or more components functional, interchangeable with a passive backrest seat module 12B,

[0053] - an active headrest seat module 12C, equipped with one or more components functional, interchangeable with a 12C passive headrest seat module,

[0054] - a 12D seat module with active side bolster seating, equipped with one or more functional components, interchangeable with a 12D passive side bolster seat module, and / or

[0055] - a 12E seat module with active backrest side bolster, equipped with one or several functional components, interchangeable with a 12E passive backrest side bolster seat module.

[0056] In examples, the seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include at least two active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E of the same type equipped with different and interchangeable combinations of respective functional components.

[0057] In examples, the seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include:

[0058] - an active seating module 12A, equipped with a combination of components functional, interchangeable with another 12A active seating module, equipped with a different combination of functional components,

[0059] - a 12B active backrest seat module, equipped with a combination of components functional, interchangeable with another 12B active backrest seat module, equipped with a different combination of functional components,

[0060] - an active headrest seat module 12C, equipped with a combination of components functional, interchangeable with another 12C active headrest seat module, equipped with a different combination of functional components,

[0061] - a 12D active side bolster seat module, equipped with a combination of functional components, interchangeable with another 12D seat module active lateral seating bolster, equipped with another combination of functional components, and / or

[0062] - a 12E seat module with active backrest side bolster, equipped with a combination of functional components, interchangeable with another 12E active backrest side bolster seat module, equipped with another combination of functional components.

[0063] Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is configured to receive a power supply signal to enable the operation of the functional organ(s) of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and a communication signal, in particular for the transmission of control instructions for the control of the functional organ(s) of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0064] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the seat 10 comprises several active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and an electrical seat controller 16 configured for the transmission of a power signal and communication signals to the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0065] The power supply signals are provided for supplying power to the functional organ(s) of each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0066] Communication signals include, for example, control signals emitted from the seat electrical controller 16 to the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E for the control of one or more functional components

[0067] The active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E are connected in series to the seat electrical controller 16, forming a network 18 that is linear or bus-like. The nodes of the network 18 are defined by the seat electrical controller 16 and the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0068] Three active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E are shown in the example in [Fig.3]. In other examples, seat 10 includes fewer than three active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, for example two active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, or more than three active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0069] The electrical seat controller 16 is, for example, dedicated to the control of seat 10.

[0070] In some examples, the seat electrical controller 16 is connected to a unit vehicle control electronics 20.

[0071] The electronic control unit 20 is for example connected to the seat electrical controller 16 for the transmission of power supply signals and communication signals to the seat electrical controller 16.

[0072] The electronic control unit 20 is, for example, connected to a human-machine interface device (not shown) of the vehicle, allowing an occupant to enter command instructions for the functional components of the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E of seat 10.

[0073] The seat electrical controller 16 is, for example, connected to the electronic control unit 20 by a power supply link 22 enabling the transmission of power signals. The power supply link 22 is, for example, a power cable.

[0074] The seat electrical controller 16 is, for example, connected to the electronic control unit 20 by a communication link 24 enabling the transmission of communication signals. The communication link 24 is, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) type link, a CAN with flexible data rate, or a CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Datarate) type link.

[0075] The seat electrical controller 16 includes a controller connector 26 for connecting an active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E to the seat electrical controller 16 to form the first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E of the linear or bus network 18.

[0076] Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E connected to the seat controller 16 comprises one or more functional components 30.

[0077] In [Fig.3], each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is shown with a single functional organ 30. In other examples, one or more seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E comprise at least two functional organs 30.

[0078] Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E includes an electronic module unit 32 configured to receive the power and communication signals received by the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E via the network 18, and to power the functional organ(s) 30 of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E from the power signals and control the functional organ(s) 30 of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E from instructions contained in the communication signals.

[0079] Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is configured to be connected in series between two network nodes 18, i.e. between the electrical seat controller 16 and another active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E or between two other active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0080] Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E includes two module connectors 34, 36 for connecting the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E in series with the electrical seat controller 16 and at least one other active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E forming the network 18.

[0081] The two module connectors 34, 36 of each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E include, for example, an upstream module connector 34 allowing the seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E to be connected to a network node 18 located upstream of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E (on the left in [Fig.3]) and a downstream module connector 36 allowing the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E to be connected to a network node 18 located downstream of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E (on the right in [Fig.3]).

[0082] In examples, as illustrated in [Fig.3], each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E comprises a housing 38 and each module connector 34, 36 is arranged on the housing 38 of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0083] The seat electrical controller 16 and the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E are connected to each other via connecting cables 40, each connecting cable 40 having at each end a cable connector 42 configured to plug into the controller connector 26 or into a module connector 34, 36. The cable connectors 42 are counterparts of the module connectors 34, 36 to allow mutual plugging of the cable connectors 42 and the module connectors 34, 36.

[0084] In such examples, the module connectors 34, 36 of each seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E are, for example, arranged adjacently on the housing 38 of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0085] In examples, as illustrated in [Fig.4], each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E comprises at least one module cable 46, each module cable 46 having one end connected in a non-detachable manner to the housing 38 of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and the other end bearing one of the two module connectors 34, 36.

[0086] Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E comprises, for example, two module cables 46, each module connector 34, 36 being located at the end of a respective module cable 46, or a single module cable 46, one of the module connectors 34 being located at the end of the module cable 46 and the other on the housing 38.

[0087] In examples, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E comprises a module connector 34 located at the end of a module cable 46 and a module connector 36 located on the housing 38. The module connector 34 located at the end of a module cable 46 is, for example, the upstream module connector 34. Alternatively, it is the downstream module connector 36.

[0088] This allows the active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module to be connected to the seat electrical controller 16 or another active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module using the module cable 46 and the module connector 34, without having need a separate 40 connection cable from the active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module.

[0089] In examples (not shown), each module connector 34, 36 of each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is arranged at one end of a respective module cable 46 of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0090] In embodiment examples, as illustrated in [Fig.3] and 4, the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E are configured to form a network 18 in bus when connected in series.

[0091] Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is configured for the transmission of power and communication signals circulating on network 18 without processing of the power and communication signals by the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, in particular by the module electronic unit 32 of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E. A failure of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, and in particular of its module electronic unit 32, does not interrupt the transmission of power and measurement signals on network 18.

[0092] In embodiment examples, as illustrated in [Fig.5], the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E are configured to form a linear network 18 when connected in series.

[0093] Each active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is configured for the transmission of power and communication signals circulating on the network 18 with processing of power and communication signals, in particular by the electronic module unit 32 of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0094] A failure of the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, and in particular of its electronic module unit 32, is likely to interrupt the transmission of power supply signals and measurement signals on network 18.

[0095] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E have module connectors 34, 36 arranged on the housing 38 in a manner analogous to those in [Fig.3].

[0096] Of course, one or each of the module connectors 34, 36 could alternatively be arranged at the end of a module cable 46, in a manner analogous to that illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0097] The transmission of the power supply signal and communication signals can be carried out in different ways on the network 18, the number of wires in the cables (module cable 46 or connection cable 40) and the number of contacts in the module connectors 34, 36 depending on how the transmission of the power supply signal and communication signals is carried out on the network 18.

[0098] In one embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.6], each module connector 34, 36 comprises exactly three contacts including a first contact 50 intended to be brought to a reference voltage, in particular ground, a second contact 52 intended to be brought to a supply voltage and a third contact 54 intended to be brought to a variable voltage enabling the transmission of communication signals.

[0099] Communication signals are for example detected as the voltage difference between the first contact 50, providing a reference voltage, and the third contact 54. The supply voltage is for example 12V.

[0100] Network 18 is, for example, of the Local Interconnected Network or LIN type (from the English "Local Interconnected Network")

[0101] In one embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.7], each module connector 34, 36 comprises exactly four contacts including a first contact 50 intended to be brought to the reference voltage, in particular to ground, a second contact 52 intended to be brought to a supply voltage, and a third contact 54 and a fourth contact 56 intended for the transmission of communication signals.

[0102] Communication signals are detected for example as the voltage difference between the third contact 54 and the fourth contact 56.

[0103] The supply voltage is for example 12V. The network 18 is for example of the CAN type (from the English "Controller Area Network").

[0104] In one embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.8], each module connector 34, 36 comprises exactly two contacts including a first contact 50 and a second contact 52 allowing the transmission of the power supply signal and the communication signals.

[0105] The voltage difference between the first contact 50 and the second contact 52 provides the supply voltage, the communication signals being for example coded by amplitude and / or frequency modulation of the supply voltage.

[0106] The simultaneous transmission of the power supply signal and the communication signals via only two contacts is for example carried out by low voltage differential signalling or LVDS or by power over Ethernet or PoE or by power over coaxial cable or POC.

[0107] The modular construction of the seat 10 and the connection of the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E in series with each other and with the seat electrical controller 16 allows for simple construction of the seat 10, for example, according to options chosen by a buyer. The seat electrical controller 16 does not need to natively have a connection allowing the realization of all possible combinations of active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat modules.

[0108] In examples, a method for manufacturing the seat 10 of a modular construction vehicle comprising a plurality of seat modules including several active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and having an electrical seat controller 16, comprises connecting a first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E to the electrical seat controller 16 via one of the two module connectors 34, 36 of the first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and then connecting a second active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E to the first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E via the other of the two connectors 34, 36 of the first seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E active, forming a linear or bus network of 18.

[0109] The modular construction of the seat 10 and the connection of the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E in series with each other and with the electrical seat controller 16 allows a simple modification of the seat 10, for example to replace a defective active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E or to add an active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E a posteriori, for example as part of a modification or upgrade (“retrofit” or “upgrade” according to English terminology).

[0110] Adding an additional active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is done simply by connecting this additional active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E to the last of the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E already connected in series to the electrical seat controller 16. [YES] Replacing a defective active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module located between the electrical seat controller 16 and another active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module or between two other active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat modules is done simply by connecting the replacement active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module in series between the electrical seat controller 16 and the other active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module or between the two other active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat modules.

[0112] The removal of an active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module located between the electric seat controller 16 or a previous active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module, and a subsequent active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module, by connecting the subsequent active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module to the electric seat controller 16 or to the previous active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module.

[0113] In examples, a method for modifying a modular construction vehicle seat 10 comprising an electrical seat controller 16 and a plurality of active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E including a first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E connected to the electrical controller of seat 16 via one of the two module connectors 34, 36 of the first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, directly or indirectly via one or more other active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E forming a linear or bus network 18, includes the replacement of one of the active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E by a second active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, with the connection of the second active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E to the first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E via the other of the two module connectors 34, 36 of the first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0114] In examples, a method for modifying a modular construction vehicle seat 10 comprising an electrical seat controller 16 and a plurality of active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E including a first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E connected to the electrical seat controller 16 via one of the two module connectors 34, 36 of the first active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, directly or indirectly via one or more other active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E forming a linear or bus network 18, includes the addition of an additional active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E with the connection of the seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E active additional to the first seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E active via the other of the two module connectors 34, 36 of the first seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E active.

[0115] In the event of a modification of a configuration of a seat 10, for example by adding, replacing or deleting an active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, it is desirable to update the electronic control unit 20, in particular to update a list of available functional components 30 and / or functionalities available to the occupant, for example via a human-machine interface device of the vehicle, preferably connected to the electronic control unit 20.

[0116] In addition, when adding or replacing an active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, it is preferable to check that the electrical seat controller 16 is compatible with the active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E integrated into the seat 10, in particular that it is able to identify and communicate with this active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E via the network 18.

[0117] As illustrated in [Fig.9], an update method includes a step E1 of starting the seat electrical controller 16, then a step E2 of identifying a new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, performed by the seat electrical controller 16.

[0118] In the absence of a new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E identified, the identification step E2 is repeated until a new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is identified.

[0119] In the event of identification of a new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, the update process includes a step E3 of sending, by the electrical seat controller 16, a detection signal corresponding to the electronic control unit, and a step E4 of updating, by the electronic control unit 20, a human-machine interface device, so as to allow the entry of control instructions for the functional organ(s) of the new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E detected.

[0120] Updating the human-machine interface device includes, for example, updating a graphical user interface. Such an update is easy to perform.

[0121] Optionally, the update process includes a step E5 of verifying the configuration of the electrical seat controller 16 in which the configuration of the electrical seat controller 16 is checked to determine if it is up to date and / or compatible with a newly detected active 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E seat module.

[0122] If the configuration of the seat electrical controller 16 is not compatible or up-to-date, the update procedure includes a step E6 for updating the seat electrical controller 16, for example, after the startup step E1 and before the identification step E2. Otherwise, the procedure proceeds directly to the identification step E2, without updating the seat electrical controller 16.

[0123] As illustrated in [Fig.10], an update method includes a step El of starting the seat electrical controller 16, then a step E7 of detecting a new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, performed by the seat electrical controller 16.

[0124] If no new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is detected, the update process is restarted from the beginning.

[0125] If a new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is detected, the update procedure includes a step E2 of identifying the new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, performed by the seat electrical controller 16, a step E3 of sending, by the seat electrical controller 16, a corresponding detection signal to the electronic control unit, and a step E4 of updating, by the electronic control unit 20, a human-machine interface device, so as to allow the input of control instructions for the functional component(s) of the newly detected active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E. The update of the human-machine interface device includes by For example, updating a graphical user interface. Such an update is easy to perform.

[0126] The update process then includes a step E6 of updating the configuration of the seat 16 electrical controller, and then the process starts again from the beginning.

[0127] If a new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E has been detected but not identified due to an outdated configuration of the electrical seat controller 16, the update step E6 implemented before reiterating the update process allows the configuration of the electrical seat controller 16 to be updated and the new active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E to be identified during the next iteration of the update process.

[0128] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to easily integrate active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E into a modularly constructed seat 10 according to options chosen by a user, in particular during the initial manufacture of the seat 10 or a modification of the seat 10. The addition, replacement or deletion of an active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E of a seat 10 can be carried out easily and without modification of the electrical seat controller 16 or its operation for the transmission of the power signal and communication signals, subject to an update in the event of the addition or removal of an active seat module 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E.

[0129] The invention is not limited to the examples and variants described and illustrated, other examples and other variants being conceivable.

[0130] For example, it is possible to provide for other types of active seat modules 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, such as a seat module forming an armrest and including an armrest trim. Such a seat module in an active variant may include, for example, a functional component such as a human-machine interface, in particular a touchscreen.

Claims

Demands

1. Active seat module for a modularly constructed vehicle seat formed of a plurality of seat modules and having an electrical seat controller (16), the active seat module comprising one or more functional units (30) and two module connectors (34, 36) for connecting the seat module in series with the electrical seat controller (16) and at least one other active seat module forming a linear network (18) or a bus network, the network (18) being configured for the transmission of power signals and communication signals intended for the functional units (30) of each active seat module.

2. Active seat module according to claim 1, wherein each module connector (34, 36) comprises two contacts (50, 52) for the transmission of a power signal and at least one contact (54, 56) for the transmission of communication signals.

3. Active seat module according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each module connector (34, 36) comprises two contacts for the transmission of a power supply signal (50, 52) and at least two contacts (54, 56) for the transmission of communication signals.

4. Active seat module according to claim 1, wherein each module connector (34, 36) comprises at least two contacts (50, 52), each contact (50, 52) being used for the transmission of both the power supply signal and the communication signals.

5. Active seat module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module connectors (34, 36) are configured for connection to a local interconnected network (LIN) or a controller area network (CAN) or a low voltage differential transmission network (LVDS) or a Power over Ethernet (PoE) network or a Power over Coaxial (POC) network.

6. An active seat module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connecting cable (40) having cable connectors (42) at both ends, one being designed to plug into one of the two module connectors (34, 36) and the other to plug into a controller connector (26) of the electric seat controller (16) or a module connector (34,36) of another active seat module, and / or a module cable (46) having one non-detachable end connected to a housing (38) of the active seat module and the other end having one of two module connectors (34, 36) configured to plug into a controller connector (26) of the electric seat controller (16) or a module connector (34, 36) of another active seat module.

7. An active seat module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional component(s) of the active seat module are selected from: a ventilation device, a heating device, a cooling device, a massage device, a vibration device, a device for detecting the presence of an occupant on the seat and a device for detecting the positioning of an occupant seated on the seat, a safety airbag device, a device for orienting an adjustable headrest, a device for adjusting the seat position, a device for adjusting the position of a seat cushion, a device for adjusting the position of a seat back, a device for adjusting the distance between two side bolsters of a seat cushion or a device for adjusting the distance between two side bolsters of a seat back, a module with ambient lighting,a fragrance diffusion device, a communication device, a wireless communication module.

8. Modular construction vehicle seat, comprising a plurality of seat modules assembled to form the vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising an electrical seat controller (16) and a first active seat module according to any one of the preceding claims connected to the electronic seat controller (16) via one of the two module connectors (34, 36) of the first active seat module.

9. Vehicle seat according to claim 8, comprising a second active seat module connected to the first active seat module via the other of the two module connectors (34, 36) of the first active seat module, forming with the first active seat module and the electrical seat controller (16) a linear or bus network (18).

10. Method of manufacturing a modularly constructed vehicle seat comprising a plurality of seat modules (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E) assembled and having an electrical seat controller (16), the manufacturing process comprising connecting a first active seat module according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to the electrical seat controller (16) via one of the two connectors (34, 36) of the first active seat module and then connecting a second active seat module to the first active seat module via the other of the two connectors (34, 36) of the first active seat module, forming a linear network or a bus network.

11. A method of modifying a modularly constructed vehicle seat comprising a plurality of assembled seat modules (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E) and having an electrical seat controller (16), the plurality of assembled seat modules (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E) comprising a first active seat module according to any one of claims 1 to 7 connected to the electrical seat controller (16) via one of the two connectors (34, 36) of the first seat module, directly or indirectly via one or more other active seat modules forming a linear network or a bus network, the modification method comprising replacing one of the seat modules with a second active seat module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, with the connection of the second seat module to the first seat module via the other of the two connectors (34, 36) of the first seat module.

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