Assembly for securing a car seat and motor vehicle including such an assembly

Abstract

Assembly for securing a car seat and motor vehicle comprising such an assembly. The invention relates to an assembly (1) for securing an external car seat intended to be fixed in a passenger compartment (3) of a motor vehicle (5), comprising: - at least one seat (7) mounted in said passenger compartment, comprising at least one anchor point adapted to cooperate with at least one additional fastening hook integral with said car seat, - at least one hatch (15), movable between a closed position concealing said at least one anchor point and an open position allowing access to said at least one anchor point. According to the invention, said assembly comprises a control system designed to control the illumination of at least one light source (17) in said passenger compartment (3) when said at least one hatch (15) is in its open position. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly for securing a car seat and motor vehicle comprising such an assembly. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to an assembly for fixing a car seat to a motor vehicle comprising such an assembly. Previous technique

[0002] The fixing of a child car seat, also called a child seat, in a motor vehicle can be achieved by means of a fixing system designed according to the ISO 13216 standard, frequently referred to by the term "ISOFIX".

[0003] The use of ISOFIX fastening systems increases the security of the car seat in the vehicle, facilitates its installation and makes it easy to transfer the car seat from one vehicle to another.

[0004] An ISOFIX fastening system classically comprises two anchor points, present on the seats of the motor vehicle, and two additional fastening hooks carried by the car seat and generally mounted at the end of arms carried by the car seat.

[0005] In some vehicles, the ISOFIX attachment system includes hatches, movable between a closed position concealing each anchor point, and an open position allowing access to the anchor points and enabling connection and disconnection of the car seat to the vehicle seat.

[0006] Securing a car seat to a vehicle seat can sometimes be difficult, especially at night or in low light conditions.

[0007] We know of document KR20190007145A which discloses an ISOFIX system in Which of the LEDs are mounted at the ISOFIX system anchor points? The system is designed so that when the hatches are opened, the LEDs light up.

[0008] However, the implementation of such a solution is relatively complex.

[0009] Also, the cost of such a solution is relatively high. Description of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and to this end relates to an assembly for fixing an external car seat intended to be fixed in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising: - at least one seat mounted in said passenger compartment, comprising at least one suitable anchor point to cooperate with at least one additional fastening hook attached to said car seat, - at least one hatch, movable between a closed position concealing said at least one anchor point and an open position allowing access to said at least one anchor point, said assembly being notable in that it includes a control system designed to control the lighting of at least one light source in said passenger compartment when said at least one hatch is in its open position.

[0011] Thus, by providing a control system which controls the lighting of the passenger compartment light source when the hatch is in its open position, the operation of fixing the car seat to the vehicle seat is simplified in the case of low lighting conditions, while using an already existing passenger compartment light source.

[0012] In this way, the need to add an additional light source is eliminated, making the assembly according to the invention more economical and easier to install, compared to prior art systems which require the installation of an additional light source inside the hatches.

[0013] According to optional features of the assembly according to the invention: - said control system is designed to control the extinction of said light source when said at least one hatch moves from its open position to its closed position or when said external car seat is fixed to said at least one anchor point; - said control system includes an electrical circuit capable of switching alternately between an open state and a closed state, said electrical circuit being connected to a central computer of said vehicle capable of controlling the switching on and off of said light source; - said central computer is adapted to control the switching on of said light source when said electrical circuit is in the closed state and to control the switching off of said light source when said electrical circuit is in the open state; - the assembly includes an actuation system adapted to move said electrical circuit into its open state when said at least one hatch is in its closed position or when a car seat is fixed to said at least one anchor point and to move said electrical circuit into its closed state when said at least one hatch is in its open position; - said electrical circuit includes a movable switch between an open position in which said electrical circuit is in its open state and a position of closure according to which said electrical circuit is in its closed state and said actuation system comprises an actuating rod of said switch mounted on a rotation axis of said at least one hatch and adapted to move said switch between its open position and its closed position when said at least one hatch passes between its closed position and its open position; - said actuating rod of said switch is provided, at one end intended to come into contact with said switch, with a protrusion; - said actuating rod of said switch includes an obstacle defining a protrusion extending in projection under said actuating rod and being adapted to move said actuating rod so as to move said switch from its closed position to its open position when a car seat hook is inserted into said at least one anchor point.

[0014] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising an assembly for the attachment of an external car seat, remarkable in that said assembly is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] [Fig-1] shows a rear row of a motor vehicle passenger compartment.

[0017] [Fig.2] shows an example of an embodiment of the control system, in which the hatch is in a closed position.

[0018] [Fig.3] shows an example of an embodiment of the control system, in which the hatch is in an open position without a car seat attached.

[0019] [Fig.4] shows an example of an embodiment of the control system, in which the hatch is in an open position, with a car seat attached. Description of the implementation methods

[0020] In the following description, elements having an identical structure or analogous functions are designated by the same reference.

[0021] In what follows, the terms "left", "right", "lower" and "upper" are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0022] Similarly, the terms "front" and "rear" are understood in relation to the general orientation of the vehicle as taken in its normal direction of travel.

[0023] Reference is made to [Fig.1] showing a rear row 1 of a passenger compartment 3 of a motor vehicle 5.

[0024] The rear row 1 comprises a set of seats 7, each comprising a seat 9 and a backrest 11 connected to each other by a junction interface 13.

[0025] In order to allow the attachment of a child car seat, the seat 7 has two anchor points of an "ISOFIX" attachment system adapted to cooperate with additional attachment hooks carried by an external car seat to be attached (not shown).

[0026] The anchor points are arranged at the junction interface 13.

[0027] The fastening system further comprises two hatches 15, movable between a closed position concealing each of the anchor points and an open position allowing access to the anchor points and thus enabling the connection and disconnection of the car seat to the seat 7.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in the figures, each hatch 15 is mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation 16 (shown in figures 2 to 4).

[0029] The seat 7 and the hatches 15 define a car seat fastening assembly. According to the invention, the car seat fastening assembly includes a control system designed to control the activation of at least one light source 17 in the passenger compartment 3 when the hatch 15 is in its open position.

[0030] Thus, by providing a control system which controls the lighting of the light source 17 of the passenger compartment 3 when the hatch 15 is in its open position, the operation of fixing the car seat to the seat 7 of the vehicle is simplified in the case of low lighting conditions, while using an already existing light source of the passenger compartment.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control system is designed to control the extinction of the light source 17 when the hatch 15 moves from its open position to its closed position or when a car seat is attached to the anchor point.

[0032] In this way, when the previously opened hatch 15 moves from its open position to its closed position, the control system turns off the light source 17. Similarly, when a car seat is attached to the anchor point, the control system turns off the light source 17.

[0033] The light source 17 can, for example, be a ceiling light in the passenger compartment.

[0034] The overhead light controlled by the control system can be the one located closest to the hatch 15 that has been opened. For example, when the rear right hatch 15 has been opened, the rear right overhead light illuminates. Similarly, when the rear left hatch 15 has been opened, the rear left overhead light illuminates.

[0035] Reference is made to Figures 2 to 4 showing an example of an embodiment of the control system, in which the hatch 15 is respectively in its position of closure, in its open position without a car seat attached and in its open position with a car seat attached.

[0036] The control system includes an electrical circuit 19, capable of switching alternately between an open state represented in Figures 2 and 4 and a closed state represented in [Fig.3].

[0037] The electrical circuit 19 is connected to a central computer (not shown) of the vehicle capable of controlling the switching on and off of the light source 17.

[0038] In one embodiment, the central computer is adapted to control the switching on of the light source 17 when the electrical circuit 19 is in the closed state and to control the switching off of the light source 17 when the electrical circuit 19 is in the open state.

[0039] The passage of the electrical circuit 19 between its open state and its closed state can be achieved by means of an actuation system 21 attached to the hatch 15 and adapted to move the electrical circuit 19 into its open state when the hatch 15 is closed or when a car seat is attached to the anchor point and to move the electrical circuit 19 into its closed state when the hatch 15 is open.

[0040] To do this, the electrical circuit 19 includes a switch 23 movable between an open position shown in Figures 2 and 4 according to which the electrical circuit 19 is open and a closed position shown in [Fig.3] according to which the electrical circuit 19 is closed.

[0041] The switch 23 includes, for example, a metallic contact, so that closing the switch 23 allows current to flow between the first part 19a of the electrical circuit 19 and the second part 19b of the electrical circuit 19.

[0042] The switch 23 is mounted in the electrical circuit 19 by means of an elastic return means, for example a spring 25, adapted to constrain the switch 23 in its open position.

[0043] The actuation system includes an actuation rod 27 for the switch 23 of the electrical circuit 19, mounted on the rotation axis 16 of the hatch 15 and adapted to move the switch 23 between its open position and its closed position when the hatch 15 passes between its closed position and its open position.

[0044] When the hatch 15 moves from its closed position shown in [Fig. 2] to its open position shown in [Fig. 3], the actuating rod 27 of the switch 23 is rotated about the axis of rotation 16 and causes the switch 23 to rotate. When the rod 27 is aligned with the axis of the spring 25 of the switch 23, the spring 25 is compressed and the switch 23 closes the electrical circuit 19, as shown by arrow 29 in [Fig. 3].

[0045] In one embodiment, the control system may include a means for returning the hatch 15 to its open position, for example a torsion spring 31 mounted on the axis 16 of rotation of the hatch 15. In this case, the control system includes a device 33 for retaining the hatch 15 movable between a position retaining the hatch 15 in the closed position and a position releasing the hatch 15. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the device 33 for retaining the hatch 15 includes a plate 35 provided at its end with a retaining stop 37 and an elastic return means, for example a spring 39, arranged so as to constrain the hatch 15 in the closed position and to release the hatch 15 when the plate 35 is moved downwards.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the actuating rod 27 of the switch 23 is provided, at its end intended to come into contact with the switch 23, with a protrusion 39 allowing proper movement of the switch 23 when the hatch 15 is in its open position and no car seat is fixed.

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the actuating rod 27 has an obstacle 41 defining a protrusion extending in projection under the actuating rod 27 and being adapted to move the actuating rod 27 so as to move the switch 23 from its closed position to its open position.

[0048] The operation of assembly 1 is as follows.

[0049] When the hatch 15 is in its closed position shown in [Fig.2], the switch 23 is in the open position and the electrical circuit 19 is in the open state, resulting in the vehicle's central computer not commanding the lighting of the light source 17.

[0050] When the hatch 15 is open, as shown in [Fig. 3], the actuating rod 27 of the switch 23 of the electrical circuit 19, mounted on the rotation axis 16 of the hatch 15, moves the switch 23 to its closed position. When the rod 27 is aligned with the axis of the spring 25 of the switch 23, the spring 25 is compressed and the switch 23 closes the electrical circuit 19. The central control unit then commands the activation of the light source 17, for example, the light source closest to the operated hatch 15.

[0051] As shown in [Fig. 4], when the hatch 15 is in its open position and a hook 43 of the car seat is inserted into the anchor point (not shown) as represented by arrow 45, the hook 43 moves the obstacle 41 upwards, causing the actuating rod 27 to move upwards, as represented by arrow 47. Since the rod 27 is no longer aligned with the spring 5 of the switch 23, the spring 25 of the switch 23 is then released, allowing the switch 23 to move from its closed position to its open position, as represented by arrow 49. The central control unit then commands the light source 17 to switch off, and the electrical circuit 19 is in the open state.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, in the event that one of the hatches 15 remains open and no car seat is fixed to the anchor points, it may be envisaged that the existing system for managing the interior light sources will turn off the light sources that are on after a predetermined lighting period.

[0053] The invention has been described with reference to a seat mounted in the rear row 1 of the passenger compartment 3. The invention applies by analogy to seats mounted in the front row of the passenger compartment 3.

[0054] As will be understood, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this assembly for the attachment of a car seat and of this vehicle comprising such an assembly, described above solely by way of illustrative examples, but on the contrary it encompasses all variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly (1) for the attachment of an external car seat intended to be attached in a passenger compartment (3) of a motor vehicle (5), comprising: - at least one seat (7) mounted in said passenger compartment (3), comprising at least one anchor point adapted to cooperate with at least one additional attachment hook (43) integral with said car seat, - at least one hatch (15), movable between a closed position concealing said at least one anchor point and an open position permitting access to said at least one anchor point, said assembly (1) being characterized in that it comprises a control system designed to control the activation of at least one light source (17) in said passenger compartment (3) when said at least one hatch (15) is in its open position.

2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said control system is designed to control the extinction of said light source (17) when said at least one hatch (15) moves from its open position to its closed position or when said external car seat is fixed to said at least one anchor point.

3. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said control system comprises an electrical circuit (19) capable of switching alternately between an open state and a closed state, said electrical circuit (19) being connected to a central computer of said vehicle (5) capable of controlling the switching on and off of said light source (17).

4. Assembly (1) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said central computer is adapted to control the switching on of said light source (17) when said electrical circuit (19) is in the closed state and to control the switching off of said light source (17) when said electrical circuit (19) is in the open state.

5. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises an actuation system adapted to move said electrical circuit (19) into its open state when said at least one hatch (15) is in its closed position or when a car seat is fixed to said at least one anchor point and to move said electrical circuit (19) into its closed state when said at least one hatch (15) is in its open position.

6. Assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said electrical circuit (19) comprises a switch (23) movable between an open position according to which said electrical circuit (19) is in its open state and a closed position according to which said electrical circuit (19) is in its closed state and in that said actuation system comprises an actuating rod (27) of said switch (23) mounted on a rotation axis (16) of said at least one hatch (15) and adapted to move said switch (23) between its open position and its closed position when said at least one hatch (15) passes between its closed position and its open position.

7. Assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said actuating rod (27) of said switch (23) is provided, at an end intended to come into contact with said switch (23), with a protrusion (39).

8. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that said actuating rod (27) of said switch (23) has an obstacle (41) defining a projection extending in projection under said actuating rod (27) and being adapted to move said actuating rod (27) so as to move said switch (23) from its closed position to its open position when a hook (43) of a car seat is inserted into said at least one anchor point.

9. Motor vehicle (5) comprising an assembly (1) for the attachment of an external car seat, characterized in that said assembly (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images