FR3091210A1 - Arrangement of seats of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Motor vehicle (1) comprising: - a plurality of seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D), each seat (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) being configured to receive at least one occupant in the seated position; - a control unit (7) configured to control the arrangement of the seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) according to one or more parameters chosen from: - a displacement of at least one seat; - an adjustment position of at least one seat; - morphological data of at least one occupant; and - an activity of at least one occupant; the arrangement of the seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) also being carried out with respect to the arrangement of said seats between them. [Fig. 1]

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Seat arrangement of a motor vehicle

Technical area

The invention relates to the arrangement of seats in a motor vehicle.

Prior art

We are increasingly seeking to improve the comfort of occupants when seated in a motor vehicle.

There are thus known seats whose position can be adjusted according to several possibilities (height, backrest tilt, lumbar adjustment, etc.) or which can be moved in the passenger compartment of the vehicle (advancement, recoil, etc.).

However, in a vehicle in which the available space is necessarily limited, the arrangement of a seat is likely to impact the remaining available space for the occupants of the adjacent seats.

For example, if an occupant wishes to rest and therefore tilt the back of his seat to be in a more horizontal position, the occupant of the seat behind will have less space and therefore risks being uncomfortable.

In another example, if an occupant wishes to obtain more space to extend their legs by moving their seat back, the occupant of the seat behind them may also be embarrassed or sit uncomfortably.

Technical problem

The invention improves the situation.

In particular, the invention aims to ensure an optimized arrangement of seats and adapted to each of the occupants.

According to one aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising:

- A plurality of seats, each seat being configured to receive at least one occupant in the seated position;

- a control unit configured to control the arrangement of the seats of at least one seat according to one or more parameters chosen from:

- a displacement of at least one seat;

- an adjustment position of at least one seat;

- morphological data of at least one occupant; and

- an activity of at least one occupant;

The arrangement of the seats also being made with respect to the arrangement of said seats therebetween.

Thanks to these provisions, it is possible to satisfy, as far as possible, all the occupants of the vehicle, without an occupant being particularly embarrassed or sitting in an uncomfortable position, while taking into account the position other occupants.

In another aspect, a method is proposed for optimizing the space available for occupants of a motor vehicle, the occupants being intended to be in a seated position in a plurality of seats, in which:

- one or more parameters are chosen chosen from:

- a displacement of at least one seat;

- an adjustment position of at least one seat;

- morphological data of at least one occupant; and

- an activity of at least one occupant;

- We calculate by means of a control unit an arrangement of seats relative to the arrangement of said seats between them; and

- we move or adjust the position of the seats according to the arrangement calculated above.

In another aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for the implementation of all or part of a method according to the invention when this program is executed by a processor. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transient recording medium, readable by a computer, on which such a program is recorded.

The characteristics set out in the following paragraphs can, optionally, be implemented. They can be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

According to one embodiment, the vehicle comprises at least two rows of seats arranged one behind the other, each row of seats comprising at least two seats.

According to another embodiment, the displacement of a seat is obtained by translation of said seat in a longitudinal direction.

According to another embodiment, the displacement of a seat is obtained by translation of said seat in a transverse direction.

According to another embodiment, the displacement of a seat is obtained by rotation of said seat around a direction of rotation.

According to another embodiment, the morphological data of an occupant is chosen from the size, weight and sex of said occupant.

According to another embodiment, the activity of an occupant is chosen from viewing audiovisual content, a nap, driving the vehicle and a work activity of said occupant.

According to another embodiment, each seat comprises one or more elements movable with respect to each other or with respect to a fixed structure, the adjustment position being obtained by adjusting said one or more elements of said seat.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analysis of the appended drawings, in which: Fig.l

[Fig.l] shows a top view of an arrangement of seats of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2

[Fig.2] shows a top view of an arrangement of the seats of the motor vehicle of [Fig. 1] after the space available for the occupants has been adapted.

Fig. 3A

[Fig.3A] shows a first embodiment of the invention in which two occupants respectively occupy two seats in a first row of seats of the motor vehicle of [Fig. 1].

Fig. 3B

[Fig.3B] shows a second embodiment of the invention in which two occupants respectively occupy two seats in the first row of seats, and an occupant occupies a seat in a second row of seats of the motor vehicle the [Fig. 1].

Fig. 3C

[Fig.3C] shows a third embodiment of the invention in which two occupants respectively occupy two seats in the first row of seats, and an occupant occupies a seat in the second row of seats of the motor vehicle of the [Fig. 1].

Fig. 4A

[Fig.4A] shows a side view of two occupants respectively occupying two seats arranged one behind the other, the seats being in a normal position of use. Fig. 4B

[Fig.4B] shows a side view of the two occupants of [Fig. 4A], the seats being in a relaxed position after the space available for the occupants has been adapted.

Fig. 5A

[Fig.5A] shows a front view of two occupants respectively occupying two seats arranged one next to the other, the seats being in a normal position of use. Fig. 5B

[Fig.5B] shows a front view of the two occupants of [Fig. 5A] after the occupant space has been adapted.

Description of the embodiments

It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the various embodiments may have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

Unless otherwise specified, the expressions approximately, substantially, approximately, of the order of, etc. means that a slight variation from the nominal value considered is possible, in particular by a small percentage, in particular to within 10%.

In the following description, the terms "front" and "rear" and their synonyms are understood to refer to the front and rear of the vehicle according to its usual position.

The terms "top", "bottom", "upper" and "lower" and their synonyms are defined relative to the seat of the seat in its usual horizontal position.

For clarity, only the steps and elements useful for understanding the described embodiments have been detailed. In particular, the mechanisms for adjusting or moving the seat itself have not been detailed, the embodiments described being compatible with conventional electric seats.

Vehicle

The [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2] are schematic representations of an interior of a motor vehicle 1, also called passenger compartment, according to an embodiment of the invention. Vehicle 1 may in particular be an autonomous vehicle, and therefore operate without the intervention of a driver.

The vehicle 1 comprises a plurality of seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D.

The seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D are advantageously arranged in rows RI, R2.

In [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], the vehicle 1 comprises a first row RI and a second row R2, advantageously arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction X.

The first row RI is arranged between a dashboard P of the vehicle 1 and the second row R2. The first row RI can in particular comprise a driver's seat 2A facing a steering wheel 3 fixed to the dashboard P.

The second row R2 is arranged between the first row RI and a trunk C of the vehicle 1.

Each row RI, R2 comprises at least one seat, and may advantageously comprise a plurality of seats.

Thus on [Lig. 1] and [Lig. 2], each row RI, R2 comprises two seats arranged side by side in a transverse direction Y. The transverse direction Y is advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

Seats arrangement

The arrangement of a seat inside the vehicle can have a significant impact on the remaining space available for the occupants of the other seats in vehicle 1.

For example, the [Lig. 2] shows a rearrangement of the vehicle seats in [Fig. 1].

According to this example, additional baggage placed in the trunk C or at the rear of the vehicle 1 requires a modification of the arrangement of a 2D seat towards the front.

It is therefore necessary to optimize the arrangement of part, or even all of the other seats 2A, 2B, 2C, so that all of the occupants of the vehicle 1 have available space suitable for sitting.

By "arrangement" means the arrangement, and more particularly the location, orientation and / or adjustment of the seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, relative to each other, and relative to the vehicle 1.

By "available space of an occupant" is meant the space directly surrounding an occupant in a seated position in a seat of the vehicle 1. The available space allows the occupant to be seated comfortably, in particular for a long duration. In particular, the space available may allow the occupant not to come into direct contact while seated with another seat or another occupant.

The available space can be more particularly adapted as a function of several parameters relating to the occupant and also concerning the other occupants of the vehicle 1, as described below.

Control unit

The vehicle 1 comprises a control unit 7, illustrated in the [Lig. 1]. The piloting unit 7 is configured to control or pilot an arrangement of the seats inside the vehicle 1. In particular, the piloting unit 7 ensures an arrangement of the seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D which makes it possible to adapt space available for all occupants of vehicle 1.

To this end, the control unit 7 is configured to control the arrangement of the seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D as a function of several parameters.

These parameters are advantageously chosen from morphological data of at least one occupant, activity of at least one occupant, an adjustment position of at least one seat and a displacement of at least one seat, like this is detailed below.

In order to store these parameters, the vehicle 1 can comprise a database, advantageously stored in a memory 8.

Alternatively or in combination, the control unit 7 can implement an artificial intelligence algorithm, for example a neural network.

Such artificial intelligence enables a learning operation which is particularly indicated since the arrangement of the seats is highly dependent on the occupants. In addition, it takes into account the evolution of habits in the same person over time, to ensure that the seating arrangement continues to be optimized over a long period.

Moving a seat

The control unit 7 is configured to control the arrangement of the seats as a function of their movements in the interior of the vehicle 1.

Indeed, each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D can be moved inside the vehicle 1.

According to one embodiment, each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D can be moved in translation in the longitudinal direction X. Each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D is for example mounted on slides (not shown) allowing sliding from seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D forwards or backwards.

Similarly, each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D can also be moved in translation in the transverse direction Y.

According to another embodiment, each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D can be moved in rotation around a direction of rotation Z. The direction of rotation Z is advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and to the transverse direction Y Each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D is for example mounted on a pivot (not illustrated) allowing a displacement of the position of the seat 1 in a direction SI, or a direction S2 opposite to the direction SI.

Each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D can advantageously be pivoted at an angle at least equal to 180 degrees respectively in the directions SI and / or S2, or even be pivoted at an angle equal to 360 degrees in one of the direction SI or S2.

It is thus possible to control the arrangement of the seats according to the movement of the other seats.

Adjusting a seat

The control unit 7 is also configured to control the arrangement of the seats as a function of their adjustment positions.

Indeed, each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D includes several elements, in particular a seat 4 and a backrest 5, possibly surmounted by a headrest, as illustrated in [Fig. 4A] and [Fig. 4B].

The seat 4 is fixed to a fixed structure 6 of the vehicle 1, in particular to a floor of the vehicle 1, visible in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2].

Each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D can thus be arranged in an adjustment position.

To this end, one or more elements 4, 5 are movable relative to each other or relative to the fixed structure 6 of the vehicle 1.

According to one embodiment, the backrest 5 can be inclined relative to the seat 4. The backrest 5 can for example pivot relative to the seat 4 in a pivoting direction Yl.

According to another embodiment, the seat 4 can also be inclined relative to the fixed structure 6 of the vehicle 1. The seat 4 can for example pivot relative to the fixed structure 6 in a transverse direction Y2.

Several actuators, in particular electric, allow the position of one or more elements 4, 5 of each seat 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D to be adjusted.

In addition, the embodiments described above are not limiting and other elements of the vehicle can also be configured to be available in several adjustment positions, such as the headrests or the lumbar supports in the backrest 5 from seat 1.

It is thus possible to control the arrangement of the seats as a function of the adjustment position of the other seats.

In order to be seated in a comfortable position, an occupant can thus modify the setting of the elements of the seat in which he is seated or wishes to sit.

According to one embodiment, the occupant can manually adjust the setting of certain elements of the seat, for example the inclination of the backrest 5 relative to the seat 4, in particular using an actuator arranged on the seat.

According to another embodiment, the occupant can arrange the seat in predetermined adjustment positions.

For example, a predetermined adjustment position can correspond to a driving position for the driver's seat. The adjustment position is then configured so that the occupant can drive the vehicle 1 satisfactorily, in particular being at a suitable distance from the steering wheel 3.

In another example, a predetermined adjustment position can correspond to a relaxed position, in particular for a passenger seat. The seat 4 and the backrest 5 can then be tilted so that the occupant can rest or sleep, as illustrated in [Fig. 4B].

In another example, a predetermined adjustment position can correspond to an occupant's working position.

Other predetermined adjustment positions are also possible.

The arrangement of the seat in a predetermined adjustment position can be carried out automatically, in particular without manual intervention by the occupant.

The predetermined adjustment positions are advantageously chosen to be specific and more particularly adapted to each occupant.

The [Lig. 3A], the [Lig. 3B] and [Lig. 3C] describe three exemplary embodiments of seating arrangements according to the invention.

According to a first example more particularly illustrated by the [Lig. 3A], two occupants are seated in the first row seats and the second row seats are unoccupied.

The control unit 7 then allows the arrangement of all the seats towards the rear of the vehicle 1, so that the occupants have a maximum space in the seated position, as illustrated in the [Lig. 3A].

The seats in the first row can thus be arranged in a relaxed position, in particular if the autonomous vehicle is an autonomous vehicle so that the driver does not need to actively drive the vehicle.

The second row seats, which are unoccupied, can be moved to maximize the space available for the occupants of the other occupied seats.

In addition, alternatively or in combination, the unoccupied seats can be placed in the folded or retracted position, for example in order to serve as a support or tablet for the occupants of the other seats of the vehicle 1.

According to a second example more particularly illustrated by [Lig. 3B], two occupants are seated in the front row seats. An occupant is seated in a second row seat and one seat is unoccupied.

The control unit 7 then allows the arrangement of the seat located in front of the unoccupied seat towards the rear of the vehicle, so that the occupant of this seat has maximum space in the seated position.

The control unit 7 then allows the arrangement of the seats of the other two occupants, so that each of these occupants has suitable available space, especially when the seats are in the relaxed position.

According to a third example more particularly illustrated by [Lig. 3B], two occupants are seated in the front row seats. An occupant is seated in a second row seat and one seat is unoccupied.

The control unit 7 then allows the arrangement of the seat located in front of the unoccupied seat towards the rear of the vehicle, so that the occupant of this seat has maximum space in the seated position.

The control unit 7 also allows the pivoting of a seat, while ensuring an available space suitable for each occupant.

Morphological data

The piloting unit 7 is also configured to control the arrangement of the seats as a function of the occupants' morphological data.

[0110] The morphological data can be chosen from the height, weight and / or sex of an occupant.

The morphological data can also be chosen from a measurement of the occupant's limbs or body parts, such as the size of the user's arms or legs, the waist size, the height of the bust, without that these examples are not limiting.

According to one embodiment, the morphological data are acquired by means of a man-machine interface. For example, an electronic device allows the occupant to enter one or more morphological data. The electronic device can be a device separate from vehicle 1, such as a mobile phone, or be integrated into a central computer of vehicle 1.

Alternatively or in combination, the control unit 7 can also acquire the morphological data by means of one or more sensors, such as cameras, configured to detect the occupant and measure its associated morphological data when the latter it enters or is in vehicle 1.

The [Eig. 5A] illustrates an example in which a first occupant 01 and a second occupant 02 are seated in two seats of the same row in the transverse direction Y. The first occupant 01 has a morphology (in particular in size and weight) relatively more important than that of the second occupant 02. For example, the first occupant 01 can be an adult while the second occupant 02 is a child.

Since the second occupant 02 is of a more reduced morphology, this requires relatively less space to be comfortably seated in the vehicle.

Thus, the control unit 7 can be configured to control the arrangement of the seats in the transverse direction Y as illustrated by the arrows 9 on the [Eig. 5B]. The first occupant 01 then has more space available while the space available for the second occupant 02 is reduced while ensuring sufficient comfort.

Occupant activity

The control unit 7 is also configured to control the arrangement of the seats according to the activity of the occupants.

According to one embodiment, an activity of an occupant can be the viewing of audiovisual content, such as a film or a video game.

According to another embodiment, an activity of the occupant can be rest or nap.

According to another embodiment, an activity of the occupant is a work activity.

These achievements are not limiting and the occupants can perform other activities not described above.

The [Lig. 4A] illustrates an example in which a first occupant 03 and a second occupant 04 are seated in two seats arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction X.

If the first occupant 03 wishes to rest, and therefore be in a more horizontal sitting position, the second occupant may be embarrassed. In particular, the knees of the second occupant 04 are liable to strike the backrest 5 of the seat of the first occupant 03.

Thus, the control unit 7 can be configured to control the arrangement of the seat of the first occupant 03 forward in the transverse direction X as illustrated by the arrow 10 on the [Lig. 4B]. The first occupant 03 can then rest in his seat while the second occupant 04 has enough space available, in particular to also be in the relaxation position if desired.

Process

The invention also relates to a method for arranging seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D of a vehicle 1.

In a first step, we have or acquire the parameters necessary to allow the layout of seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D to be optimized.

More particularly, the adjustment position and / or the displacement of the seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D of the vehicle 1 are acquired. One acquires morphological data of the occupants of the seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D. We detect the activity (nap, rest, work) of the occupants.

In a second step, an optimized arrangement of the seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D is calculated by means of the control unit 7 as a function of the parameters previously acquired, allowing each occupant to have available suitable space. .

The arrangement of seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D is also calculated with respect to the arrangement of said seats between them.

In a third step, the arrangement of the seats is modified, advantageously automatically, as a function of the calculation made by the control unit 7 during the second step.

More particularly, it moves and / or changes the adjustment position of a part or all of the seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D.

Benefits

This gives an available space for each occupant which is adapted according to his situation and the situation of the other occupants (morphology, activity, seat adjustment, etc.).

A compromise is thus made possible, making it possible to satisfy, as far as possible, all the occupants of the vehicle. The optimization of the seating arrangement is carried out according to the arrangement of said seats between them.

The fact that some seats may be unoccupied can also be taken into account in order to modify the arrangement of the seats. Thus, unoccupied seats can, for example, be moved as far as possible to optimize the space available for the occupants of the other seats.

In addition, the unoccupied seats can be placed in the folded or retracted position due to the modified arrangement, for example in order to serve as a support or tablet for the occupants of the other seats of the vehicle 1.

Only the position of the driver's seat is likely not to be changed by the arrangement of the seats, so as not to hinder the driving of the vehicle 1.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided only by way of example. It includes various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that a person skilled in the art may envisage within the framework of the present invention and in particular any combination of the different operating modes described above, which can be taken separately or in combination.

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] Motor vehicle (1) comprising: - a plurality of seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D), each seat (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) being configured to receive at least one occupant in the seated position; - a control unit (7) configured to control the arrangement of the seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) according to one or more parameters chosen from: - a displacement of at least one seat; - an adjustment position of at least one seat; - morphological data of at least one occupant; and - an activity of at least one occupant; the arrangement of the seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) also being carried out with respect to the arrangement of said seats between them. [Claim 2] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least two rows (RI, R2) of seats arranged one behind the other, each row (RI, R2) of seats comprising at least two seats. [Claim 3] Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the displacement of a seat is obtained by translation of said seat in a longitudinal direction (X). [Claim 4] Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the displacement of a seat is obtained by translation of said seat in a transverse direction (Y). [Claim 5] Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the displacement of a seat is obtained by rotation of said seat around a direction of rotation (Z). [Claim 6] Vehicles (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the morphological data of an occupant is chosen from the size, weight and sex of said occupant. [Claim 7] Vehicles (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the activity of an occupant is chosen from viewing audiovisual content, a nap, driving the vehicle (1) and a work activity of said occupant . [Claim 8] Vehicles (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each seat comprises one or more element (4, 5) movable with respect to each other or with respect to a fixed structure (6), the adjustment position of the seat being obtained by adjusting one or several elements of said seat. [Claim 9] Method for optimizing the space available for occupants of a motor vehicle (1), the occupants being intended to be in a seated position in a plurality of seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D), in which: - acquires one or more parameters chosen from: - a displacement of at least one seat; - an adjustment position of at least one seat; - morphological data of at least one occupant; and - an activity of at least one occupant; - an arrangement of the seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) is calculated by means of a control unit (7) as a function of the parameter or parameters and with respect to the arrangement of said seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) between them ; and - the seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) are moved or adjusted according to the arrangement calculated previously. [Claim 10] The method of claim 9, wherein the control unit (7) implements an artificial intelligence algorithm to calculate the arrangement of the seats (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D). [Claim 11] Method according to claim 9 or 10, in which the displacement of a seat is obtained by translation of said seat in a transverse direction (Y). [Claim 12] Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of Claims 9 to 11 when this program is executed by a processor. [Claim 13] A non-transient recording medium readable by a computer on which is recorded a program for implementing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11 when this program is executed by a processor. 1/6