DE102021206484A1 - Seat device for a motor vehicle, arrangement for a motor vehicle and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat device (2, 3) for a motor vehicle (4) with at least one lighting device (5, 6), the lighting device (5, 6) lighting up as a function of an external occupancy control signal (7), whereby Users (8, 9) of the seat device (2, 3) before the user (8, 9) sits on the seat device (2, 3), the seat device (2, 3) is displayed as assigned to him. The invention provides that the lighting device (5, 6) is designed as a welt (10, 11) designed as a light guide on the seat device (2, 3). The invention also relates to an arrangement (1), a method for operating a seat device (2, 3) and a method for operating the arrangement (1).

Description

The invention relates to a seat device for a motor vehicle with at least one lighting device, the lighting device lighting up as a function of an external occupancy control signal, as a result of which the seat device is displayed to a user of the seat device as assigned to him before the user sits on the seat device. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle with at least one first seat device and with a second seat device. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for operating a seat device for a motor vehicle and a method for operating an arrangement with at least one first seat device and with a second seat device.

For this forms the DE 10 2019 101 458 A1 Prior art using a method and apparatus for ride-share planning using spatial perception.

the U.S. 10,604,067 B2 also describes a system and methods for controlling a seat assembly in a motor vehicle.

the DE 10 2017 117 296 A1 describes a vehicle ride sharing system and method using smart modules.

the DE 2005 010 256 A1 reveals an illuminated welt.

The object of the present invention is to create a seat device, an arrangement and a method by means of which an improved seat assignment for a user of a motor vehicle can be implemented.

This object is achieved by a seat device, an arrangement and by the methods described according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a seat device for a motor vehicle with at least one lighting device, the lighting device lighting up as a function of an external occupancy control signal, as a result of which the seat device is displayed as assigned to a user of the seat device before the user sits on the seat device.

It is provided that the lighting device is designed as a welt designed as a light guide on the seat device.

In particular, the light guide can also be designed like a keder, for example as an illuminated and/or elongated yarn or hose.

The allocation for a user of the motor vehicle can thus be improved via the piping and, in particular, can be displayed intuitively.

In particular in today's motor vehicles for passenger transport, seats are identified by the driver or on the basis of information signs. Currently, however, concepts and trends in urban passenger transport, such as so-called ride pooling, show that motor vehicles for passenger transport are increasingly geared to the individual needs of customers and act autonomously. In these sharing scenarios, the customer or user does not want to do without well-known functions, known from private mobility. For this reason, mobility service providers provide numerous functions in the seats or seat devices. These functions are strongly personal, for example the user can partially pay for these functions. Very limited customer-specific functions, such as a seat suitable for the disabled or integrated child seats, may require a seat to be available, so that the customer cannot always choose a seat freely. The seat must be specifically assigned to the customer.

Allocation by the driver of the motor vehicle is simply not possible, particularly in the case of autonomously driving motor vehicles, since there is no driver. A fixed seat assignment, such as in trains, is not practicable in a motor vehicle with limited space. In the worst-case scenario, the user has to search for their seat in the entire passenger compartment. A direct visibility of which seat is assigned to the customer according to his booking and his requirement can be implemented during boarding via the seat device according to the invention.

In particular, provision is made for the seat to be assigned directly via visual effects on the seat, in that the seat has the illuminated piping. This piping can be illuminated in different colors. It is possible to integrate additional functions using a corresponding controller. In addition to different colors, the piping can light up in a permanent color or even be converted to a flashing state. The piping can have, for example, a large number of LEDs (Light Emission Diodes) installed in the piping and can thus be designed as a light guide. For example, the LED off design with RGBW (Red-Green-Blue-White) LEDs. Of course, other illuminants, such as light bulbs or the like, are also possible.

In this way, the focus is on the seat as soon as the user gets in. For example, if the seat is intended for the boarding user, it will flash a signal green to signal to the user that this is their reserved seat. Seats already booked en route, or those containing features not booked by the boarding customer, may be solid red. Flashing would also be possible to signal to the user that this seat is not intended for them.

After the user has taken a seat, the color of the piping can be adjusted in order to contribute to the feel-good atmosphere in the vehicle. With the help of illuminated piping, the operator is given the opportunity to react flexibly to bookings. The seat assigned to the user is shown to the user directly upon boarding, so that smooth processes can be guaranteed.

In particular, an active, clearly visible and dynamic seat assignment can be implemented directly at the seat for the user. Furthermore, an online seat assignment can also be implemented, which, in addition to the signal character, also contributes to comfort.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the welt is designed to emit light in different colors and/or the welt is designed to emit light in different light patterns. For example, different visible colors, in particular in the visible light range, for example from red to blue, can be displayed by means of the welt. Furthermore, flashing patterns or light wave patterns can also be emitted as light patterns by means of the welt. For example, each user can be assigned a different color, so that the user knows individually and instinctively which seat has been assigned to him. The user can be made aware of the corresponding seat device by the different light patterns or luminous patterns. Furthermore, the user can also be shown, for example, via corresponding signal colors, for example green and red, whether the seat has been assigned to him or not.

It is also advantageous if the welt is formed around a head area of the seat device and/or the welt is formed around a seat area of the seat device. In particular, different locations of the welt on the seat can thus be used. In particular, these are located outside of a seat, so that the piping does not bother a user when sitting and can then serve as ambient lighting after sitting. A dual functionality is thus assigned to the welt. Furthermore, the head area and the seat area are visible to the user, so that he can intuitively recognize that the seat device is assigned to him.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle with at least one seat device according to the previous aspect, with a second seat device, which can also be designed according to the previous aspect, for example, and with an electronic computing device, the electronic computing device being designed to to generate an occupancy activation signal and depending on the occupancy activation signal at least a first piping designed as a light guide of the first seat device or a second piping designed as a light guide of the second seat device lights up and indicates to a user of the arrangement that the respective seat device has been assigned.

The arrangement can also have more than two seat assemblies, for example three, four or five seat assemblies. This is purely exemplary and by no means exhaustive. The occupancy control signal is then provided for one of the seat devices, so that the user is reliably shown the correct seat device assigned to him, even if there are a large number of seat devices in the arrangement.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the arrangement, the first seat device has at least one first functional unit and the second seat device has a second functional unit designed differently from the first functional unit, and depending on the user and depending on the functional units, the user is given the first seat device or the second seat device assigned. For example, a massage device, seat heating, an integrated screen, an integrated table, an integrated music system, or other functional units can be assigned as a functional unit. For example, the first seat device has a massage device and the second seat device has a screen. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the first seat device has, for example, a large number of functional units and the second seat device has a smaller number of functional units than the first seat device. If, for example, the user then books the multiplicity of functional units, the first seat device is assigned to this user. Should the user If you book only the functional units which, for example, the second seat device has, then both the first seat device and the second seat device can be assigned to it. It can then be provided, for example, that corresponding functional units of the first seat device that are not booked by the user are suppressed.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a seat device for a motor vehicle with at least one lighting device, the lighting device being illuminated as a function of an external occupancy control signal, as a result of which the seat device is displayed as assigned to a user of the seat device before sitting . It is provided that the assignment is displayed to the user by means of the welt designed as a light guide as the lighting device.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an arrangement with at least one first seat device and with a second seat device, in which the first seat device is provided with at least one first functional unit and the second seat device with at least one second functional unit, and by means of an electronic The computing device of the arrangement generates an occupancy control signal and, depending on the occupancy control signal, a first lighting device of the first seat device is illuminated or a second lighting device of the second seat device is illuminated.

Provision is made for an assignment for the first seat device or the second seat device to be determined by means of the electronic computing device depending on an input by a user of the arrangement on a mobile terminal device, for example a smartphone, in order to use the first or the second functional unit, and as a function of this the first illuminating device or the second illuminating device is illuminated to indicate the determined assignment.

For example, the user can use his smartphone to make a corresponding booking for the motor vehicle, in particular for a seat. In this case, the different functional units can then in turn be presented to the user. The user can then select from the multiplicity of functional units, in which case a decision is then made as a function of the selected functional unit as to whether the user is assigned the first seat device or the second seat device. This allocation is then in turn displayed to the user, in particular via the corresponding piping on the corresponding seat device, so that he can intuitively see and record the assigned seat device according to his booking.

In particular, the respective functional units of the seat devices are at least partially different. For example, the first seat device can have different functional units than the second seat device. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the first seat device can have more functional units than the second seat device.

In particular, it can thus be provided, for example, for an operator of the motor vehicle that he does not have to provide a large number of seat devices with all functional units, but only provides one seat device with all functional units and provides the other seat devices accordingly with fewer functional units. The corresponding configurations of the seat devices can be based, for example, on data analysis, in which case it can be determined, for example, how many people regularly use a massage function. Thus, money can be saved for the operator of the motor vehicle when installing the seat devices, since not every seat device has to be fully equipped, but seat devices can also be installed which have a reduced range of functions.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the user is assigned a color code via the mobile terminal and the lighting device of the assigned seat device is illuminated in the respective color depending on the assigned color code. For example, a red color can be displayed to the user on his smartphone, so that he knows that the red color has been assigned to him as a color code. The seat device, in particular the corresponding piping, can then glow red, for example, so that the user knows that this seat has been assigned to him. In particular, if, for example, a large number of people board at a specific location, a color code can be assigned to each person so that there can be no confusion about the assigned seat device. This is because the users intuitively know which seat is assigned to them.

In a further advantageous embodiment, actuation of the respective functional unit is suppressed by the electronic computing device if the functional unit is not booked by the user. In particular, can should therefore be provided if, for example, the seat device has a large number of functional units which, however, have not been booked by the user, then the respective provision of the functional unit can be suppressed.

It is also advantageous if a welt designed as a light guide is provided as the respective lighting device. In particular, the corresponding assignment can be displayed on the respective seat device in an extremely comfortable and intuitive manner.

The methods presented are, in particular, computer-implemented methods. In this regard, a further aspect relates to a computer program product with program code means which cause the electronic computing device to carry out the corresponding methods when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device. For this purpose, the electronic computing device has in particular processors, integrated circuits and other electronic components in order to be able to carry out a corresponding method.

The invention also includes developments of the methods according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the developments of the seat device according to the invention and the arrangement. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

The invention also includes the combination of the features of the described embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Anordnung mit zumindest zwei Sitzvorrichtungen; und
• 2 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einer Ausführungsform einer Anordnung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. For this shows:

• 1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an arrangement with at least two seat devices; and
• 2 a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of an arrangement.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another, which also develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore also to be regarded as part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments described can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

Elements with the same function are each provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an arrangement 1. The arrangement 1 has at least a first seat device 2 and a second seat device 3. FIG. The seat devices 2, 3 are designed in particular for a motor vehicle 4, shown at least schematically, which can be in particular an autonomous motor vehicle. The seat devices 2, 3 each have a lighting device 5, 6, with the lighting devices 5, 6 lighting up as a function of an external occupancy control signal 7, as a result of which for a respective user 8, 9 of the seat devices 2, 3 chronologically before the users 8, 9 on the seat devices 2, 3 the seat device 2, 3 is displayed as assigned to him. The lighting devices 5, 6 are designed in particular as a welt 10, 11 designed as a light guide on the seat devices 2, 3.

The welts 10, 11 are designed in particular to emit light in different colors and/or the welts 10, 11 are designed to emit light in different luminous patterns.

As the 1 shows, the piping 10, 11 can be formed around a head area 12 of the seat devices 2, 3 and/or around a seat area 13 of the seat devices 2, 3.

As already described, the arrangement 1 has at least the two seat devices 2, 3, as well as an electronic computing device 14, which is designed to generate the occupancy control signal 7 and, depending on the occupancy control signal 7, at least the first welt 10 or the second welt 11 to control and a user 8, 9 of the arrangement 1 an assignment of the respective seat device 2, 3 display.

In particular, it can be provided that the first seat device 2 has a first functional unit 15 and the second seat device 3 has a second functional unit 16, wherein the second functional unit 16 can be designed differently from the first functional unit 15, and depending on the user 8, 9 and in Depending on the functional units 15, 16 the user 8, 9 is assigned the first seat device 2 or the second seat device 3.

In particular, the invention therefore also relates to a method for operating a seat device 2, 3 for the motor vehicle 4 with at least the lighting device 5, 6, with the lighting device 5, 6 being illuminated as a function of the external occupancy control signal 7, as a result of which the user 8, 9 can temporarily before sitting, the seat device 2, 3 is displayed as being assigned to him, with the assignment being displayed to the user 8, 9 by means of the piping 10, 11 designed as a light guide as the lighting device 5, 6.

2 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the motor vehicle 4 with the arrangement 1. In the present case, the arrangement 1 has in particular the first seat device 2 and the second seat device 3. FIG. Furthermore, the arrangement 1 can also have a multiplicity of further seat devices 17, 18, as is shown here purely by way of example.

In a further method for operating the arrangement 1 with at least the first seat device 2 and the second seat device 3, the first seat device 2 is provided with at least the first functional unit 15 and the second seat device 3 is provided with the second functional unit 16. The occupancy control signal 7 is generated by means of the electronic computing device 14 of the arrangement 1 and, depending on the occupancy control signal 7, the first lighting device 5 or the second lighting device 6 is illuminated.

It is provided that, depending on an input by the user 8, 9 of the arrangement 1 on a mobile terminal device 19 for using the first or second functional unit 15, 16, an assignment for the first seat device 2 or the second seat device 3 is determined and, depending on this, the first illumination device 5 or the second illumination device 6 is illuminated to display the determined assignment.

It can also be provided that the user 8, 9 is assigned a color code via the mobile terminal 19 and the lighting device 5, 6 of the assigned seat device 2, 3 is illuminated in a respective color depending on the assigned color code.

Furthermore, it can be provided that an actuation of the respective functional unit 15, 16 is suppressed by the electronic computing device 14 when the functional unit 15, 16 is not booked by the user 8, 9.

In particular, it is therefore provided that a respective seat device 2, 3 is displayed to the user 8, 9 via visual effects, that it is assigned to the user 8, 9, in that the seat device 2, 3 has the illuminated piping 10, 11 at its disposal. These piping 10, 11 can be illuminated in different colors. It is possible to integrate additional functions using a corresponding controller. In the different colors, the welt 10, 11 can light up in a permanent color or even be converted to a flashing state. In this way, the seat device 2, 3 moves into focus as soon as the user 8, 9 gets on. If the seat device 2, 3 is intended for the boarding user 8, 9, it flashes in signal green, for example, in order to signal to the user 8, 9 that this is his booked seat. Seats already booked en route, or those containing features not booked by the boarding user 8, 9, may be solid red. Flashing would also be possible in order to signal to the user 8, 9 that this seat device 2, 3 is not intended for him. Here, for example, lighting effects that are already familiar from everyday situations can be used.

After the user 8, 9 has taken a seat, the color of the piping 10, 11 can be adjusted in order to contribute to the feel-good atmosphere in the motor vehicle 4. With the help of the illuminated piping 10, 11, the operator, for example of a ride-sharing offer, is given the opportunity to react flexibly to bookings, for example if the seat device 2, 3 was booked at short notice via the mobile terminal 19 and can therefore be used live in the motor vehicle 4 are displayed. The user 8, 9 is shown the seat provided for him directly when boarding, so that smooth processes can be implemented.

In particular, a dynamic environment, for example boarding and alighting at short time intervals or real-time capability, can be mapped. Furthermore, a direct seat assignment when boarding and direct visibility can be implemented. Furthermore, a simple individualization is possible, with a supplier being able to assign direct colors to the respective piping 10, 11. Following this, the user 8, 9 can determine the ambient light himself according to the seat occupancy. The indicative character can be found in particular in the component to which reference is made. As a result, it is also possible to react easily and individually to changing usage scenarios, such as private use or a change in the number of seats.

Reference List

1

arrangement

2

first seating device

3

second seating device

4

motor vehicle

5

first lighting device

6

second lighting device

7

occupancy control signal

8th

first user

9

second user

10

first piping

11

second piping

12

header area

13

sitting area

14

electronic computing device

15

first functional unit

16

second functional unit

17

further seating device

18

further seating device

19

mobile device

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102019101458 A1 [0002]
• US 10604067 B2 [0003]
• DE 102017117296 A1 [0004]
• DE 2005010256 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Seat device (2, 3) for a motor vehicle (4) with at least one lighting device (5, 6), the lighting device (5, 6) lighting up as a function of an external occupancy control signal (7), as a result of which a user (8, 9) the seat device (2, 3) before the user (8, 9) sits on the seat device (2, 3), the seat device (2, 3) is displayed as assigned to him, characterized in that the lighting device (5, 6) as a welt (10, 11) designed as a light guide on the seat device (2, 3). Seat device (2, 3) after claim 1 , characterized in that the welt (10, 11) is designed to emit light in different colors and/or the welt (10, 11) is designed to emit light in different luminous patterns. Seat device (2, 3) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the piping (10, 11) is formed circumferentially around a head area (12) of the seat device (2, 3) and/or the piping (10, 11) circumferentially around a seat area (13) of the seat device (2, 3) is trained. Arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle (4) with at least one first seat device (2) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 3 , with a second seat device (3) and with an electronic computing device (14), wherein the electronic computing device (14) is designed to generate an occupancy control signal (7), and depending on the occupancy control signal (7) at least a first as a light guide formed welt (10) of the first seat device (2) or a second welt (11) designed as a light guide of the second seat device (3) lights up and a user (8, 9) of the arrangement (1) is assigned the respective seat device (2, 3 ) indicates. Arrangement (1) according to claim 4 , characterized in that the first seat device (2) has at least one first functional unit (15) and the second seat device (3) has a second functional unit (16) designed differently from the first functional unit (15) and depending on the user (8, 9) and depending on the functional units (15, 16) the user (8, 9) is assigned the first seat device (2) or the second seat device (3). Method for operating a seat device (2, 3) for a motor vehicle (4) with at least one lighting device (5, 6), the lighting device (5, 6) being illuminated as a function of an external occupancy control signal (7), whereby a user (8, 9) of the seat device (2, 3) before a person is seated, the seat device (2, 3) is displayed as assigned to him, characterized in that by means of the welt (10, 11) designed as a light guide, as the lighting device (5 , 6) the assignment is displayed to the user (8, 9). Method for operating an arrangement (1) with at least one first seat device (2) and with a second seat device (3), in which the first seat device (2) has at least one first functional unit (15) and the second seat device (3) has at least a second functional unit (16), and an occupancy control signal (7) is generated by means of an electronic computing device (14) of the arrangement (1) and, depending on the occupancy control signal (7), a first lighting device (5) of the first seat device (2) is illuminated or a second lighting device (6) of the second seat device (3) is illuminated, characterized in that depending on an input by a user (8, 9) of the arrangement (1) on a mobile terminal (19) to use the first or the second functional unit (15, 16) by means of the electronic computing device (14) an assignment for the first seat device (2) or the second seat device (3) is determined and, depending on this, the first lighting device (5) or the second lighting device (6) is illuminated to display the specific assignment. procedure after claim 7 , characterized in that the user (8, 9) is assigned a color code via the mobile terminal (19) and illuminates the lighting device (5, 6) of the assigned seat device (2, 3) in the respective color depending on the assigned color code will. procedure after claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that actuation of the respective functional unit (15, 16) when the functional unit (15, 16) is not booked by the user (8, 9) is suppressed by means of the electronic computing device (14). Procedure according to one of Claims 7 until 9 , characterized in that a welt (10, 11) designed as a light guide is provided as the respective lighting device (5, 6).

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