Seat belt arrangement and detection method

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety belt arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle, having a diagonal belt portion (20), a pelvic belt portion (22), each of which is connected to a belt reel (11) which is fastenable to the vehicle, a belt buckle (30) which is fastenable to the vehicle, and a belt tongue (40) which is lockable in the belt buckle (30). The pelvic belt portion (22) is fastened with one end (23) to the belt tongue (40), wherein the diagonal belt portion (20) is fastened with one end (21) to an accessory (45), wherein the accessory (45) is rotatably connected to the belt tongue (40). At least one sensor (31, 41) is provided, which is provided for detecting the rotational angular position of the accessory (45) relative to the belt tongue (40) and / or the belt buckle (30). Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat belt device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, and a detection method having such a seat belt device according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0002] Three-point seatbelts are used in motor vehicles to increase occupant safety and ensure occupant restraint. In modern vehicles, various known systems detect occupant occupancy and detect seatbelt fastening by inserting a strap tab. However, occupants may fasten their seatbelts consciously or unconsciously. This is especially true for diagonal seatbelts, which, for example, may run in front of the occupant's abdomen, but could also run under the occupant's arms or behind them, negatively impacting occupant safety.

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a seat belt device and a method for detecting such a seat belt, which allows for the detection of improper use of the seat belt device.

[0004] This invention achieves the objective described in the independent claims. A seatbelt device for a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising a diagonal belt portion, a pelvic belt portion, each pelvic belt portion being connected to a belt reel that can be secured to the vehicle, a belt lock that can be secured to the vehicle, and a belt tongue that can be locked to the belt lock. The pelvic belt portion is fixed at one end to the belt tongue. The diagonal belt portion is fixed at one end to a fitting, wherein the fitting is rotatably connected to the belt tongue. At least one sensor is provided, configured to detect the angular position of the fitting relative to the belt tongue and / or the belt lock.

[0005] It has been recognized that by detecting the angular position of the accessory relative to the tongue and / or lock, the trajectory of the diagonal belt portion can be derived, thereby enabling the detection of occupant misuse or improper use of the diagonal belt. Consequently, other safety systems can be controlled accordingly and / or warnings can be issued. At least one sensor is preferably a rotary angle encoder.

[0006] It is further proposed to provide at least one magnet on the fitting. The arrangement of the magnets on the fitting allows for the measurement of the position of the tongue and / or lock, particularly the rotational angle position, based on the magnetic field generated by the magnets. It is further proposed to provide two magnets on the fitting, forming a measurable magnetic field between the two magnets. In a possible implementation, at least one magnet may be provided on the tongue and / or lock.

[0007] The sensor is proposed to be a Hall effect sensor. As a sensor, the Hall effect sensor can easily and economically determine the angular position of the fitting relative to the tongue and / or lock, wherein the Hall effect sensor generates an electrical signal that can be further processed particularly easily. This is especially advantageous when at least one magnet is arranged on the portion of the seatbelt device that moves relative to the sensor.

[0008] In one advantageous embodiment, it is proposed to mount the sensor on a lock. This lock-mount arrangement allows for simple electrical connection between the sensor and other vehicle systems to operate the sensor and transmit appropriate measurement signals, since the lock itself is fixed to the vehicle, eliminating the need to establish an electrical connection via a detachable connection.

[0009] The proposed improvement involves mounting the sensor on the strap tongue. For example, if mounting space on the strap lock is limited, arranging the sensor on the strap tongue is advantageous. Furthermore, it becomes more difficult to use a dummy strap tongue to bypass the seatbelt device.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that both the lock and the latch have coils for transmitting electrical energy. Additionally, in this case, arranging sensors on the latch to detect the angular position of the accessory relative to the latch and / or the lock facilitates better electromagnetic compatibility and allows for the supply of electrical energy to it.

[0011] According to the improved design, a cable connection is proposed between the electronic modules in the tongue and diagonal strap sections. The seatbelt device is configured to transmit sensor signals from the sensor to the electronic module in the diagonal strap section via the cable connection. Preferably, an electronic module is provided for transmitting the rotational angle position or sensor signal detected by the tongue sensor to another vehicle system. Therefore, the electronic module preferably includes a radio unit for data transmission, for example, according to… Standard. Therefore, the detected rotational angle position can be transmitted as a signal for classification or corresponding category, and can be easily provided to other vehicle systems.

[0012] According to the improved design, the accessory is non-detachably connected to the tongue. This non-detachable connection eliminates the need for a corresponding fixation of the accessory to the tongue. Furthermore, the area between the sensor and the magnet can always remain concealed to avoid contamination, especially on at least one magnet.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the accessories be equipped with sensors. This can be advantageous, for example, if electrical energy is available in the diagonal strip section, for example, for operating the electronic module, and therefore can be easily transmitted to the accessories connected to the diagonal strip.

[0014] To address this issue, a detection method for misuse of the diagonal strap portion of a seatbelt device is also proposed, with the following steps:

[0015] c) Inspect the rotational angular position of the accessory relative to the tongue and / or lock.

[0016] d) Categorize the rotation angle position into one of the following angle ranges:

[0017] -First angle range;

[0018] -Second angle range; or

[0019] -Third angle range;

[0020] e) Send signals that depend on the classification angle range.

[0021] The rotational angular position of the diagonal band portion, with one end fixed thereto, is further detected, for example, continuously or intermittently.

[0022] The buckle and its associated, inserted tab are essentially aligned identically. However, in different vehicles and / or seat rows, the buckle may be installed in different orientations, for example, at an angle to the vehicle's high axis around the vehicle's transverse axis. Therefore, the absolute value of the rotational angle position used for classification can vary depending on the installation of the seat belt system in the vehicle.

[0023] However, the classification principle remains unaffected. According to this principle, classification begins from a specific position on the backrest, within a first angular range, corresponding to the "diagonal band section of the backrest." From a specific position on the seat surface, from the rotating component, it is categorized into a third angular range, corresponding to the "diagonal band section below the abdomen and shoulders." Within the middle angular range, a second angular range is used, assuming correct use of the diagonal band section, thus classifying it into the "diagonal band section above the abdomen and shoulders" category.

[0024] The first, second, and third angular ranges are adjacent to each other, wherein the first and second angular ranges are adjacent to each other, and the second and third angular ranges are adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the second angular range is positioned between the first and third angular ranges, such that a unique classification can be performed across the entire angular range of the first, second, and third angular ranges under any circumstances. The first and second angular ranges may be limited, for example, by the measurement range of the sensor in the corresponding direction, or by the limited rotational movement of the rotatable accessory relative to the tongue, on the side away from the second angular range.

[0025] In the exemplary installation scenario, if the diagonal band portion or fitting is parallel to the locking insertion shaft, and therefore also parallel to the inserted band tongue, a value of 90° is assigned to the rotational angular position. For example, if the fitting rotates upwards or toward the seat back in the vehicle, the rotational angular position is assigned a corresponding value less than 90°, i.e., a negative change in the rotational angular position. Therefore, an exemplary rotation of the fitting in the direction of the bottom plane of the vehicle or seat surface results in a corresponding value greater than 90° in the rotational angular position, i.e., a positive change in the rotational angular position. These symbols are also used for the direction of rotation, independent of the absolute value.

[0026] In an advantageous implementation, if the rotation angle position is, for example, <70° or further, for example, <60°, i.e., these rotation angle positions are within a first angular range, they are assigned to the category "back diagonal band portion". For example, this corresponds to rotation relative to the tongue and / or locking fitting, for example, at least -20° or further, for example, at least -30°, relative to the parallel direction.

[0027] In an advantageous implementation, the category of "diagonal band portion below the abdomen and shoulders" is assigned if the rotation angle position is, for example, >81°, further, for example, >83°, or even further, for example, >86°, i.e., these rotation angle positions are within a third angular range. For example, this corresponds to rotation relative to the tongue and / or locking fittings, for example, starting from -9°, or from -7°, or from -4°, relative to parallel alignment.

[0028] In an advantageous implementation, if the rotation angle position falls within a second angular range between the suggested boundaries for assigning "diagonal band portion of the back" and "diagonal band portion below the abdomen and shoulders," then it is assigned to the "diagonal band portion above the abdomen and shoulders" category. Therefore, it is preferable that both categories not be satisfied simultaneously during classification.

[0029] Based on the category of the detected rotation angle position, a signal is sent that can trigger warning and / or cautionary signals. Furthermore, the signal can also trigger changes to the restraint system's functionality, such as changes to the tensioner or airbag. In possible implementations, the signal can directly correspond to a category, thus corresponding to an angle range. Alternatively, the signal can indicate, for example, incorrect use, where the rotation angle position is within a first or third angle range, and therefore falls under one of the categories of "back diagonal strap portion" or "abdomen and shoulder lower diagonal strap portion," which corresponds to incorrect use.

[0030] Based on the improved detection method, the following steps are proposed:

[0031] a) Detection of a latched locking mechanism;

[0032] b) Store the detected rotation angle position at the time of insertion as the adjusted basic angle position;

[0033] d1) When the detected rotation angle position is greater than the basic angle position plus 5°, the rotation angle position is classified as the third angle range.

[0034] In this way, the boundary between the second and third angle ranges can be adaptively adjusted according to the occupant's physique to distinguish between the categories of "diagonal band portion below the abdomen and shoulders" and "diagonal band portion above the abdomen and shoulders." Therefore, the boundary situation, especially in the transition range between the categories of "diagonal band portion above the abdomen and shoulders" and "diagonal band portion below the abdomen and shoulders," can be resolved by adaptively adjusting the boundary for occupants of different heights.

[0035] After detecting the insertion of the buckle into the buckle lock, a basic angular position is detected for the occupant. The detection of the rotational angular position, used to store the adjusted basic angular position, can occur, for example, at or after the insertion detection, or immediately after a short delay. It is assumed that the occupant first secures the diagonal strap portion above the abdomen and shoulders, and then secures the diagonal strap portion below the shoulders.

[0036] Therefore, if the detected rotation angle position is greater than the adjusted basic angle position plus 5° over a period of time, the accessory is classified according to the adjusted basic angle position, and a third angle range is classified according to the "diagonal band portion below the abdomen and shoulders". In this case, if the accessory is twisted 5° in the positive direction from the adjusted basic angle position, the diagonal band portion below the shoulders will be detected. In this way, the boundary conditions within the overlapping range can be balanced for different heights and body shapes of occupants wearing seat belts.

[0037] According to the improved design, the detected rotation angle position at insertion will only be stored as the adjusted basic angle position if the rotation angle position has a minimum dimension. For example, the minimum dimension could be 70°. Therefore, if the accessory rotates more than 20° from the direction parallel to the tongue or lock in the negative direction, i.e., upwards or towards the seat back, the minimum dimension will be lower than that dimension.

[0038] In this way, the adjusted basic angle position can be avoided when there are no occupants or when a diagonal strap is inserted on the back. For example, the minimum size can also be the boundary between the first angle range and the second angle range.

[0039] In an advantageous implementation, the possible adaptive range is upwardly limited, meaning the possible adjusted basic angular position is limited, for example, to a value between 80° and 86°. Therefore, if the rotational angular position is, for example, >86°, it is preferably assigned to the category of "diagonal band portion below the abdomen and shoulders," regardless of the basic angular position. For example, this corresponds to a -4° rotation in the positive direction relative to the parallel direction relative to the tongue and / or locking fitting. Accordingly, the possible displacement of the boundary between the second and third angular ranges is essentially limited by the adjusted basic angular position and a further 5° twist.

[0040] Furthermore, it is proposed that the adjusted basic angle position should be reset when the latch is pulled out of the lock. This allows for easy reset in case of incorrect use.

[0041] The present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on preferred embodiments. In the accompanying drawings...

[0042] Figure 1 A seatbelt device is shown, which has a sensor for detecting the rotational angular position of the diagonal belt portion;

[0043] Figure 2 A belt lock is shown, which has a sensor for detecting the rotational angular position of the diagonal belt portion;

[0044] Figure 3 A tongue is shown, which has a rotatable fitting for the diagonal band portion;

[0045] Figure 4 Another view of a seatbelt assembly is shown, which has a sensor for detecting the rotational angular position of the diagonal belt portion;

[0046] Figure 5 A tongue is shown, which has a rotatable fitting and sensor with a diagonal band portion;

[0047] Figure 6 Another view of the tongue is shown, which has a rotatable fitting and sensor on a diagonal band section;

[0048] Figure 7 A lock with an induction coil is shown;

[0049] Figure 8 A seatbelt device is shown, which includes a sensor for detecting the rotational angular position of the strap tongue; and

[0050] Figure 9 shows the fitting inserted on the tongue at different rotation angle positions.

[0051] Figure 1 An embodiment of a seatbelt device 10 for a motor vehicle is shown. A strap tongue 40 is inserted into a vehicle-mounted or vehicle-attachable strap lock 30. A pelvic strap portion 22 with end 23 is fixed to the strap tongue 40, and end 23 is connected to a vehicle-mounted or vehicle-attachable strap winder 11. A rotatable, non-removable (i.e., non-removable without tools) fitting 45 is provided on the strap tongue 40, and a diagonal strap portion 20 is connected to one end 21. The diagonal strap portion 20 is connected to another vehicle-mounted or vehicle-attachable strap winder 11. The seatbelt device 10 has a sensor 31 on the strap lock 30, see [link to documentation]. Figure 2It can detect the rotational angular position of accessory 45 relative to lock 30. In addition to the usual tolerances, lock 30 and inserted tongue 40 cannot rotate relative to each other, so the rotational angular position of accessory 45 relative to lock 30 also largely corresponds to the rotational angular position of accessory 45 relative to inserted tongue 40.

[0052] exist Figure 2 middle, Figure 1 The locking mechanism 30 is shown individually. To detect the rotational angular position of the fitting 45, a sensor 31 is arranged on the side of the locking mechanism 30 of the insertion opening 33, such that when the tongue 40 is inserted, the sensor 31 is positioned directly near the fitting 45. The tongue 40 is positioned on the side of the locking mechanism 30 facing the sensor 31 as shown... Figure 3 As shown. In this embodiment, two cylindrical magnets 43 are embedded in the fitting 45 and are distinctly magnetized such that the north pole is not at the top, but on the circular side, while the south pole is on the corresponding opposite circular side. The orientation of the magnets 43 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. Magnet 43 is rotated according to the rotational angle position of the accessory 45 in which it is located. In this embodiment, sensor 31 is a Hall sensor, and the rotational angle position of the accessory relative to the lock 30 can be detected by means of magnet 43.

[0053] exist Figure 4 In the middle, a tongue 40 with a magnet 43 can be seen from the rear, which is usually associated with the seat. The rotational angle position of the accessory 45 detected by the sensor 31 can be forwarded and classified via the cable 34.

[0054] exist Figure 5 Another embodiment of the strap tab 40 of the seatbelt device 10 is shown. (Compared to...) Figures 1 to 4 Unlike other embodiments, sensor 41 is arranged as a Hall sensor on the tongue 40. Accordingly, sensor 41 detects the rotational angular position of fitting 45 relative to the tongue 40. For this purpose, a magnet 43 is provided on fitting 45, which can be seen in a rear view typically facing the occupant. Figure 6 Magnet 43 can be seen in the middle.

[0055] The coil 42 on the tongue 40 is covered by a plastic cover and is used to receive electrical energy from the lock 30, which can be easily connected to the vehicle network via cable 34. Inductive transmission from the lock 30 is via... Figure 7 The coil 32 of the lock 30 shown is directed towards the coil 42 in the tongue 40. The transmitted electrical energy can be used to operate the sensor 41, which in this embodiment detects changes in the relative motion of the magnet 43 in the magnetic field by rotating the accessory 45.

[0056] exist Figure 8The diagram shows a corresponding seatbelt device 10, which has a strap tongue 40 inserted into a strap lock 30, such that two coils 32, 42 are arranged side by side. Electrical energy transmitted from the strap lock 30 is used to operate a sensor 41 on the strap tongue. The rotational angular position detected by the sensor 41 is transmitted via cable connection 25 along with the current from the coils 42 to the diagonal strap section 20. In the diagonal strap section 20, an electronic module 24 is provided, which operates using the current from the coils 42 and can be connected wirelessly (e.g., via a wireless connection). The detected rotation angle position or corresponding category is transmitted to other vehicle systems.

[0057] Figure 9 shows multiple inserted tabs 40, where a sensor 31 detects the rotational angular position of a rotatable fitting 45 for mounting the diagonal band portion 20 onto the tabs 40 to the lock 30. The rotational angular position of the fitting 45 in Figure 9 is for illustrative purposes only, and... Figure 9a and 9c The stop position is shown in the diagram, where Figure 9b The center position is shown. In the center position, fitting 45 is parallel to the insertion shaft 35 with lock 30. For example, a value of 90° can be assigned to this rotational angle position.

[0058] For example, Figure 9a The fitting 45 is shown at approximately 35° to the insertion shaft 35. For illustration, it is assumed that the backrest of the vehicle seat extends to the left side of the lock 30, and... Figure 9a The seat surface extends after the arrangement is shown. However, in principle, the opposite arrangement is also conceivable. Therefore, in Figure 9a In the middle, accessory 45 is strongly tilted towards the backrest. This direction of rotation is assigned a negative sign, such that, for example... Figure 9a The rotation angle position can be assigned a value of approximately 55°. For example, such a value can be set if the diagonal strap portion 20 is guided not only behind the occupant but also behind the backrest. The seatbelt device 10 will send a signal corresponding to a category of a first angle range, which can be associated with the "back diagonal strap portion".

[0059] exist Figure 9c In this configuration, accessory 45 rotates approximately 35° relative to the insertion shaft 35 in another direction, namely, in the direction of the seat surface. Accordingly, a positive sign is provided for the direction of rotation, such that, for example, a value of 135° can be assigned to the rotation angle position of accessory 45. Such a large angle can typically only be achieved when the diagonal strap portion is pushed below the occupant's shoulders, causing the seatbelt device 10 to correspondingly send a signal of a third angle range category, which can be associated with "the diagonal strap portion below the abdomen and shoulders".

Claims

1. A seat belt device (10) for a motor vehicle, having - Diagonal section (20). -Pelvic girdle section (22), each pelvic girdle section - Connect to the belt winder (11) that can be fixed on the vehicle. - A lockable mount (30) that can be secured to a vehicle, and - A tab (40) lockable to the lock (30), the pelvic belt portion (22) being secured to the tab at one end (23), wherein, - The diagonal band portion (20) is fixed to the fitting (45) at one end (21), wherein the fitting (45) is rotatably connected to the band tongue (40). Its features are, - At least one sensor (31, 41) is provided, which is configured to detect the rotational angular position of the fitting (45) relative to the tongue (40) and / or the lock (30).

2. The seat belt device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one magnet (43) is provided on the accessory (45).

3. The seat belt device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensors (31, 41) are Hall sensors.

4. The seat belt device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (41) is mounted on the lock (30).

5. The seat belt device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (41) is mounted on the tongue (40).

6. The seat belt device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock (30) and the tongue (40) each have coils (32, 42) for transmitting electrical energy.

7. The seat belt device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cable connection (25) is provided between the tongue (40) and the electronic module (24) in the diagonal band portion (20), wherein the seat belt device (10) is provided for transmitting the sensor signal of the sensor (41) to the electronic module (24) in the diagonal band portion (20) via the cable connection (25).

8. The seat belt device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The accessory (45) is non-detachably connected to the tongue (40).

9. The seat belt device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sensor (41) is provided on the accessory (45).

10. A method for detecting maluse of the diagonal strap portion (20) of a seatbelt device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... step: c) Detect the rotational angular position of the accessory (45) relative to the tongue (40) and / or the lock (30). d) The rotation angle position is classified into one of the following angle ranges: -First angle range; -Second angle range; or -Third angle range; e) Send signals that depend on the classification angle range.

11. The detection method according to claim 10, characterized in that... step: a) Detect the insertion of the tongue (40) into the lock (30); b) Store the detected rotation angle position as the adjusted basic angle position; d1) When the detected rotation angle position is greater than the basic angle position plus 5°, the rotation angle position is classified as the third angle range.

12. The detection method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The rotation angle position at the time of insertion is stored as the adjusted basic angle position only when the rotation angle position has a minimum size.

13. The detection method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The step of resetting the adjusted basic angle position when the tongue (40) is pulled out from the lock (30).

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