Belt outlet device, belt outlet system, vehicle and method

Abstract

A belt outlet arrangement (200; 402; 532), in particular for use in a vehicle (500), comprising an outlet frame (220; 420) configured to guide a movement of a belt (B) movably extending through a frame opening (222; 422) of the outlet frame (220; 420), and a trim portion (210; 410) adapted to cover at least an area of a structure (S) of the vehicle (500) to which the belt (B) is connected, the trim portion (210; 410) comprising a resilient area (214; 414) in which a trim opening (212; 412) is arranged. The outlet frame (220; 420) is arranged adjacent to the resilient area (214; 414) of the trim portion (210; 410) such that the trim opening (212; 412) is at least partially overmoulded by the outlet frame (220; 420) to form an outlet for the belt (B) through the trim portion (210; 410). A belt outlet system, a vehicle and a method are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an outlet device. This application further relates to outlet systems, vehicles, and methods. Background Technology

[0002] Belt outlets are typically located inside a motor vehicle. They serve as openings or conduits that allow a belt (typically a seatbelt) to extend movably between a compartment behind the interior trim of the vehicle structure and the interior of the vehicle (usually the passenger space), where the belt is securely attached to the body, and inside the vehicle, the belt can be pulled to a desired length via the belt outlet for use by the driver or passenger.

[0003] Besides providing a conduit for the belt to pass through the trim, the belt outlet is typically used for a variety of purposes. While the belt needs to move easily through the outlet, it also defines one of the locations where the belt mechanically interacts with the user. Thus, the outlet acts as a mechanical guide for the belt's movement, ideally possessing low friction, mechanical robustness, and an ergonomically positioned location within the vehicle. Moreover, since the trim provides noise reduction within the vehicle interior and visual concealment of the vehicle structure, the belt extending through a hole in the trim would impair the acoustic and visual seal provided by the trim. Therefore, it is generally desirable for the outlet to provide the smallest possible opening for the belt. However, installing the belt during vehicle manufacturing typically requires relatively large belt components (such as belt locks) that can be pushed through the trim at the outlet location.

[0004] To meet these requirements, traditionally, relatively large openings are provided in the trim pieces, which are partially closed by the bezel after the mounting band is installed.

[0005] The technology for export that needs improvement is currently in need of improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, an outlet device, an outlet system, a vehicle, and a method are provided.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a belt exit device, particularly for use in a vehicle, is described. The belt exit device includes: an exit frame configured to guide movement of a belt, the belt movably extending through a frame opening of the exit frame; and a trim portion adapted to at least cover a region of the vehicle's belt-connected structure, the trim portion including a resilient region in which a trim opening is arranged. The exit frame is arranged adjacent to the resilient region of the trim portion such that the trim opening is at least partially covered by the exit frame to form an exit through which the belt passes. The trim portion can be an interior trim piece, i.e., part of an interior trim piece, particularly an upper pillar trim piece, such as a rear upper pillar trim piece.

[0008] The elastic zone facilitates pushing the belt components (especially the locking belt) through the decorative opening during belt installation. In this case, particularly before installing the exit frame, the elastic zone allows the size of the decorative opening to expand elastically. As a result, the size of the decorative opening during the relaxation state of the elastic zone can be set to be smaller than the opening size required to push the belt component through. In particular, the decorative opening during the relaxation state of the elastic zone can be smaller than the cross-section of the belt component to be pushed through the decorative opening.

[0009] This allows the frame size to be set smaller than the opening size required for the belt component to pass through, and in particular smaller than the cross-section of the belt component. Therefore, the dimensions of the decorative opening and frame can be determined essentially based on the minimum dimensions required for the belt exit after installation, such as the dimensions required to provide mechanical guidance for belt movement. In this way, the visual impact caused by the belt exit device, especially by the exit frame, can be minimized.

[0010] The exit frame may include a rigid material. The rigid material may be a rigid plastic. The exit frame can be configured to provide rigid guidance for movement. The elastic area of ​​the trim may include silicone.

[0011] The flexible region allows the position of the exit frame to be changed relative to at least a portion of the trim (particularly relative to the trim piece surrounding the flexible region). In this way, an adjustable position of the exit frame can be provided, for example, through an adjustable vehicle structure supporting the exit frame and / or actuator device, without enlarging the opening in the trim. This further reduces the acoustic and visual impact caused by the variable position of the exit frame combined with the exit device.

[0012] The flexible region allows the position of the exit frame to be changed parallel to the surface of the trim section. The surface of the trim section can be a surface facing the vehicle interior or passenger space. The flexible region allows the position of the exit frame to be changed within the extended plane of the flexible region. Alternatively, the flexible region allows the position of the exit frame to be changed in a direction not parallel to the extended plane of the flexible region, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the extended plane of the trim section adjacent to the flexible region.

[0013] The vehicle's structure may include the vehicle's struts. The flexible region allows the position of the exit frame to be changed in at least one of the vertical and longitudinal directions of the vehicle and / or the struts.

[0014] The "longitudinal direction" of the vehicle and / or pillar can be defined as the direction of the vehicle and / or pillar parallel to the driver's direction of travel. The "perpendicular direction" of the vehicle and / or pillar can be orthogonal to the driver's direction of travel. Furthermore, changing the position of the exit frame in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or pillar can include changing the position of the exit frame such that at least a geometric component of the movement of the exit frame from its original position to its new position is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or pillar. Similarly, changing the position of the exit frame in the vertical direction of the vehicle and / or pillar can include changing the position of the exit frame such that at least a geometric component of the movement of the exit frame from its original position to its new position is parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle and / or pillar.

[0015] Alternatively, the flexible region may allow the position of the exit frame to be changed in the lateral direction of the vehicle and / or pillar. The "lateral direction" of the vehicle and / or pillar can be defined as the direction of the vehicle and / or pillar that is orthogonal to the vehicle's driving direction in the horizontal plane of the vehicle. Changing the position of the exit frame in the lateral direction of the vehicle and / or pillar may include changing the position of the exit frame such that at least a geometric component of the movement of the exit frame from its previous position to its new position is parallel to the lateral direction of the vehicle and / or pillar.

[0016] The position of the exit frame can be varied at least within a predetermined range. The elasticity of the material of the elastic region and / or the size of the elastic region can be selected such that the elastic region deforms at least substantially without wrinkles when the position of the exit frame changes within the predetermined range.

[0017] According to a second aspect, a tape exit system is described. The tape exit system includes the tape exit device currently described and at least one actuator device arranged to change the position of the exit frame.

[0018] The travel range of at least one actuator device may correspond to a predetermined range. The predetermined range may correspond to a range configured to adjust the position of the exit frame to at least one of the user's shoulder position, neck position, or body size.

[0019] The belt exit system may also include at least one sensor configured to detect the position of at least a portion of the user's body. The at least one sensor may be configured to visually detect the position of the user's shoulder.

[0020] The tape exit system may also include a control unit. The control unit may be configured to: receive sensor signals from at least one sensor indicating the position of at least a portion of the user's body; generate control signals based on the received sensor signals for operating at least one actuator device to adjust the position of the exit frame according to the position of at least a portion of the user's body; and output control signals to at least one actuator device.

[0021] In this way, the position of the exit frame can be automatically adjusted to at least one of the user's shoulder position, neck position, or body size.

[0022] According to a third aspect, a vehicle is described. The vehicle includes the currently described outlet device and / or the currently described outlet system.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect, a method of operating a belt exit system is described. The belt exit system includes a belt exit device. The belt exit device has: an exit frame configured to guide movement of a belt movably extending through a frame opening of the exit frame; and a trim portion adapted to at least cover an area of ​​a structure of a vehicle to which the belt is connected, the trim portion including a resilient region with a trim opening arranged in the resilient region, wherein the exit frame is arranged adjacent to the resilient region of the trim portion such that the trim opening is at least partially covered by the exit frame to form an exit for allowing the belt to pass through the trim portion, and the resilient region enables the position of the exit frame relative to at least a portion of the trim portion to be changed. The belt exit system further includes: at least one actuator device arranged to change the position of the exit frame relative to the trim portion; at least one sensor configured to detect the position of at least a portion of the body of a user of the belt; and a control unit. The method includes: receiving, via a control unit, a sensor signal indicating the position of at least a portion of a user's body on the belt from at least one sensor; generating, via the control unit, a control signal for operating at least one actuator device based on the received sensor signal, so as to adjust the position of the exit frame according to the position of at least a portion of the user's body on the belt; and outputting the control signal to at least one actuator device via the control unit. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Further details, advantages, and objects of the invention will become clear from the accompanying drawings and detailed description. The drawings show:

[0025] Figures 1A-1B Different views of existing technology devices with outlets;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of an example device with an outlet.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Side view of the device with outlet;

[0028] Figure 4 Here is a perspective cross-sectional view of an example system with an outlet.

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a vehicle based on an example; and

[0030] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method based on an instance. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1A A schematic and exemplary perspective cross-sectional view of a belt outlet device 100 is shown. The belt outlet device 100 includes a trim section 110 in which a trim opening 112 extends. The belt outlet device 100 also includes an outlet frame 120 disposed within the trim opening 112. The trim section 110 at least partially covers the vehicle's structure S. Furthermore, the trim opening 112 allows a belt B (e.g., a seatbelt) to movably extend from one side of the structure S through the trim section 110 to the other side of the trim section 110 (e.g., corresponding to the vehicle's interior or passenger space).

[0032] The exit frame 120 has a frame opening 122 through which a band B extends. The exit frame 120 is arranged such that it covers the decorative opening 112 along the inner circumference of the decorative opening 112. Moreover, the exit frame 120 reduces the size of the effective opening through which the band B extends, i.e., from the larger size of the decorative opening 112 to the smaller size of the frame opening 122.

[0033] The size of the decorative opening 112 can be selected based on the dimensions required to push the belt component (e.g., belt lock) of belt B through the decorative section 110 during belt B installation. Conversely, the size of the frame opening 122 can be selected based on the minimum dimensions required to provide low-friction fixing and guiding movement of belt B during use.

[0034] Figure 1B A side view of the vehicle with the exit device 100 is shown, viewed from inside the vehicle. Figure 1A The same reference numerals denote the same features. The location of the outlet device 100 in the illustrated example corresponds to the upper section of the rear pillar of the vehicle.

[0035] As in Figure 1B As can be seen, the minimum size of the frame opening 122 required to provide low-friction guiding motion for the band B is significantly smaller than the size of the decorative opening 112 required to install the band B. Therefore, in this case, the visual impact of the profile of the frame 120 on the band exit device 100 is significant.

[0036] Figure 2 A perspective cross-sectional view of a belt outlet device 200 according to another example is shown schematically and exemplary. The belt outlet device 200 includes a trim section 210 and an outlet frame 220. The outlet frame 220 covers a trim opening 212 of the trim section 210. Moreover, the belt B extends through a frame opening 222 of the outlet frame 220. The trim section 210 covers a structure S (such as a rear pillar of a vehicle). Furthermore, the outlet frame 220 provides low-friction guiding movement of the belt B through the trim section 210.

[0037] Regarding the aforementioned features Figure 1A and Figure 1B The description of the outlet device 100 in the figure applies accordingly, unless otherwise clear from the drawings and the following description.

[0038] The decorative section 210 includes an elastic region 214. The outer boundary of the elastic region 214 is... Figure 2 The middle section is indicated by a dashed curve segment. The elastic region 214 extends around the decorative opening 212. Thus, the exit frame 220 covering the decorative opening 212 is arranged adjacent to the elastic region 214. Furthermore, the elastic region 214 surrounds the exit frame 220 in the plane of the decorative section 210.

[0039] The elastic region 214 allows for changing the position of the exit frame 220, for example, in a direction parallel to the extending plane of the elastic region 214. For this purpose, in some embodiments, the elastic region 214 comprises an elastic material (such as silicone). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the elastic region 214 allows for movement of the exit frame 220 relative to portions of the trim 210 without causing wrinkles in the elastic region 214.

[0040] In some instances, the tape exit device 200 includes an exit frame 220 made of a rigid material (such as rigid plastic). In this way, in some instances, the tape exit device 200 facilitates low-friction movement of the tape B through the tape exit device 200. In particular, in some instances, the coefficient of friction of the movement of the tape B on the material of the exit frame 220 is less than the coefficient of friction of the imaginary movement of the tape B on the material of the elastic region 214.

[0041] Figure 3 A side view of the outlet device 200 is shown. (As shown) Figure 3 As shown, the visual impact caused by the exit border 220 is significantly less than that of the exit border. Figure 1BThe case of the exit frame 120. This is essentially achieved by the elastic region 212. The elastic region 214 specifically allows the decorative opening 212 to be expanded during the installation of the belt B and before the installation of the exit frame 220, when the belt component is pushed through the decorative opening 212. Therefore, when in use (i.e. after the exit frame 220 has been installed), the size of the decorative opening 212 does not need to be selected to be larger than the size required to guide the movement of the belt B.

[0042] Figure 4 A perspective cross-sectional view of a tape exit system 400 is shown schematically and exemplary. The tape exit system 400 includes a tape exit device 402 and an actuator device 430.

[0043] Regarding 402 with export device Figure 2 and Figure 3 The description of the tape outlet device 200 shown applies accordingly, unless otherwise clear from the drawings and the following description. Specifically, the tape outlet device 402 includes a decorative portion 410 having a resilient region 414, in which a decorative opening 412 extends. Furthermore, the tape outlet device 402 includes an outlet frame 420 that covers the decorative opening 412 and has a frame opening 422. As... Figure 4 As indicated by the arrows, the elastic region 414 allows the position of the exit frame 420 to be changed vertically and horizontally relative to the surrounding portion of the decorative part 410.

[0044] Actuator device 430 acts on exit frame 420. In some embodiments, actuator device 430 is attached to and supported by the vehicle structure. In one embodiment, at least one actuable member of actuator device 430 is connected to exit frame 420. By operating actuator device 430, the position of exit frame 420 can be changed parallel to at least one direction of a vertical structure, for example, covered by trim 410. Referring to the foregoing embodiments, actuator device 430 acts on both exit frame 420 and the vehicle structure to change the position of exit frame 420 relative to the vehicle structure.

[0045] In some instances, the position of the exit frame 420 is altered by means of actuator device 430 to adjust the position of the exit frame 420 to the body dimensions of a user (e.g., a passenger or driver of a vehicle equipped with the exit system 400). In some of these instances, the position of the exit frame 420 is adjustable at least in the vertical direction to adjust the vertical position of the exit frame 420 to the user's shoulder height or neck height, etc. In other instances, adjusting the position of the exit frame 420 includes, for example, changing the position of the exit frame 420 at least in the horizontal direction (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in which the exit system 400 is installed (i.e., the driver's side)) depending on the adjustable seat position.

[0046] In some of the aforementioned examples, the position of the exit frame 420 is changed in the vertical direction and / or parallel to the vehicle's driver's direction, such that the position of the exit frame 420 changes within the extended plane of the elastic region 414, for example... Figure 4 As indicated by the double arrows. In this case, the extending plane of the elastic region 414 is oriented at least substantially parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions of the vehicle.

[0047] In other instances, the extending plane of the resilient region 414 is oriented at an angle relative to the plane spanned by the vehicle's vertical and longitudinal directions. In these instances, when the position of the exit frame 420 changes in the vertical direction and / or parallel to the vehicle's driver's direction, for example, in conjunction with any of the aforementioned adjustments to body height or seat position, the resilient region 414 allows the position of the exit frame 420 to be changed in a direction that is not parallel to the extending plane of the resilient region 414 and not parallel to the surface of the trim 410 surrounding the resilient region 414.

[0048] Furthermore, in some instances, adjusting the position of the exit frame 420 involves changing the position of the exit frame 420 in a horizontal direction (i.e., in the lateral direction) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in which the exit system 400 is installed. In some of these instances, the position of the exit frame 420 is adjusted in such a way as to the user's lateral body dimensions (e.g., detected shoulder width). Reference Figure 4 Changing the position of the exit frame 420 in the lateral direction includes changing the position of the exit frame 420 in a direction that is not parallel to the extending plane of the elastic region 414 and not parallel to the surface of the decorative part 410 surrounding the elastic region 414.

[0049] Figure 5 A vehicle 500 including an outlet system 505 is illustrated schematically and exemplary. Regarding the outlet system 505, Figure 4The description of the tape exit system 400 shown applies accordingly, unless otherwise clear from the following description and figures. In particular, the tape exit system 505 includes a tape exit device 532 having an actuator device 530 arranged to change the position of the exit frame of the tape exit device 532.

[0050] The belt exit system 505 also includes a sensor 520. The sensor 520 is arranged to detect the position of at least a part of the user's body associated with the belt exit device 532. In some instances, the sensor 520 includes a camera operated to detect the user's shoulder and / or neck position.

[0051] The outlet system 505 also includes a control unit 510. The control unit 510 includes a processing unit 512 operatively connected to a data storage unit 514. Furthermore, the control unit 510 is communicatively connected to a sensor 520 and an actuator device 530. The data storage unit 514 contains program code executable by the processing unit 512. In the illustrated example, the processing unit 512 is configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor 520 indicating the position of at least a body part of a user of the outlet device 532. Moreover, the processing unit 512 is configured to determine a control signal for controlling the actuator device 530 based on the received sensor signal and the determined position of at least a body part of the user. The control unit 512 is further configured to generate the control signal and output the determined control signal toward the actuator device 530. When the control signal is received from the control unit 510, the actuator device 530 operates to correspondingly change the position of the outlet frame.

[0052] In some instances, to determine control signals, control unit 512 is configured to perform image analysis on video signals received from sensor 520 to determine the position of a user's body parts in the image. In other instances of the exit system 500, other types of sensors 520 and / or other types of data processing applied to the sensor signals via control unit 512 are used to determine the position of at least a user's body parts.

[0053] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 600 for operating a system with an exit is shown. Method 600 can be performed, for example, using a system 505 with an exit.

[0054] Method 600 includes step 610, receiving, via a control unit, a sensor signal from at least one sensor of the tape outlet system indicating the position of at least a portion of the user's body associated with the tape outlet device of the tape outlet system. Method 600 further includes step 620, generating, via the control unit, a control signal for operating at least one actuator device of the tape outlet system based on the received sensor signal to adjust the position of the outlet frame according to the position of at least a portion of the user's body. Furthermore, method 600 includes step 630, outputting the control signal to at least one actuator device of the tape outlet system via the control unit.

Claims

1. A device with an outlet (200; 402； 532), for use in a vehicle (500), the outlet device includes: An exit frame (220; 420) is configured to guide the movement of a belt (B) movably extending through a frame opening (222; 422) of the exit frame (220; 420), and A trim section (210; 410) adapted to at least cover an area of ​​a structure (S) of the vehicle (500), the strip (B) being connected to the structure (S), the trim section (210; 410) including a resilient region (214; 414), and trim openings (212; 412) arranged in the resilient region (214; 414). in: The exit frame (220; 420) is arranged adjacent to the elastic region (214; 414) of the decorative part (210; 410), such that the decorative opening (212; 412) is at least partially covered by the exit frame (220; 420) to form an exit for the band (B) to pass through the decorative part (210; 410); and The elastic regions (214; 414) enable the position of at least a portion of the exit frame (220; 420) relative to the decorative portion (210; 410) to be changed.

2. The device with an outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The exit frame (220; 420) comprises a rigid material.

3. The device with an outlet according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic regions (214; 414) comprise silicone resin.

4. The device with an outlet according to claim 2, wherein, The elastic regions (214; 414) comprise silicone resin.

5. The device with an outlet according to claim 4, wherein, The elastic regions (214; 414) allow for the alteration of the position of the exit frame (220; 420) on the surface parallel to the decorative portion (210; 410).

6. The device with an outlet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The elastic regions (214; 414) enable the position of the exit frame (220; 420) to be changed in at least one of the vertical and longitudinal directions of the vehicle (500).

7. The device with an outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The structure (S) of the vehicle (500) includes the struts of the vehicle (500).

8. The device with an outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The position of the exit frame (220; 420) is variable at least within a predetermined range, and wherein the elasticity of the material of the elastic region (214; 414) and / or the size of the elastic region (214; 414) are selected such that when the position of the exit frame (220; 420) changes within the predetermined range, the elastic region (214; 414) deforms at least substantially without wrinkles.

9. A system with an export port (400; 505), comprising: The device with an outlet according to any one of the preceding claims, and At least one actuator device (430; 530), which is arranged to change the position of the exit frame (220; 420).

10. The system with an outlet according to claim 9, wherein, The travel range of the at least one actuator device (430; 530) corresponds to a predetermined range of the position of the exit frame (220; 420).

11. The belt exit system according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising at least one sensor (520) configured to detect the position of at least a portion of the body of the user of the belt (B).

12. The system with an outlet according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one sensor (520) is configured to visually detect the position of the shoulder of the user of the strap (B).

13. The system with an outlet according to claim 11, further comprising a control unit (510), the control unit being configured to: Receive sensor signals from the at least one sensor (520) indicating the position of at least a portion of the user's body of the belt (B); Based on the received sensor signals, control signals are generated for operating the at least one actuator device (430; 530) to adjust the position of the exit frame (220; 420) according to the position of at least a portion of the user's body on the belt (B). The control signal is output to the at least one actuator device (430; 530).

14. The system with an outlet according to claim 12, further comprising a control unit (510), the control unit being configured to: Receive sensor signals from the at least one sensor (520) indicating the position of at least a portion of the user's body of the belt (B); Based on the received sensor signals, control signals are generated for operating the at least one actuator device (430; 530) to adjust the position of the exit frame (220; 420) according to the position of at least a portion of the user's body on the belt (B). The control signal is output to the at least one actuator device (430; 530).

15. A vehicle (500) comprising an outlet device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or an outlet system according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

16. A method (600) for operating an outlet system (400; 505), the outlet system (400; 505) comprising: With outlet device (200; 402； 532), which has an exit frame (220; 420) configured to guide the movement of a belt (B) movably extending through a frame opening (222; 422) of the exit frame (220; 420); and a trim portion (210; 410) adapted to at least cover an area of ​​a structure (S) of the vehicle (500), the belt (B) being connected to the structure (S), the trim portion (210; 410) including a resilient region (214; 414), and a trim opening (212; 412) disposed in the resilient region (214; 414). In 14; 414), the exit frame (220; 420) is arranged adjacent to the elastic region (214; 414) of the decorative part (210; 410), such that the decorative opening (212; 412) is at least partially covered by the exit frame (220; 420) to form an exit for the band (B) to pass through the decorative part (210; 410), and the elastic region (214; 414) allows the position of the exit frame (220; 420) relative to at least a portion of the decorative part (210; 410) to be changed; At least one actuator device (430; 530) is arranged to change the position of the outlet frame (220; 420). At least one sensor (520) is configured to detect the position of at least a portion of the body of the user of the belt (B), and Control unit (510). The method (600) includes: The control unit (510) receives a sensor signal (610) from the at least one sensor (520) indicating the position of at least a part of the user's body of the belt (B). The control unit (510) generates control signals for operating the at least one actuator device (430; 530) based on the received sensor signals, to adjust the position (620) of the outlet frame (220; 420) according to the position of at least a portion of the user's body on the belt (B), and The control signal (630) is output to the at least one actuator device (430; 530) via the control unit (510).

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