Safety belt device for a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses a seatbelt device and a vehicle, relating to the field of vehicle technology. A locking latch is located on the seatbelt; a deformation member is located on the seatbelt and electrically connected to the locking latch, configured to deform according to the stretched length of the seatbelt; the locking latch is configured to engage with a buckle for locking. When the locking latch is fully engaged, a positioning detection unit is triggered. When the positioning detection unit is triggered, a control unit is activated. When the locking latch is fully engaged, the deformation member is electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to determine that the seatbelt is effectively worn when it is electrically connected to the deformation member and the degree of deformation of the deformation member is greater than or equal to a preset value. Therefore, the system can determine that the seatbelt is effectively worn when the locking latch is fully engaged, the control unit is electrically connected to the deformation member via the locking latch, and the degree of deformation of the deformation member is greater than or equal to a preset value. This increases the conditions for determining that the seatbelt is effectively worn, accurately determines whether the occupant is correctly wearing the seatbelt, and reduces the probability of not detecting incorrect or non-wearing of the seatbelt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a seat belt device for a vehicle and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle seat belts are one of the most important passive safety devices for drivers and passengers, and their effective wearing is a prerequisite for their protective function. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belt reminder systems, which detect whether the latch is inserted into the buckle. If the latch is detected, the system determines that the seat belt is worn. However, when an occupant inserts a metal piece that resembles a real latch into the buckle, the detection mechanism still detects the latch being inserted, thus deactivating the seat belt warning. In reality, the seat belt has not been pulled over the body and is not properly fastened, creating a serious safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seatbelt device that can increase the conditions for determining whether the seatbelt is being worn effectively, accurately determine whether the occupant is wearing the seatbelt correctly, and reduce the probability of not detecting incorrect or non-wearing of the seatbelt by the occupant.

[0004] The present invention further proposes a vehicle.

[0005] The seat belt device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes: a seat belt; a locking tongue disposed on the seat belt; a deformation member disposed on the seat belt and electrically connected to the locking tongue, the deformation member being configured to deform according to the tensile length of the seat belt; and a buckle, the locking tongue being configured to engage with the buckle for locking, the buckle including: a positioning detection unit and a control unit, wherein the positioning detection unit is triggered when the locking tongue is engaged, the positioning detection unit is activated when the positioning detection unit is triggered, and the deformation member is electrically connected to the control unit when the locking tongue is engaged, the control unit being configured to determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when it is electrically connected to the deformation member and the degree of deformation of the deformation member is greater than or equal to a preset value.

[0006] According to the present invention, the seat belt device for a vehicle can determine that the seat belt is being worn effectively when the latch is engaged, the control unit is electrically connected to the deformation member through the latch, and the degree of deformation of the deformation member is greater than or equal to a preset value. This increases the conditions for determining that the seat belt is being worn effectively, accurately determines whether the occupant is wearing the seat belt correctly, and reduces the probability of not detecting that the occupant is not wearing the seat belt correctly or not wearing the seat belt.

[0007] In some examples of the present invention, the latch includes: a housing and a mounting plate, the housing defining an accommodating space, the positioning detection unit and the control unit being mounted on the mounting plate, and the positioning detection unit, the control unit, and the mounting plate all being disposed in the accommodating space.

[0008] In some examples of the present invention, the latch further includes a locking engagement portion disposed in the receiving space, and the latch is configured to be inserted into the receiving space and engage with the locking engagement portion for locking engagement.

[0009] In some examples of the invention, the deformable element is woven into the webbing of the seat belt.

[0010] In some examples of the present invention, the deformable element is configured such that its resistance changes when deformation occurs.

[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the vehicle seat belt device further includes a status output unit, which is communicatively connected to the control unit and adapted to be communicatively connected to the vehicle's instrument panel, the status output unit being configured to output a signal indicating whether the seat belt is being worn effectively.

[0012] In some examples of the present invention, the latch further includes: an induction coil and an energy storage capacitor, the induction coil being electrically connected to the energy storage capacitor, the induction coil being configured to generate an induced current when the latch is inserted or removed to charge the energy storage capacitor, and the energy storage capacitor being configured to supply power to the seat belt device.

[0013] In some examples of the invention, the energy storage capacitor is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle's battery.

[0014] In some examples of the present invention, the buckle further includes: a magnetic component and a current detection unit, the current detection unit being electrically connected to the control unit, the current detection unit being configured to detect the current generated by the magnetic component's attraction action when the latch is inserted into place, and the control unit being configured to determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when the deformation degree of the deformation component is greater than or equal to the preset value and the current detected by the current detection unit is greater than or equal to the preset current value.

[0015] The vehicle according to the present invention includes the seat belt device of the vehicle described above. By enabling the control unit to determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when it is electrically connected to the deformable element and the degree of deformation of the deformable element is greater than or equal to a preset value, the necessary conditions for the control unit to determine that the seat belt is effectively worn can be increased. This can reduce the safety hazards caused by occupants slapping the seat belt on or merely draping the seat belt over their bodies, and is beneficial to improving the safety of the vehicle.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the seat belt device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure label: Position detection unit 1; control unit 2; current detection unit 3; mounting plate 4; housing 5; induction coil 6; energy storage capacitor 7. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0021] The following is for reference. Figure 1 A seatbelt device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the seat belt device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a seat belt, a locking tongue, a deformable element, and a buckle.

[0023] The locking tongue is located on the seat belt; the deformation element is located on the seat belt and electrically connected to the locking tongue. The deformation element is configured to deform according to the tensile length of the seat belt; the locking tongue is configured to engage with the buckle for locking. The buckle includes: a positioning detection unit 1 and a control unit 2. When the locking tongue is inserted into the seat belt, the positioning detection unit 1 is triggered. When the positioning detection unit 1 is triggered, the control unit 2 is activated. When the locking tongue is inserted into the seat belt, the deformation element is electrically connected to the control unit 2. The control unit 2 is configured to determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when it is electrically connected to the deformation element and the degree of deformation of the deformation element is greater than or equal to a preset value.

[0024] As some embodiments of this application, the latch is formed with a clearance hole, through which the seat belt can pass, so that the latch is movably disposed on the seat belt.

[0025] The deformable element is disposed on the seat belt and is electrically connected to the locking tongue. In some embodiments of this application, the deformable element and the locking tongue are electrically connected via a wire. The deformable element is capable of deforming according to the stretched length of the seat belt. In some embodiments of this application, the deformable element is disposed on the seat belt, and stretching the seat belt increases the length of the deformable element. In some embodiments of this application, the deformable element is disposed on the seat belt, and stretching the seat belt decreases the length of the deformable element.

[0026] The bolt can engage with the latch for locking. When the bolt is fully engaged, it triggers the engagement detection unit 1, which in turn wakes up the control unit 2. In some embodiments of this application, the engagement detection unit 1 can be, but is not limited to, a microswitch. The trigger end of the microswitch is aligned with the channel inside the latch for bolt insertion. When the bolt is fully engaged, it physically presses the trigger end of the microswitch, generating a clear trigger signal that triggers the engagement detection unit 1 to wake up the control unit 2. In some embodiments of this application, when the bolt is fully engaged, the deformation component and the control unit 2 are electrically connected via wires.

[0027] The control unit 2 is configured to be electrically connected to the deformable component, and the seat belt is determined to be effectively worn when the degree of deformation of the deformable component is greater than or equal to a preset value. In other words, when the locking tongue is inserted into place, the control unit 2 can be electrically connected to the deformable component, and the control unit 2 will determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when the degree of deformation of the deformable component is greater than or equal to the preset value.

[0028] As some embodiments of this application, the deformable element can be constructed as a flexible resistance wire. When the seat belt is stretched, the flexible resistance wire will deform. The degree of deformation of the flexible resistance wire can be positively correlated with the stretching length of the seat belt, that is, the longer the stretching length of the seat belt, the greater the degree of deformation of the flexible resistance wire.

[0029] It should be noted that by configuring the control unit 2 to be electrically connected to the deformable component and determining that the seat belt is effectively worn when the degree of deformation of the deformable component is greater than or equal to a preset value, the risk of seat belt not being worn can be significantly reduced. This means that the occupant not only needs to insert the locking tongue into place, but also needs to stretch the seat belt to a certain length to wrap around themselves in order to deactivate the seat belt not being worn alarm, which significantly improves the seat belt wearing efficiency and enhances vehicle safety.

[0030] Furthermore, the seat belt device of this application is easy to disassemble and repair, has low maintenance costs, and is convenient for users to maintain in the future.

[0031] Therefore, when the locking tongue is inserted into place, the control unit 2 is electrically connected to the deformable component through the locking tongue, and the degree of deformation of the deformable component is greater than or equal to a preset value, it can be determined that the seat belt is being worn effectively. This increases the conditions for determining that the seat belt is being worn effectively, accurately determines whether the occupant is wearing the seat belt correctly, and reduces the probability of not detecting that the occupant is not wearing the seat belt correctly or not wearing the seat belt.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the latch includes: housing 5 and mounting plate 4. Housing 5 defines the receiving space. Position detection unit 1 and control unit 2 are both installed on mounting plate 4. Position detection unit 1, control unit 2 and mounting plate 4 are all located in the receiving space.

[0033] In this embodiment, both the positioning detection unit 1 and the control unit 2 are mounted on the mounting plate 4. The positioning detection unit 1, the control unit 2, and the mounting plate 4 are all located in the accommodating space. As some embodiments of this application, the mounting plate 4 is constructed as a circuit board with printed circuits formed on it. The circuit board is mounted on the housing 5 by means of bolt connection. Both the positioning detection unit 1 and the control unit 2 are attached to the circuit board and are electrically connected through the printed circuits on the circuit board.

[0034] As some embodiments of this application, a connecting contact point is formed on the mounting plate 4, and the connecting contact point is connected to the control unit 2 through a circuit. A connecting contact pin corresponding to the connecting contact point is formed on the locking tongue. When the locking tongue is inserted into place, the connecting contact point and the connecting contact pin are in contact. The deformable part is electrically connected to the control unit 2 through the connecting contact point and the connecting contact pin.

[0035] This configuration allows the housing 5 to form a containment space, providing a barrier for the internal precision components and effectively preventing the intrusion of external pollutants such as dust, moisture, and oil. Furthermore, by mounting both the position detection unit 1 and the control unit 2 on the mounting plate 4, the integration level of the seat belt device can be improved, which is conducive to the rational planning of space.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, the latch further includes a locking engagement portion disposed in the receiving space, and the latch tongue is configured to be inserted into the receiving space and engage with the locking engagement portion for locking engagement.

[0037] As some embodiments of this application, the locking engagement part includes: a guide rail and a hook. The housing 5 is formed with an insertion groove. The locking tongue can be inserted into the receiving space through the insertion groove. The guide rail is provided on both sides of the insertion groove so that the locking tongue can slide along the extension direction of the insertion groove. When the locking tongue is inserted into the position, the hook can lock the locking tongue so that the locking tongue and the latch can be engaged and locked.

[0038] This design allows the locking tongue to be locked by the locking mechanism after it is fully engaged, reducing the risk of the locking tongue coming off and thus the risk of the seat belt coming off. This improves the safety and reliability of the seat belt system.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the deformable element is woven into the webbing of the seat belt. As some embodiments of this application, the deformable element is constructed as a flexible resistance wire. During the production process of the seat belt webbing, the flexible resistance wire can be woven into the warp layer of the webbing. As some embodiments of this application, the flexible resistance wire is woven into the seat belt webbing using an "S"-shaped shuttle weaving method.

[0040] This design allows the deformable component to be cleverly integrated with the seat belt, so that the deformation of the deformable component is synchronized with the overall tensile deformation of the seat belt. This provides the most direct and accurate reflection of whether the seat belt has effectively elongated due to the tension of the human body, thereby improving the correct usage rate of the seat belt device and enhancing vehicle safety.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, the deformation member is configured such that its resistance changes when deformation occurs. As some embodiments of this application, the greater the degree of deformation of the deformation member, the greater its resistance. Conversely, the greater the degree of deformation of the deformation member, the smaller its resistance.

[0042] As some embodiments of this application, the change in resistance of the seat belt during stretching and deformation of the deformable component can be pre-calibrated and stored in the control unit 2. As some embodiments of this application, when the seat belt is stretched by 15mm, the deformable component will deform and the resistance can increase by 2.4Ω.

[0043] This configuration allows the deformable component to change its resistance during deformation, thereby accurately reflecting the degree of seat belt elongation to the control unit 2. This enables the control unit 2 to determine whether the seat belt is being worn effectively based on the degree of seat belt stretching, which helps improve vehicle safety.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle seat belt device further includes: a status output unit, which is communicatively connected to the control unit 2 and adapted to be communicatively connected to the vehicle's instrument panel, and the status output unit is configured to output a signal indicating whether the seat belt is being worn effectively.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the status output unit is communicatively connected to the control unit 2 via a wire; in some embodiments of this application, the status output unit is wirelessly connected to the control unit 2; in some embodiments of this application, the status output unit is communicatively connected to the vehicle's instrument panel via a wire; and in some embodiments of this application, the status output unit is wirelessly connected to the vehicle's instrument panel.

[0046] The status output unit can output a signal indicating whether the seat belt is being worn effectively. In other words, the control unit 2 determines whether the seat belt is being worn effectively and can transmit the signal to the status output unit so that the status output unit can output a signal indicating whether the seat belt is being worn effectively. Furthermore, the status output unit can transmit the signal to the vehicle's instrument panel so that the driver can know whether the seat belt is being worn effectively through the vehicle's instrument panel.

[0047] This configuration allows the signal indicating whether the seatbelt is being worn effectively to be transmitted to the vehicle's instrument panel, enabling the driver to know whether the seatbelt is being worn effectively through the vehicle's instrument panel, thus achieving reliable human-machine interaction for the seatbelt device.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the latch also includes: an induction coil 6 and an energy storage capacitor 7. The induction coil 6 and the energy storage capacitor 7 are electrically connected. The induction coil 6 is configured to generate an induced current when the latch is inserted or removed, so as to charge the energy storage capacitor 7. The energy storage capacitor 7 is configured to supply power to the seat belt device.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the induction coil 6 and the energy storage capacitor 7 are electrically connected via wires. The induction coil 6 is configured to generate an induced current when the latch is inserted or removed; that is, the induction coil 6 generates an induced current when the latch is inserted into or removed from the latch, and this induced current charges the energy storage capacitor 7, which in turn powers the seatbelt device. In some embodiments of this application, the energy storage capacitor 7 can power, but is not limited to, the control unit 2 and the positioning detection power supply.

[0050] This design allows users to manually charge the seatbelt system while wearing it, linking the power source to user operation. This ensures the seatbelt system has sufficient power even after the vehicle has been parked for an extended period, effectively reducing the risk of complete power loss due to prolonged inactivity. Furthermore, this design reduces the use of power and signal cables, improving installation space and lowering production costs.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, the energy storage capacitor 7 is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle's battery, and the vehicle's battery is capable of charging the energy storage capacitor 7. As some embodiments of this application, the energy storage capacitor 7 is electrically connected to the vehicle's battery via wires.

[0052] By configuring the energy storage capacitor 7 to be electrically connected to the vehicle's battery, the battery can provide an instantaneous, stable, and abundant starting current to the electronic components such as the control unit 2 inside the buckle when the vehicle starts. This allows the seat belt device to quickly and without abnormalities complete initialization, self-test, and enter standby mode upon power-on, which helps improve the reliability of the seat belt device.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the buckle also includes: a magnetic component and a current detection unit 3. The current detection unit 3 is electrically connected to the control unit 2. The current detection unit 3 is configured to detect the current generated by the magnetic component when it is engaged. The control unit 2 is configured to determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when the deformation degree of the deformation component is greater than or equal to a preset value and the current detected by the current detection unit 3 is greater than or equal to a preset current value.

[0054] The latch also includes a magnetic component and a current detection unit 3. The current detection unit 3 is electrically connected to the control unit 2. In some embodiments of this application, the current detection unit 3 and the control unit 2 are electrically connected via wires. In some embodiments of this application, the magnetic component is disposed in the receiving space, and the control unit 2 is electrically connected to the magnetic component. After the latch is inserted into place, the control unit 2 can send an attraction signal to the magnetic component to control the magnetic component to engage and lock the latch. The magnetic component can be constructed as, but is not limited to, an electromagnet.

[0055] The current detection unit 3 can detect the current generated by the magnetic component's attraction action when the latch is inserted into the position, and can transmit the current information to the control unit 2. As some embodiments of this application, the current generated by the magnetic component's attraction action when the latch is inserted into the position will have a current spike. The current detection unit 3 can detect the current spike and transmit the current information to the control unit 2.

[0056] The control unit 2 can determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when the degree of deformation of the deformable component is greater than or equal to a preset value and the current detected by the current detection unit 3 is greater than or equal to a preset current value. As some embodiments of this application, the user stretches the seat belt to extend its stretch length and inserts the locking tongue into place, thereby making the degree of deformation of the deformable component greater than or equal to a preset value, and the current detected by the current detection unit 3 is greater than or equal to a preset current value. At this time, the control unit 2 determines that the seat belt is effectively worn.

[0057] By configuring the current detection unit 3 to detect the current generated by the magnetic component's attraction action when the locking tongue is inserted, and configuring the control unit 2 to determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when the deformation degree of the deformation component is greater than or equal to a preset value and the current detected by the current detection unit 3 is greater than or equal to a preset current value, dual confirmation and authentication of the seat belt's usage status can be achieved, which can significantly improve the accuracy of the control unit 2 in determining that the seat belt is effectively worn.

[0058] According to the present invention, the vehicle including the above-described seat belt device can determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when the latch is engaged, the control unit 2 is electrically connected to the deformation member through the latch, and the degree of deformation of the deformation member is greater than or equal to a preset value. This increases the conditions for determining that the seat belt is effectively worn, accurately determines whether the occupant is wearing the seat belt correctly, and reduces the probability of not detecting that the occupant is not wearing the seat belt correctly or not wearing the seat belt.

[0059] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0060] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0061] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0062] In the description of this invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0063] In the description of this invention, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0064] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0065] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A seatbelt device for a vehicle, characterized in that, include: Seat belt and locking bolt, wherein the locking bolt is located on the seat belt; A deformation element disposed on the seat belt and electrically connected to the locking tongue, the deformation element being configured to deform according to the tensile length of the seat belt; The latch, wherein the latch is configured to engage with the latch for locking, the latch includes: a positioning detection unit and a control unit. When the latch is engaged, the positioning detection unit is triggered. When the positioning detection unit is triggered, the control unit is activated. When the latch is engaged, the deformation element is electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when it is electrically connected to the deformation element and the degree of deformation of the deformation element is greater than or equal to a preset value.

2. The vehicle seatbelt device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The latch includes a housing and a mounting plate. The housing defines an accommodating space. The positioning detection unit and the control unit are mounted on the mounting plate. The positioning detection unit, the control unit, and the mounting plate are all located within the accommodating space.

3. The vehicle seatbelt device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The latch further includes a locking engagement portion, which is disposed in the receiving space, and the latch is configured to be inserted into the receiving space and engage with the locking engagement portion for locking.

4. The vehicle seatbelt device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable element is woven into the webbing of the seat belt.

5. The vehicle seatbelt device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformation component is configured such that its resistance changes when deformation occurs.

6. The vehicle seatbelt device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A status output unit is communicatively connected to the control unit and adapted to communicate with the instrument panel of the vehicle. The status output unit is configured to output a signal indicating whether the seat belt is being worn effectively.

7. The vehicle seatbelt device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The latch further includes an induction coil and an energy storage capacitor. The induction coil is electrically connected to the energy storage capacitor. The induction coil is configured to generate an induced current when the latch is inserted or removed, so as to charge the energy storage capacitor. The energy storage capacitor is configured to supply power to the seat belt device.

8. The vehicle seatbelt device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The energy storage capacitor is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle's battery.

9. The vehicle seatbelt device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buckle further includes a magnetic component and a current detection unit. The current detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit. The current detection unit is configured to detect the current generated by the magnetic component when the latch is inserted into place. The control unit is configured to determine that the seat belt is effectively worn when the deformation degree of the deformation component is greater than or equal to the preset value and the current detected by the current detection unit is greater than or equal to the preset current value.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the seat belt device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-9.

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