VEHICLE, VEHICLE SEAT BELT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ILLUMINATING A SEAT BELT SYSTEM

Abstract

Seat belt system (12) for a vehicle seat (14) of a vehicle (10), comprising the following: a D-ring arrangement (28) which includes a light source (30); a tongue (24); an anchor (20, 22); a retractable webbing strap (16) that passes through the D-ring (28) and the tongue (24) and ends at the anchor (20, 22); a lock (26) designed to receive the tongue (24), and a control (36) which is programmed to illuminate the light source (30) in response to either the opening of a door (46) of the vehicle (10) or the activation of an ignition of the vehicle (10).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicles and seat belt systems for vehicles as well as a method for illuminating a seat belt system. BACKGROUND

[0002] At night or in poor lighting conditions, vehicle occupants may find it difficult to locate the components of a seat belt system. Inserting the seat belt tongue into the buckle can also be difficult for occupants at night or in poor lighting conditions, which may lead to them leaving the seat belt unfastened.

[0003] US patent 2009 / 0250593 A1 discloses a seat belt system for a vehicle seat, wherein a ring arrangement through which a retractable webbing runs incorporates a light source. German patent DE 202004007872 U1 relates to a seat belt buckle illumination, wherein the belt channel, the insertion opening of the belt channel, and the release button of the seat belt buckle are illuminated by the use of light sources. SUMMARY

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of making the elements of a seat belt system more visible to a vehicle driver or passenger when they need to locate the buckle under unfavorable lighting conditions. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a seat belt system according to claim 1, a vehicle according to claim 3, and a method according to claim 18.

[0005] A seat belt system for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 is provided. The seat belt system comprises a D-ring arrangement with a light source; a tongue; an anchor; a retractable webbing that passes through the D-ring and the tongue and finally terminates at the anchor; and a buckle designed to receive the tongue.

[0006] A vehicle according to claim 3 is provided. The vehicle comprises a D-ring with a light source, a webbing strap passing through the D-ring, a tongue connected to the webbing strap, a lock, and a control unit programmed to illuminate the light source in response to either the opening of a door of the vehicle or the activation of the vehicle's ignition.

[0007] A method for illuminating a seatbelt system according to claim 18 is provided. The method comprises activating a light source arranged in a D-ring arrangement of a seatbelt system in response to a detected triggering condition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a vehicle with a seat belt system for a vehicle seat; Fig. Figure 2 shows a D-ring arrangement for a seatbelt system that includes a light source; Fig. Figure 3 shows a lock for a seatbelt system that includes a light source; and Fig. Figure 4 shows a control method for illuminating the D-ring and the lock for a vehicle seat belt system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed here.

[0009] With reference to the Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 with a seat belt system 12 for a vehicle seat 14. The seat belt system 12 comprises a webbing 16. The webbing 16 can be a retractable webbing. A retractor 18 can be attached to the webbing 16 and designed to retract the webbing 16 into a stationary position when the seat belt system 12 is not in use. The retractor 18 can be spring-loaded to tension the webbing 16 in a retracted position. The retractor 18 can also include a spool around which the webbing 16 winds, according to its embodiment. The webbing 16 includes anchors that can be used to fasten the webbing 16 to the vehicle 10, to the vehicle seat 14, or to other locations in the vehicle 10. The embodiment of the Fig. Figure 1 depicts two anchors 20, 22. However, the disclosure is not limited to embodiments with webbing having two anchors, but also includes webbing with any number of anchors. A tongue 24 is connected to the webbing 16. A lock 26 is designed to receive the tongue 24. When the tongue 24 engages in the lock 26, the seat belt system 12 is in a locked state. When the tongue does not engage in the lock 26, the seat belt system 12 is in an unlocked state. The webbing system 12 also includes a D-ring 28 (or a D-ring arrangement), which may include an anchor for attaching the D-ring 28 to the vehicle 10, the vehicle seat 14, or other locations in the vehicle 10. The webbing 16 is guided through the D-ring 28, which guides the webbing 16 into a desired position.

[0010] With reference to the Fig. 2. The D-ring 28 comprises one or more light sources 30 used to illuminate the D-ring 28 when a vehicle driver or occupant might need to locate it and conditions are such that it could be difficult to do so. The light sources 30 can be incandescent lamps, LEDs, or light sources of any other form. The design of the light source 30 is not limited to a specific lighting pattern and can include arrows, dots, lines, shapes, etc., located at various positions within the D-ring 28. Alternatively, the light source 30 can be located outside the D-ring 28 and designed to direct light onto it. The light sources 30 can also include different lighting colors.

[0011] With reference to the Fig. 3. The lock 26 includes one or more light sources 32 used to illuminate the lock 26 when a vehicle driver or occupant might need to locate the lock 26 and conditions are such that it may be difficult to find the lock 26. The light sources 32 can be incandescent lamps, LEDs, or light sources of any other form. The design of the light source 32 is not limited to a specific lighting pattern and can include arrows, dots, lines, shapes, etc., located at various positions within the lock 26, including inside, so that the light source 32 illuminates the slot 34 where the tongue 24 engages the lock 26. Alternatively, the light source 32 can be located outside the lock 26 and designed to direct light onto the lock 26. The light source 32 can also include different colors of illumination.

[0012] With continued reference to the Fig. 1. The seat belt system 12 includes a control unit 36. The control unit 36 ​​is programmed to illuminate either one or both light sources 30, 32 of the D-ring 28 and the buckle 26 in response to one or more detected triggering conditions. The various triggering conditions are described below in the description of the control procedure of the Fig. 4 described.

[0013] A first sensor device 38 is connected to the controller 36. The first sensor device is designed to detect the occupancy status of the vehicle seat 14 (whether a person is sitting in the vehicle seat or not). The sensor device 38 can be a pressure sensor that detects the pressure generated by the weight of someone sitting in the vehicle seat 14. Alternatively, the sensor device 38 can be a photoelectric sensor or a laser sensor that detects the presence of an occupant in the vehicle seat 14 when a one-way beam generated by the sensor device 38 is interrupted. A photoelectric sensor or laser sensor can comprise a transmitter and receiver combination that generates the one-way beam and detects when an interruption occurs in the one-way beam, or it can comprise a transmitter-receiver combination and a reflector that detects an interruption in the one-way beam.However, the disclosure shall not be limited to pressure sensors and one-way light barriers, but shall include any sensor or switch of any kind capable of detecting the presence of an occupant on the vehicle seat 14 and capable of transmitting the information to a controller, computer, processor, microprocessor or central unit.

[0014] A second sensor device 40 is connected to the controller 36. The second sensor device 40 can be a photosensor or photodetector designed to detect ambient light conditions (light intensity). The second sensor device 40 can be designed to detect ambient light conditions both inside and outside the vehicle 10, or multiple sensors can be used to detect ambient light conditions both inside and outside the vehicle 10. However, the disclosure is not limited to photosensors and photodetectors, but includes any sensor or switch capable of detecting light conditions and transmitting the information to a controller, computer, processor, microprocessor, or central processing unit.

[0015] A third sensor device 42 is connected to the controller 36. The third sensor device 42 is designed to detect whether the tongue 24 engages the lock 26 in a locked or unlocked state. The third sensor device 42 can be a proximity sensor designed to detect the presence of the tongue 24 in the lock, or it can be a limit switch that is triggered when the tongue 24 is placed in the lock 26. However, the disclosure is not limited to proximity sensors and limit switches, but is intended to include any sensor or switch capable of detecting the presence of the tongue 24 in the lock 26 and capable of transmitting the information to a controller, computer, processor, microprocessor, or central processing unit.

[0016] A fourth sensor device 44 is connected to the controller 36. The fourth sensor device 44 is designed to detect whether a vehicle door 46 is in an open or closed position. The fourth sensor device 44 can be a proximity sensor designed to detect the presence of the vehicle door 46 in either the open or closed position, or it can be a limit switch that is triggered when the vehicle door 46 is in the open or closed position. However, the fourth sensor device 44 is not intended to be limited to specific types of sensors and switches, but rather to include any type of sensor or switch capable of detecting the open or closed position of the vehicle door 46 and capable of transmitting the information to a controller, computer, processor, microprocessor, or central processing unit.

[0017] A vehicle ignition 48 is connected to the control unit 36. The vehicle ignition 48 transmits to the control unit 36 ​​whether the ignition is in an activated or deactivated state. The vehicle ignition 48 can transmit the information directly to the control unit 36 ​​or include a subordinate control unit that transmits the information.

[0018] Although depicted as a single controller, the controller 36 may be part of a larger control system and be controlled by various other controllers throughout the vehicle 10, such as a vehicle system controller (VSC). Therefore, it is understood that the controller 36 and one or more other controllers can be collectively referred to as a "controller" that, in response to signals from various sensors, controls various actuators to manage functions. The controller 36 may include one or more microprocessors or central processing units (CPUs) that communicate with computer-readable storage devices or media of various types.Computer-readable storage devices or media can include volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the CPU is powered off. Computer-readable storage devices or media can use any of several well-known storage devices, such as...PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically programmable PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage device capable of storing data, some of which are executable instructions used by the control unit 36 ​​to control the vehicle 10.

[0019] With reference to the Fig. Figure 4 shows a control method 100 for illuminating the D-ring 28 and / or the buckle 26 of the seat belt system 12. The method 100 is not intended to be related to the one described in the Fig.The embodiment shown in Figure 4 is not limited to this, but is intended to include variants in which the steps are rearranged and variants in which some of the steps can be completely omitted. Method 100 can be implemented using software code contained in the controller 36. In further embodiments, Method 100 can be implemented in additional controllers or distributed across multiple controllers.

[0020] Method 100 first uses an "OR" block 102 to determine whether the vehicle door 46 is open in step 104 or whether the vehicle ignition 48 is in an activated state in step 106. If either the vehicle door 46 is open or the vehicle ignition 48 is in an activated state, and the ambient light conditions fall below a predetermined threshold in step 110, an "AND" block 112 in step 114 triggers the illumination of the light source 30 of the D-ring 28 for a predetermined period. However, Method 100 can also operate without measuring the ambient light conditions in step 110 and illuminate the light source 30 of the D-ring 28 if either of the conditions in steps 104 and 106 is met.

[0021] Step 116 determines whether the vehicle seat 14 is occupied. If the vehicle seat is occupied in step 116 and the light source 30 of the D-ring 28 was illuminated for a predetermined period in step 114, an AND block 118 triggers step 120, during which the light source 30 of the D-ring 28 remains illuminated beyond the period predetermined in step 114. The vehicle 10 can have more than one vehicle seat 14, each seat having a seat belt system 12. In cases where there is more than one vehicle seat 14, the continuous illumination of the light source 30 of the D-ring 28 in step 120 can only be applied to occupied seats.

[0022] In step 122, the lock status (locked or unlocked) is determined. In step 124, it is determined whether the webbing 16 has been pulled from a stationary or retracted position. If the light source 30 of the D-ring 28 remained illuminated in step 120, the webbing status in step 122 is "unlocked," and the webbing 16 is pulled from a stationary or retracted position in step 124, an "AND" block 126 triggers step 128, in which the light source 32 of the lock 26 is illuminated. However, if the ambient light conditions do not fall below a predefined threshold, as determined in step 110, the light source 32 of the lock 26 need not be illuminated in step 128. The "AND" block 126 can also trigger the light source 30 of the D-ring 28 to turn off.As soon as the lock status changes to "locked", the illumination of the light source 30 of the D-ring 28 and / or the light source 32 of the lock 26 can be stopped.

[0023] In step 130, it is determined whether there is any movement of the vehicle 10. Vehicle movement can be detected by a sensor that detects the movement of the vehicle 10's wheels, an accelerometer, or any sensor capable of detecting vehicle 10 movement. In step 132, the lock status, locked or unlocked, is determined again. If the light source 32 of the lock 26 was illuminated in step 128, vehicle movement is detected in step 130, and the lock status is "unlocked" in step 132, an "AND" block 134 triggers step 136, in which the light sources 30 and 32 of the D-ring 28 and the lock 26 are triggered individually or both to flash until the seat belt system 12 is brought into a locked state.The flashing of light sources 30, 32 in step 136 can only occur for a predetermined period or indefinitely until the seat belt system 12 is brought into a locked state. In cases where there is more than one vehicle seat 14, each with a seat belt system 12, the flashing of light sources 30, 32 can only occur on those vehicle seats 14 that are both occupied and unlocked. The flashing of light sources 30, 32 in step 136 need not occur if the ambient light conditions do not fall below a predetermined threshold, as determined in step 110.

[0024] In step 136, in addition to or instead of the flashing of the light sources 30, 32, an audible message (for example, a ringing tone or a voice message), a text message on a video screen, a symbol on the instrument panel or control panel, or another reaction may be used.

[0025] In step 138, the conditions of procedure 100 for illuminating the D-ring 28 and / or the buckle 26 of the seat belt system 12 are observed and entered into an "OR" block 140. The conditions may include whether the vehicle 10 is moving, whether the ignition 48 is in the activated or deactivated state, whether the ambient light conditions fall below the predefined threshold, whether the tongue 24 engages the buckle 26 in a locked or unlocked state, etc. If the conditions indicate that it is necessary to restart procedure 100, the "OR" block 140 triggers a restart of the procedure in step 102.

[0026] When the vehicle ignition 48 is deactivated, the "OR" block 140 triggers step 142. In step 142, the light sources 30 and 32 of the D-ring 28 and the lock 26 can be activated individually or both when the ignition 48 is deactivated. The light sources 30 and 32 can be activated for a predetermined period or until another vehicle condition, such as the closing of the vehicle door 46, requires the light sources 30 and 32 to stop illuminating.

[0027] When the vehicle door 46 is opened, the "OR" block 140 triggers step 144. In step 144, the light sources 30 and 32 of the D-ring 28 and the lock 26 can be triggered individually or both when the vehicle door 46 is open. The light sources 30 and 32 can be triggered for a predetermined period until the vehicle door is closed or until another vehicle condition occurs that requires the light sources 30 and 32 to stop illuminating.

Claims

[1] Seat belt system (12) for a vehicle seat (14) of a vehicle (10), comprising the following: a D-ring arrangement (28) which includes a light source (30); a tongue (24); an anchor (20, 22); a retractable webbing strap (16) that passes through the D-ring (28) and the tongue (24) and ends at the anchor (20, 22); a lock (26) designed to receive the tongue (24), and a control (36) which is programmed to illuminate the light source (30) in response to either the opening of a door (46) of the vehicle (10) or the activation of an ignition of the vehicle (10). [2] Seat belt system (12) according to claim 1, wherein the lock (26) comprises a light source (32). [3] Vehicle (10) comprising the following: a D-ring (28) with a light source (30); a webbing strap (16) that passes through the D-ring (28); a tongue (24) connected to the webbing (16); a castle (26); and a control (36) which is programmed to illuminate the light source (30) in response to either the opening of a door (46) of the vehicle (10) or the activation of an ignition of the vehicle (10). [4] Vehicle (10) according to claim 3, wherein the control (36) is also programmed to illuminate the light source (30) of the D-ring (28) only when the ambient light conditions fall below a predetermined threshold. [5] Vehicle (10) according to claim 4, wherein the control (36) is further programmed to illuminate the light source (30) of the D-ring (28) for a predetermined period of time after either the door (46) of the vehicle (10) is opened or the ignition of the vehicle is activated. [6] Vehicle (10) according to claim 5, wherein the control (36) is also programmed to illuminate the light source (30) of the D-ring (28) after the previously defined period of time when a seat (14) of the vehicle (10) is occupied. [7] Vehicle (10) according to claim 6, wherein the control (36) is also programmed to stop the illumination of the light source (30) of the D-ring (28) when the belt (16) is pulled from a stationary position and the tongue (24) and the lock (26) are engaged. [8] Vehicle (10) according to claim 3, wherein the lock (26) has a light source (32). [9] Vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control (36) is also programmed to illuminate the light source (32) of the lock (26) when the ambient light conditions fall below a predetermined threshold. [10] Vehicle (10) according to claim 9, wherein the control (36) is also programmed to illuminate the light source (32) of the lock (26) when the belt (16) is pulled from a stationary position and the tongue (24) and the lock (26) are not engaged. [11] Vehicle (10) according to claim 10, wherein the control (36) is also programmed to stop the illumination of the light source (32) of the lock (26) when the tongue (24) and the lock (26) are engaged. [12] Vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control (36) is further programmed to trigger a flashing of the light source (30) of the D-ring (28) and the light source (32) of the lock (26) in response to vehicle movement and an unlocked state of the tongue (24) and the lock (26). [13] Vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (36) is further programmed to illuminate the light source (30) of the D-ring (28) and the light source (32) of the lock (26) for a predetermined period of time after the ignition of the vehicle (10) is deactivated. [14] Vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control (36) is further programmed to illuminate the light source (30) of the D-ring (28) and the light source (32) of the lock (26) for a predetermined period of time after the ignition of the vehicle (10) is deactivated and the door (46) of the vehicle is opened. [15] Vehicle (10) according to claim 3, which further comprises a sensor device (38) which is connected to the control unit (36) and is designed to transmit an occupancy status of a seat (14) of the vehicle (10) to the control unit (36). [16] Vehicle (10) according to claim 3, which further comprises a sensor device (40) which is connected to the control unit (36) and is designed to transmit ambient light conditions to the control unit. [17] Vehicle (10) according to claim 3, which further comprises a sensor device (44) which is connected to the control unit (36) and is designed to transmit an open / closed state of the door (46) of the vehicle (10). [18] Method for illuminating a seat belt system (12) of a vehicle (10) comprising the following: In response to a detected trigger condition, a light source (30) arranged in a D-ring arrangement (28) of a seat belt system (12) is activated. wherein the triggering condition is the opening of a door (46) of the vehicle (10) or the activation of an ignition (48) of the vehicle (10).

Images