Method for operating an occupant restraint device of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with an occupant restraint device

Abstract

Method for operating an occupant restraint device (3) of a motor vehicle (2), having at least two safety belts (6), each of which can be used to fasten a vehicle occupant, having respective belt buckles (8) assigned to the safety belts (6), having respective belt tongues (7) which can be inserted into assigned belt buckles (8) for buckling up the respective vehicle occupant and are connected to the respective safety belts (6), and having a control device (9), in which at least one of the belt buckles (8) is controlled by means of the control device (9), whereby an action is carried out by means of the controlled belt buckle (8), wherein each safety belt (6) is assigned a belt tongue (7) and each belt tongue (7) is in turn assigned a belt buckle (8) into which the associated belt tongue (7) can be inserted, where by means of the control device (9) - an actuation of the occupant restraint device (3) is detected, - a belt tongue (7) characterized by the actuation is determined, - the belt buckle (8) assigned to the belt tongue (7) is determined, - the execution of the action is triggered by the determined belt buckle (8), and - as an action, a lighting device (12) of the belt buckle (8) provides a light signal which has the same intensity and the same reproduction duration and the same reproduction dynamics as a light signal provided by means of a further lighting device (13) of the belt tongue (7) associated with the belt buckle (8), wherein respective first lighting devices (12) and second lighting devices (13) of mutually associated belt tongues (7) and belt buckles (8) are designed to provide the same light signal and respective first lighting devices (12) and second lighting devices (13) not associated with one another are designed to provide mutually different light signals.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an occupant restraint device of a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle with an occupant restraint device according to the preambles of the independent patent claims.

[0002] DE 10 2010 020 545 A1 discloses a control element in a motor vehicle with a light source, wherein the light source emits a flashing light at least temporarily. The control element is a seat belt buckle, which can comprise light-emitting diodes as a light source. The flashing light can occur in particular when it is time to fasten a seat belt, to remind a vehicle occupant to do so or to make it easier for them to find the seat belt buckle. The need to fasten a seat belt can be indicated by a driver actuating a control element that triggers an operating mode that reminds them to fasten their seat belt, or by detecting the opening of a vehicle door or by detecting the presence of a vehicle occupant on the relevant seat by motion or pressure sensors that detect seat occupancy.To facilitate insertion of the belt tongue and / or to encourage fastening, the belt buckle can be moved, in particular automatically, to a position higher than that of a standard person, in which it is more easily accessible and visible and thus represents a position for offering use of the belt buckle.

[0003] DE 10 2017 218 500 A1 shows a safety belt device and a method for controlling a safety belt device and a restraint system with at least two safety belt devices for a motor vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2016 223 447 A1 shows a securing device assigned to a vehicle seat in a motor vehicle with a three-point safety belt having a belt strap for alternatively securing a vehicle occupant or an object to the vehicle seat with a belt buckle and with a buckle tongue connected to the belt strap.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating an occupant restraint device of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with an occupant restraint device which particularly advantageously assists a vehicle occupant in assigning a belt tongue to a belt buckle.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for operating an occupant restraint device of a motor vehicle and by a motor vehicle with an occupant restraint device having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0007] The invention relates to a method for operating an occupant restraint device of a motor vehicle. The occupant restraint device comprises at least two safety belts, each of which can be used to fasten a vehicle occupant. Furthermore, the occupant restraint device comprises respective belt buckles assigned to the safety belts, as well as respective belt tongues that can be inserted into associated belt buckles for buckling up the respective vehicle occupant and are connected to the respective safety belts. Each safety belt is assigned a belt tongue, and each belt tongue, in turn, is assigned a belt buckle into which the associated belt tongue can be inserted. Furthermore, the occupant restraint device comprises a control device by means of which at least one of the belt buckles can be controlled. The method provides that at least one of the belt buckles is controlled by means of the control device.whereby an action is carried out by means of the controlled belt buckle. In particular, all belt buckles of the occupant restraint device can be controlled by means of the control device, wherein, for example, only one of the belt buckles is controlled simultaneously in order to trigger the execution of the action by means of the controlled belt buckle in order to be able to particularly advantageously assist a vehicle occupant when buckling up. In order to particularly assist the vehicle occupant in finding a belt buckle associated with a belt tongue selected by the vehicle occupant particularly easily and quickly, the invention provides that an actuation of the occupant restraint device is determined by means of the control device, a belt tongue characterized by the actuation is determined,the belt buckle assigned to the belt tongue is determined and the execution of the action is triggered by the determined belt buckle and as the action, a lighting device of the belt buckle provides a light signal which has the same intensity and the same reproduction duration and the same reproduction dynamics as a light signal provided by another lighting device assigned to the belt buckle, wherein respective first lighting devices and second lighting devices of mutually assigned belt tongues and belt buckles are configured to provide the same light signal and respective mutually unassigned first lighting devices and second lighting devices are configured to provide light signals which are different from one another.

[0008] In other words, the control device detects the actuation of the occupant restraint device triggered by the vehicle occupant. If the control device detects that the occupant restraint device has been actuated by the vehicle occupant, the control device determines which of the multiple belt tongues is assigned to the actuation. In particular, the control device can use an assignment rule to select the belt tongue characterized by the actuation of the occupant restraint device. A further assignment rule can be used to select the belt buckle assigned to the belt tongue characterized by the actuation. In order to indicate to the vehicle occupant that the determined belt buckle belongs to the belt tongue selected by the vehicle occupant, the action is carried out using the determined belt buckle.In particular, the action is performed by means of the belt buckle when the belt tongue is positioned outside the associated belt buckle. When the belt tongue is positioned in the belt buckle, in particular when the belt tongue engages in the belt buckle, the belt buckle does not operate. The action draws the vehicle occupant's attention to the belt buckle performing the action. The method thus particularly advantageously assists the vehicle occupant in locating the belt buckle associated with the belt tongue characterized by the actuation.

[0009] According to the invention, an illumination device of the belt buckle provides a light signal as an action. This means that each of the belt buckles has an illumination device, in particular at least one light-emitting diode, by means of which the light signal can be provided as an action. By providing the light signal, the belt buckle assigned to the selected belt tongue can be indicated to the vehicle occupant. The light signal makes it particularly easy for the vehicle occupant to locate the belt buckle assigned to the belt tongue characterized by the actuation, particularly in the dark.

[0010] In a further development of the invention, it has been shown to be advantageous if, as actuation of the occupant restraint device, a tension determined in a retractor of the occupant restraint device on the seat belt assigned to the retractor is determined and the belt tongue assigned to this seat belt subjected to the tension is determined. This belt tongue assigned to the seat belt subjected to the tension is regarded as characterized by the actuation. By means of the respective retractor, one of the seat belts can be retracted. The tension on the seat belt is to be understood that a force pulling the seat belt out of the retractor exceeds a force retaining the seat belt in the retractor or retracting it into the retractor.Based on the tension on the seat belt, the system determines which seat belt the vehicle occupant is pulling to fasten their seat belt. As a result, the belt tongue assigned to this seat belt is identified, along with the belt buckle assigned to this tongue. The control device triggers the action by this identified belt buckle. As soon as the vehicle occupant pulls the seat belt out of the retractor, the system can indicate to the vehicle occupant which buckle the belt tongue assigned to the pulled-out seat belt should be inserted into. This provides the vehicle occupant with particularly advantageous assistance in locating the belt buckle assigned to the belt tongue.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven advantageous if the actuation of the occupant restraint device is determined by moving one of the belt tongues closer to one of the belt buckles than a predetermined limit distance. In other words, a distance between the belt tongues and the belt buckles is determined. If it is determined that one of the belt tongues is arranged closer than the predetermined limit distance to one of the belt buckles, then the actuation of the occupant restraint device is determined. In this case, it can be irrelevant whether the belt tongue is moved closer than the predetermined limit distance to the belt buckle assigned to this belt tongue or to another belt buckle. Based on the approach of at least one of the belt tongues closer than the predetermined limit distance to one of the belt buckles, it is determined that the vehicle occupant intends to fasten their seat belt.As a result, the action is triggered with the belt buckle associated with the belt tongue moved closer than the specified limit distance to one of the belt buckles in order to assist the vehicle occupant in locating the belt buckle associated with the belt tongue.

[0012] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous if the proximity of the belt tongue to at least one of the belt buckles is detected contactlessly using a transmitter-receiver system. The transmitter-receiver system is, in particular, a system configured to use radio frequency identification (RFID) to determine that the belt tongue has been approached closer than the specified limit distance to at least one of the belt buckles. Using RFID, it is particularly easy to determine contactlessly that the belt tongue has been approached closer than the specified limit distance to at least one of the belt buckles.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven advantageous if, as actuation of the occupant restraint device, the sitting of a vehicle occupant on a vehicle seat of the motor vehicle is determined by means of a seat occupancy sensor, and the belt tongue assigned to the vehicle seat is determined as being characterized by the confirmation. The vehicle seat is, in particular, a rear seat of the motor vehicle. In particular, in the area of ​​rear seats, several belt buckles for several belt tongues of respective safety belts can be provided. It is therefore advantageous if, by means of the method, the vehicle occupant in a rear area of ​​the motor vehicle is assisted in locating the belt buckle that is assigned to the belt tongue characterized by the actuation. By means of the seat occupancy sensor, it can be determined in particular which vehicle seat the vehicle occupant is sitting on.A safety belt and, via the safety belt, precisely one belt tongue are assigned to the vehicle seat. This belt tongue assigned to the vehicle seat is characterized as being actuated by the vehicle occupant sitting on the associated vehicle seat. This makes it particularly easy for the vehicle occupant to determine the belt buckle assigned to their vehicle seat by simply sitting down in their vehicle seat. As a result of the vehicle occupant sitting on the vehicle seat, the seat occupancy sensor determines which of the vehicle seats the vehicle occupant is sitting on. The control device can determine the safety belt assigned to the vehicle seat and the belt tongue assigned to the vehicle seat. In addition, the control device determines the belt buckle assigned to the belt tongue and triggers the execution of the action using the determined belt buckle.As a result, the action of the belt buckle indicates to the vehicle occupant sitting in the vehicle seat which buckle the belt tongue assigned to the vehicle seat should be inserted into, allowing the vehicle occupant to fasten their seat belt. This provides the vehicle occupant with particularly convenient assistance in locating the belt buckle assigned to the vehicle seat in which they are sitting.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven advantageous if the belt buckle is adjusted from a retracted stowed position to an extended use position as an action. This means that the belt tongue characterized by the actuation is determined and then the belt buckle assigned to the actuated belt tongue is determined. This belt buckle is then adjusted from its stowed position to the use position. In the stowed position, the belt buckle is stowed, whereas in the use position the belt buckle is extended compared to the stowed position. The belt buckle is thus brought closer to the vehicle occupant and / or the assigned belt tongue when adjusted from its stowed position to the use position in order to enable particularly easy insertion of the belt tongue into the belt buckle for the vehicle occupant.In particular, the belt buckle is positioned higher in its use position than in its stowed position. This advantageously shortens the distance the belt tongue must travel to insert into the buckle.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the belt buckle vibrates as an action. Vibration of the belt buckle means that the belt buckle is set into oscillation. The vibration can be used to easily and haptically indicate to the vehicle occupant which belt buckle is assigned to the selected belt tongue. The vibration makes it particularly easy to direct the vehicle occupant's attention to the belt buckle assigned to the selected belt tongue.

[0016] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous if the light signal has the same color as a light signal provided by a further lighting device on the belt tongue assigned to the belt buckle. In other words, respective belt buckles have respective first lighting devices, and each of the belt tongues has a second lighting device. A light signal can be provided by means of the first lighting device and a second lighting device. The lighting devices are designed so that first lighting devices and second lighting devices assigned to one another via the respective belt buckle and the respective belt tongue provide an identical light signal, in particular with regard to the color of the light signal.Alternatively or additionally, the light signal can be identical in terms of its intensity and / or dynamics for the mutually assigned first lighting devices and second lighting devices. Each of the first lighting devices is configured to provide a light signal that is different from the respective light signals of the further first lighting devices. Each of the second lighting devices is configured to provide a light signal that is different from the respective light signals of the further second lighting devices. The respective second lighting devices can be activated in particular by actuating the occupant restraint device. In particular, only the second lighting device provides its light signal, which is assigned to the belt tongue characterized by the actuation.The respective light signals make it particularly easy for the vehicle occupant, in particular for several vehicle occupants, to assign the respective belt tongues characterized by the actuation to the respective corresponding belt buckles.

[0017] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with an occupant restraint device comprising at least two safety belts, each of which can be used to fasten a vehicle occupant. Furthermore, the occupant restraint device comprises respective belt buckles associated with the safety belts, as well as respective belt tongues that can be inserted into associated belt buckles and connected to the respective safety belts for buckling up the respective vehicle occupant. Furthermore, the occupant restraint device has a control device by means of which at least one of the belt buckles can be controlled, whereby an action can be carried out by means of the controlled belt buckle. In order to particularly advantageously assist a vehicle occupant in finding a belt buckle that is associated with a belt tongue selected by the vehicle occupant, the invention provides that the control device is configured toto determine an actuation of the occupant restraint device, to determine a belt tongue characterized by the actuation, to determine the belt buckle assigned to the belt tongue and to trigger the execution of the action by the determined belt buckle and, as the action, a lighting device of the belt buckle provides a light signal which has the same intensity and the same reproduction duration and the same reproduction dynamics as a light signal provided by another lighting device assigned to the belt buckle, wherein respective first lighting devices and second lighting devices of mutually assigned belt tongues and belt buckles are configured to provide the same light signal and respective first lighting devices and second lighting devices not assigned to one another are configured to provide different light signals from one another.

[0018] Advantages and advantageous developments of the method according to the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa. For this reason, the advantages and advantageous developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0019] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0020] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawing. The single figure shows a schematic view of a rear area of ​​a motor vehicle with a vehicle seating system with multiple vehicle seats, on which an occupant restraint device with multiple safety belts, respective belt tongues assigned to the safety belts, and respective belt buckles assigned to the belt tongues is arranged.

[0021] The single figure shows a rear compartment 1 of a motor vehicle 2. Arranged in the rear compartment 1 is a vehicle seating system 3 with a plurality of vehicle seats 4. One vehicle occupant can be seated on each of the vehicle seats 4. In order to ensure particularly high safety for the vehicle occupant when driving in the motor vehicle 2, an occupant restraint device 5 is arranged on the vehicle seating system 3. The occupant restraint device 5 comprises a plurality of seat belts 6. Each vehicle seat 4 is assigned exactly one seat belt 6. The vehicle occupant can be buckled into the respective vehicle seat 4 using the respective seat belt 6. In order to be able to buckle the vehicle occupant using the seat belt 6, each seat belt 6 is assigned a belt tongue 7. Each belt tongue 7 is in turn assigned a belt buckle 8, into which the corresponding belt tongue 7 can be inserted.To fasten the respective vehicle occupant, the belt tongue 7 must be brought into engagement with the corresponding belt buckle 8. If several belt buckles 8 are located close to one another, it may be difficult or time-consuming for the vehicle occupant to identify the belt buckle 8 intended for the vehicle seat 4 on which the vehicle occupant is sitting.

[0022] In order to particularly advantageously identify the vehicle occupant when locating the belt buckle 8 belonging to the belt tongue 7 selected for a vehicle occupant, the occupant restraint device 5 is provided with a control device 9, which is schematically indicated by a box in the present case, in addition to the safety belts 6, the belt tongues 7, and the belt buckles 8. The belt buckles 8 can be controlled by means of the control device 9, whereby an action can be carried out by means of the respective belt buckles 8. For particularly advantageous assistance to the vehicle occupant, the control device 9 is configured to determine an actuation of the occupant restraint device 5, which was carried out in particular by the vehicle occupant. In particular, actuation of the occupant restraint device 5 can be determined as the vehicle occupant sitting down on a vehicle seat 4 of the vehicle seating system 3.The vehicle seat system 3 can have seat occupancy sensors 10 assigned to each of the vehicle seats 4, by means of which the vehicle occupant's sitting position on the respective vehicle seat 4 can be determined. The seat occupancy sensors 10 thus make it possible to determine which of the vehicle seats 4 of the vehicle seat system 3 the vehicle occupant is sitting on. When the occupant restraint device 5 is actuated by determining the vehicle seat 4 on which the vehicle occupant is sitting, the belt tongue 7 is considered to be characterized by the actuation assigned to the vehicle seat 4 on which the vehicle occupant is sitting.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, pulling on a seat belt 6 can be detected as actuation of the occupant restraint device 5. Pulling on the seat belt 6 means that the seat belt 6 is subjected to a tension, whereby a force pulling the seat belt 6 out of a retractor 11 is greater than a force returning the seat belt 6 to the retractor 11. In the present case, exactly one retractor 11 is assigned to each of the seat belts 6. By means of the respective retractor 11, the respective assigned seat belt 6 can be retracted and, in particular, wound up in the retractor 11. If the vehicle occupant pulls the seat belt 6 out of the retractor 11, it is determined that the vehicle occupant is actuating the occupant restraint device 5.In particular, it is determined that the respective belt tongue 7 assigned to the pulled-out safety belt 6 is characterized by the actuation.

[0024] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the actuation of the occupant restraint device 5 can be determined by determining that one of the belt tongues 7 is moved closer than a predetermined limit distance to one of the belt buckles 8. The movement of at least one belt tongue 7 toward at least one of the belt buckles 8 can be determined via a transmitter-receiver system using radio frequency identification, also referred to as radio frequency identification (RFID). In particular, the belt tongue 7 is determined to be characterized by the actuation that has moved it closer than the predetermined limit distance to one of the belt buckles 8.

[0025] As a result of determining the actuation of the occupant restraint device 5, it is determined which of the belt tongues 7 is characterized by the actuation. In other words, it is determined which of the belt tongues 7 the vehicle occupant most likely intended by actuating the occupant restraint device 5. Subsequently, the control device 9 selects from the plurality of belt buckles 8 the belt buckle 8 that is assigned to the belt tongue 7 characterized by the actuation. The belt buckle 8 selected from the plurality of belt buckles 8 by the control device 9 is controlled by the control device 9 such that this belt buckle 8 performs the action.

[0026] As an action, the belt buckle 8 controlled by the control device 9 can be set into vibration. In particular, a vibration device can be arranged on each of the belt buckles 8, wherein the vibration device assigned to the belt buckle 8 by means of which the action is to be carried out is activated by the control device 9. Alternatively or additionally, an adjustment device can be provided on each of the belt buckles 8, by means of which the respective belt buckles 8 can be adjusted as an action from a retracted stowed position to an extended use position. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, a first lighting device 12 is assigned to each of the belt buckles 8. In the present case, the respective first lighting devices 12 comprise at least one light-emitting diode, by means of which a light signal can be provided.The light signal can be used to indicate to the vehicle occupant which of the belt buckles 8 is assigned to the belt tongue 7 selected by the vehicle occupant and characterized by the actuation of the occupant restraint device 5. The light signal is thus provided as an action by means of the respective first lighting device 12, which is assigned to the belt buckle 8 performing the action.

[0027] In order to make it easier for the vehicle occupant to assign the belt tongues 7 to the assigned belt buckles 8 when there are several belt tongues 7 characterized by actuation, respective second lighting devices 13 can be arranged on the respective belt tongues 7. The second lighting devices 13 each comprise at least one light-emitting diode, by means of which a light signal can be provided. Respective first lighting devices 12 and second lighting devices 13 of mutually assigned belt tongues 7 and belt buckles 8 are designed to provide an identical light signal. The light signals can be identical in their color and / or intensity and / or reproduction duration and / or reproduction dynamics. Respective first lighting devices 12 and second lighting devices 13 that are not assigned to one another are designed to provide light signals that are different from one another.The light signals allow the vehicle occupant to assign the respective belt tongue 7 selected by him to the associated belt buckle 8 particularly easily.

[0028] The described occupant restraint device 5 and the described method for operating this occupant restraint device 5 are based on the realization that difficulties can arise with a belt system in the rear area 1 due to the large number of similarly designed bushings, in this case the belt buckles 8. Furthermore, the belt buckles 8 can be difficult for vehicle occupants to reach.

[0029] In the occupant restraint device 5, it is provided that a matching belt buckle 8 and / or the belt tongue 7, which is a belt connector, are each equipped with at least one LED, wherein the respective LEDs of mutually associated belt buckles 8 and belt tongues 7 illuminate in the same color. Alternatively or additionally, the matching belt buckle 8 can move toward the associated belt tongue 7 by means of the displacement device by adjusting the belt buckle 8 from the stowed position to the use position. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the matching belt buckle 8 can be set into vibration.

[0030] The triggering of the action of the belt buckle 8 can be activated by the control device 9 as a result of a detected pulling on the respective safety belt 6 assigned to the belt buckle 8. Alternatively or additionally, the action of the respective belt buckle 8 can be triggered by the control device 9 if one of the seat occupancy sensors 10 has determined that the vehicle occupant is sitting on the vehicle seat 4 assigned to the respective belt buckle 8. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the action of the belt buckle 8 can be triggered if the control device 9 determines that the belt tongue 7 assigned to the belt buckle 8 is approaching the assigned belt buckle 8, wherein the approach can be detected via RFID.

[0031] Overall, the invention shows how an intelligent rear seat belt can be provided.

Claims

[1] Method for operating an occupant restraint device (3) of a motor vehicle (2), having at least two safety belts (6), each of which can be used to fasten a vehicle occupant, having respective belt buckles (8) assigned to the safety belts (6), having respective belt tongues (7) which can be inserted into assigned belt buckles (8) for buckling up the respective vehicle occupant and are connected to the respective safety belts (6), and having a control device (9), in which at least one of the belt buckles (8) is controlled by means of the control device (9), whereby an action is carried out by means of the controlled belt buckle (8), wherein each safety belt (6) is assigned a belt tongue (7) and each belt tongue (7) is in turn assigned a belt buckle (8) into which the associated belt tongue (7) can be inserted, where by means of the control device (9) - an actuation of the occupant restraint device (3) is detected, - a belt tongue (7) characterized by the actuation is determined, - the belt buckle (8) assigned to the belt tongue (7) is determined, - the execution of the action is triggered by the determined belt buckle (8), and - as an action, a lighting device (12) of the belt buckle (8) provides a light signal which has the same intensity and the same reproduction duration and the same reproduction dynamics as a light signal provided by means of a further lighting device (13) of the belt tongue (7) associated with the belt buckle (8), wherein respective first lighting devices (12) and second lighting devices (13) of mutually associated belt tongues (7) and belt buckles (8) are designed to provide the same light signal and respective first lighting devices (12) and second lighting devices (13) not associated with one another are designed to provide mutually different light signals. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that a tension on the safety belt (6) assigned to the retractor (11) is determined as the actuation of the occupant restraint device (3), which tension is determined in a retractor (11) of the occupant restraint device (3), by means of which one of the safety belts (6) can be retracted, and that the belt tongue (7) assigned to this safety belt (6) is determined as the belt tongue (7) characterized by the actuation. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the actuation of the occupant restraint device (3) is determined by moving one of the belt tongues (7) closer to one of the belt buckles (8) than a predetermined limit distance. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that an approach of the belt tongue (7) to at least one of the belt buckles (8) is determined contactlessly by means of a transmitter-receiver system. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuation of the occupant restraint device (3) is determined by means of a seat occupancy sensor (10) as a result of a vehicle occupant sitting on a vehicle seat (4) of the motor vehicle (2), and the belt tongue (7) assigned to the vehicle seat (4) is determined as being characterized by the actuation. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that as an action the belt buckle (8) is adjusted from a retracted stowed position to an extended use position. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the belt buckle (8) vibrates as an action. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light signal has the same colour as a light signal provided by means of a further lighting device (13) of the belt tongue (7) associated with the belt buckle (8). [9] Motor vehicle (2) with an occupant restraint device (3), with at least two safety belts (6), each of which can be used to fasten a vehicle occupant, with respective belt buckles (8) assigned to the safety devices (6), with respective belt tongues (7) which can be inserted into assigned belt buckles (8) for buckling up the respective vehicle occupant and are connected to the respective safety belts (6), and with a control device (9) by means of which at least one of the belt buckles (8) can be controlled, whereby an action can be carried out by means of the controlled belt buckle (8), wherein each safety belt (6) is assigned a belt tongue (7) and each belt tongue (7) is in turn assigned a belt buckle (8) into which the associated belt tongue (7) can be inserted, characterized by that by means of the control device (9) - an actuation of the occupant restraint device (3) can be detected, - a belt tongue (7) characterized by the actuation can be determined, - the belt buckle (8) assigned to the belt tongue (7) can be determined, - the execution of the action can be triggered by the determined belt buckle (8), and - as an action, a lighting device (12) of the belt buckle (8) provides a light signal which has the same intensity and the same reproduction duration and the same reproduction dynamics as a light signal provided by means of a further lighting device (13) of the belt tongue (7) assigned to the belt buckle (8), wherein respective first lighting devices (12) and second lighting devices (13) of mutually assigned belt tongues (7) and belt buckles (8) are designed to provide the same light signal and respective first lighting devices (12) and second lighting devices (13) which are not assigned to one another are designed to provide light signals which are different from one another.

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