VEHICLE SEAT SYSTEM WITH ADAPTIVE DYNAMIC LIP BELT POSITION CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

Vehicle seating system that includes: a seat (26) comprising a backrest (34) and a seat surface (36); a passive restraint system (50) attached adjacent to the seat (26), the passive restraint system (50) comprising a lap belt (52); and a belt adjuster (60) attached to the seat (26), the belt adjuster (60) comprising an organ (66) operable to engage with the lap belt (52) and move it away from the backrest (34) when subjected to a selected deceleration force; wherein the belt adjuster (60) includes a guide rail (64) and the organ (66) is restricted to moving selectively along the guide rail (64); characterized in that the belt adjuster (60) has a housing (62) attached to the seat surface (36) with an outer surface (63) in which the guide rail (64) is formed; wherein in a first configuration the organ (66) is recessed relative to the casing (62) and in a second configuration protrudes outwards from the outer surface (63).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles and in particular to a vehicle seating system according to the preamble of claim 1, as is known essentially from DE 10 2019 124 617 A1. Further prior art is also described in publications JP 2016 - 193 657 A and JP 2001 - 122 076 A.

[0002] Almost all modern vehicles are equipped with a passive restraint system consisting of a lap belt and shoulder belt. This passive restraint system limits the forward movement of an occupant during sudden deceleration, such as that which can occur during a frontal collision. During sudden deceleration, the occupant's position plays a role in how the deceleration forces are distributed across the body. For example, depending on their hip position and body posture, an occupant can be bent forward and downward. This means that the occupant's hips can move below the lap belt. Therefore, it is desirable to create a system that limits the forward movement of the hips in a vehicle during sudden deceleration. SUMMARY

[0003] According to the invention, a vehicle seating system is presented which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include an activation mechanism that is operatively connected to the organ, wherein the activation mechanism is operable to move the organ along the guide rail when it is subjected to a deceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the activation mechanism comprising a pre-tensioned spring.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the activation mechanism comprising a piston arranged in a cylinder, the piston being coupled to the organ.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the activation mechanism containing a motor that is functionally connected to the organ.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the activation mechanism containing a pyrotechnic device that is functionally connected to the organ.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include a sensor configured to detect vehicle deceleration and a controller operatively connected to the sensor and to the activation mechanism, wherein the controller is operable to command the activation mechanism to drive the organ so that it engages with the lap belt and moves it away from the backrest when the sensor detects that vehicle deceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0010] Furthermore, a vehicle with multiple wheels and a body supported by the multiple wheels is described. The body defines a passenger compartment. A vehicle seating system is arranged within the passenger compartment. The vehicle seating system includes a seat comprising a backrest and a seat cushion. Adjacent to the seat is a passive restraint system. The passive restraint system includes a lap belt. A belt adjuster is attached to the seat. The belt adjuster includes a mechanism that can be operated to engage the lap belt and move it away from the backrest when subjected to a selected deceleration force.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the belt adjuster having a guide rail, wherein the device is restricted to moving selectively along the guide rail.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the belt adjuster having a housing attached to the seat surface, the housing having an outer surface, the guide rail being formed in the outer surface.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the organ being recessed relative to the housing in a first configuration and projecting outwards from the outer surface in a second configuration.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include an activation mechanism that is operatively connected to the organ, wherein the activation mechanism is operable to move the organ along the guide rail when it is subjected to a deceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the activation mechanism comprising a pre-tensioned spring.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include the activation mechanism comprising a piston arranged in a cylinder, the piston being coupled to the organ.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include an activation mechanism comprising a motor functionally connected to the organ and a pyrotechnic device functionally connected to the organ.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include a sensor configured to detect vehicle deceleration and a controller operatively connected to the sensor and to the activation mechanism, wherein the controller is operable to command the activation mechanism to drive the organ so that it engages with the lap belt and moves it away from the backrest when the sensor detects that vehicle deceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0019] In a further, non-limiting example, a vehicle seating system is disclosed comprising a seat with a backrest and a seat surface, and a passive restraint system mounted adjacent to the seat. The passive restraint system includes a lap belt. A belt adjuster is attached to the seat. The belt adjuster includes a mechanism operable to engage the lap belt and move it away from the backrest when subjected to a selected deceleration force. An activation mechanism is operatively connected to the mechanism. A control system is connected to the activation mechanism.The control system includes a central processing unit (CPU), an activation module, and non-volatile memory containing a set of instructions which, when executed by the CPU in response to a detected deceleration event exhibiting the selected deceleration force, cause the CPU to instruct the activation module to trigger the activation mechanism to release the organ in order to move the pelvic belt.

[0020] The above features and advantages, and further features and advantages of the invention, will become readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken together with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Further features, advantages and details appear only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings; they show: Fig. 1 a vehicle that incorporates an adaptive dynamic lap belt position control system according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 2 a seating system incorporating an adaptive dynamic lap belt position control system in a position prior to a deceleration event according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 3 the seating system Fig. 2 with the adaptive dynamic pelvic belt position control system in a position following a deceleration event according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 4 the adaptive dynamic pelvic belt position control system from Fig. 2 with an activation mechanism according to a non-restrictive example; Fig. 5 the adaptive dynamic pelvic belt position control system from Fig. 2 with an activation mechanism according to another non-restrictive example; Fig. 6 the adaptive dynamic pelvic belt position control system from Fig. 2 with an activation mechanism according to yet another non-restrictive example; Fig. 7 the adaptive dynamic pelvic belt position control system Fig. 2 with an activation mechanism according to yet another non-restrictive example; Fig. 8 the adaptive dynamic pelvic belt position control system from Fig. 2, showing a pelvic belt intervention device in a non-provided configuration, according to a non-restrictive example; and Fig. 9 the adaptive dynamic pelvic belt position control system from Fig. Figure 8, which shows the pelvic belt intervention device in a provided configuration, according to a non-restrictive example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following description is essentially only exemplary. Naturally, corresponding reference symbols throughout the drawings denote identical or corresponding parts and features. As used here, the term "module" refers to a processing circuit arrangement that may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped), memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combination logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0023] A vehicle according to a non-restrictive example is in Fig. 1 generally shown at 10. The vehicle 10 comprises a body 12, which is supported by a frame (not shown) and by several wheels, one of which is designated 16. The body 12 comprises a passenger compartment 20, which includes at least one seating system 22. The seating system 22 comprises a driver's seat 24 and a front passenger seat 26 ( Fig. 2) and rear seats, one of which is labelled 28.

[0024] Based on Fig. In Figure 2, the front passenger seat 26, according to a non-restrictive example, comprises a backrest 34 and a seat cushion 36. An occupant 40 sits on the seat cushion 36, with one lap 42 unprotected. The occupant 40 has an upper body 44 that can rest against the backrest 34. A passive restraint system 50 is attached to the front passenger seat 26. The passive restraint system 50 includes a lap belt 52, which is held by an anchorage 54 that is fixed in the vehicle 10. The passive restraint system 50 may also include a shoulder belt (not shown).According to a non-restrictive example, the front passenger seat 26 includes an adaptive dynamic lap belt position control system in the form of a belt adjuster 60, which moves the lap belt 52 away from the backrest 34 during sudden deceleration or rapid changes in momentum (forward or backward), such as those caused by hard braking, unwanted contact with another object, and the like. Although this is described with respect to the front passenger seat 26, it should be understood at this point that the driver's seat 24 and the rear seats 28 may contain a similar structure.

[0025] According to a non-restrictive example, the belt adjuster 60 includes a housing 62 with an outer surface 63 within which a guide rail 64 is defined. An element 66, which may take the form of a button 68, optionally runs along the guide rail 64 to move the lap belt 52 away from the backrest 34. According to a non-restrictive example, the belt adjuster 60 includes an activation mechanism 72 that is operatively connected to the element 66. When the vehicle 10 experiences a deceleration event, which may take the form of a sudden deceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold, the activation mechanism 72 drives the element 66 along the guide rail 64. For example, in a forward collision in which the vehicle 10 decelerates suddenly at a rate exceeding a selected rate, the activation mechanism 72 drives the element 66 along the guide rail 64, thus moving the lap belt 52 away from the backrest 34. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the occupant pushes forward. According to a non-restrictive example, the triggering of the activation mechanism 72 can be linked to the activation of the passive restraint system 50 or another auxiliary restraint system such as an airbag. In this way, the adaptive dynamic lap belt position control system prevents or mitigates occupant deflections such as downward bending, which can subject an occupant 40 to excessive forces.

[0026] According to a non-restrictive example, a controller 78 can be connected to the activation mechanism 72. The controller 78 contains a central processing unit (CPU) 80, a non-volatile memory module 82, and an activation module 84. Instructions are stored in the non-volatile memory module 82 which, when executed by the CPU 80, cause the CPU 80 to instruct the activation module 84 to trigger the activation mechanism 72 and release the organ 66. A sensor 86, which can take the form of an accelerometer, is connected to the controller 78. The non-volatile memory module 82 can store a set of instructions that are passed to the CPU 80 and the activation module 84 when the sensor 86 detects a delay exceeding a stored threshold.The set of instructions can include an operational activation mechanism 72 to ignite the organ 66 along the guide rail 74 and thereby push the pelvic belt 52 forward ( . Fig. 3).

[0027] According to a Fig. In the non-limiting example shown in Figure 4, the activation mechanism 72 can take the form of a pre-loaded spring 89 arranged in the housing 62. The pre-loaded spring 89 has a first end 90 coupled to the organ 66 and a second end 91 anchored in the housing 62. A locking element 92 can hold the pre-loaded spring 89 under tension until the vehicle 10 experiences a deceleration exceeding the stored threshold. According to a non-limiting example, the locking element 92 can be released by the activation module 84. When released, the pre-loaded spring 89 contracts, pulling the organ 66 along the guide rail 64, which moves the lap belt away from the backrest 34.

[0028] According to a Fig. In the non-restrictive example shown in Figure 5, the activation mechanism 72 includes a pyrotechnic device 94 that is functionally connected to the organ 66. The pyrotechnic device 94 generates rapidly expanding gases, such as those used in an airbag, which create forces that cause the organ 66 to rapidly displace the lap belt 52 away from the backrest 34 when the vehicle 10 experiences a deceleration exceeding the stored threshold. According to a non-restrictive example, the pyrotechnic device 94 can be detonated or activated by the activation module 84. When released, the expanding gases drive the organ 66 along the guide rail 64, moving the lap belt away from the backrest 34.

[0029] According to a Fig. In the non-limiting example shown in Figure 6, the activation mechanism 72 includes a piston 99 which is operatively connected to the organ 66 via a connector 100. The piston 99 runs in a cylinder 102. According to this non-limiting example, the piston 99 can be rapidly displaced along the cylinder 102 when subjected to forces such as rapidly expanding gases or fluids from a device 104. According to this non-limiting example, the device 104 can be detonated or activated by the activation module 84. When activated, the expanding gases drive the piston 99 rapidly along the cylinder 102, which forces the organ 66 along the guide rail 64, thus moving the lap belt away from the backrest 34.

[0030] According to a Fig. In the non-restrictive example shown, the activation mechanism 72 includes a motor 108, which is mechanically connected to the organ 66 via a connector 110. According to this non-restrictive example, the motor 108 can be operated by the activation module 84 along the guide rail 64 to rapidly move the organ 66. When activated, the motor 108 rapidly shortens the connector 110 to drive the organ 66 rapidly along the guide rail 64, thus moving the pelvic belt 34 away from the backrest.

[0031] According to a Fig. 8 and Fig. In the non-restrictive example shown in Figure 9, the organ 66 can be activated before the pelvic belt 52 is activated, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the organ 66 is recessed within the housing 62. If the sensor 86 detects a delay above a predetermined threshold, the organ 66 is moved outwards or positioned as shown in Figure 8. Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the organ 66 extends beyond the outer surface 63 of the housing 62. Various mechanisms can be used to move the organ 66 outwards. Solenoids, ramps, mechanical actuators, electrical actuators, and the like can be arranged to move or "draw out" the organ 66. At this point, the controller 78, for example, releases the locking element 92, causing the activation mechanism 72 to rapidly move the lap belt 52 away from the backrest 34. In this way, before activation, the organ 66 does not interfere with the occupant's seating, belt movement, or belt deployment, but after a delay event, it is deployed to engage the lap belt 52 and move it forward to prevent the occupant from bending downwards.

[0032] According to a Fig.In the non-restrictive example shown in Figure 10, the controller 78 monitors sensors 86 for a change in pulse, as shown in field 200. If a change in pulse is detected in field 204, the CPU 80 determines in field 208 whether the predefined threshold stored in the non-volatile memory 82 and / or in the CPU 80 has been exceeded. If not, the controller 78 continues monitoring in field 200. If the change in pulse exceeds the predefined threshold, the CPU in field 210 executes instructions in the non-volatile memory 82 to trigger the activation mechanism 72 to move the organ 66 outwards and subsequently forwards the organ 66 in field 212 so that it moves the lap belt away from the backrest 34.

Claims

[1] Vehicle seating system comprising: a seat (26) comprising a backrest (34) and a seat surface (36); a passive restraint system (50) attached adjacent to the seat (26), the passive restraint system (50) comprising a lap belt (52); and a belt adjuster (60) attached to the seat (26), the belt adjuster (60) comprising an organ (66) operable to engage with the lap belt (52) and move it away from the backrest (34) when subjected to a selected deceleration force; wherein the belt adjuster (60) includes a guide rail (64) and the organ (66) is restricted to moving selectively along the guide rail (64); characterized by , that the belt adjuster (60) has a housing (62) attached to the seat surface (36) with an outer surface (63) in which the guide rail (64) is formed; wherein in a first configuration the organ (66) is recessed relative to the casing (62) and in a second configuration protrudes outwards from the outer surface (63). [2] Vehicle seat system according to claim 1, wherein the belt adjuster (60) includes an activation mechanism (72) which is operatively connected to the organ (66), wherein the activation mechanism (72) is operable to move the organ (66) along the guide rail (64) when it is subjected to a deceleration which exceeds a predetermined threshold. [3] Vehicle seating system according to claim 2, wherein the activation mechanism (72) comprises a pre-tensioned spring (89). [4] Vehicle seating system according to claim 2, wherein the activation mechanism (72) includes a piston (99) arranged in a cylinder (102), the piston (99) being coupled to the organ (66). [5] Vehicle seating system according to claim 2, wherein the activation mechanism (72) includes a motor (108) which is operatively connected to the organ (66). [6] Vehicle seating system according to claim 2, wherein the activation mechanism (72) includes a pyrotechnic device (94) which is functionally connected to the organ (66). [7] Vehicle seating system according to claim 2, further comprising: a sensor (86) configured to detect vehicle deceleration; and a controller (78) which is operatively connected to the sensor (86) and to the activation mechanism (72), wherein the controller (78) is operable to give the activation mechanism (72) the command to drive the organ (66) so that it engages with the lap belt (52) and moves it away from the backrest (34) when the sensor (86) detects that a vehicle deceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold.

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