Safety belt for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle with safety belt and method for operating a safety belt

Abstract

Safety belt (10) for a motor vehicle (1) with a belt buckle (14) and a buckle tongue (15) which can be connected to each other in a plug connection, wherein the locking tongue (15) includes an operating device (13) for inputting operating information, and the operating device (13) is designed to provide, depending on the input, an operating signal (B) for controlling at least one associated actuator device (3) of the motor vehicle (1), characterized by the fact that The safety belt (10) includes an activation device (16) configured to activate the operating device (13) for input functionality only when the belt buckle (14) and the buckle tongue (15) are connected in the plug connection, such that the operating device (13) is only enabled when the buckle tongue (15) is fully engaged in the belt buckle (14), and otherwise the acquisition or conversion of the operating information into the operating signal (B) is blocked, wherein the activation device (16) includes at least one sensor element for detecting contact with the operating device (13), and the activation device (16) is configured to keep the operating device (13) deactivated for a predetermined time interval immediately after the plug connection is established and only then to activate it.if the sensor element signals a non-contact state of the operating device (13) at least once.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a safety belt for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a corresponding safety belt. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a safety belt.

[0002] Modern vehicles offer various options for arranging controls. For example, buttons and / or touchscreens, such as those mounted on the center console of the instrument panel, control the infotainment system. Seat controls are typically located on the seat upholstery. New interior concepts, such as those used in piloted or autonomous driving, allow for seating positions where the occupant is positioned so far from the instrument panel that it is no longer accessible. Alternatively, the driver's seat may be positioned in such a way that there is no room for side-mounted controls. Therefore, for operating vehicle functions like skipping a song, alternative control concepts to those found on the instrument panel can be advantageous.

[0003] To ensure ease of use, there are various ways to conveniently operate vehicle actuators even during piloted driving. One possible solution is voice control or gesture control. However, other concepts are also known from current technology.

[0004] For example, DE 10 2020 100 040 A1 discloses a vehicle interior component with an operating device for inputting operating information, which is not visible in an off-state and visible in an operating state. The accentuated operating device can be integrated, for example, into a seat belt, a belt buckle, a belt tongue, or another vehicle interior component.

[0005] DE 10 2014 113 345 A1 discloses a passenger seat with a seat belt to which a functional unit for performing or providing a function of the seat is attached and / or at least partially integrated into it.

[0006] DE 10 2018 208 889 A1 discloses a control device for a motor vehicle with an interaction unit of the control device integrated into a seat belt. The interaction unit comprises a user input device, which is attached, for example, as a joystick or touchpad to a webbing of the seat belt.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2020 100 921 A1 discloses a reward system for wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle. This involves displaying a visual cue within the person's field of vision, for example, on the screen of an infotainment / entertainment system. This cue is designed to encourage the person to fasten the seatbelt and to accompany the fastening of the seatbelt with a visual reward until it is inserted into the buckle.

[0008] DE 199 11 317 A1 discloses an electric toothbrush with a switch-on protection device to prevent the toothbrush from being switched on in the event of unintentional activation of a switch.

[0009] The existing control concepts have several drawbacks. A control unit integrated directly into the seatbelt has the disadvantage that the sensors are wound up along with the belt. Over time, this can lead to wear and tear and, for example, a broken cable. Gesture recognition for operation requires that the gesture be clearly recognized to activate the control. This should also be the case in a reclining position, for example, during piloted driving. Furthermore, gesture input is generally more time-consuming than, for example, pressing a button. Voice control can also be more complex. Often, not all commands can be conveniently set via voice. Fine adjustments to the vehicle seat typically require several commands from the user for precise adjustments ("up, up, back, up, back, back"). Here, haptic input, for example, by pressing a button, is clearly advantageous.Furthermore, with the concepts mentioned from the state of the art, there is the possibility of incorrect operation, for example through accidental touching of the control element.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a safety belt with an operating device integrated into a buckle tongue for inputting operating information, so that the operating device can be operated reliably and comfortably.

[0011] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed by the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0012] The invention is based on the understanding that new interior concepts, such as those used in piloted driving, allow for seat positions where the occupant cannot always reach the conventional positions for controls. Changing the position requires the occupant to sit up or adjust the seat. From the occupant's perspective, this significantly reduces comfort. One component that is always within the occupant's reach is, for example, the seat belt and its anchor points, particularly the buckle tongue. The distance between the buckle tongue and the occupant's arms remains essentially unchanged regardless of the seat position. Even in a very flat sleeping position, for example, with the seat back angled at 60 degrees, the buckle tongue can be comfortably touched.For this reason, it can be advantageous in certain applications to integrate an operating device directly into the buckle tongue. To prevent incorrect operation, for example when the buckle tongue is inserted into a seatbelt buckle, the operating device should be activatable depending on the state of the buckle tongue's connection.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, a safety belt for a motor vehicle is described, comprising a buckle and a buckle tongue (plug-in tongue) that can be connected to each other via a plug connection. The buckle tongue includes an operating device for inputting operating information. The input can, for example, include a passenger touching an operating element of the device. Depending on the input, the operating device is configured to provide, i.e., generate and transmit, an operating signal, which is in particular an electrical control signal, for controlling at least one associated actuator of the motor vehicle.

[0014] To ensure reliable operation, the seat belt includes an activation device designed to only activate the operating mechanism when the buckle and the buckle tongue are connected in the plug. In other words, the operating mechanism is deactivated during the buckling process, i.e., as long as the buckle and buckle tongue are not yet fully locked. Only when the buckle tongue is fully engaged in the buckle is the operating mechanism enabled. This has the advantage of preventing unintended inputs, for example, if the operating mechanism is accidentally activated during the buckling process.

[0015] Another advantage is that the occupant's hand can always comfortably reach the controls, regardless of their seating position. Changing the seat position is unnecessary. Furthermore, inputs can be made very quickly. Lengthy voice commands or complex gesture control are not required. Additionally, the controls integrated into the seatbelt can also be used to operate vehicle components, such as the infotainment system, that are located outside the occupant's reach. Another benefit is that specific areas or spaces no longer need to be reserved for operation within the interior. For example, seat geometry is now possible where no space needs to be reserved on the side bolsters for hand operation of the controls. This allows for a new and more open seat design.Even a bench seat with an adjustable backrest can be operated intuitively. In particular, this allows for a minimalist interior design.

[0016] A seat belt is a restraint system in motor vehicles, a design known per se. Besides the buckle tongue and the buckle itself, a seat belt can include other components such as a guide, an end fitting, and a webbing. The seat belt can also be called a seatbelt. To fasten the seat belt, the designated end piece, namely the buckle tongue, is inserted into the buckle and engages. This process is also known as buckling up. According to the invention, the buckle tongue and buckle are only connected in the plug connection when the buckle and tongue are fully engaged or locked. In this state, the buckle and buckle tongue form a locking connection. The plug connection is not present, however, when the buckle and buckle tongue are not engaged. In this state, the operating device is also deactivated.This means that the input functionality, for example the capture or conversion of operating information into the operating signal, is blocked.

[0017] Preferably, the operating device is an electronic operating device. The operating device can, for example, comprise at least one control element or operating component. The input from the occupant can be detected by means of the control element. Preferably, the operating device includes control electronics for processing and / or evaluating the input. Evaluation can include determining the operating information transmitted by the input. The operating information can comprise one or more commands that the occupant wishes to use to control the actuator, i.e., the vehicle actuator. Processing can additionally or alternatively include assigning the determined operating information to one or more control signals. In this context, a control signal refers in particular to an electrical signal, i.e., specifically a control signal, with which the actuator can be controlled.The input functionality of an operating device within the meaning of the invention, for example for capturing and processing the input, is known per se.

[0018] Alternatively, the control electronics for processing the input can be separate from or external to the operating device. For example, the control electronics can be a control unit assigned to the vehicle, such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0019] The control electronics can, for example, comprise a control device or a control unit. The control device can include a data processing device or a processor unit. The processor unit can include at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor unit can include program code configured to perform the input functionality according to the invention when executed by the processor unit. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor unit. A processor circuit of the processor unit can, for example, include at least one circuit board and / or at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0020] The actuator can be, in particular, a vehicle actuator, especially an electronically controlled component of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the actuator is an actuator external to the seat belt. That is, the control unit is preferably not usable for controlling the seat belt. Instead, only actuators not associated with the seat belt should be controllable via the control unit.

[0021] The activation device can be implemented actively or passively. An active activation device can, for example, include a sensor unit. Using the sensor unit, the active activation device can check the status of the connector and, depending on the detected status, switch the operating device on (activate) or off (deactivate). To detect the status of the connector, the sensor unit can, for example, include a sensor, such as a touch sensor, with two corresponding sensor elements, one attached to the locking tongue and the other to the buckle. The sensor elements can be designed, for example, as touch sensors or proximity sensors that detect the connector as present when they are brought within a predetermined proximity range or into contact with each other.

[0022] A passive activation device can be implemented, for example, by closing an electrical circuit to power the operating device when the seatbelt is fastened. A specific implementation of a passive activation device will be described in more detail later.

[0023] Furthermore, the activation device includes at least one sensor element for detecting contact with the operating device. The activation device is designed to activate the operating device immediately after the connection is established only when the sensor element signals at least once that the operating device is in a non-contact state. This means that the operating device is only activated if, after the seatbelt has been fastened, there is at least one instance where it has not been touched. This ensures that the occupant does not accidentally activate the operating device while fastening their seatbelt.

[0024] The sensor element can be implemented, for example, as a proximity sensor or a touch sensor located on the buckle tongue. For instance, the sensor element could be an infrared sensor or a capacitive sensor. Alternatively, an operating element of the control device could be used as the sensor element. "Immediately" in this context refers specifically to a predetermined time interval after the connection is established, such as 3 to 10 seconds, and in particular 5 seconds after the buckle engages. Thus, the input functionality is only activated when the buckle tongue is fully engaged in the seatbelt buckle and the occupant's hand is no longer on the component.

[0025] Furthermore, the activation device keeps the operating device deactivated for a predetermined time interval after the plug connection is established, regardless of whether the operating device has been touched.

[0026] The invention includes embodiments that offer additional advantages.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the activation device for activating the input functionality is designed to provide an electrical power supply to the operating device via a power supply associated with the vehicle. Activating or deactivating the operating device is thus controlled via the power supply to the operating device (in contrast, for example, to an electronic control for switching the operating device on and off). This allows for the implementation of a passive activation function, as previously described. For activation, an electrical contact can be established with the power supply, such as the vehicle's battery. The activation device is therefore designed to close or open the circuit to supply power to the operating device, depending on the state of the connector.

[0028] In this context, one embodiment provides that the activation device for supplying power comprises a first contact element and a corresponding or complementary second contact element. The first contact element is associated with the buckle tongue. The second contact element is associated with the seatbelt buckle. The first and second contact elements can be electrically connected to each other depending on the state of the connector. In particular, the two contact elements are electrically connected so that electrical energy transfer can take place when the seatbelt buckle and the buckle tongue are connected in the connector. Conversely, the contact elements are electrically isolated so that no electrical energy transfer can take place when the connector is not in place.

[0029] The term "corresponding" means that the two contact elements can be connected to each other for electrical energy transmission. "Assigned" in this context means that the respective contact element can be attached to, installed in, or integrated into the buckle tongue or seatbelt buckle. A contact element can, for example, comprise a connection or contact area and associated wiring. The first contact element can, for example, be connected to or capable of being connected to the operating device, in particular an operating element of the operating device. The second contact element can, for example, be connected to or capable of being connected to the vehicle's power supply.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first and second contact elements each have at least one contact surface that rests against each other for electrically conductive connection. That is, the contact surfaces are intended to be in contact with each other to establish the electrically conductive connection. This allows for a wired connection between the control device and the power supplier. The contact surface can be designed, for example, as a contact pin, friction contact, or sliding contact.

[0031] Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the first and second contact elements each have at least one electrical inductor or coil that can be electrically connected by means of electromagnetic induction. This enables a wireless connection between the control device and the vehicle's power supply. The control device can thus be inductively powered via the seatbelt buckle. Electromagnetic induction is a known principle in which an electric field is generated by changing a magnetic flux. For this purpose, the control electronics can, for example, apply an alternating electrical signal, i.e., an alternating current or voltage, to the second contact element, so that its inductance provides the alternating field.The alternating magnetic field can induce a current when applied to the inductance of the first contact element, thus ensuring the energy supply.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the activation device for activating the input functionality is also configured to connect the control unit and the at least one actuator unit for signal transmission, at least for providing the control signal. That is, the activation device can provide both the power supply and a communication link. Thus, a power signal as well as a data signal can be transmitted between the control unit and the actuator unit of the motor vehicle by means of the activation device. For this purpose, the activation device or the control unit can use a predefined communication protocol.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the operating device comprises at least one operating element. This at least one operating element is designed as a touch-sensitive control panel, an electronic switch, a fingerprint sensor, or a microphone. Of course, the operating device can also comprise, for example, two or more operating elements of the same or different types.

[0034] A touch-sensitive control panel can be designed, for example, as a touchpad or keypad. This allows the control device to be operated by touching the control panel, in particular its touch-sensitive surface. Preferably, defined gestures or operating patterns can be provided for operation. This prevents incorrect inputs, for example, from being made with an elbow. One possible pattern could be, for example, swiping downwards several times, which would move the vehicle seat forward. A clockwise rotation could, for example, tilt the backrest of the vehicle seat backward, while a counterclockwise rotation tilts the backrest forward.

[0035] Preferably, there can be specific operating patterns that change the function, and in particular the actuator being controlled. For example, a double-click on the control panel can switch between functions. This allows switching between seat adjustment, music control, scrolling or zooming a navigation map in the infotainment system, or another predefined function. An indicator or display for the occupant showing which actuator is currently active can be shown, for example, on a screen or display in the vehicle.

[0036] An electronic switch can be understood, for example, as a tactile button. Examples of electronic switches include a push-button switch or a joystick. The input can therefore consist of pressing, pivoting, or tilting the switch.

[0037] The fingerprint sensor can be implemented optically or capacitively, for example. It allows for the unambiguous identification of the occupant by recognizing their fingerprint. This enables the system to recognize the occupant and apply previously saved individual settings, such as a seat position or chassis settings. The precise workings of a fingerprint sensor are known in the prior art. Input can therefore be achieved by touching the fingerprint sensor with a finger.

[0038] A microphone can be used, for example, for voice input of operating information. Various predefined voice commands can be stored, each assigned to a specific operating instruction. For each voice command, the operating device can determine a corresponding operating signal for the relevant actuator in a known manner. The input can therefore consist of simply speaking the desired command.

[0039] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a seat belt as previously described. The motor vehicle comprises at least one actuator unit that can be controlled by means of the operating signal. That is, the motor vehicle can include one or more actuator units. An actuator unit can be, for example, an infotainment system, interior lighting, an adjustable seating system or vehicle seat, a screen or display, in particular a head-up display, or, for example, a seat belt tensioner, to name just a few examples. Of course, other electronically controllable vehicle actuators can also be operated by means of the operating device. For example, by operating the operating device, it is possible to select icons or apps on a screen analogous to a touchpad, as known from a laptop or tablet.Another possible application is, for example, tightening the seatbelt by pressing a button on the buckle tongue using a reversible belt tensioner. This can ensure a particularly good connection between the occupant and the seat, for example, during sporty driving. Furthermore, it prevents belt slack. This makes the safety function of a reversible belt tensioner tangible for the occupant. It also ensures that the occupant is properly buckled up, provided the tensioning tongue is engaged in the buckle for operation.

[0040] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0041] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a seat belt, as previously described. The method comprises the following steps: First, the connection between the buckle tongue and the belt buckle is detected, for example, actively or passively, as previously described, by means of the activation device. Then, the operating device is activated by means of the activation device to perform the input functionality. That is, the operating device is switched from a switched-off or deactivated state to a switched-on or activated state. Subsequently, an input of operating information is detected by means of the operating device. Depending on the input, an operating signal is finally provided by means of the operating device to control the at least one actuator of the motor vehicle.

[0042] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0043] The invention also includes further developments of the inventive method and the inventive motor vehicle, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the inventive safety belt. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the inventive method and the inventive motor vehicle are not described again here.

[0044] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0045] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a seat belt which has an input option on the buckle tongue according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a process flow diagram for a method for operating the safety belt according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0047] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 1 from a top view in a sectional view. The motor vehicle 1 is, for example, designed as a passenger car. The motor vehicle 1 comprises, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1 in an interior space 2, i.e., a driver's cabin, and at least one electronically controllable actuator 3 operable by an occupant 6. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 includes, by way of example, two such actuator assemblies 3, namely an infotainment system 3a and a vehicle seat 3b. The vehicle seat 3b provides seating for the occupant 6 in the driver's cabin. The vehicle seat can, for example, be adjustable along a longitudinal direction x and / or along a vertical direction z. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a backrest of the vehicle seat 3b can be pivotable. This allows the occupant 6 to find their ideal seating position in the interior space 2. The adjustment is preferably electronic. That is, for example, a corresponding adjustment motor of the vehicle seat 3b can be controlled by an electronic control signal for adjustment.

[0049] To select the desired seating position and thus provide the control signal for adjustment, occupant 6 can operate vehicle seat 3b. Unlike the one in Fig. In the motor vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1, operation in conventional vehicles can be carried out via one or more control elements, which are, for example, integrated into a side panel of the vehicle seat 3b. A toggle switch or a rotary switch, which the occupant can operate to implement the desired adjustment function, can be used as a control element.

[0050] The Infotainment System 3a can be used as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a screen (display). The screen can display or output a predetermined display content to the occupant. For example, the screen can represent a graphical user interface (GUI). Thus, application software from a computer can be displayed on the screen using graphical symbols or controls for operation. Examples of such application software include music or streaming services, navigation services, or other familiar application software such as that found on computers like laptops or smartphones. To perform the respective function assigned to the application software, the infotainment system may, for example, include a music or radio system, a navigation device, or have a communication device for pairing or connecting to a cloud server.Inmate 6 can select the respective application software in a manner known per se by operating the respective graphic symbol on the user interface.

[0051] Unlike the motor vehicle 1 shown in Fig. 1. In conventional vehicles, operation can be achieved, for example, via an instrument panel. The instrument panel can include one or more controls. In conventional motor vehicles, the instrument panel is integrated, for example, into the dashboard or cockpit of the vehicle. The instrument panel can thus be understood as an input device for the infotainment system 3a.

[0052] In the case of motor vehicle 1 according to the exemplary embodiment in Fig. For example, 1 could be a motor vehicle equipped for piloted driving. That is, the motor vehicle 1 could include an autonomous vehicle control system (not shown in detail). The autonomous vehicle control system, also called a driver assistance system, is preferably designed to take over the driving, control, and steering of the motor vehicle 1 completely autonomously or automatically, i.e., without any input from the occupant 6.

[0053] This results in new interior concepts for the vehicle 1, for example, regarding the seating position of occupant 6, in which occupant 6 may be out of reach of the dashboard. Thus, occupant 6 can no longer reach the instrument panel, as is common in conventional vehicles, from their seating position, or only with increased effort. Furthermore, according to the interior concept in Fig. 1. It is intended that the side panel of the vehicle seat be designed without operating elements.

[0054] In order to still be able to operate the actuators 3 of the motor vehicle 1 without the occupant having to change their seating position, a seat belt 10 with an integrated operating device 16 is provided in the present embodiment. The seat belt 10 is a component that, regardless of the seating position of the occupant 6, is usually always within the reach of the occupant 6 in the vehicle interior 2. Fig. Figure 1 shows the occupant 6, by way of example, seated in the vehicle seat 3b with the seat belt fastened. The safety belt 10 comprises, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 shows a webbing strap and a locking mechanism 12.

[0055] The locking mechanism 12 is in Fig. Figure 1 shows an enlarged example. The locking mechanism comprises a belt buckle 14 and a locking tongue 15. The belt buckle 14 and the locking tongue 15 can be connected to each other in a plug connection in a manner known per se. Once the plug connection is established, the locking tongue 15 engages in the belt buckle 14 and is locked. The locking mechanism is reversible and can be released mechanically, for example, by pressing a corresponding button.

[0056] The operating device 13 is in the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1 arranged on the lock tongue 15. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary operating concept in which the operating device 13 is located in the upper area of ​​the buckle tongue 15, in particular on a handle that is held with the fingers when fastening the seatbelt. In the present embodiment, the operating device 13 comprises, for example, a touch-sensitive control panel as an operating means or control element. The control panel can, for example, be designed as a capacitive touch surface (capacitive operating surface). In an alternative operating concept, the operating means can, for example, be designed as a haptic button, such as a push button or toggle switch, or as a joystick. The control panel serves as an input interface for the operating information provided by the occupant 6. The control panel can, for example, detect input such as a predefined gesture or a predetermined touch pattern performed by the occupant 6.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the touch-sensitive control panel can comprise a plurality of capacitive sensors by means of which the operating pattern can be converted into an electrical signal. This signal can be used in the form of an operating signal B for controlling the respective actuator 3. For this purpose, the operating signal B can be, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows, for example, that the control signal is transmitted to a control electronics unit 4, such as an electronic control unit (ECU) of the motor vehicle 1. This unit can determine the coded operating information contained in the operating signal in a manner known per se. Depending on the operating information, the control electronics unit 4 can, for example, select the actuator 3 to be controlled and then control the selected actuator 3 with a corresponding control signal S or actuation signal.

[0058] An example of a predefined touch pattern could be a defined swipe gesture. For adjusting vehicle seat 3b, for example, a possible pattern could be to swipe once or several times along the vehicle's longitudinal direction x or vertical direction z on the control panel to adjust the vehicle seat 3b in the corresponding direction. A swipe gesture representing a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation could, for example, tilt the backrest backward or forward.

[0059] To switch between the actuator 3 being controlled, a double-click can be used as an additional touch pattern. The double-click allows switching between the actuator 3 as the target of operation. For example, this allows selection between seat adjustment, music control, scrolling or zooming on the navigation map, and so on. The display for the occupant 6, indicating which actuator 3 is currently active, can be shown, for example, on the infotainment system 3a screen.

[0060] To prevent incorrect inputs to the operating device during the seatbelt fastening process, for example, the safety belt comprises 10 according to the embodiment in Fig. 1. An activation device 16. This device is designed to activate the operating device 13 for the purpose of performing the input functionality, i.e., for example, for recording the input, only when the belt buckle 14 and the locking tongue 15 are connected in the plug connection. That is, operation of the control panel is only possible when the belt buckle 14 and the locking tongue 15 are fully locked or engaged.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the activation device 16 is preferably passively designed. This means that the activation of the input functionality depends on the state of the connector, by providing or disconnecting the electrical power supply to the control device 13 depending on the state of the connector. In other words, the electrical power supply to the control device 13, for example from a power source 5 of the vehicle 1, is only established when the connector is connected. If, on the other hand, the connector is disconnected, the electrical power supply to the power source 5 is also cut off or interrupted. The electrical power source 5 can, for example, be a vehicle battery of the vehicle 1.

[0062] Preferably, the operating device 13 is powered inductively, for example, via the seat belt buckle 14. For this purpose, the buckle tongue 15 has a first contact element 16a and the seat belt buckle 14 has a second contact element 16b, each designed as an electrical inductor. The two contact elements 16a and 16b form the activation device 16 of the seat belt 10. The first contact element 16a is electrically connected to the operating device 13. The second contact element 16b is electrically connected to the power supply 5. When the plug connection is present, the contact elements 16a and 16b are electrically connected by means of electromagnetic induction. Thus, inputs can only be detected when the buckle tongue is closed, as the operating device 13 is only then supplied with power.

[0063] Furthermore, the control panel remains deactivated for at least a predetermined time interval immediately after the seatbelt is fastened. This prevents any input from the occupant 6 being registered during the fastening process, should they unintentionally activate the control panel. The input functionality is only activated once the buckle tongue is fully engaged in the seatbelt buckle 14 and the hand is no longer on the buckle tongue 15. The activation device 16 can thus implement a time-delayed activation of the control device 13.

[0064] The activation device 16 can, for example, include a sensor element for detecting touch on the control device 13. The activation device 16 is designed to activate the control device 13 immediately after the connection is established only when the sensor element signals a non-contact state of the control device 13 at least once. This means that after the seatbelt is fastened, the hand must be removed from the control device 13 at least once to activate the input functionality. The activation device 16 can use, for example, a touch sensor such as an infrared sensor or a capacitive sensor as the sensor element. Alternatively, the control panel of the control device 13 can be used as the sensor element.

[0065] The activation device 16 can preferably also be used to transfer data from the operating device 13 to the control electronics 4, and vice versa. For example, the activation device 16 can be used to establish both the power supply and a communication link for data transmission between the operating device 13 and the control electronics 4.

[0066] As an alternative to designing the contact elements 16a, 16b as electrical inductors, they can, for example, be configured as friction contacts or contact pins. That is, the contact elements 16a, 16b can each have a contact surface that is intended to be in direct or immediate contact with each other for the purpose of supplying electrical power.

[0067] Based on the process flow diagram according to Fig. 2. The function of the safety belt 10 can be summarized again using the input option. Fig. Figure 2 shows a process flow diagram with individual process steps for operating the safety belt 10, as it is used, for example, in the embodiment in Fig. Figure 1 is shown. In step S1, it is checked whether the plug connection exists between the locking tongue 15 and the belt buckle 14. This check can be performed passively, as described previously, so that in step S1 the system waits until the power supply to the operating device 13 is established via the plug connection. If no plug connection is detected (N), step S1 is repeated. If, however, the plug connection is detected (J), the procedure continues in step S2.

[0068] In step S2, the operating device 13 is activated or switched on by means of the activation device 16 to perform the input functionality. Activation can consist of supplying power to the operating device 13 by making the plug connection. The procedure then continues in step S3.

[0069] In step S3, the operating device 13 checks whether the occupant 6 has entered any operating information. If no input is detected (N), step S3 is repeated. If, however, an input is detected (J), the procedure continues in step S4.

[0070] In step S4, depending on the input, the operating signal B is provided by means of the operating device 13 to control at least one assigned actuator device 3 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0071] Overall, the embodiments show an input option on a belt tongue (lock tongue 15) of a safety belt 10.

Claims

[1] Seat belt (10) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising a buckle (14) and a buckle tongue (15) which can be connected to each other in a plug connection, wherein the locking tongue (15) includes an operating device (13) for inputting operating information, and the operating device (13) is designed to provide, depending on the input, an operating signal (B) for controlling at least one associated actuator device (3) of the motor vehicle (1), characterized by , that The safety belt (10) includes an activation device (16) configured to activate the operating device (13) for input functionality only when the belt buckle (14) and the buckle tongue (15) are connected in the plug connection, such that the operating device (13) is only enabled when the buckle tongue (15) is fully engaged in the belt buckle (14), and otherwise the acquisition or conversion of the operating information into the operating signal (B) is blocked, wherein the activation device (16) includes at least one sensor element for detecting contact with the operating device (13), and the activation device (16) is configured to keep the operating device (13) deactivated for a predetermined time interval immediately after the plug connection is established and only then to activate it.if the sensor element signals a non-contact state of the operating device (13) at least once. [2] Safety belt (10) according to claim 1, wherein the activation device (16) is designed to activate the input functionality, to provide an electrical power supply to the operating device (13) by means of a power supply (5) associated with the motor vehicle (1), depending on a state of the plug connection. [3] Seat belt (10) according to claim 2, wherein the activation device (16) for providing the energy supply has a first contact element (16a) and a corresponding second contact element (16b), wherein the first contact element (16a) is associated with the lock tongue (15) and the second contact element (16b) is associated with the belt buckle (14), and the first and second contact elements (16a, 16b) can be electrically connected depending on a state of the plug connection. [4] Safety belt (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first and second contact element (16a, 16b) each have at least one contact surface which are in contact with each other for electrically conductive connection. [5] Safety belt (10) according to claim 3, the first and second contact element (16a, 16b) each having at least one electrical inductance which can be electrically connected by means of electromagnetic induction. [6] Safety belt (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation device (16) for activating the input functionality is also configured to connect the operating device (13) and the at least one actuator device (3) for signal transmission, at least for providing the operating signal (B). [7] Safety belt (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (13) has at least one operating means, wherein the at least one operating means is designed as a touch-sensitive control panel, an electronic switch, a fingerprint sensor or a microphone. [8] Motor vehicle (1) with a safety belt (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor vehicle (1) comprises at least one actuator device (3) that can be controlled by means of the control signal (B). [9] Method for operating a safety belt (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - Detecting a plug connection between the lock tongue (15) and the belt buckle (14) by means of the activation device (16), - Activating the operating device (13) to perform the input functionality by means of the activation device (16), wherein the activation device (16) comprises at least one sensor element for detecting a touch of the operating device (13), - Capturing an input of operating information using the operating device (13), and - depending on the input: providing an operating signal (B) to control the at least one associated actuator device (3) of the motor vehicle (1) by means of the operating device (13), wherein when the operating device (13) is activated, the operating device (13) is only made operable when the locking tongue (15) is fully engaged in the seat belt buckle (14), when at least a predetermined time interval has elapsed and when the sensor element signals a non-contact state of the operating device (13) at least once, and otherwise the acquisition or conversion of the operating information into the operating signal (B) is blocked.

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