Occupant protection device for a motor vehicle and seat belt unit

Abstract

Occupant restraint device (1) for a motor vehicle (10) with an adaptive restraint system (2) comprising a restraint device (12) and a sensor device (3) for detecting an occupant-specific parameter, and with a control device (4) which is suitable and configured to control the restraint device (12) in the event of an accident depending on the occupant-specific parameter. The sensor device (3) includes a textile pressure sensor (13) which is integrated into a webbing (15) of a seat belt (5) and provides a multitude of spatially distributed pressure signals. An evaluation unit (23) is suitable and configured to register the pressure signals with spatial resolution and to determine a pressure distribution which describes a spatial distribution of a force exerted by the buckled person (20) on the seat belt (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an occupant protection device for a motor vehicle with at least one adaptive restraint system. The restraint system comprises at least one restraint device, at least one sensor device for detecting at least one occupant-specific parameter, and at least one control unit. The control unit is suitable and configured to control the at least one restraint device, at least in the event of an accident, depending on the occupant-specific parameter.

[0002] Occupant restraint systems are designed to minimize injuries to occupants in an accident, or ideally, prevent them entirely. However, there is a risk that the person being restrained may sustain injuries in an accident because, for example, the airbag or seatbelt is not tailored to the seating position or other specific characteristics of the occupant being restrained. Therefore, modern vehicles use so-called adaptive restraint systems, in which the restraint devices can be adjusted to the specific characteristics of the occupant being restrained.

[0003] German patent DE 103 45 726 B4 describes an adaptive restraint system in which the occupant's weight is measured using a pressure-sensitive film in the seat cushion or via weight sensors in the seat. The occupant's size and position can be determined by a camera using image processing. Based on this data, the force of a seatbelt pretensioner is adjusted.

[0004] From DE10 2020 214 871 A1, an occupant protection device is known which includes an observation device with a camera for detecting a marking on a seat belt. Based on this marking, measured values ​​are calculated to determine occupant-specific characteristics, such as posture, direction of gaze, or head position. This allows safety and comfort functions in the vehicle, such as a vehicle seat or steering wheel, to be adjusted to the occupant-specific characteristics in the event of an accident.

[0005] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved occupant protection device. Preferably, the occupant-specific parameter should be able to be determined particularly safely and reliably. Furthermore, the solution should preferably be able to be integrated into the vehicle in a space-saving and structurally simple manner.

[0006] This problem is solved by an occupant protection device with the features of claim 1. A safety belt unit according to the invention is the subject of claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0007] The occupant protection device according to the invention is intended for a motor vehicle, and in particular for a passenger car. The occupant protection device comprises at least one adaptive restraint system with at least one (adjustable) restraint device and at least one sensor device for detecting at least one occupant-specific parameter. The control unit is suitable and configured to control and, in particular, to adjust the at least one restraint device, at least in the event of an accident, depending on the occupant-specific parameter. The sensor device comprises at least one textile pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is (permanently) integrated into the webbing of a seat belt. In particular, the pressure sensor provides a plurality of spatially distributed (location-specific) pressure signals. The sensor device comprises at least one evaluation unit (functionally connected to the pressure sensor).The evaluation unit is suitable and designed to register the (location-specific) pressure signals with spatial resolution and to determine a pressure distribution (using the spatially resolved registered pressure signals). In particular, the pressure distribution describes a spatial distribution of a force exerted on the seat belt by the buckled-up person. The evaluation unit is suitable and designed to provide the pressure distribution as an occupant-specific parameter to the control unit for activating the restraint system. In particular, the control unit is suitable and designed to take the pressure distribution into account when activating the at least one restraint system, at least in the event of an accident.

[0008] The present invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is the sensor device with the textile pressure sensor integrated into the seat belt. This allows the occupant-specific parameter to be measured safely and reliably. Furthermore, the pressure distribution represents a particularly informative parameter for the individual characterization of the occupant. This allows the restraint system to be adapted very specifically to the individual characteristics of the occupant. It is also particularly advantageous that the pressure sensor can be integrated into the vehicle in a space-saving and structurally simple manner.

[0009] It is preferred and advantageous that the textile pressure sensor is woven into the webbing of the seat belt. This enables particularly reliable and space-saving integration of the pressure sensor. Furthermore, it allows for particularly reliable detection of pressure signals even over large areas of the seat belt and, for example, over its entire extendable length. In particular, the pressure sensor extends over at least one-third and preferably at least half the length of the seat belt. The pressure sensor comprises at least one thread arrangement with a plurality of (conductive) threads. The threads are textile. The threads are at least partially incorporated into the webbing and preferably woven in.

[0010] At least one restraint device can be designed as a belt tensioner. The belt tensioner serves in particular to tighten and / or retract (or also to selectively relax) the seat belt, which is equipped with the pressure sensor, especially in the event of an accident.

[0011] The at least one restraint system can be designed as an airbag system. In particular, the airbag system comprises at least one airbag unit, which can be controlled depending on the occupant-specific characteristic. The airbag system can also comprise two, three, or more airbag units. In particular, the airbag units can each be individually controlled depending on the occupant-specific characteristic.

[0012] The at least one restraint device can be designed as a seat positioning device for positioning at least a part of a seat. In particular, the seat positioning device serves to position the seat, which is equipped with the seat belt and pressure sensor. The seat can be partially or fully positionable. For example, a seat cushion and / or a backrest and / or a headrest can be adjustable. It is also possible for the seat as a whole to be adjustable along at least one axis.

[0013] The occupant protection system can also comprise at least two or at least three or more restraint devices, which are preferably each configured as described above. In particular, the control unit is suitable and configured to control the previously described configurations of the restraint device depending on the occupant-specific parameter.

[0014] It is preferred and advantageous that the control device is suitable and configured to adjust the restraint force of the seat belt (which is equipped with the pressure sensor) depending on the occupant-specific characteristic and preferably at least the pressure distribution. In particular, the control device adjusts the restraint force so that no unfavorable or dangerous pressure distributions occur. In doing so, the control device preferably takes into account, in addition to the at least one occupant-specific characteristic, further sensor-determined parameters that characterize the forces occurring in the accident.

[0015] Advantageously and preferably, the control unit is designed and configured to adjust the airbag pressure and / or seating position depending on the occupant-specific characteristic (preferably at least the pressure distribution). Particularly preferably, the control unit can coordinate the restraint force of the seat belt, the airbag pressure, and the seating position depending on the occupant-specific characteristic. For example, in the case of a pressure distribution indicating a particularly high person weight, the airbag pressure, the restraint force of the seat belt, and the seating position can be specifically coordinated. In particular, the restraint force, the seating position, and / or the airbag pressure are controlled based on the force distribution between the chest and abdomen detected by the integrated pressure sensor.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the pressure sensor is integrated into the belt fabric at least where the seat belt extends across the chest and / or abdomen during normal use. In particular, the evaluation unit is suitable and designed to determine the pressure distribution separately in a chest area and an abdominal area of ​​the seat belt. Specifically, the seat belt comprises at least one intended chest area and at least one intended abdominal area.

[0017] The evaluation unit is preferably designed and configured to calculate chest-specific pressure loads and abdominal pressure loads from the separately determined pressure distributions for the chest and abdominal regions. In particular, the evaluation unit can determine the occupant-specific parameter at least on the basis of the force distribution or pressure distribution between the chest and abdomen. Specifically, the control unit is designed and configured to adjust the restraint force of the seat belt and / or the seating position and / or the airbag pressure, at least on the basis of a force distribution or pressure distribution between the chest and abdomen.

[0018] It is possible for the evaluation unit to independently detect which section of the pressure sensor is located in the chest area and which section is located in the abdominal area. It is possible for the evaluation unit to individually determine and define the chest and abdominal sections of the seatbelt based on a measured pressure distribution. In other words, the evaluation unit can independently recognize, based on the pressure distribution, which part of the seatbelt runs across the chest and which part runs across the abdomen when a person is buckled up.

[0019] Preferably, the control device is designed and configured to adjust the restraint force of the seat belt and / or the seating position and / or the airbag pressure depending on the chest-specific and abdominal pressure load. In particular, the adjustment is made in such a way that, in the event of an accident, a targeted load distribution between the chest and abdominal areas of the seat belt can be set. In other words, knowing the chest-specific and abdominal pressure load, the control device makes a targeted adjustment of the respective restraint system so that, for example, excessive local loads on the chest and abdomen are avoided.

[0020] In particular, the determination of the occupant-specific parameter described here is carried out at least in the event of an accident and / or at least upon detection of an impending accident. In particular, the adjustment of the at least one restraint system based on the occupant-specific parameter is carried out at least in the event of an accident and / or at least upon detection of an impending accident.

[0021] In an advantageous and preferred embodiment, the control unit is designed and configured to control at least one restraint system even during normal operation (particularly without an impending accident being detected) depending on the occupant-specific characteristic and preferably at least the pressure distribution. This significantly improves comfort during travel, especially for tall, heavy, or pregnant individuals.

[0022] Preferably, the control device is designed and configured to precisely relax the seat belt and / or adjust the seating position during normal operation. It is possible that the control device takes into account the chest-specific and / or abdominal pressure load, allowing for a particularly comfortable pressure distribution between the chest and abdomen. In particular, the control device makes the adjustments described above when the pressure distribution between the chest and abdomen exceeds a certain limit.

[0023] The safety belt unit according to the invention comprises at least one safety belt and at least one textile pressure sensor integrated into the safety belt. In particular, the safety belt unit is intended for use with the occupant protection device according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The applicant reserves the right to claim the use of a textile pressure sensor integrated into a safety belt for an occupant protection device. In particular, the safety belt and the pressure sensor are designed as previously described for the occupant protection device according to the invention.

[0024] The pressure sensor reacts, in particular, to a force acting upon it by a targeted change in electrical resistance and / or capacitance. Specifically, the pressure sensor outputs the pressure signals as voltage signals. Specifically, the pressure sensor reacts, in particular, to a force acting upon it by a targeted change in electrical resistance and / or capacitance. Specifically, the change in electrical resistance and / or capacitance causes a defined change in the respective voltage signal.

[0025] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "pressure" can also be replaced by "force". In this case, the pressure sensor is specifically a force sensor and serves to determine a force distribution. For example, the force measurement can then be used not only to monitor pressure on the seat belt, but also, for example, to monitor elongation or other deformation of the seat belt.

[0026] In particular, the pressure sensor comprises at least one and preferably at least two conductive (textile) thread arrangements which are connected and, in particular, woven together with a resistive and / or capacitive (textile) layer. In particular, the layer changes its resistance and / or its capacitance depending on a force exerted upon it.

[0027] The pressure sensor has, in particular, a plurality of measuring points distributed over a detection area. Specifically, each measuring point provides at least one pressure signal (dependent on the pressure applied to the pressure sensor). The pressure sensor provides, in particular, a plurality of spatially resolved sensor signals and preferably electrical voltage signals. Specifically, the evaluation unit can detect and evaluate the pressure signals with spatial resolution. Specifically, the evaluation unit can determine the pressure distribution using the detected, spatially resolved pressure signals. The pressure distribution describes, in particular, the distribution of the individual pressure signals over a detection area of ​​the pressure sensor. The detection area of ​​the pressure sensor extends, in particular, over at least a portion of the seat belt.In particular, the detection area extends at least over those parts of the safety belt which, when used as intended, extend over the chest and / or abdomen of the person secured by the safety belt.

[0028] The pressure sensor can also be described as a textile surface sensor. The pressure signals can also be referred to as sensor signals. In particular, the pressure signals are voltage signals. In addition to the textile pressure sensor, the sensor device can include at least one further sensor unit for detecting an occupant-specific parameter. It is possible for the control device to combine the at least two occupant-specific parameters into a higher-level parameter. In particular, the control device considers, in addition to the occupant-specific parameter, at least one sensor-detected parameter that characterizes the forces acting during the accident. For example, sensor means for detecting acceleration or the like are provided.

[0029] The control unit and the evaluation unit can be integrated into a single control device or be designed separately. The control unit and / or the evaluation unit comprise, in particular, at least one algorithm for executing the steps described herein. Specifically, the control unit and / or the evaluation unit are suitable and configured to execute the steps formulated as a procedure. When, within the scope of the present invention, reference is made to a measure taken in the event of an accident, this is understood to include, in particular, the possibility of taking action upon detection of an impending accident.

[0030] The occupant-specific parameter describes, in particular, the force or pressure exerted on the seat belt by the person secured by the seat belt in an accident. The seat belt is, in particular, at least a three-point belt. The applicant reserves the right to claim a motor vehicle with an occupant protection device according to the invention. In particular, at least one occupant protection device is provided for at least some of the intended seats.

[0031] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0032] The figures show: Fig. 1 a purely schematic representation of a motor vehicle with an occupant protection device according to the invention; and Fig. 2 A detailed representation of an occupant protection device according to the invention in a cross-sectional view.

[0033] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 10 with an occupant protection device 1 according to the invention, comprising an adaptive restraint system 2, during an exemplary accident. For clarity, the side door is not shown. A person 20 is secured with a seat belt 5 on a seat 52, here the front passenger seat. The occupant protection device 1 is described here purely as an example for the front passenger seat. Additionally or alternatively, the driver's seat or at least one rear seat can also be equipped with the occupant protection device 1.

[0034] The restraint system 2 comprises, by way of example, three restraint devices 12: a belt tensioning device 22, an airbag device 32, and a seat positioning device 42. The belt tensioning device 22 serves to pretension or retract the seat belt 5. Of the airbag device 32, only one airbag unit designed as a front airbag is shown here as an example. The seat positioning device 42 can be used to position the entire seat 52 or only parts of the seat 52 (for example, the seat cushion, backrest, and / or headrest).

[0035] The restraint system 2 comprises a control unit 4 which selectively adjusts the restraint devices 12 in the event of an accident, depending on an occupant-specific parameter. This allows the belt tensioning device 22, the airbag device 32, and the seat positioning device 42 to be specifically adapted to the individual characteristics of the occupant. This significantly reduces the risk of the restrained person suffering injuries in an accident.

[0036] The occupant-specific parameter is recorded using a sensor device 3 with one or more sensor units. To determine the occupant-specific parameter particularly reliably, yet in a cost-effective and space-saving manner, at least one of the sensor units is equipped as a textile pressure sensor 13. The pressure sensor 13 is permanently integrated into the seat belt 5, for example, by being woven in. The textile pressure sensor 13 can also be referred to as an area sensor and provides a multitude of pressure signals spatially distributed along the length of the seat belt 5.

[0037] Such a safety belt 5 can also be referred to as a so-called smart textile. The invention presented here has the advantage that the function of the sensor device 3, and in particular the force and pressure measurement, is integrated into the belt fabric 15. This allows the safety belt 5 to assume a new function.

[0038] An evaluation unit 23 can register the pressure signals with spatial resolution and determine a pressure distribution from them. The pressure distribution describes a spatial distribution of the force exerted on the seat belt 5 by the buckled person 20. The pressure sensor 13 extends over the seat belt 5 so far that pressure signals can be detected at least in the areas where the chest and abdomen of the secured person 20 are located during normal use.

[0039] Evaluation unit 21 provides the determined pressure distribution to control unit 4. Evaluation unit 23 is integrated into control unit 4, for example. Control unit 4 then considers the pressure distribution, either alone or together with other sensor-detected occupant-specific parameters, to individually adjust the restraint force of the seat belt 5 to the person 20. Additionally or alternatively, the airbag pressure and / or the seat position are also adjusted in this way.

[0040] In particular, a communication and interpretation cycle is carried out before the individual restraint devices 12 are activated. For example, the pressure distribution and other data are interpreted by the control unit 4 in context-related form with other components of the vehicle 10 and other vehicle parameters, such as speed or the like.

[0041] In an exemplary variant of the occupant protection device 1, the evaluation unit 23 can separately determine the pressure distribution in a chest area 25 and in an abdominal area 35 of the seat belt 5 and calculate a chest-specific and an abdominal-specific pressure load from this. Then, in the event of an accident, the restraining force of the seat belt 5 and / or the seating position and / or the airbag pressure can be adjusted so that a targeted load distribution between the chest area 25 and the abdominal area 35 of the seat belt 5 can be set. This allows the load on the body of the buckled person 20 to be distributed particularly favorably.

[0042] In an advantageous variant, the occupant restraint device 1 shown here can also be used to improve comfort during normal operation. In this case, the control unit 4, for example, adjusts the restraint force or the seat position depending on the determined pressure distribution in order to avoid unfavorable pressure loads on the body of the buckled-up person 20 during travel.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a seat belt unit 50 with a seat belt 5 having a textile webbing 15. A textile pressure sensor 13 is permanently integrated into the webbing 15, for example, by being woven in. The seat belt unit 50 shown here can be used, for example, for the occupant protection device 1 described above. The pressure sensor 13 is part of a sensor assembly 3, as previously described in relation to the Fig.The safety belt 5 is shown here with a view to its cross-sectional area. For better illustration, the individual components are not shown to scale.

[0044] The pressure sensor 13 can, for example, react to a force acting upon it by selectively changing its electrical resistance or capacitance. For instance, the pressure sensor 13 comprises one or at least two textile thread arrangements 33, each with a plurality of conductive threads. A resistive or capacitive layer 43 is located between the thread arrangements 33. The layer 43 changes its resistance or capacitance depending on the pressure. The threads of the thread arrangements 33 are connected individually or in groups to the evaluation unit 23, enabling spatially resolved detection of the pressure or voltage signals. Reference symbol list: 1 occupant protection device 2 Restraint system 3 Sensor device 4 Control unit 5 Seatbelt 10 motor vehicle 12 Restraint system 13 Pressure sensor 15 webbing 20 people 22 Belt tensioning device 23 Evaluation unit 25 Chest area 32 Airbag system 33 Thread arrangement 35 Abdominal area 42 Seat positioning device 43rd shift 50 seat belt units 52 seats QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 103 45 726 B4

[0003] DE 10 2020 214 871 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Occupant protection device (1) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising at least one adaptive restraint system (2) with at least one restraint device (12) and with at least one sensor device (3) for detecting at least one occupant-specific characteristic variable and with at least one control device (4), wherein the control device (4) is suitable and designed to control the at least one restraint device (12) at least in the event of an accident as a function of the occupant-specific characteristic variable, characterized byin that the sensor device (3) comprises at least one textile pressure sensor (13) which is integrated into a belt fabric (15) of a safety belt (5) and provides a plurality of spatially distributed pressure signals, and in that the sensor device (3) comprises at least one evaluation unit (23) which is suitable and designed to register the pressure signals in a spatially resolved manner and to determine a pressure distribution which describes a spatial distribution of a force exerted by the belted person (20) on the safety belt (5), and to provide the pressure distribution as an occupant-specific characteristic variable to the control device (4) for controlling the restraint device (12). [2] Occupant protection device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the textile pressure sensor (13) is woven into the belt fabric (15) of the safety belt (5). [3] Occupant protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one restraint device (12) is designed as a belt tensioning device (22) and / or an airbag device (32) and / or a seat positioning device (42) for positioning at least part of a seat (52). [4] Occupant protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) is suitable and designed to adapt a restraining force of the safety belt (5) as a function of the occupant-specific characteristic variable. [5] Occupant protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) is suitable and designed to adapt an airbag pressure and / or a seat position depending on the occupant-specific characteristic variable. [6] Occupant protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure sensor (13) is integrated into the belt fabric (15) at least where the safety belt (5) extends over the chest and abdomen when used as intended, and wherein the evaluation unit (23) is suitable and designed to determine the pressure distribution in a chest region (25) of the safety belt (5) and in an abdominal region (35) of the safety belt (5) separately, and to calculate therefrom a chest-specific pressure load and an abdominal-specific pressure load. [7] Occupant protection device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (4) is suitable and designed to adapt a restraining force of the safety belt (5) and / or a seating position and / or an airbag pressure as a function of the chest-specific and the abdomen-specific pressure load, so that in the event of an accident a targeted load distribution between the chest region (25) and the abdomen region (35) of the safety belt (5) can be set. [8] Occupant protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (4) is suitable and designed to control the at least one restraint device (12) even in normal operation as a function of the occupant-specific characteristic variable and in particular at least the pressure distribution. [9] Occupant protection device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (4) relaxes the safety belt (5) in a defined manner and / or changes a seat position in a defined manner during normal operation. [10] Safety belt unit (50) with at least one safety belt (5) and with at least one textile pressure sensor (13) integrated into the safety belt (5) for an occupant protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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