Occupant protection device for a motor vehicle and safety belt unit

Abstract

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 by 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 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).

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 and at least one sensor device for detecting at least one occupant-specific parameter, as well as at least one control device. The control device is suitable and designed to control the at least one restraint device depending on the occupant-specific parameter, at least in the event of an accident.

[0002] Such occupant protection systems are designed to minimize occupant injuries in the event of an accident, or ideally, to prevent them completely. However, there is a risk that the restrained person could suffer injuries in an accident if, for example, the airbag or seatbelt is not adapted to the seating position or other specific characteristics of the occupant being restrained. Therefore, so-called adaptive restraint systems are used in modern vehicles, in which the restraint systems can be adapted to the specific characteristics of the occupant being restrained.

[0003] 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 weight sensors in the seat. The occupant's height and position can be determined by a camera using image processing. Based on this data, the force of a belt tensioner is adjusted.

[0004] DE 10 2020 214 871 A1 discloses an occupant protection device comprising a monitoring device with a camera for detecting a marking on a seat belt. The marking is used to calculate measured values ​​that are used to determine occupant-specific characteristics, such as posture, gaze direction, or head position. This allows safety functions or comfort functions in the vehicle, such as a vehicle seat or steering wheel, to be adjusted accordingly to the occupant-specific characteristics in the event of an accident.

[0005] DE 100 26 444 A1 discloses a safety belt system for motor vehicles with a belt webbing that can be unwound from a belt retractor fixed to the vehicle and guided through a buckle tongue to a vehicle-mounted end fitting. The belt webbing has an electrical conductor extending over at least a partial section. The electrical conductor can be connected to an electrical coil when the belt webbing is fastened and unwound from the belt retractor. A measuring device detects the stretching of the belt webbing occurring under the application of force and the resulting change in the electrical properties of the conductor, and evaluates the measurement signals. DE 10 2006 027 414 A1, DE 10 2006 040 244 B3, DE 10 2020 205 180 B4 and DE 11 2021 004 410 T5 disclose further features that can be used in safety belt systems for motor vehicles.

[0006] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved occupant protection device. Preferably, the occupant-specific characteristic 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.

[0007] This object is achieved by an occupant protection device having the features of claim 1. A safety belt unit according to the invention is the subject of claim 10. Preferred developments 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.

[0008] The occupant protection device according to the invention is provided 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 (adaptable) restraint device and at least one sensor device for detecting at least one occupant-specific characteristic variable and at least one sensor device. The control device is suitable and designed to control and, in particular, adapt the at least one restraint device depending on the occupant-specific characteristic variable, at least in the event of an accident. The sensor device comprises at least one textile pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is (permanently) integrated into a belt fabric 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 (operatively connected to the pressure sensor).The evaluation unit is suitable and configured to register the (location-specific) pressure signals in a spatially resolved manner 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 person. The evaluation unit is suitable and configured to provide the pressure distribution as an occupant-specific parameter to the control device for controlling the restraint device. In particular, the control device is suitable and configured to take the pressure distribution into account when controlling the at least one restraint device, at least in the event of an accident.

[0009] 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 recorded safely and reliably. Furthermore, the pressure distribution represents a particularly meaningful parameter for describing the individual occupant. This allows the restraint system to be very specifically adapted to the occupant's individual characteristics. Another particularly advantageous feature is that the pressure sensor can be integrated into the vehicle in a particularly space-saving and structurally simple manner.

[0010] It is preferred and advantageous for the textile pressure sensor to be woven into the belt fabric of the seat belt. This enables particularly reliable and, at the same time, space-saving integration of the pressure sensor. Furthermore, this enables particularly reliable detection of the pressure signals even over large areas of the seat belt and, for example, over the entire extendable length. In particular, the pressure sensor extends over at least one-third and preferably over at least half the length of the seat belt. In particular, the pressure sensor comprises at least one thread arrangement with a plurality of (conductive) threads. In particular, the threads are textile. In particular, the threads are at least partially incorporated and preferably knitted into the belt fabric.

[0011] The at least one restraint device can be designed as a belt tensioning device. The belt tensioning device serves, in particular, to tighten and / or retract (or also to selectively relax) the seat belt, which is equipped with the pressure sensor, particularly in the event of an accident.

[0012] The at least one restraint device can be designed as an airbag device. In particular, the airbag device comprises at least one airbag unit that can be controlled depending on the occupant-specific parameter. The airbag device can also comprise two or three or more airbag units. In particular, the airbag units can each be controlled individually depending on the occupant-specific parameter.

[0013] The at least one restraint device can be designed as a seat positioning device for positioning at least part of a seat. In particular, the seat positioning device serves to position the seat, which is equipped with the safety belt with the pressure sensor. The seat can be partially or fully positionable. For example, a seat surface 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.

[0014] The occupant protection device can also comprise at least two or at least three or more restraint devices, each of which is preferably configured as described above. In particular, the control device is suitable and configured to control the previously described configurations of the restraint device depending on the occupant-specific characteristic variable.

[0015] It is preferred and advantageous that the control device is suitable and configured to adjust the restraining force of the seat belt (which is equipped with the pressure sensor) depending on the occupant-specific parameter and preferably at least the pressure distribution. In particular, the control device adjusts the restraining force so that no unfavorable or dangerous pressure distributions occur. In addition to the at least one occupant-specific parameter, the control device preferably also takes into account other sensor-determined parameters that characterize the forces occurring during the accident.

[0016] It is advantageous and preferred that the control device is suitable and designed to adapt an airbag pressure and / or a seat position depending on the occupant-specific parameter (preferably at least the pressure distribution). Particularly preferably, the control device can coordinate the restraining force of the seat belt, the airbag pressure, and the seat position depending on the occupant-specific parameter. For example, in the case of a pressure distribution that indicates a particularly high person's weight, the airbag pressure, the restraining force of the seat belt, and the seat position can be specifically coordinated. In particular, the restraining force, the seat position, and / or the airbag pressure are controlled based on the force distribution between the chest and abdomen detected by the integrated pressure sensor.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the pressure sensor is integrated into the belt fabric at least where the seat belt extends over the chest and / or abdomen during intended use. In particular, the evaluation unit is suitable and designed to separately determine the pressure distribution in a chest area of ​​the seat belt and in an abdominal area of ​​the seat belt. In particular, the seat belt comprises at least one intended chest area and at least one intended abdominal area.

[0018] The evaluation unit is preferably suitable and configured to calculate a chest-specific pressure load and an abdomen-specific pressure load from the separately determined pressure distributions for the chest area and the abdomen area. In particular, the evaluation unit can determine the occupant-specific parameter at least based on the force distribution or pressure distribution between the chest and abdomen. In particular, the control device is suitable and configured to adjust the restraint force of the seat belt and / or the seating position and / or the airbag pressure at least based on a force distribution or pressure distribution between the chest and abdomen.

[0019] 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 of the pressure sensor is located in the abdominal area. It is possible for the evaluation unit to individually determine and define the chest and abdominal areas of the seat belt based on a recorded pressure distribution. In other words, based on the pressure distribution, the evaluation unit can independently detect which part of the seat belt runs across the chest and which part of the seat belt runs across the abdomen when a person is buckled in.

[0020] Preferably, the control device is suitable and configured to adjust the restraining force of the seat belt and / or the seating position and / or the airbag pressure depending on the chest-specific and abdominal pressure loads. In particular, the adjustment is performed 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 adjusted. In other words, knowing the chest-specific and abdominal pressure loads, the control device makes a targeted adjustment of the respective restraint device so that, for example, excessive local loads on the chest and abdomen are avoided.

[0021] In particular, the determination of the occupant-specific characteristic described here occurs 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 device as a function of the occupant-specific characteristic occurs at least in the event of an accident and / or at least upon detection of an impending accident.

[0022] In an advantageous and preferred development, the control device is suitable and configured to control the at least one restraint device, even during normal operation (in particular without an impending accident being detected), depending on the occupant-specific characteristic and preferably at least the pressure distribution. This can significantly improve comfort during the journey, for example, for tall or heavy or pregnant persons.

[0023] Preferably, the control device is suitable and configured to release the seat belt in a defined manner during normal operation and / or to change a seat position in a defined manner. It is possible for the control device to take into account the chest-specific and / or abdominal pressure load, so that a particularly comfortable pressure distribution between the chest and abdomen can be set. In particular, the control device makes the previously described adjustments if the pressure distribution between the chest and abdomen exceeds a certain limit.

[0024] The seat belt unit according to the invention comprises at least one seat belt and at least one textile pressure sensor integrated into the seat belt. In particular, the seat 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 seat belt for an occupant protection device. In particular, the seat belt and the pressure sensor are designed as previously described for the occupant protection device according to the invention.

[0025] The pressure sensor reacts, in particular, depending on a force acting on it with a targeted change in electrical resistance and / or a targeted change in capacitance. In particular, the pressure sensor then outputs the pressure signals as voltage signals. In particular, the pressure sensor reacts, in particular, depending on a force acting on it with a targeted change in electrical resistance and / or a targeted change in capacitance. In particular, the change in electrical resistance and / or the change in capacitance causes a defined change in the respective voltage signal.

[0026] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "pressure" can also be replaced by "force." In this case, the pressure sensor is, in particular, 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 stretching or other deformation of the seat belt.

[0027] 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 with a resistive and / or capacitive (textile) layer. In particular, the layer changes its resistance and / or capacitance depending on the force exerted on it.

[0028] The pressure sensor has, in particular, a plurality of measuring points distributed across a detection area. In particular, the measuring points each provide at least one pressure signal (dependent on the pressure acting on the pressure sensor). In particular, the pressure sensor provides a plurality of spatially resolved sensor signals and preferably electrical voltage signals. In particular, the evaluation unit can detect and evaluate the pressure signals in a spatially resolved manner. In particular, the evaluation unit can determine the pressure distribution using the detected spatially resolved pressure signals. The pressure distribution describes, in particular, a distribution of the individual pressure signals across a detection area of ​​the pressure sensor. The detection area of ​​the pressure sensor extends, in particular, over at least part 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 stomach of the person secured with the safety belt.

[0029] The pressure sensor can also be referred to 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 have at least one further sensor unit for detecting an occupant-specific characteristic. It is possible for the control device to combine the at least two occupant-specific characteristics to form a higher-level characteristic. In particular, in addition to the occupant-specific characteristic, the control device also takes into account 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.

[0030] The control device and the evaluation unit can be integrated into a control unit or be designed separately. The control device and / or the evaluation unit comprise, in particular, at least one algorithm for executing the steps described here. In particular, the control device and / or the evaluation unit are suitable and designed to execute the steps formulated in a procedural manner. When, within the scope of the present invention, reference is made to a measure in the event of an accident, this is also understood, in particular, to mean that the measure can be implemented upon detection of an impending accident.

[0031] The occupant-specific characteristic describes, in particular, the force or pressure exerted on the seat belt by the person secured with the seat belt during 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 designated seats.

[0032] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 10 with an occupant protection device 1 according to the invention, including an adaptive restraint system 2, during an exemplary accident. For clarity, the side door has been omitted. A person 20 is strapped into a seat 52, here the front passenger seat, with a seatbelt 5. 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.

[0035] The restraint system 2 comprises, purely by way of example, three restraint devices 12, namely a belt tensioning device 22 and an airbag device 32, as well as 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 just parts of the seat 52 (e.g., the seat surface, backrest, and / or headrest).

[0036] The restraint system 2 comprises a control device 4, which specifically adjusts the restraint devices 12 in the event of an accident based 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 adjusted to the individual characteristics of the occupant. This significantly reduces the risk of the restrained person suffering injury in an accident.

[0037] The occupant-specific parameter is detected using a sensor device 3 with one or more sensor units. To determine the occupant-specific parameter particularly reliably, while simultaneously being inexpensive and space-saving, at least one of the sensor units is equipped with a textile pressure sensor 13. The pressure sensor 13 is permanently integrated into the seat belt 5, for example, woven into it. The textile pressure sensor 13 can also be referred to as an area sensor and provides a plurality of pressure signals spatially distributed along the length of the seat belt 5.

[0038] Such a seat belt 5 can also be referred to as a so-called smart textile. The invention presented here therefore 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 seat belt 5 to assume a new function in this sense.

[0039] An evaluation unit 23 can record the pressure signals with spatial resolution and determine a pressure distribution from them. The pressure distribution describes the spatial distribution of the force exerted by the buckled-in person 20 on the seat belt 5. The pressure sensor 13 extends far enough across the seat belt 5 that pressure signals can be recorded at least where the chest and abdomen of the secured person 20 are located during intended use.

[0040] The evaluation unit 21 provides the determined pressure distribution to the control device 4. The evaluation unit 23 is integrated here, for example, into the control device 4. The control device 4 then considers the pressure distribution alone or together with other sensor-detected occupant-specific parameters in order to individually adjust the restraining 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.

[0041] In particular, a communication and interpretation cycle is performed before the individual restraint devices 12 are activated. For example, the pressure distribution and other data are interpreted by the control device 4 in a context-related manner with other components of the vehicle 10 and other vehicle parameters, such as speed or the like.

[0042] 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 such that a targeted load distribution between the chest area 25 and abdominal area 35 of the seat belt 5 can be set. This allows the load to be distributed particularly favorably on the body of the belted person 20.

[0043] In an advantageous variant, the occupant protection device 1 shown here can also be used to improve comfort during normal operation. The control device 4 then adjusts, for example, the restraint force or the seat position depending on the determined pressure distribution in order to avoid adverse pressure loads on the body of the belted person 20 while driving.

[0044] The Fig. 2 shows a safety belt unit 50 with a safety belt 5 with a textile belt fabric 15. A textile pressure sensor 13 is firmly integrated and, for example, woven into the belt fabric 15. The safety belt unit 50 shown here can be used, for example, for the previously described occupant protection device 1. The pressure sensor 13 is part of a sensor device 3, as previously described with reference to the Fig.1. The seat belt 5 is shown here with a view of its cross-sectional area. For clarity, the individual components are not shown to scale.

[0045] The pressure sensor 13 can react, for example, depending on a force acting on it with a targeted change in electrical resistance or a targeted change in capacitance. For example, 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 signals or voltage signals. List of reference symbols: 1 occupant protection device 2 Restraint system 3 Sensor device 4 Control device 5 Seat belt 10 motor vehicle 12 Restraint device 13 Pressure sensor 15 belt fabric 20 people 22 Belt tensioning device 23 Evaluation unit 25 Chest area 32 Airbag device 33 Thread arrangement 35 Abdominal area 42 Seat positioning device 43 shift 50 seat belt unit 52 seats

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 by , 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 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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