Belt buckle arrangement for a vehicle and vehicle with a belt buckle arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a belt buckle arrangement (1) for vehicles (100), comprising a belt buckle (2) for receiving a belt buckle tongue, a flexible buckle strap (3) to which the belt buckle (2) is fastened, and wherein the buckle strap (3) can be fastened to the chassis (10) of the vehicle (100), a rigid plate (4) which is coupled to the buckle strap (3), wherein the rigid plate (4) is designed to ensure stability and the flexible buckle strap (3) is designed to enable increased mobility in at least one axial direction. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle (100) having at least one belt buckle arrangement (1) according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field:The present invention relates to the field of vehicle safety systems. More particularly, it relates to a vehicle buckle assembly that both meets safety requirements and provides improved occupant comfort and flexibility. Further, the present invention relates to a vehicle having a buckle assembly.Background:Current seat belt systems in vehicles are critical to occupant protection in traffic accidents. They usually consist of a belt material which has a reel and a belt buckle, also called a buckle. These safety belts are designed to restrain the occupant in the event of an impact, thus reducing the risk of injury. However, there are some limitations with these systems.EP 0 850 809 B1, for example, describes a holder for a belt buckle of a seat belt arrangement, consisting of a plurality of interconnected plates which are provided with a fastening recess, wherein the fastening recess is formed as an elongated hole, and wherein the plates are connected to one another in the region of the elongated hole, with the result that a limited movement of the plates perpendicular to the connection direction is possible.Description:An object of the present invention can therefore be seen in providing an improved belt buckle arrangement and an improved vehicle with the belt buckle arrangement.This object is achieved by a belt buckle arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle having the features of claim 10.Accordingly, the following is provided:A vehicle buckle assembly comprising a buckle for receiving a buckle tongue, a flexible buckle to which the buckle is attached, and wherein the buckle is attachable to the chassis of the vehicle, a rigid plate coupled to the buckle, wherein the rigid plate is configured to provide stability and the flexible buckle is configured to allow increased mobility in at least one axial direction.Furthermore, a vehicle with the belt buckle arrangement according to the invention is provided.The innovative seat belt buckle arrangement for vehicles, especially designed in accordance with the regulations of the ECE rule 16 and the Gabarit requirements, represents a significant advance in vehicle safety. This invention combines the advantages of a flexible lock strap with those of a rigid panel and thereby provides excellent protection for the occupants.The new buckle arrangement eliminates the major problem of conventional seat belts, lack of comfort for extended use. Its flexible nature prevents discomfort and compression points that may occur with rigid buckle assemblies.In contrast to traditional rigid belts, the new buckle arrangement allows for greater freedom of movement. This is particularly advantageous for drivers who can move more freely when controlling the vehicle without being restricted by the belt.The improved buckle assembly reduces the risk of injury caused by the belt upon impact. Its more flexible structure reduces the risk of bounces or internal injuries which may arise due to excessively strong pressure of the conventional belt.Unlike rigid belt systems, the new buckle assembly provides for individual adjustment to various body sizes and shapes. This ensures that the strap is neither too loose nor too tight, thus optimizing both comfort and protection.The advanced buckle assembly is designed to more evenly distribute the impact forces to the body during an accident. This reduces the risk of injury compared to conventional systems, which are often not optimally designed for force distribution.Thus, a seatbelt system may be provided that not only provides basic protection, but also exhibits significant improvements in comfort, flexibility, customization, and optimal force distribution during impact events. This achieves a higher level of security and user-friendliness.The belt buckle arrangement is in particular designed as part of a seat belt system, wherein the seat belt system preferably has a three-point seat belt or a two-point seat belt, wherein the seat belt is detachably connectable and / or connected to the belt buckle arrangement. In particular, the belt buckle arrangement forms a fastening point for the seat belt system.The belt buckle arrangement has a belt buckle for receiving a belt buckle tongue. The belt buckle tongue forms in particular a component of the seat belt. The belt buckle itself can receive the belt buckle tongue in particular in a releasable and / or positive-locking manner. For example, the belt buckle tongue can be inserted into the belt buckle and automatically locks there. By pressing a push button on the buckle, the buckle assembly can be released so that the three-point seatbelt is released.It is particularly advantageous that the belt buckle arrangement according to the invention can no longer be completely inserted into the belt buckle receiving pockets of a vehicle. As a result, belt buckle arrangements arranged next to one another can no longer influence one another or can even open one another accidentally. Furthermore, this embodiment of the belt buckle arrangement always maintains a defined distance between two belt buckle arrangements arranged next to one another.The belt buckle arrangement has a lock strap, wherein the lock strap is in particular non-detachably connected to the belt buckle. The lock strap is in particular configured as a textile and / or woven lock strap, in particular polyester lock strap. In particular, the lock strap is made of the same material as a seat belt. The lock strap consists, for example, of approximately 300 threads which, when woven together, result in a strap that is 46 to 48 millimeters wide and 1.2 millimeters thick. The individual filaments are in turn spun from about 100 polyester fibers. In particular, the lock strap has a width transversely to the longitudinal extent of between 3 cm and 10 cm.It is preferred that the lock strap forms a lock loop, wherein the belt buckle is suspended in the lock loop, wherein the lock loop is fixed on the lock strap via a seam region.The core of this innovation lies partially in the flexible lock strap. This is designed such that it enables increased mobility in at least one axial direction, for example in the Y axis and / or the Z axis. The axes of the belt buckle arrangement are an X axis which runs in the direction of tension of the belt buckle, a Y axis which runs perpendicularly transversely to the X axis, that is to say transversely to the direction of tension in the plane of the belt buckle, and a Z axis which runs perpendicularly with respect to the X ash and the Y axis. In the event of an accident or sudden driving maneuver, the lock strap can adapt itself better to the movements and the position of the occupant. This flexibility is critical because it allows the buckle assembly to more effectively distribute and absorb the forces acting on the occupant's body during an impact. This reduces the risk of severe injuries.Another critical part of this invention is the integration of a rigid plate. This rigid plate, which is coupled to the flexible lock strap, provides an additional stability component. In the event of an impact, it acts as a sort of manifold that helps distribute the pressure of the buckle assembly more evenly across the occupant's body. This prevents the buckle assembly from entering the occupant's body too much, which significantly reduces the risk of internal injuries.The rigid plate preferably has an identical width to the lock band. Furthermore, the length and the thickness are selected such that the belt buckle arrangement cannot completely enter receiving pockets, which may be provided for receiving the belt buckle arrangement. In particular, a predetermined distance in the X-axis direction is maintained by the rigid plate, so that the buckle cannot interfere with each other.The buckle of the buckle assembly, which is indispensable for safety, is fixed to this flexible buckle band. Easy handling ensures that the belt buckle arrangement can be closed quickly and securely. In addition to the seat belt buckle, the attachment of the lock strap to the chassis of the vehicle contributes significantly to safety. This ensures that the belt buckle arrangement is firmly connected to the vehicle and can function optimally in the event of an accident.Overall, this invention provides a comprehensive safety concept for the belt buckle arrangement. The combination of flexible lock strap and rigid plate achieves an optimum mix of flexibility and stability. This allows better adaptation to different body types and situations, which significantly improves both the protection and the comfort of the occupants. This innovative approach to buckle assembly design thus provides a higher level of safety and represents a significant advance in vehicle safety technology.According to a preferred embodiment, the flexible lock strap comprises a flexible material which can expand under load and return to its original state. The flexible lock band using a material which can expand under load and return to its original state offers a substantial improvement in comfort and safety. This feature allows the buckle assembly to accommodate the user's body movements while absorbing energy upon an impact. This reduces the risk of injury from the buckle assembly itself and increases wear comfort.According to a further preferred embodiment, the flexible lock strap comprises polyester. The use of polyester in the flexible lock strap offers various advantages. Polyester is a durable, flexible material that is well suited for safety applications. It is abrasion resistant, retains its strength even under load and is durable, which extends the life of the belt. However, the flexible lock strap may also comprise nylon, polypropylene, aramid fibers, mixed fabrics, steel or metal fibers, and / or natural fibers.According to a further preferred embodiment, the rigid plate is formed from a high-strength material, in particular a plastic, preferably PP. The use of a high strength material, in particular plastic such as polypropylene (PP), for the rigid plate improves the durability and stability of the belt system. Such a material offers a high resistance to breakage and deformation, which is of decisive importance in the event of an impact. In addition, the use of plastics can reduce the overall weight of the belt system. The rigid plate can also comprise, for example, polyamide (PA or nylon), polycarbonate (PC), aluminum, steel, composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP). Furthermore, the rigid plate may also have reinforcing ribs.According to a further preferred embodiment, the transitions between the flexible strap and the rigid plate are configured seamless and without sharp edges in order to minimize a risk of injury. The design of seamless transitions between the rigid panel and the partially flexible buckle assembly buckle strap without sharp edges minimizes the risk of skin abrasions or cuts. This is especially important in stressful situations such as an accident where such edges could cause additional injuries.According to a further preferred embodiment, the flexible lock strap is designed such that it enables movement in a plurality of directions, for example in the Y axis and / or the Z axis, in order to enable a greater freedom of movement for the user. The ability of the flexible lock band to allow multiple-directional movements provides a significant improvement in the freedom of movement for the user. This approach allows better adaptation to different body sizes and shapes, which increases both comfort and safety.According to a further preferred embodiment, the belt buckle arrangement has additional upholstery and / or coatings on the rigid plate in order to increase the wearing comfort and to avoid pressure points. Additional paddings and / or coatings on the rigid panel increase wearing comfort and prevent pressure spots. Such upholstery may help mitigate the effects of friction and pressure on the user's body during travel and particularly during a crash.According to a further preferred embodiment, the rigid plate is coupled to the lock band by means of a cohesive connection, in particular a seam, and / or a weld, and / or adhesive bonding. The cohesive connection, such as seam and / or welding and / or adhesive bonding, between the rigid plate and the lock band ensures a permanent and secure connection. This type of connection provides high strength and reliability, which is of decisive importance for the overall integrity of the seat belt system. The connection between the flexible lock strap and the rigid plate can, however, also be effected in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.According to a further preferred embodiment, the rigid plate comprises reinforcing ribs. With this configuration, the rigidity of the rigid plate, for example, in the X-axis direction can be significantly increased.According to a further preferred embodiment, the lock band has a strength which is less than the strength of the rigid plate. The determination that the flexible lock band should have a lower strength than the rigid plate is important for the balance between flexibility and stability. Lower strength in the lock band allows better energy absorption and flexibility, while the higher strength of the plate provides the necessary stability.A further subject matter of the invention relates to a vehicle having at least one of the belt buckle arrangements as described above. The vehicle can be, for example, a car, a truck, a bus, an aircraft or a ship.It is preferred that the vehicle has two of the belt buckle arrangements, wherein the belt buckle arrangements are arranged adjacent to one another, in particular contacting one another. The belt buckle arrangements are dimensioned such that the rigid plates prevent the belt buckles from opening reciprocally. In particular, the rigid plates are dimensioned such that it is ruled out that, when one of the belt buckle arrangements is extended to the maximum extent in the X direction, the other belt buckle arrangement can defrost to such an extent that the extended belt buckle arrangement can open the belt buckle of the dipped belt buckle arrangement with a disturbing contour of the belt buckle, in particular a lower edge of the belt buckle. In particular, an actuation direction of the belt buckle is oriented in the negative X direction.The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawings.Brief Description of the Drawings: FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a belt buckle arrangement according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the embodiment of the belt buckle arrangement according to the invention according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of a belt buckle arrangement according to the invention. FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the embodiment of the belt buckle arrangement according to the invention according to FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of two belt buckle arrangements according to the invention arranged side by side. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention.If appropriate, the described embodiments and developments can be combined with one another as desired. Further possible embodiments, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments, which combinations are not explicitly mentioned.The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned are evident with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with respect to each other. Identical reference numerals designate identical or similarly acting components.The buckle assembly 1 for vehicles 100 is an innovative combination of functionality and safety that redefines the conventional design of the buckle assembly 1. This buckle assembly 1 is characterized by a unique composition that differs in several aspects from conventional buckle assemblies 1.First, the buckle assembly 1 includes a buckle 2 and a flexible buckle band 3 fixed to this buckle 2. The lock strap 3 is in turn mounted on the chassis 10 of the vehicle 100.A prominent feature of this buckle assembly 1 is the integration of a rigid plate 4 coupled to the buckle band 3 at connection areas 5 and 6. The connecting regions 5 and 6 can be configured, for example, as a seam, and / or a weld, and / or an adhesive bond. However, the connecting regions 5 and 6 can also be formed positively and / or non-positively. This rigid plate 4 is specifically designed to ensure increased stability in the X-axis direction, while the flexible lock band 3 provides increased mobility in at least one axis direction, e.g., in the Y-axis direction and / or the Z-axis direction. The axes of the belt buckle arrangement 1 are an X axis which runs in the direction of tension of the belt buckle 2, a Y axis which runs perpendicularly transversely with respect to the X axis, that is to say transversely with respect to the direction of tension in the plane of the belt buckle 2, and a Z axis which runs perpendicularly with respect to the X ash and the Y axis.The flexible lock band 3 itself comprises a material which can expand under load and return to its original state. This property contributes substantially to the safety and comfort of the user.The rigid plate 4 is made of a high strength material, preferably of plastic, especially PP (polypropylene). However, the rigid plate 4 may also include, for example, polyamide (PA or nylon), polycarbonate (PC), aluminum, steel, composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP). Furthermore, the rigid plate may also have reinforcing ribs 9, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This gives the belt buckle arrangement 1 additional strength and durability, in particular in the X-axis direction.To further enhance safety, the junctions 7 and 8 between the flexible lock band 3 and the rigid plate 4 may be formed seamless and without sharp edges as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This minimizes the risk of injury from the buckle assembly 1.The flexible lock band 3 enables movements in multiple directions, in particular in the Y-axis direction and / or the Z-axis direction, in order to offer the user a greater freedom of movement. This aspect of the design is particularly important for the comfort and the ergonomicness of the belt buckle arrangement 1.Additional paddings 20 and / or coatings on the rigid panel 4, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, increase the wearing comfort and prevent pressure spots, which is of particular importance in long journeys.The rigid plate 4 is firmly connected to the lock band 3 by means of a cohesive connection by means of connecting regions 5 and 6, such as a seam, and / or welding, and / or adhesive bonding. This ensures a reliable and permanent connection between the lock band 3 and the rigid plate 4.The flexible lock band 3 includes, for example, polyester, a material known for its durability and elasticity. However, the flexible lock strap can also comprise nylon, and / or polypropylene, and / or aramid fibers, and / or mixed fabrics, and / or steel or metal fibers, and / or natural fibers.In addition, the strength of the lock band 3 may be less than the strength of the rigid plate 4, indicating a well-considered combination of flexibility and stability, particularly in the X-axis direction.FIG. 5 shows a schematic plan view of two belt buckle arrangements 1 and 1 aarranged next to one another. The belt buckle arrangement 1a has parts corresponding to the belt buckle arrangement 1. The buckle assembly 1a comprises a buckle 2a, a buckle band 3a, a rigid plate 4a, and connecting portions 5a and 6a. Furthermore, FIG. 5 shows receiving pockets 11 and 11a which are designed to receive at least part of the padlock arrangement 1 and 1a. Since the belt buckle arrangements 1 and 1 aeach have a rigid plate 4 and 4 a, a defined distance in the X-axis direction remains between the padlock arrangements 1 and 1 a, so that a mutual influencing of the belt buckles 2 and 2 a, in particular a mutual opening of the belt buckles 2 and 2 a, is ruled out.As shown in FIG. 6, the innovative buckle assembly 1 can be integrated into a vehicle 100, so that the overall safety concept of vehicles 100 can be significantly improved. By this integration, the buckle assembly 1 becomes an integral part of the vehicle safety system.List of reference numbers:1 Buckle arrangement 2 Buckle 3 Buckle band 4 Rigid plate 5 Connection areas 6 Connection areas 7 Transition 8 Transition 9 Reinforcing ribs 1 a Buckle arrangement 2 a Buckle 3 a Buckle band 4 a Rigid plate 5 a Connection areas 6 a Connection areas 10 Chassis 11 Receiving pocket 11 a Receiving pocket 20 Upholstery 100 VehicleReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedEP 0 850 809 B1

[0003]

Claims

A belt buckle arrangement (1) for vehicles (100), comprising: a belt buckle (2) for receiving a belt buckle tongue, a flexible lock strap (3) to which the belt buckle (2) is fastened, and wherein the lock strap (3) is fastenable to the chassis (10) of the vehicle (100), a rigid plate (4) coupled to the lock strap (3), wherein the rigid plate (4) is configured to ensure stability and the flexible lock strap (3) is configured to enable an increased mobility in at least one axial direction.Belt buckle arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible lock strap (3) comprises a flexible material, in particular polyester, which can expand under load and return to its original state.Belt buckle arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the rigid plate (4) is formed from a high-strength material, in particular a plastic, preferably PP.Belt buckle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transitions (7; 8) between the flexible lock strap (3) and the rigid plate (4) are configured seamless and without sharp edges in order to minimize a risk of injury.Belt buckle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible lock strap (3) is designed such that it enables movement in multiple directions in order to enable a greater freedom of movement for the user.Belt buckle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the belt buckle arrangement (1) has additional upholstery and / or coatings on the rigid plate (4) in order to increase the wearing comfort and to avoid pressure points.Belt buckle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rigid plate (4) is coupled to the lock band (3) by means of a cohesive connection (5; 6), in particular a seam, and / or a weld, and / or adhesive bonding.Belt buckle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock strap (3) has a strength which is less than the strength of the rigid plate (4).Vehicle (100) comprising the buckle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.Vehicle (100) according to claim 9, characterised bytwo of the belt buckle arrangements (1, 1a) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the belt buckle arrangements (1, 1a) are arranged adjacent to one another, wherein the belt buckle arrangements (1, 1a) are dimensioned such that a mutual opening of the belt buckles (2) is prevented by a relative displacement of the belt buckle arrangements (1, 1a) in or against the direction of tension of the belt buckle arrangements (1, 1a).

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