Procedures for operating a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle with a belt arrangement for restraining an occupant seated in a vehicle seat of the motor vehicle, characterized by the following steps: - Recording of at least one piece of information about a measure by an initial recording device, - Check at least one action condition that indicates a possible poor fit of a belt in the belt assembly, depending on the recorded at least one action information, - If at least one of the conditions for the measure is met: - Loosening of the belt via at least one belt actuator acting on the belt at the beginning of a repositioning period, - Recording of closing information by a second recording device, - Verification of at least one closing condition indicating the completion of the repositioning period, depending on the captured closing information, - Upon fulfillment of at least one of the at least one termination condition, the belt is tightened via the at least one belt actuator to end the repositioning period.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle with a belt arrangement for restraining an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat of the motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] When a passenger gets into a motor vehicle, they must fasten their seat belt for safety reasons. However, little attention is often paid to the correct positioning and route of the belt. Many passengers do not have a solid understanding of how to optimally fasten the belt or where it should ideally run over the shoulder. The function of adjusting the belt using a height adjustment on the B-pillar is often not used, or the occupant simply lacks the know-how to adjust it correctly. As a result, an incorrect adjustment can result in the belt running either too close to the neck or too close to the shoulder, which, in the latter case, can cause the belt to slip down. This could result in the occupant not being optimally secured in the event of an accident, which could lead to further unintended consequences.

[0003] DE 10 2007 023 141 A1 describes a method for adjusting and / or resetting at least one comfort and / or safety system in a motor vehicle using image and / or film data. The comfort and / or safety system includes, among other things, a mirror adjustment system, a seat adjustment system, an air conditioning system, and / or a seat belt system.

[0004] DE 10 2013 021 812 A1 describes a method for determining a body part of a vehicle occupant, in particular a first and a second shoulder, using a detection device. An anthropometric data model is created for controlling a height adjustment device of a seat belt, taking into account a determined spatial position of the second shoulder.

[0005] DE 10 2015 219 237 A1 describes a method for automatically adjusting one or more comfort and / or safety systems in a motor vehicle. Position data relating to the eyes of the driver seated in the motor vehicle are determined using a detection device. Furthermore, the shoulder positions of the occupants can be determined from the position data of the detection device, which can be used to determine target position data for a comfort and / or safety system in the form of an actuator-adjustable seat belt system.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a novel method for operating a motor vehicle with which safety can be increased when using a belt arrangement.

[0007] To achieve this object, the invention provides a method for operating a motor vehicle with a belt arrangement for holding an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat of the motor vehicle, which is characterized by the following steps: - Recording at least one item of information about measures by a first recording device, - checking at least one action condition indicating a possible poor fit of a belt of the belt arrangement, depending on the at least one action information item detected, - If at least one of the at least one measure condition is fulfilled: - Loosening the belt via at least one belt actuator acting on the belt at the beginning of a repositioning period, - Recording of final information by a second recording device, - Checking at least one closing condition indicating completion of the repositioning period, depending on the closing information recorded, - If at least one of the at least one termination condition is met, the belt is tightened via the at least one belt actuator to end the repositioning period.

[0008] The loosening of the belt also serves as a haptic cue to the occupant. One advantage of this procedure is that, based on this and any other indications of a potentially incorrect belt path, the occupant has the opportunity to correct it, which contributes to increased safety. A further advantage of this procedure arises from the fact that the belt is loosened at the beginning of the repositioning period. This allows more leeway for correcting the belt and, unlike other approaches, does not continuously tighten the belt, which would result in an increasing constriction of the occupant and, consequently, a loss of comfort.

[0009] In the first step, at least one item of action information is recorded by a first recording device. The action information that is recorded can, for example, describe the path of the belt, a time sequence and / or the occurrence of a situation that is particularly suitable for checking the fit of the belt and / or in which slipping may have occurred. A suitable situation can, for example, be a standstill at a traffic light and a situation in which the belt can slip, e.g. sudden braking. In the next step, at least one action condition is checked depending on the at least one item of action information recorded. This means that, depending on which item of action information was recorded, the action condition checks the path of a belt and / or whether a certain time window has expired. If at least one of the at least one action condition is met, e.g. if the belt is not fitting well orOnce the specified time window has elapsed, the belt is loosened by at least one belt actuator acting on it, causing the occupant to experience a tactile stimulus. This begins the repositioning period.

[0010] During this repositioning period, the occupant has the opportunity to reposition the possibly poorly fitting belt and to correct it in the process. In the next step, final information is recorded via a second recording device. The final information can, for example, describe information about the path of the belt and / or a period of time that has passed. Following this, at least one final condition, which, if met, indicates the end of the repositioning period, is checked depending on the recorded final information. Preferably, the path of the belt is checked again. Optionally, however, it is also possible to check whether a further specific time window, in particular a maximum duration of the repositioning period, has expired. If at least one of the at least one final condition is met, i.e. the belt is now running correctly orIf the further specified time window of the repositioning period has expired, the belt is tightened via at least one belt actuator and the repositioning period is thus ended.

[0011] For both the action condition and the completion condition, it naturally applies that if the action condition is not met, updated action information or completion information is determined in a subsequent time step, for example, cyclically, to check whether at least one of the respective conditions is now met. Regardless of this, it is useful if, when several respective conditions exist, the fulfillment of exactly one of the multiple conditions is sufficient.

[0012] According to a preferred development of the invention, at least one of the at least one second detection device can correspond to a first detection device. This means that the first and second detection devices do not necessarily have to be two different detection devices, but rather that the same detection device can at least partially detect both the measure information and the completion information. This, in turn, can mean that the phrase "first and second detection device" should be understood here more in a temporal context.

[0013] Preferably, a timer can be used as the first and / or second detection device, wherein - the action condition checks whether a first predetermined action period has elapsed since the start of a usage period of the belt arrangement and / or whether a second predetermined action period has elapsed since the end of the last repositioning period, and / or - the completion condition checks whether a predetermined maximum period of time has passed since the start of the repositioning period.

[0014] A clock or a timer can act as a timer, which, as described above, can be used in three different situations. For example, it can first be checked whether a first predetermined action period has elapsed since the start of a usage period of the belt arrangement. The usage period can begin, for example, when the belt is fastened, but also when the motor vehicle is started and / or a journey begins. The first predetermined action period can be, for example, 1-20 seconds, preferably 5-10 seconds. As a second option, it is conceivable to regularly suspect a possible poor fit of the belt at certain intervals and to provide repositioning periods. The second action period can be, for example, 1-5 hours, preferably 1-3 hours.It has been shown that after such periods, the probability that the belt is not fitting properly, for example, has slipped, is sufficiently high to justify a repositioning period – which can also be used by the user to check the seat. Finally, a time can also be useful as final information to establish a maximum duration for the repositioning period. In this way, it can be ensured that the repositioning period is ended and the belt is retightened to maintain a high level of safety. The maximum duration can be, for example, 1-20 seconds, preferably 5-10 seconds. In a further development of the invention, these time intervals, in particular the first two predetermined action periods mentioned, can also be adjustable by the user, so that the intervals for checking the correct fit of the belt can be shortened or extended depending on the occupant's wishes and needs.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, to determine first deviation information, a piece of course information describing an actual course of the belt can be determined as action information and compared with comparison information describing a target course, wherein at least one of the at least one action condition is fulfilled when a predetermined deviation magnitude is exceeded by the first deviation information. The target course can already be stored by the manufacturer in a control device of the motor vehicle and thus be predefined. Preferably, however, not only is a standardized target course predefined, but different body sizes and circumferences of people can be taken into account, whereby the corresponding target course also changes. For example, a child with a small body size has a different target course of the belt than a fully grown person.In addition, different positions of the vehicle seat can also be taken into account. For example, the target course may be different for a vehicle seat that is tilted far back than for a fully upright position. The determined deviation information can be transmitted to or retrieved from a control unit, which then determines control parameters based on the deviation information. Checking for correct seating as part of the action condition has the advantage that a repositioning period is only provided when necessary, allowing for a timely response.

[0016] Expediently and particularly preferably, to determine a second deviation information, a course information describing an actual course can be determined as final information and compared with a comparison information describing a target course, wherein at least one of the at least one final condition is fulfilled when the second deviation information falls below a predetermined deviation level or the predetermined deviation level. The determination of the second deviation information thus takes place after the possible correction of the belt by the occupant, wherein the fulfillment of the final condition ultimately initiates the conclusion of the repositioning period. However, the occupant does not have to carry out the possible correction of the belt in such a way that there is complete agreement between the belt course and the target course, but the action condition can already be fulfilled, i.e.indicate a sufficiently correct belt path if the determined deviation does not exceed a predetermined deviation magnitude as a threshold value. With regard to the comparison information, what has been said regarding the first deviation information applies accordingly, whereby the same comparison information can advantageously be used, in particular when determining first deviation information and second deviation information. The threshold values, i.e. the deviation magnitudes, can then also be the same, whereby in an expedient further development the second deviation magnitude can be smaller than the first deviation magnitude so that a slight slippage does not immediately start the next repositioning period. The determined deviation information can be transmitted to or retrieved from a control device, which then determines control parameters based on the deviation information.Checking the correct fit during the repositioning period has the advantage that the repositioning period is completed promptly when the belt fits well again, thus eliminating the need to wait for the maximum time.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, the path information can be determined from image data of an interior camera of the motor vehicle that detects the vehicle seat as the first and / or second detection device and / or can be determined as a belt length that can be retracted by means of a reversible belt tensioner as the first and / or second detection device. The interior camera can thus record image data that detect the actual path of the belt, the path information for which can then be compared in a further step with the comparison information of the target path. The detection of the belt path via the interior camera can take place continuously and is not limited to a specific period of time. This ensures that as soon as the belt slips and no longer corresponds to the target path, the repositioning period can be initiated, during which the occupant has the opportunity to correct their belt path.The path can be extracted from the image data using suitable image processing, for example, by detecting the belt and thus its path. When captured using a reversible belt tensioner, the tensile force limit is detected. This allows the reversible belt tensioner to detect a poorly fitting belt if, for example, a large amount of belt webbing was wound up during belt tensioning before the desired tensile force limit was reached.

[0018] It can be particularly advantageous to provide for at least two end conditions to be checked, one using the second deviation information, i.e. the information about the belt path, and the other checking the expiry of the predetermined maximum time period. The repositioning period can then be ended early if the occupant has correctly repositioned the belt, and at the same time, an excessively long duration of the repositioning period can be avoided for safety reasons. Additionally or alternatively, for the fulfillment of each of the end conditions, the interior camera can be used to check that the occupant is not touching the belt with their hand, in particular that no fingers are underneath the belt. In this way, pinching of fingers and the like when tightening the belt can be avoided.

[0019] Preferably, at least one of the belt actuators can be a reversible belt tensioner, a belt buckle tensioner, and / or an electric belt height adjuster. To loosen the belt, the reversible belt tensioner can actively unwind the spool, the belt buckle tensioner can extend a belt buckle, and / or the electric belt height adjuster can lower the belt exit point, for example, at the B-pillar of the motor vehicle. At the beginning of the repositioning period, the belt is expediently loosened by only a few millimeters, for example, in a range of 2-10 mm, so as not to endanger the safety of the occupant. Advantageously, when the belt is tightened, it can be tightened up to a predetermined tensile force and / or, in particular upon fulfillment of a final condition indicating the achievement of a maximum duration, by the loosening distance, thereby ending the repositioning period.Preferably, the same belt actuator is used to tighten the belt as was used to loosen the belt. This ensures that the respective belt actuator can reverse its action to loosen the belt or, if successfully repositioned, restore the correct tension.

[0020] Conveniently, the occupant can be informed of the loosening of the belt by means of at least one visual and / or acoustic signal via an output device of the motor vehicle. The signal can be implemented, for example, via announcements or tones via a loudspeaker, or via a display or the flashing of a light. In this way, in addition to the tactile stimulus experienced by the loosening of the belt, the occupant can be made aware of the loosening of the belt and reliably recognize the start of the repositioning period.

[0021] Furthermore, within the repositioning period, at least one of the at least one optical and / or acoustic signals can be repeated at regular intervals and / or output continuously. To ensure that this indication in the form of an optical and / or acoustic signal is only output during the repositioning period, an indication condition can be checked, in particular using the timer used as the first and / or second detection device, which at least indicates that the repositioning period is active. If output regularly, it can additionally check whether the regular time interval has elapsed since the last output.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, the occupant can be given visual and / or acoustic information during the repositioning period as an aid to repositioning the belt via an output device of the motor vehicle. The output device can comprise the above-mentioned output means, in particular a display, a lamp or loudspeaker, and / or further output means. Accordingly, the information can comprise at least one image and / or an animation and / or a film and / or spoken explanations. The images and / or animations and / or films can be pre-programmed by the manufacturer. Optionally, the images and / or films can depict the situation of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat in real time. Furthermore, the real-time images orReal-time videos can be overlaid with animations, particularly arrows or geometric shapes, that serve as additional assistance to the occupant to facilitate belt adjustment. Generally, the information indicates how the occupant can best achieve a correct belt fit.

[0023] Furthermore, the advisory information can be determined at least partially using detection information determined with the second detection device, in particular the final information, preferably the second deviation information. This has the advantage that, in particular, the belt path is not only checked in the final condition, but is also used simultaneously to specifically assist the occupant in correcting the belt path and to improve the advisory information. Optionally, the detection information can also be recorded independently of the final information.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one vehicle seat, a belt arrangement, a detection device, at least one belt actuator, and a control device configured to carry out the method described above. All statements regarding the method according to the invention can be applied analogously to the motor vehicle according to the invention and vice versa, so that the same advantages can be achieved.

[0025] All devices or functional components integrated into the method, in particular at least the control device, can have a suitable processor device with suitable software for performing the respective required function and / or a storage device. The at least one detection device can be used as the first and / or second detection device.

[0026] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention for operating a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle seat required for the method according to the invention for operating a motor vehicle, wherein an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat is belted to the vehicle seat via a belt arrangement, Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a vehicle seat required for the method according to the invention for operating a motor vehicle and the belt actuators for a belt arrangement arranged thereon and on a B-pillar, and Fig. 4 a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic flow diagram 1 of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for operating a motor vehicle 3 (see Fig. 4). Since this method is associated with the active use, i.e. the operation, of the motor vehicle 3, in a first step 2, a passenger 4 must first sit down on a vehicle seat 5 arranged in the motor vehicle 3 and fasten himself with a belt 6 of a belt arrangement 7 belonging to the respective vehicle seat 4 (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4). Thus, a period of use of the belt arrangement 7 begins. In a second step 10, cf. Fig. 1, a piece of action information can be determined. The first detection device 8 can be a timer and / or an interior camera and / or a reversible belt tensioner 9. If the first detection device 8 is a timer, an action condition to be checked relates to the expiration of a first predetermined action period since the beginning of the usage period in step 2. The first action period is preferably 5-10 seconds. If the action information is detected via the interior camera, this provides image data about an actual course of the belt 6. If the action information is detected via the reversible belt tensioner 9, this provides data about a retractable length until a tensile force limit is reached. Another conceivable piece of action information can also describe the existence of a specific driving situation.For example, due to heavy braking, which describes the action information and can be determined in particular via a braking system of the motor vehicle or the reversible belt tensioner 9, there may be a risk that the belt 6 will slip.

[0028] In the third step 11, at least one action condition is checked depending on the at least one action information recorded.

[0029] This means that when the action information is recorded via the timer, a check is carried out to determine whether a specific time has elapsed. When checking since the start of the usage period, this is preferably 5-10 seconds as the first action time period. A further action condition checks whether a second action time period, which can be 1 to 3 hours, for example, has elapsed since the last time an action condition was met. When the action information is recorded via the interior camera, determined history information for belt 6 describing the actual history, which represents the action information, is compared with manufacturer-programmed and predefined comparison information for belt 6 describing a target history, and initial deviation information is determined based on any deviations.If the deviation between the process information describing the actual process as action information and the comparison information describing the target process exceeds a predetermined threshold, this action condition is met. If any of these action conditions is met, the next step 12 of the method is initiated. If none of the action conditions is met, i.e., if the applicable action period has not yet expired or the process information describing the actual process corresponds to the comparison information defining the target process, the next time step returns to the second step 10 of the method to determine updated action information.

[0030] In the fourth step 12, if at least one of the at least one action condition is met, the belt 6 is loosened via at least one belt actuator 13 acting on the belt 6, thereby initiating the start of the repositioning period. The belt 6 can be loosened by a few millimeters, preferably 2-10 mm, via one of three different belt actuators 13.

[0031] Concrete possibilities for loosening the belt 6 are shown by Fig. 3. Preferably, the belt 6 is loosened via the reversible belt tensioner 9 by actively unwinding a belt spool 14 (arrow 30). However, loosening the belt 6 by means of a belt buckle tensioner 15, in which a belt buckle 16 is extended for loosening (arrow 31), is also conceivable. Finally, the belt 6 can also be loosened by means of an electric belt height adjuster 17, in which a belt exit point 18 on a B-pillar 19 is lowered (arrow 32).

[0032] By loosening the belt 6 by means of at least one of the three belt actuators 13, the occupant 4 experiences a haptic stimulus that not only indicates that the belt 6 has been loosened, but also that the repositioning period begins, during which the occupant 4 can make a correction to the belt 6. In addition, acoustic and / or visual signals are also output to the occupant 4, informing them of the loosening of the belt 6. This can occur, in particular, by the sound of a tone or a tone sequence or a spoken message and / or by a display or a flashing light.

[0033] After the occupant 4 has been alerted by loosening the belt 6 or by the corresponding signals that their belt 6 may not be positioned correctly, they have the opportunity to correct the belt's position within the repositioning period. As will be explained in more detail below, the repositioning period preferably covers a maximum period of 5-10 seconds. While it is conceivable that this maximum period could be adjusted by the user and thus extended, this is not recommended for safety reasons.

[0034] In the fifth step 21, final information is acquired via at least one second detection device 20. At least one second detection device 20 can correspond to one of the at least one first detection device 8. Preferably, however, an interior camera is used as the second detection device, which captures the belt path after any correction made by the occupant 4.

[0035] The closing information is recorded continuously during the repositioning period.

[0036] During the repositioning period, the occupant 4 is provided with information to assist in correcting the belt path by displaying information and / or giving instructions via loudspeakers. The information on the display is preferably images, animations, or films that illustrate to the occupant 4 how to position the belt 6 so that the actual path of the belt 6 corresponds to the optimal target path. Preferably, in a sixth step 22, the information is also determined at least partially using detection information determined with the second detection device 20, in particular at least the portion of the final information directed at the path of the belt 6. A comparison with the target path can again be made according to the comparison information in order to generate suitable information. This information can also serve as an aid to the occupant 4.For example, it is possible for the captured information to be displayed in the form of real-time images. The real-time images can then be overlaid with animations, such as arrows, to provide the occupant 4 with targeted assistance and illustrate how to position the belt 6.

[0037] In the seventh step 23, at least one termination condition, in this case two termination conditions, is checked depending on the acquired termination information. The belt path, which was acquired as termination information preferably via the interior camera, is compared in one of the termination conditions as the actual path information of the belt 6 with the manufacturer-programmed and thus predefined comparison information of the belt 6 describing the target path, and a second deviation information is determined based on any deviations. If a predetermined threshold value of a deviation between the path information describing the actual path and the comparison information describing the target path is not exceeded, the at least one termination condition is met and the next step is initiated.This means that if the belt path corresponds to the desired path after any correction made by the occupant 4, or if the deviation between the belt path and the desired path is below the predetermined threshold, at least one of the final conditions for a correct belt path is met, thereby ending the repositioning period. However, if the occupant 4 has not made any correction or has made an incorrect correction, so that the deviation between the belt path and the desired path is above the predetermined threshold, this final condition is not met. If the other final condition is also not met, the current situation can be tracked in real time because this check takes place continuously within the repositioning period, i.e., in every time step.In particular, if the indication information is determined using the final information, real-time images can be provided to the occupant via the display, which make it easier for him to position the belt 6 correctly, since they provide indications adapted to the current situation, as described above.

[0038] In the event that the passenger 4 cannot or does not want to make any adjustments to the belt 6, and thus the deviation between the belt path and the target path is above a certain threshold, the second termination condition in step 23 checks whether a predetermined maximum time period, preferably 5-10 seconds, has elapsed since the start of the repositioning period. If this is the case, the repositioning period is ended, regardless of whether a correction of the belt path has been made or was successful, and the next step of the method is initiated.In summary, this means that two final conditions are checked for the termination of the repositioning period, the first final condition relating to the belt path, which is preferably determined via the interior camera, and the second final condition relating to the time window in which the correction of the belt 6 can take place, thus compliance with the maximum time period.

[0039] In the eighth and final step 29, if at least one of the at least one completion conditions is met, the belt 6 is tightened via the at least one belt actuator 13, thereby ending the repositioning period. As already explained, the repositioning period ends either by the correct positioning of the belt 6 or by exceeding the maximum time for the repositioning period. The tightening of the belt 6 preferably takes place via the same belt actuator 13 via which the belt 6 was loosened at the beginning of the repositioning period. Specifically, if the belt 6 was loosened via the reversible belt tensioner 9, the belt spool 14 is actively wound up, which leads to the tightening of the belt 6. If the belt 6 was loosened via the belt buckle tensioner 15, the belt buckle 16 is returned to its original or a suitable position after extension, thereby tightening the belt 6.If the belt 6 has been loosened via the electric belt height adjuster 17, the belt exit point 18 on the B-pillar 19 is raised to its original or a suitable position to tighten the belt 6. Suitable tightening or repositioning can occur, for example, according to a target tensile force, particularly when repositioning the occupant 4 is performed.

[0040] In the event that the belt 6 is not correctly seated even after the end of the repositioning period and an action condition is used that evaluates the belt path, it is expedient to block the initiation of a repositioning period for a blocking period, in particular 10-15 minutes, and only then, for example, to resume checking the fulfillment of the action conditions in the second step 10.

[0041] Then, or otherwise directly after the belt 6 has been tightened again in step 29, the action information is determined by returning to step 10 and, if the at least one action condition is met, the occupant 4 is again made aware by loosening the belt 6 and emitting optical and / or acoustic signals that the belt 6 is not sitting correctly and that the belt path must therefore be corrected.

[0042] The detection of the belt path or the retractable belt length of the belt 6 by means of the reversible belt tensioner 9 is preferably carried out continuously during operation of the motor vehicle 3. Additionally, the second predetermined action period, which is defined from the end of the last repositioning period, can also be checked via the timer, in particular a timer. This second action period preferably has a duration of 1-3 hours. Optionally, the time intervals, in particular the first and second action periods, can be shortened or extended by the user.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the vehicle seat 5 required for the method according to the invention for operating the motor vehicle 3, wherein the occupant 4 sitting on the vehicle seat 5 is belted to the vehicle seat 5 via the belt arrangement 7. The Fig. The passenger 4 shown in Figure 2 is also the driver. It should be noted, however, that the method for operating a motor vehicle 3 does not only refer to the driver of the motor vehicle 3, but can be applied to any passenger sitting on a vehicle seat 5 within the motor vehicle 3.

[0044] At the beginning of the usage period, the passenger 4 gets into the motor vehicle 3, fastens the belt 6, and starts the motor vehicle 3. As soon as the motor vehicle 3 has started or the passenger 4 has fastened the belt, the method according to the invention also begins. This means that a possibly poorly fitting belt 6 is detected by a first detection device 8, preferably an interior camera. As shown in Fig. 2, the belt path 26, 27 may, for example, run too close to the neck 24 or too close to the shoulder 25 due to incorrect or poor adjustment. Such a path does not correspond to the optimal belt path that offers the occupant 4 ideal safety in the event of a crash. Upon detection of such a belt path 26, 27 and determination of the fulfillment of the first deviation condition by comparing the path information describing the actual path as action information with the comparison information describing the desired path, the belt 6 is then slightly loosened, in particular by 2-10 mm, via the belt actuator 13, preferably the reversible belt tensioner 9, whereby the repositioning period begins.

[0045] Due to the loosening of the belt 6, the occupant 4 experiences a haptic stimulus which indicates to them that an adjustment of the belt 6 is necessary. In addition, the occupant 4 is also alerted to the loosening of the belt 6 via optical and / or acoustic signals. During the repositioning period, which preferably lasts 5-10 seconds, the occupant 4 now has the opportunity to make a correction to the belt path 26, 27. During this time, final information is determined via the second detection device 20, which is again preferably the interior camera. This means that the path of the belt 6 is detected and a second deviation information is determined and the first termination condition is checked by comparing the path information describing the actual path of the belt 6 with the comparison information describing a desired path and comparing the deviation with the corresponding predetermined threshold value.Additionally, the second detection device 20 checks that the occupant 4 is no longer touching the belt 6 with their hand or that their fingers are not trapped. If the occupant 4 has made a sufficient correction to the belt path 26, 27, i.e., if the deviation information has fallen below a predetermined threshold, the belt 6 is tightened again by the loosening distance via the belt actuator 13, preferably the same belt actuator 13 that was also used to loosen the belt 6, in this case, the reversible belt tensioner 9, thereby ending the repositioning period. The tightening occurs until a target tensile force is reached.

[0046] In addition to this example, the action time periods and the maximum time duration are also checked, as described above, so that, for example, if occupant 4 does not make any corrections, the repositioning period is nevertheless terminated after the maximum time period has elapsed. Belt 6 can then be tightened by the same amount by which it was loosened.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows the schematic arrangement of at least one vehicle seat 5 and the belt arrangement 7 arranged thereon within the motor vehicle 3, as well as the belt actuators 13 arranged on this vehicle seat 4, a control device 28 and the first and / or second detection device 8, 20 necessary for determining the at least one item of action information and the final information. Preferably, the method for operating a motor vehicle 3 can be applied to all vehicle seats 5 arranged in the motor vehicle 3.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a motor vehicle (3) with a belt arrangement (7) for holding an occupant (4) sitting on a vehicle seat (5) of the motor vehicle (3), characterized by the following steps: - detecting at least one item of measure information by a first detecting device (8), - checking at least one action condition indicating a possible poor fit of a belt (6) of the belt arrangement (7) as a function of the at least one action information item detected, - If at least one of the at least one measure condition is fulfilled: - loosening the belt (6) via at least one belt actuator (13) acting on the belt (6) at the beginning of a repositioning period, - detecting final information by a second detection device (20), - Checking at least one closing condition indicating completion of the repositioning period, depending on the closing information recorded, - If at least one of the at least one termination condition is fulfilled, tightening the belt (6) via the at least one belt actuator (13) to end the repositioning period. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one second detection device (20) corresponds to a first detection device (8). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a timer is used as the first and / or second detection device (8, 20), wherein - the action condition checks whether a first predetermined action period has elapsed since the beginning of a usage period of the belt arrangement (7) and / or whether a second predetermined action period has elapsed after the end of the last repositioning period, and / or - the completion condition checks whether a predetermined maximum period of time has passed since the start of the repositioning period. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that, in order to determine a first deviation information, a course information describing an actual course is determined as action information and is compared with a comparison information describing a target course, wherein at least one of the at least one action condition is fulfilled when a predetermined deviation intensity is exceeded by the first deviation information. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that, in order to determine a second deviation information, a course information describing an actual course is determined as final information and compared with a comparison information describing a target course, wherein at least one of the at least one final condition is fulfilled when the second deviation information falls below a predetermined deviation level or the predetermined deviation level. [6] Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the progression information is determined from image data of an interior camera of the motor vehicle (3) which detects the vehicle seat (5) as the first and / or second detection device (8, 20) and / or is determined as a belt length of the belt (6) which can be retracted by means of a reversible belt tensioner (9) as the first and / or second detection device (8, 20). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one of the belt actuators (13) is used as a reversible belt tensioner (9) and / or a belt buckle tensioner (15) and / or an electric belt height adjuster (17). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the occupant (4) is informed about the loosening of the belt (6) by means of at least one optical and / or acoustic signal via an output means of the motor vehicle (3). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that within the repositioning period at least one of the at least one optical and / or acoustic signals is repeated at regular intervals and / or is output continuously. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the occupant (4) is given optical and / or acoustic information as an aid to reposition the belt (6) via an output device of the motor vehicle (3) during the repositioning period. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that the reference information is determined at least partially using detection information determined with the second detection device (20), in particular the final information, preferably the second deviation information. [12] Motor vehicle (3) comprising at least one vehicle seat (5), a belt arrangement (7), a detection device (8, 20), at least one belt actuator (13) and a control device (28) which is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1-11.

Images