Seat belt system for vehicle seats

Abstract

The invention relates to a belt system consisting of a belt winding device (9) and a belt buckle device for a vehicle seat (1), wherein the belt winding device (9) is positioned on the vehicle seat (1) such that a first section (12) of a belt runs essentially horizontally.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a belt system consisting of a belt winding unit and a belt buckle device for a vehicle seat.

[0002] Vehicle seats are usually equipped with seat belt systems to adequately secure an occupant to the seat during high vehicle accelerations.

[0003] Especially in commercial vehicles such as agricultural and construction machinery, which often have two-point seat belts, it is common to mount the belt system vertically next to the vehicle seat. This means that the belt retractor is mounted to the side of or next to the seat, and the belt is pulled out of the retractor vertically and / or in the direction of travel. Particularly with advancing digitalization, for example, in Agriculture 4.0 and Smart Farming, the cabs of the aforementioned machines are being equipped with a multitude of controls. These controls are preferably located in armrests or control consoles next to the vehicle seat so that the occupant can easily access them. The arrangement of the controls competes with the arrangement of the seat belt system.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a belt system which, through its advantageous design, makes better use of the available installation space, increases the comfort for an occupant and enables the arrangement of additional components.

[0005] To solve the problem, a belt system according to the invention is provided, consisting of a belt winding device and a belt buckle device for a vehicle seat, wherein the belt winding device is positioned on the vehicle seat in such a way that a first section of a belt runs essentially horizontally.

[0006] The seat belt system preferably includes a belt that is retracted for storage by a belt retractor. The belt retractor allows the occupant to remove the belt by slowly pulling on it, while simultaneously preventing rapid removal, for example, due to sudden acceleration by the occupant. The belt retractor provides the occupant with various belt lengths. Additionally, seat belt systems often include belt tensioners that tighten the belt over the occupant. To fasten the belt, the system has a buckle assembly. This assembly consists of a buckle and a buckle tongue. The buckle is usually located on the side of the vehicle seat opposite the belt retractor, allowing the belt to be tensioned over the seat.To secure the belt to the buckle, the belt has a locking tongue at one end that can be engaged in the buckle. As already described, the buckle and retractor are often attached directly to the vehicle seat, particularly to a seat cushion or backrest. Alternatively, the buckle and retractor are each attached to the cabin floor or the vehicle body via a belt guide.

[0007] By removing the belt from the retractor in a first, horizontal section, a new arrangement of the retractor is made possible, different from its previous arrangement next to the vehicle seat. In particular, the retractor can be located under or inside the vehicle seat. "Horizontal" here describes a plane defined by the width direction Y and the length direction X of the vehicle seat. Thus, in a first section, the belt runs essentially parallel to the seat surface.

[0008] Preferably, the first section is directly adjacent to the belt retractor. The first section can be longer than 2 cm, preferably longer than 5 cm, and most preferably longer than 10 cm.

[0009] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the belt retractor device is arranged in a rear area of ​​a seat part of the vehicle seat, preferably centrally in the direction of the vehicle seat width.

[0010] The horizontal first section of the belt allows the belt retractor to be positioned centrally in the seat cushion of a vehicle seat. The belt is guided from the rear of the seat cushion through this horizontal first section to one side of the vehicle seat. In particular, the central positioning of the belt retractor also allows for a change in the direction in which the belt is dispensed. For example, if one side of the seat is occupied by a control console, the belt can be dispensed on the opposite side. With a change in the position of the control console, the belt can be dispensed on both sides of the vehicle seat without altering the arrangement or position of the belt retractor on the vehicle seat.

[0011] The seat component serves as a seat cushion for the occupant. Its primary function is therefore to provide padding and support, and it is equipped with a padded section, for example, comprising a foam cushion. According to one embodiment, the seat belt retractor can be located within this padded section.

[0012] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the belt winding device is arranged behind a padded section of the seat part.

[0013] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the belt retractor is arranged below a backrest of the vehicle seat.

[0014] Preferably, the seat section is arranged to be slidable in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle seat. The upholstery section can be at least partially accommodated in a cavity under the backrest. However, since it is not necessary to slide the entire upholstery section under the backrest, an unused installation space remains under the backrest and behind the seat section in which the seat belt retractor can be located.

[0015] In particular, the seatbelt retractor is located directly behind the upholstered section of the seat cushion and / or directly below the backrest of the vehicle seat. "Directly" here means in line with the upholstered section and the backrest.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a deflection device is arranged following the first section of the belt, by means of which the direction of travel of the belt is deflected from the horizontal to an at least partially vertical direction.

[0017] Preferably, the belt is deflected from the horizontal first section by the deflection device, so that the belt can be made available to the occupant as with a stationary belt retractor. Advantageously, the deflection device allows the belt to be held in place. By blocking the belt tongue with the deflection device, complete retraction of the belt is prevented. The buckle tongue and the deflection device form a positive connection. The belt system can also have a shaft that positions the belt next to the occupant and at hip level (H-point).

[0018] In one embodiment, the belt is attached to an upper area of ​​the backrest, and the belt is designed as a three-point belt. In this case, the buckle tongue can be movably arranged along the belt between the deflection device and the attachment point on the upper area of ​​the backrest.

[0019] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the deflection device is arranged on a side section of a seat part support structure.

[0020] By redirecting the belt at the deflection device on a side section of the seat support structure, the belt can be guided very close to the seat.

[0021] Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, the deflection device is a component with a slot-like recess, which is preferably integrated into the side section of the seat part support structure.

[0022] The integrated deflection device allows the area next to the vehicle seat to be free of the belt system, thus freeing up space for additional components such as control consoles.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the slot-like recess and / or the belt winding device moves translationally with a displacement of the padding section.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the component is pivotable about a first pivot axis, which is preferably aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal path of the side section.

[0025] Because the component is pivotable, the belt guide can be better adapted to the occupant's position in the seat's longitudinal direction X. The pivot axis is preferably parallel to the seat's width direction Y.

[0026] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the belt winding device is pivotably mounted about a second pivot axis, preferably extending vertically.

[0027] The swiveling arrangement of the belt retraction device allows for a larger belt removal area.

[0028] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a housing of the belt winding device has a slot-shaped recess as a belt outlet, which has an opening in a horizontal direction.

[0029] Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description in conjunction with the drawing. These show: Fig. 1 a general view of a vehicle seat with a belt system according to the invention; Fig. 2 an isometric view of a belt retractor device arranged in a vehicle seat support and Fig. 3 A top view of parts of a belt system according to the invention.

[0030] For the sake of clarity, some reference symbols have been omitted from the figures.

[0031] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle seat (1) with a belt system according to the invention. The vehicle seat (1) consists of a seat section (2) and a back section (3). The back section (3) is arranged on the seat section (2) so as to be tiltable about the vehicle seat width direction (Y), and the seat section (2) also has a padded section (8) that is slidable in the vehicle seat longitudinal direction (X). While the seat section (2) with the padded section (8) extends substantially in the vehicle seat longitudinal direction (X) and in the vehicle seat width direction (Y), the back section (3) extends mainly in the vehicle seat width direction (Y) and vehicle seat height direction (Z). An opening (5) is provided in a first side of the seat section through which a belt (4) is passed. The belt (4) is stored in a belt retractor (9) which is arranged under a seat section surface (2c) and within the seat section.Starting from the opening (5), the belt (4) is guided across the seat surface (2c) to the second side of the seat (2). At the end of the belt, it is provided with a locking tongue (6) that engages in a belt buckle (7). According to an alternative embodiment, not shown here, the belt (4) can also be guided from one of the two sides (2a, 2b) to an upper area of ​​the backrest or a body structure, so that the belt (4) is designed as a three-point belt (4).

[0032] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a seat support structure (10) of a seat component. The seat support structure (10) has a first profile (10a), a second profile (10b), and a connecting profile (10c). The first and second profiles are arranged parallel to each other and connected to each other at a rear by the connecting profile (10c) via screw connections. Welded or riveted connections are also conceivable as alternatives to screw connections. The connecting profile (10c) has a C-shaped cross-section in a section perpendicular to its main direction of extension. The first and second profiles are partially enclosed by the connecting profile (10c). Furthermore, the connecting profile (10c) is curved around the vehicle seat height direction (Z). The seat belt retractor (9) is attached to the center of the connecting profile (10c).This is attached by means of a welded screw (11) to a lower web of the connecting profile (10c), which extends in the longitudinal (X) and lateral (Y) directions. The welded screw (11) is positioned centrally between the first and second profiles, and thus the seatbelt retractor (9) is also positioned centrally within the context of its attachment to the welded screw (11). Starting from the center of the connecting profile (10c), the seatbelt retractor (9) is arranged at an angle α of 10° to 40° to the vehicle seat width direction (Y) around the vehicle seat height direction (Z). In this embodiment, the seatbelt retractor (9) is fixedly attached, meaning that the angle α is constant.

[0033] Starting from the belt retractor (9), the belt (4), which is stored in a spiral within the belt retractor (9), is unwound and guided horizontally in a first section, i.e., parallel to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction (X) and the width direction (Y) of the vehicle seat. This section extends from the belt retractor (9), or rather the discharge opening (13) of the belt retractor (9), to the first profile, or rather to the opening (5) in the first profile. There, the belt (4) is deflected and guided at least partially vertically, i.e., in the direction of vehicle seat height. The opening (5) may contain a ring-shaped component, primarily made of hard plastic, which protects the belt from abrasion against the profile. This component is installed in the opening (5) and covers the edges of the opening (5).The opening (5) is oriented such that the belt (4) runs at an angle β of 60° to the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle seat around the width direction (Y). Accordingly, the angle is only partially vertical, so that the belt (4) is provided to the occupant from below and behind.

[0034] At the end of the belt (4) is a locking tongue (6) that is larger than the opening (5) in the first profile, so that the two form a positive fit. This prevents the locking tongue (6) from slipping through the opening (5) in the first profile when the belt retractor (9) is wound up. The locking tongue (6) is thus held at least at the opening (5) of the first profile, so that an occupant can take it there. In this state, the belt (4) itself, when wound up to its maximum extent, runs horizontally in the first section after the belt retractor (9). Additionally, a shaft can be provided above the opening (5) that holds the locking tongue (6) essentially at or above the level of the seat surface (2c), or a further deflection can be provided that redirects the belt (4) from an at least partially vertical path to an at least partially horizontal path.

[0035] In the embodiment shown here, the seat section support structure (10) is designed such that the upholstery section (8) is accommodated in an area in front of the belt retractor (9). The upholstery section (8) extends at least partially above the first section. Alternatively, the upholstery section (8) can also have a recess through which the first section passes. The backrest (3) of the vehicle seat is arranged above the belt retractor (9).

[0036] The Fig.Figure 3 shows a top view of parts of the seat belt system. The belt retractor (9) is arranged at an angle α of 15° to the vehicle seat width direction (Y). The belt retractor (9) also has a bore through which the welded screw (11) passes. The belt retractor (9) is attached to the seat section support structure (10) by the welded screw (11), and in particular within the seat section support structure (10). The belt (4) is unwound from the belt retractor (9) on a lower side facing the seat section support structure (10) and thus away from the occupant, and guided horizontally to the opening (5) of the first profile. Due to the guidance close to the seat section support structure (10), the upholstery section (8) is hardly or not at all affected by the arrangement of the belt retractor (9) in the center of the seat section support structure (10).The central positioning of the belt winding device (9), or the welded screw (11), or generally any fastening of the belt winding device (9), allows it to be reconfigured to guide the belt to an opening (5) in the second profile. This makes it possible to adjust the belt output side, first side (2a) or second side (2b). Reference symbol list 1 vehicle seat 2 Seat section 2a first page 2b second page 2c Seat surface 3 Back section 4 strap 5 Opening 6 Lock tongue 7 Seatbelt buckle 8 Cushion section 9 Belt retractor 10 seat support structure 10a first profile 10b second profile 10c connection profile 11 Welding screw 12 First Section 13. Issue opening α Angle of the horizontal belt section β Angle of the vertical belt section X Vehicle seat longitudinal direction Y Vehicle seat width direction Z Vehicle seat height direction

Claims

[1] Belt system consisting of a belt retractor (9) and a belt buckle assembly for a vehicle seat (1), characterized by , that the belt retractor (9) is positioned on the vehicle seat (1) such that a first section (12) of a belt (4) runs essentially horizontally. [2] Belt system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the belt retractor (9) is arranged in a rear area of ​​a seat part of the vehicle seat (1), preferably centrally in the direction of the vehicle seat width (Y). [3] Belt system according to claim 2, characterized by , that the belt retractor (9) is arranged behind a padded section (8) of the seat part (2). [4] Belt system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the belt retractor (9) is arranged below a backrest (3) of the vehicle seat (1). [5] Belt system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that a deflection device (5) is arranged following the first section (12) of the belt (4), by means of which the direction of travel of the belt (4) is deflected from the horizontal to at least a partially vertical direction. [6] Belt system according to claim 5, characterized by , that the deflection device (5) is arranged on a side section (10a, 10b) of a seat part support structure (10). [7] Belt system according to claim 6, characterized by , that the deflection device (5) is a component with a slot-like recess, which is preferably integrated into the side section (10a, 10b) of the seat part support structure (10). [8] Belt system according to claim 7, characterized by , that the component (5) is pivotable about a first pivot axis, which is preferably aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal line of the side section (10a, 10b). [9] Belt system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the belt winding device (9) is pivotably mounted about a second pivot axis, preferably extending vertically. [10] Belt system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a housing of the belt winding device (9) has a slot-shaped recess (13) as a belt outlet, which points in a horizontal direction with an opening (5).

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