Motor vehicle and procedures for operating a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising - a control device, - an output device configured to output at least one piece of informational information, - a vehicle seat comprising a seat back, a seat surface component providing a seating surface, a belt assembly as a primary restraint device, and a restraint assembly as a secondary restraint device for an occupant sitting or lying on the vehicle seat, wherein the motor vehicle further comprises a detection device for determining inclination information relating to an inclination angle of the seat back, wherein the control device is configured to check, depending on the inclination information, a condition indicating a possible exceedance of a limit value of the inclination angle of the seat back, wherein, after fulfillment of the condition indicating the action, the control device is configured to activate the output device to output at least one piece of information, wherein the at least one piece of information is directed towards the use of the restraint system.which, in a state of use, is positioned between the legs in the crotch area of ​​the occupant.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising - a control device, - an output device configured to output at least one piece of informational information, and - a vehicle seat comprising a seat back, a seat surface component providing a seating surface, a belt assembly as a primary restraint device, and a restraint assembly as a secondary restraint device for an occupant sitting or lying on the vehicle seat, wherein the motor vehicle further comprises a detection device for determining inclination information relating to an inclination angle of the seat back, wherein the control device is configured to check, depending on the inclination information, a condition indicating a possible exceedance of a limit value of the inclination angle of the seat back, wherein the control device is configured, upon fulfillment of the condition indicating the condition, to activate the output device to output at least one piece of information, wherein the at least one piece of information is directed towards the use of the restraint system.which, in a state of use, is arranged between the legs in the crotch area of ​​the occupant. The invention also relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle.

[0002] Motor vehicles typically use three-point seat belts, which are defined by three attachment points. An upper, first attachment point is, for example, anchored in the B-pillar. A lower, second attachment point is, for example, located on the vehicle seat, and a third attachment point is achieved via a buckle.

[0003] Especially in piloted driving, i.e., in an autonomous driving function where the occupant in the driver's seat does not have to follow the driving process as a passenger and can assume a relaxing position in the vehicle seat, it is advantageous for the occupant to be able to recline the backrest further than is currently usual, for example to an arrangement in which the occupant is in a lying position on the vehicle seat.

[0004] A significant disadvantage of three-point seat belts and their arrangement is that, particularly in reclined or lying positions, the problem of submarining can occur. This refers to the occupant sliding under the lap belt, potentially leading to unintended consequences. Submarining can occur especially during hard braking or in the event of a collision.

[0005] From DE 10 2020 200 538 A1, a motor vehicle with an occupant restraint system and a motor vehicle seat is known. In addition to a seat belt, the occupant restraint system has two additional leg loops which, in their operating position, are attached to a seat component via at least two attachment points. Due to the leg loops, the occupant lying on the motor vehicle seat is secured against sliding off the seat.

[0006] From DE 198 28 255 A1, a vehicle seat is known which includes a three-point seat belt and an additional seat belt. To prevent submarining when the backrest is reclined, the occupant can fasten the additional seat belt, which runs as a diagonal shoulder belt from the upper edge of the seat backrest to a seat belt buckle located near the floor.

[0007] From DE 10 2019 005 142 A1 a seating device is known in which, depending on a relative position of the back element to the seat element, a pelvic belt is moved from a pelvic position to a chest position by means of an electronic computing unit via a sliding device.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of providing a motor vehicle with an improved concept for preventing submarining, as well as a corresponding method for doing so.

[0009] To solve this problem, in a motor vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, the invention provides that the restraint arrangement for forming a V-shaped belt to be guided between the occupant's legs has two partial belts and at least three anchoring means, or that the restraint arrangement for forming the restraint to be positioned between the occupant's legs has a contact element with a contact surface covering the entire crotch area and / or a shell-shaped contact surface and at least one anchoring means which is arranged in or on the seat surface.

[0010] As soon as the seatback angle exceeds a predefined limit, and thus the action condition is met, the occupant is notified by means of a warning message issued by the display unit, instructing them to put on a restraint device. This device, a second restraint system, is positioned between the occupant's legs, specifically in the crotch area, when in use. This type of restraint device prevents significant forward movement and submarining, particularly when the occupant is in a reclined or lying position. Therefore, this restraint system can contribute to increased safety while driving, especially during autonomous driving.

[0011] The tilt angle threshold at which the output device is activated to display the warning information is preferably predefined by the manufacturer, ensuring compliance with regulations and road safety requirements of the respective country in which the vehicle is registered. Optionally, the tilt angle threshold can also be adjusted by a third party, for example in a workshop, and / or by the user, at least within a certain range, for example with a tolerance of + / - 10°, whereby exceeding a tilt angle of 180° can be prevented. For example, a range of values ​​from which the threshold can be selected can be defined with a seat back tilt angle of 91°–180°, in particular 120°–180°, and preferably 150°–180°, or the threshold can be 91°–180°, in particular 120°–170°, and preferably 130°–160°.

[0012] When not in use, the restraint system is not positioned between the occupant's legs, but, depending on its design, can be stored as a freely removable element, for example, in a glove compartment or other suitable storage space, or recessed into the seat cushion. Depending on the design of the restraint system, the information displayed via the output device can be interpreted as a prompt to put on the restraint system independently or as a warning that the restraint system will be deployed automatically. The information can preferably include a voice message and / or an acoustic signal, in particular a sequence of tones. At least a partial visual output is also conceivable.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the restraint arrangement can be manually positioned in the occupant's crotch area.

[0014] Thus, when the warning information is issued, the occupant can retrieve the restraint device, which may have been stowed or lowered, and arrange it between their legs themselves to restore it to its usable state.

[0015] In this context, the information can also include operating instructions, which is particularly advantageous, to inform the occupant, for example, how to access the restraint system and / or how to install it.

[0016] In a first alternative according to the invention, the restraint arrangement for forming a V-shaped belt to be guided between the occupant's legs comprises two partial belts and at least three anchoring means.

[0017] To ensure the restraint system has a V-shape, at least one anchor point can be arranged in or on the seat surface, to which the two partial belts can be coupled or are coupled. From the at least one anchor point arranged in or on the seat surface, the two partial belts can extend in a V-shape to at least two anchor points, which are preferably arranged on a section of the belt system spanning the occupant's pelvic area. Thus, the V-shaped restraint system can run in the crotch area, but next to the occupant's genital area, particularly along the inner thighs. This offers the advantage that, especially during hard braking or in the event of a collision with an obstacle, the genital area is not subjected to stress by the restraint system, while simultaneously preventing submarining and excessive forward movement of the occupant.

[0018] Several design variants are possible with a V-shaped restraint system.

[0019] Advantageously, both partial straps of the restraint system can be assigned a common anchoring device, which is arranged in or on the seat surface.

[0020] In this embodiment with three anchor points, the common anchor point can preferably be a buckle into which the two partial belts can be inserted with their respective prongs or a common prong. Each partial belt can have its own prong, or alternatively, both partial belts can have a common prong, so that the two partial belts are connected to each other via the prong. The two other anchor points serve to attach the belt assembly spanning the occupant's pelvic area. Depending on the embodiment, these anchor points can be, for example, a seam or additional buckles.

[0021] In the first case, the two partial straps can be sewn to the strap assembly or otherwise permanently attached to it. Thus, each partial strap has a seam or other permanent fastening on the side facing the strap assembly and a common tongue or individual tongues on the side facing the seat surface.

[0022] In the second case, the two partial belts can also each have a plug-in tongue on the side facing the belt assembly. Thus, in this design variant, the partial belts are completely removable and can be separated from the belt assembly. This is preferred for the V-belt as a unit when the partial belts are connected via their common plug-in tongue. This allows the V-belt to be stowed elsewhere in a less obtrusive manner when not in use.

[0023] In a third case, it is also conceivable to design the V-belt to be retractable into the seat surface, for example by designing the anchoring means on the seat surface as at least one retractor or by providing a common compartment for the partial belts, which can be opened to put them into the working state.

[0024] Furthermore, a design variant is possible in which the restraint system has four anchor points. In a first option, two anchor points are arranged in or on the seat surface, preferably being belt buckles. In a second option, it is also possible for the two anchor points to each bead retractor, over which the respective belt sections can be unwound from the seat surface.

[0025] In this embodiment, the two partial belts can preferably each have a belt buckle as an anchoring means on the side facing the belt arrangement, so that in the embodiment of the first option the partial belts are completely removable and in the embodiment of the second option the partial belts can be rolled up via the belt winder in the seat surface when not in use.

[0026] Optionally, when implementing the first option, the partial belts can each have a seam or other permanent fastening means as an anchoring means on the side facing the belt assembly, whereby the two partial belts are firmly arranged on the belt assembly.

[0027] In a non-inventive, alternative embodiment, the restraint arrangement for forming a belt to be guided between the occupant's legs can have an I-shaped and / or flat crotch strap and at least two anchoring means, wherein one I-shaped and / or flat crotch strap spans the occupant's crotch and wherein at least one of the at least two anchoring means is arranged in or on the seat surface.

[0028] To ensure the restraint system has an I-shape, an anchor point can be arranged in or on the seat surface, to which the crotch strap can be coupled or is coupled. The crotch strap can extend from the anchor point located in or on the seat surface to the anchor point located on the section of the belt assembly spanning the occupant's pelvic area. To avoid potential adverse effects during hard braking or in the event of a collision with an obstacle, the I-shaped crotch strap can be wider than a single section of the belt in the first embodiment, preferably spanning the entire genital area of ​​the occupant.

[0029] This advantageously ensures both maximum comfort for the occupant and protection against submarining and excessive forward movement.

[0030] The design of the restraint system as an I-shaped and / or flat crotch strap also allows for several design variations.

[0031] Advantageously, the anchoring device arranged in or on the seat surface can be a buckle. Accordingly, the crotch strap can have a tongue on the side facing the seat surface for coupling with the buckle.

[0032] The crotch strap can be attached, in one option, to the section of the belt assembly spanning the occupant's pelvic area, either permanently via a seam or other permanent fastening device, or, in a second option, detachably via a separate buckle. In the second option, the crotch strap is therefore completely removable.

[0033] Alternatively, the anchoring device located in or on the seat surface can also be a webbing retractor, whereby the crotch strap is preferably stowed in the seat surface when not in use. At the other end, i.e., the end facing the belt assembly, the crotch strap can have a tongue that can be inserted into the anchoring device, which is expediently a buckle, located on the section of the belt assembly spanning the occupant's pelvic area.

[0034] To enable the restraint system to include a wide crotch strap, an anchor point can be arranged in or on the seat surface, to which the crotch strap can be coupled. The crotch strap can extend from the anchor point located in or on the seat surface to the anchor point located on the section of the restraint system spanning the occupant's pelvic area. The wide crotch strap can be designed to be sufficiently broad in the occupant's genital area to cover the entire genital area and / or to have a shape adapted to the occupant's anatomy. This also advantageously increases the occupant's comfort.

[0035] A connection for the flat crotch strap using two anchor points can correspond to the same configurations as the I-shaped crotch strap. Furthermore, the flat crotch strap can also be connected using three anchor points.

[0036] Accordingly, one of the three anchoring means can be arranged in or on the seat surface, this anchoring means preferably being designed as a buckle. Advantageously, the crotch strap can have a tongue for coupling with the buckle on the side facing the seat surface. On the section of the belt assembly spanning the occupant's pelvic area, the two further anchoring means can be arranged spaced apart from each other, which are also preferably designed as buckles. On the side facing the belt assembly, the crotch strap can have two tongues for coupling with the two buckles on the belt assembly. In an advantageous embodiment, the flat crotch strap can, for example, widen from the anchoring means on the seat surface side to the two anchoring means on the pelvic assembly side. In particular, it can have at least substantially a triangular shape.

[0037] As already evident from the aforementioned specific configurations, it can be advantageous, at least in the case of restraint systems with a V-strap and / or a crotch strap, that the partial straps or the crotch strap can be coupled to the strap assembly using at least one of the anchoring devices. The strap assembly, which already exists as the primary restraint device, is thus advantageously used as coupling points for the secondary restraint device, since it already has a section extending over the pelvis. This allows for a simplified design while still ensuring good support of the restraint system in its operational state.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one coupling element can be arranged on a section of the belt arrangement which spans a pelvic area of ​​the occupant, on which at least one anchoring means of the restraint arrangement is arranged, wherein the at least one coupling element is displaceable relative to the pelvis of the occupant in a horizontal direction on the belt arrangement.

[0039] The restraint system can be attached to the movable coupling element. The respective anchor point can be fixed to one of the coupling elements, so that moving the coupling element also moves the anchor point. The ability to move the coupling element, and thus the restraint system, can be advantageous in both the configuration with the two partial belts and the configuration with the I-shaped or flat crotch strap.

[0040] This advantageously ensures that the restraint system can be adapted to occupants of different seating positions, sizes, and builds, as the restraint system can be moved to fit the respective occupant.

[0041] In one embodiment, it is also possible for two coupling elements to be provided on the section of the belt assembly, with each coupling element having an anchor point. Both coupling elements can be moved by the occupant, either together or independently, along the section of the belt assembly and thus relative to the occupant's pelvis in a horizontal direction. However, this embodiment is only practical with the two-part belt configuration. For example, the restraint system, and in particular the distance between the two anchor points of the two belt sections, can be adjusted to be narrower or smaller for a small occupant, such as a child, than for an adult occupant, who can increase the distance between the two anchor points by sliding at least one of the coupling elements outwards, towards the outer edge of their pelvis.

[0042] In this embodiment, both coupling elements can additionally each have a section of a connecting element, in particular a length-adjustable strap, whereby the sections can be connected to each other via a buckle or other adjustment mechanism. In this case, the coupling elements can be connected to each other via the connecting element, allowing the occupant to move the anchor points together along the section of the belt assembly while simultaneously maintaining a constant distance between the two anchor points. The connecting element or the connecting element sections can have length adjustment mechanisms, allowing the occupant to adjust the length of the connecting element. When the connecting element is not in use,After opening the buckle, which releases the connection between the two coupling elements, the two coupling elements can be moved independently of each other along the section of the belt assembly, thus reducing or increasing the distance between the anchor points. This design variant advantageously offers the occupant maximum flexibility in adjusting the restraint system to, for example, the occupant's build and size.

[0043] Of course, in general, the respective partial straps or the crotch strap itself can also be variable in length and have corresponding length-adjustment elements, as are generally known from straps.

[0044] The connection between the two partial belts or the I-shaped and / or flat crotch strap and the at least one coupling element is achieved, depending on the type of anchoring device, either via a seam / other permanent fastening or via one or more belt buckles. If the partial belts or the crotch straps are firmly connected to the at least one coupling element via a seam or otherwise, the partial belts or crotch straps themselves can be moved. If only the anchoring devices are arranged on the at least one coupling element, only these can be moved, or, after coupling with the respective partial belt or crotch strap, the corresponding belts can also be moved.

[0045] The at least one coupling element can, for example, comprise at least one loop placed around a belt of the belt arrangement.

[0046] In a second embodiment according to the invention, the restraint arrangement for forming the second restraint means to be positioned between the occupant's legs comprises a contact element with a contact surface, in particular covering the entire step area and / or being bowl-shaped, and at least one anchoring means, which is arranged in or on the seat surface.

[0047] To design the restraint system as a single, particularly fully covering and / or shell-shaped, element, an anchor point can be arranged in or on the seat surface, to which the element can be coupled. This design variant is similar to a jockstrap and, because this type of restraint system can be attached to the seat surface with just one anchor point, offers the advantage of increased comfort for the occupant, as their freedom of movement is not potentially restricted by additional seat belts and thus necessarily by additional anchor points. Furthermore, the element, being a self-supporting component, is easy to handle.

[0048] Depending on how many anchoring devices this alternative restraint arrangement has, various design options are possible.

[0049] In a design with an anchoring device arranged in or on the seat surface, the anchoring device can, in a first option, be a fixed anchoring, in particular within the seat surface, or, in a second option, a belt buckle.

[0050] In the first option, the attachment element can be completely stowed or recessed within the seat when not in use and, when in use, either manually or, as explained in more detail later, automatically, extended from the seat and positioned in the occupant's crotch area. Preferably, an arm, particularly an extendable one, designed, for example, as an actuating cylinder or telescopic arm, can be arranged on the fixed anchorage, with the attachment element located at the other end of the arm. Additionally or alternatively, the arm can have at least one joint, particularly a pivot joint.If, for example, the storage element is arranged in a stowed position such that it lies horizontally in a recess in the seat, particularly just below the seat surface, so that, for example, the side facing the crotch area of ​​the storage element points towards the seat surface, the storage element can be pivoted into an at least substantially vertical position of use during an automatic process or manual movement. It is also possible that, in the non-use state, the storage element is positioned adjacent to the seat surface, in particular continuing its shape.

[0051] In the second option, a plug-in tongue can be arranged at the end of the attachment element facing the seat surface, allowing the attachment element to be connected to the seat belt buckle in or on the seat surface. In this case, the attachment element can be detachable, i.e., completely removable.

[0052] In both versions, the safety element, similar to the restraint bar of a roller coaster car, lies between the occupant's legs in the operating state to protect against submarining and excessive forward movement of the occupant during braking or in the event of a collision with an obstacle.

[0053] In a configuration with two anchoring means, the first anchoring means can, in a first option, be a fixed anchorage, particularly within the seat surface, or, in a second option, a belt buckle in or on the seat surface. The second anchoring means can be a belt buckle located on the section of the belt assembly spanning the occupant's pelvic area.

[0054] As explained above, under the first option, the system element can be brought into the operating state manually or automatically, with the system element having a plug-in tongue on the side facing the belt assembly, which can be inserted into the second anchoring means, i.e. the belt buckle.

[0055] In the second option, the attachment element can have two plug-in tongues that can be inserted into the respective belt buckles located in or on the seat surface and on the section of the belt assembly spanning the occupant's pelvic area. Accordingly, in this design variant, the attachment element can be completely removed.

[0056] In a configuration with three anchoring means, in a first option all three anchoring means can be belt buckles, wherein a first anchoring means is arranged in or on the seat surface and the two further anchoring means are spaced apart from each other on the section of the belt assembly spanning the occupant's pelvic area. Accordingly, the attachment element can have three plug-in tongues, with one plug-in tongue on the side facing the seat surface and two plug-in tongues on the side facing the belt assembly, thus enabling coupling between the plug-in tongues of the attachment element and the respective anchoring means.

[0057] In a second option, the first anchoring device can be a fixed anchor within the seat surface, and the two other anchoring devices can be belt buckles spaced apart from each other on the section of the belt assembly spanning the occupant's pelvic area. The attachment element can thus have two prongs on the side facing the belt assembly, which can be inserted into the corresponding belt buckles on the belt assembly.

[0058] Preferably, the restraint arrangement can be assigned an actuator for moving the restraint arrangement from a non-use state to the use state and vice versa, wherein the control device is configured to control the restraint arrangement to move into the use state when the action condition is met.

[0059] Thus, it is possible for the restraint system to automatically move from the unused state to the used state when the actuator is activated. This design offers the advantage of maximum comfort for the occupant, as the restraint system is automatically activated.

[0060] An electric motor, for example, can serve as the actuator. Using the actuator, the system element can extend from the seat, particularly the seat surface, and retract back into the seat surface when not in use. Furthermore, it is also possible for the system element to be moved in up to six directions by means of the actuator for further position adjustment, specifically forwards and backwards along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, to the right and left along a transverse axis of the vehicle, and / or downwards and upwards along a vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0061] The device can be made of metal or plastic, with one side facing the step area having a cushioning material.

[0062] The metal or plastic construction of the restraint system contributes to its rigidity, thereby providing advantageous protection against submarining and excessive forward movement of the occupant. It also enables automatic activation from the inactive to the active state. Padding the crotch area offers the advantage of improved protection of the occupant's genital area, particularly in the event of hard braking or a collision, thus enhancing comfort. A covered foam element, for example, can serve as the padding material.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anchoring means can comprise at least one webbing winder and / or at least one webbing buckle, wherein the anchoring means anchor the respective partial webbing firmly or releasably in and / or on the seat surface and / or on the webbing assembly, or wherein the anchoring means comprise a fixed anchoring and / or at least one webbing buckle (19), wherein the anchoring means anchor the attachment element firmly or releasably in and / or on the seat surface and / or on the webbing assembly.

[0064] In a non-inventive embodiment, the anchoring means can comprise at least one webbing winder and / or at least one webbing buckle and anchor the I-shaped and / or flat crotch strap firmly or releasably in and / or on the seat surface and / or on the webbing assembly.

[0065] As already described in the sections on the individual design variants of the various alternative restraint systems, the restraint system can be attached to the seat surface or the seat belt assembly using different types of anchoring devices. Depending on the anchoring device, the restraint system can be permanently attached or detachable, i.e., completely removable. This offers the advantage of maximum flexibility regarding the arrangement of the restraint system, allowing for consideration of any customer requirements.

[0066] The belt arrangement can be a three-point belt and / or a lap belt.

[0067] The invention also relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, comprising - a control device, - an output device configured to output at least one piece of informational information, - a vehicle seat comprising a seat back, a seat surface component providing a seating surface, a belt assembly as a first restraint device and a restraint assembly as a second restraint device for an occupant sitting or lying on the vehicle seat, with the following steps: - Acquisition of inclination information regarding the tilt angle of the vehicle seat using a detection device, - Verification of a condition for action concerning an exceedance of a limit value for the inclination angle by means of the control device, - Control of the dispensing device after fulfillment of the action condition, so that the dispensing device outputs at least one informational message aimed at the use of the containment order, and - automatic and / or manual application of the restraint device such that it is arranged in a position of use between the legs in a crotch area of ​​the occupant, wherein the restraint device has two partial belts and at least three anchoring means to form a V-shaped belt to be guided between the legs of the occupant, or wherein the restraint device has a contact element with a contact surface covering the entire crotch area and / or a shell-shaped contact surface and at least one anchoring means which is arranged in or on the seat surface to form the restraint device to be positioned between the legs of the occupant.

[0068] All process- and device-specific features disclosed for the motor vehicle according to the invention naturally also apply to the motor vehicle disclosed in the method. This also applies to all described alternative embodiments and to all combinations thereof, provided they are not incompatible.

[0069] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following described embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The individual process steps will also be discussed in more detail. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a restraint arrangement in a motor vehicle according to the invention, wherein the restraint arrangement in a first embodiment according to the invention is designed as a V-shaped partial belt, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the restraint arrangement in a motor vehicle according to the invention, wherein the restraint arrangement in a second, non-inventive embodiment is designed as an I-shaped crotch strap, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the restraint arrangement in a motor vehicle according to the invention, wherein the restraint arrangement in a third, non-inventive embodiment is designed as a flat crotch strap, and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the restraint arrangement in a motor vehicle according to the invention, wherein the restraint arrangement in a fourth embodiment according to the invention is designed as a mounting element with a shell-shaped mounting surface.

[0070] Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention comprising a control unit 2, an output unit 3 configured to output at least one piece of information, a vehicle seat 4 comprising a seat back 5, a seat surface component 6 providing a seat surface 7, a belt arrangement 8, which is a three-point belt or a lap belt, as a first restraint means, and a restraint arrangement 9 as a second restraint means for an occupant 10 sitting or lying on the vehicle seat 4. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 has a detection device 11 for determining inclination information regarding an inclination angle of the seat back 5.

[0071] During travel in the motor vehicle 1, the occupant 10 can adjust the recline angle of their seat back 5. The recline angle achievable with the seat back 5 is preferably between 90° and 180°, allowing the occupant 10 to assume an upright, reclined, or lying position. The latter position can be achieved particularly during autonomous driving.

[0072] The tilt angle set by the occupant 10 is recorded by the detection device 11 as tilt information. Subsequently, a condition for action regarding an exceedance of a limit value for the tilt angle is checked by the control unit 2. If a specific limit value, preferably predefined by the manufacturer, is exceeded, the condition for action is met, causing the control unit 2 to generate and output control signals to the output device 3. The output device 3, in turn, outputs a warning message, which may be, for example, a repeating tone, in particular a beep, and / or a voice announcement. This warning message informs the occupant 10 that the limit value for the tilt angle has been exceeded and that, accordingly, the restraint system 9 should be applied to ensure the safety of the occupant 10.The restraint device 9 thus serves as an additional, second restraint device to the seat belt 8, which is only activated in certain situations, namely when the limit of the seat backrest's tilt angle 5 is exceeded. Depending on the design variant of the restraint device 9, the occupant 10 may have to manually activate the restraint device 9, or the restraint device 9 may be moved and activated automatically by an actuator 14. In the first case, the information is a request to the occupant 10 to activate the restraint device 9 (which may also include operating instructions), while in the second case, the information is a warning to the occupant 10 that the restraint device 9 is about to be activated. When in use, the restraint device 9 is positioned between the occupant's legs 12 in a crotch area 13.

[0073] Fig. Figure 2 shows the restraint arrangement 9 in a first embodiment according to the invention, comprising two partial belts 15, 16 and three anchoring means 17, wherein the two partial belts 15, 16 are arranged in a V-shape 18 in the crotch area 13 of the occupant 10. One of the three anchoring means 17, preferably a belt buckle 19, is arranged on the seat surface 7 and is assigned to both partial belts 15, 16. Accordingly, each of the two partial belts 15, 16 has a plug-in tongue 20 on its side facing the seat surface 7, which can be inserted into the common belt buckle 19, so that the two partial belts 15, 16 are coupled to the anchoring means 17 on the seat surface 7.

[0074] The two further anchoring means 17 are preferably arranged on a coupling element 28, which in turn is arranged on a section 21 of the belt assembly 8 spanning a pelvic region of the occupant 10. The anchoring means 17, which are preferably designed as belt buckles 19, are arranged at intervals from one another in a horizontal direction along the coupling element 28, wherein the coupling element 28 is displaceable in a horizontal direction along the pelvis of the occupant 10, so that the belt buckles 19 arranged on the coupling element 28 are also displaced together. It is also conceivable in which each of the upper anchoring means 17 is arranged on its own coupling element, and these are displaceable independently. In this way, the distance between the anchoring means 17 is adjustable.

[0075] On the side facing the three-point seat belt of the belt assembly 8, the two partial belts 15, 16 each have a plug-in tongue 20 corresponding to the belt buckle 19, which is inserted into the respective belt buckle 19 on the coupling element 28 or the section 21. After the two partial belts 15, 16 have been manually fastened, the restraint assembly 9, due to the arrangement of the three anchor points 17 in a V-shape 18, is positioned in the crotch area 13 of the occupant 10, without covering the occupant 10's genital area 23. If the anchor points 17 are designed as belt buckles 19, the restraint assembly 9 is completely removable and can be stored separately by the occupant 10, for example in a glove compartment.

[0076] Fig. Figure 3 shows the restraint arrangement 9 in a second, non-inventive embodiment with an I-shaped crotch strap 22 and two anchoring means 17, wherein the crotch strap 22 covers, in particular, the genital area 23 of the occupant 10. For reasons of comfort and safety, the I-shaped crotch strap 22 is wider than either of the two partial straps 15, 16 of the first embodiment. The first of the two anchoring means 17 is arranged on the seat surface 7 and is preferably designed as a buckle 19. Accordingly, a plug-in tongue 20 is arranged on the side of the crotch strap 22 facing the seat surface, which is inserted into the buckle 19.

[0077] The second anchoring element 17 is preferably attached to the coupling element 28, which is arranged on section 21 of the belt assembly 8. Accordingly, the coupling element 28, and thus the second anchoring element 17, can be moved horizontally along the pelvis of the occupant 10. This anchoring element 17 is also preferably designed as a belt buckle 19. On the side facing the belt assembly 8, the crotch belt 22 again has a plug-in tongue 20, via which the crotch belt 22 can be coupled to the belt assembly after the plug-in tongue 20 is inserted into the belt buckle 19. After the crotch belt 22 has been fastened by the occupant 10, the restraint assembly 9, due to the I-shape arrangement of the two anchoring elements 17, is positioned in the crotch area 13 and, in particular, in the genital area 23 of the occupant 10. In this design variant of the anchor means 17 as belt buckles 19, the restraint arrangement 9 is completely removable.

[0078] Fig. Figure 4 shows the restraint arrangement 9 in a third, non-inventive embodiment with a flat crotch strap 24 and three anchoring means 17, wherein the flat crotch strap 24 covers the genital area 23 of the occupant 10. One of the three anchoring means 17, preferably a buckle 19, is arranged on the seat surface 7. Accordingly, the flat crotch strap 24 has a tongue 20 on the side facing the seat surface 7, which can be inserted into the buckle 19.

[0079] The two additional anchoring means 17 are preferably attached to the coupling element 28, which is arranged on the section 21 of the belt assembly 8 that spans the pelvic area of ​​the occupant 10. Accordingly, when the coupling element 28 is displaced, the two anchoring means 17 can also be displaced horizontally along the pelvis of the occupant 10. The two anchoring means 17 are specifically designed as belt buckles 19, with the belt buckles 19 being spaced apart from one another horizontally along the coupling element 28 or the section 21. On the side facing the three-point belt of the belt assembly 8, the flat crotch strap 24 accordingly has two locking tongues 20, which, corresponding to the belt buckles 19 on the section 21, are also spaced apart from one another on the flat crotch strap 24.After the flat crotch strap 24 has been manually applied, the restraint assembly 9 is positioned in the crotch area 13 of the occupant 10 due to the arrangement of the three anchoring means 17, thereby covering in particular the genital area 23 of the occupant 10. If the anchoring means 17 are designed as belt buckles 19, the restraint assembly 9 is completely removable.

[0080] In the various design options of Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. Belt buckles 19 can also be replaced by permanent fastening means such as seams on section 21 and / or, in particular in the seat surface component 6, be designed as belt retractors.

[0081] Fig.Figure 5 shows the restraint arrangement 9 in a fourth embodiment according to the invention, with a support element 25 that has a cup-shaped support surface 26 and covers the crotch area 13 of the occupant 10, in particular their genital area 23. Furthermore, the restraint arrangement 9 has an anchoring means 17, which is arranged in the seat surface 7. In a non-use state, the restraint arrangement 9 is stowed or recessed within the seat surface 7 and, when the action condition is met, is automatically moved out of the seat surface 7 by means of the actuator 14, which is associated with the restraint arrangement 9. The anchoring means 17 is, for example, a fixed anchoring 29 within the seat surface 7, wherein, for example, an extendable arm 27 is arranged on the anchoring 29, at the other end of which the support element 25 is arranged.The arm 27 also has a joint, in particular a pivot joint, by means of which the attachment element 25 can be moved from a horizontal stowage position within the seat surface 7 to a state of use in which the attachment element 25 is arranged in an at least substantially vertical position between the legs of the occupant 10. For further adjustment of the position in the state of use, the attachment element 25 can be moved by means of the actuator 14 in directions relative to a longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and vertical axis of the vehicle. In this embodiment, there is no further connection of the restraint assembly 9 to the belt assembly 8; instead, the attachment element 25 lies between the legs 12 of the occupant 10, similar to the lap bar of a roller coaster car.

[0082] The system element 25 is, for example, made of a sufficiently strong plastic, the side facing the step area 13 of the occupant 10 being lined, for example, with a foam as padding material for reasons of comfort and safety.

[0083] In one variation, a belt lock 19 can also be provided instead of or in addition to the anchoring 29, in order to be able to remove the attachment element 25 which then has a plug-in tongue 20.

Claims

[1] motor vehicle (1) comprising - a control device (2), - an output device (3) configured to output at least one piece of informational information, - a vehicle seat (4) comprising a seat back (5), a seat surface component (6) providing a seat surface (7), a belt assembly (8) as a first restraint device and a restraint assembly (9) as a second restraint device for an occupant (10) sitting or lying on the vehicle seat (4), wherein the motor vehicle (1) further comprises a detection device (11) for determining inclination information relating to an inclination angle of the seat back, wherein the control device is configured to check, depending on the inclination information, an action condition which indicates a possible exceedance of a limit value of the inclination angle of the seat back (5), wherein the control device (2) is configured to control the output device (3) to output at least one warning information when the action condition is fulfilled, wherein the at least one warning information is directed towards the use of the restraint arrangement (9) which is arranged in a state of use between the legs (12) in the crotch area (13) of the occupant (10), characterized by , that the restraint arrangement (9) for forming a V-shaped belt (18) to be guided between the legs (12) of the occupant (10) comprises two partial belts (15, 16) and at least three anchoring means (17) or that the restraint arrangement (9) for forming the restraint to be positioned between the legs (12) of the occupant (10) comprises a support element (25) with a support surface (26) covering the entire crotch area (13) and / or a shell-shaped support surface (26) and at least one anchoring means (17) which is arranged in or on the seat surface (7). [2] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the restraint arrangement (9) can be manually arranged in the crotch area (13) of the occupant (10). [3] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that both partial belts (15, 16) of the restraint arrangement (9) are assigned a common anchoring means (17) which is arranged in or on the seat surface (7). [4] Motor vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one coupling element (28) is arranged on a section (21) of the belt arrangement (8) which spans a pelvic area of ​​the occupant, on which at least one anchoring means (17) of the restraint arrangement (9) comprising the two partial belts (15, 16) is arranged, wherein the at least one coupling element (28) is displaceable relative to the pelvis of the occupant (10) in a horizontal direction on the belt arrangement (8). [5] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the containment arrangement (9) having the system element (25) is assigned an actuator (14) for the process of the containment arrangement (9) from a non-use state to the use state and vice versa, wherein the control device (2) is configured to control the containment arrangement (9) to the use state when the action condition is fulfilled. [6] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 5, characterized by , that the installation element (25) is made of metal or plastic, wherein one side facing the step area (13) has a cushioning material. [7] Motor vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the anchoring means (17) comprise at least one webbing winder and / or at least one webbing buckle (19), wherein the anchoring means (17) anchor the respective partial webbing (15, 16) firmly or releasably in and / or on the seat surface (7) and / or on the webbing assembly (8), or, that the anchoring means (17) comprise a fixed anchoring and / or at least one webbing buckle (19), wherein the anchoring means (17) anchor the attachment element (25) firmly or releasably in and / or on the seat surface (7) and / or on the webbing assembly (8). [8] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the belt arrangement (8) is a three-point belt and / or a lap belt. [9] Methods for operating a motor vehicle (1) comprising - a control device (2), - an output device (3) configured to output at least one piece of informational information, - a vehicle seat (4) comprising a seat back (5), a seat surface component (6) providing a seat surface (7), a belt assembly (8) as a first restraint device and a restraint assembly (9) as a second restraint device for an occupant (10) sitting or lying on the vehicle seat (4), comprising the following steps: - Acquisition of inclination information concerning an inclination angle of the vehicle seat by means of a detection device (11), - Verification of a condition for action concerning an exceedance of a limit value of the inclination angle by means of the control device (2), - Control of the output device (3) after fulfillment of the action condition, so that the output device (3) outputs at least one indication information which is directed towards a use of the containment device (9), and - automatic and / or manual application of the restraint device (9) such that it is arranged in a position of use between the legs (12) in a crotch area (13) of the occupant (10), wherein the restraint device (9) has two partial belts (15, 16) and at least three anchoring means (17) to form a V-shaped belt (18) to be guided between the legs (12) of the occupant (10), or wherein the restraint device (9) has a contact element (25) with a contact surface (26) covering the entire crotch area (13) and / or a shell-shaped contact surface (26) and at least one anchoring means (17) which is arranged in or on the seat surface (7) to form the restraint device to be positioned between the legs (12) of the occupant (10).

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