Safety belt device for a bench seat and motor vehicle

Abstract

A safety belt device for a bench seat with at least two adjacent seats and at least one safety belt is described, wherein a shoulder pivot point of the safety belt is movable and adjustable relative to a backrest of the bench seat, wherein an adjustment rail is provided along the upper edge of the backrest of the bench seat, along which the shoulder pivot point of the safety belt is movable, whereby the shoulder pivot point is adjustable between at least two force absorption points.

Description

[0001] A safety belt device for a bench seat and a motor vehicle is described.

[0002] Safety belt devices for bench seats and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above are known in the prior art.

[0003] Seat belt systems for vehicles, particularly for seating concepts that allow for variable use of the interior, are well-known. Modern vehicle architectures increasingly pursue flexible layouts where seating positions are no longer rigidly fixed but can be adapted to different usage scenarios. This includes, among other things, vehicle concepts where the second row of seats is designed as a continuous bench, enabling both a central single seating position and a lateral two-seater configuration.

[0004] In such flexible seating environments, there are high demands on the integration of a reliable, comfortable restraint system adapted to the specific seat geometry. A key element is the guidance and positioning of the seat belts, which must correctly align and adjust themselves depending on the seat configuration without impairing usability or interior comfort. Systems that must accommodate multiple seat positions, in particular, place high functional and design demands on the belt guidance and attachment points.

[0005] From DE 38 33 543 A1, a safety device for vehicles, in particular passenger cars, is known. This device comprises a seat belt and a device for adjusting the height of the shoulder attachment point relative to the vehicle body. Additionally, an adjustable belt force limiter is provided, whereby the height adjustment device and the belt force limiter interact in such a way that a higher belt force limiter is set as the height of the shoulder attachment point increases. Solutions of this type primarily address the adaptation of the belt system to different body sizes, but not the need for lateral repositioning within the vehicle.

[0006] Furthermore, restraint systems are known from production vehicles that, for central seats—for example, in the second or third row—are partially routed over the roof or integrated into the seat structure. However, these solutions follow the principle of providing a separate seat belt for each defined seat. In configuration-dependent interior concepts, this leads to belt systems that remain unused in certain usage modes and simultaneously require additional installation space. Moreover, known systems are not designed to move laterally in the vehicle direction to flexibly adapt to different Y-shaped seating positions.

[0007] Current restraint concepts are therefore reaching their limits, particularly in vehicles with variable seating positions. Providing multiple seatbelt systems for different seating configurations leads to structural limitations, increased weight, and an unnecessarily complex design.

[0008] At the same time, there is a need to provide a reliable and always correctly positioned belt guide, regardless of which seating position is actively used.

[0009] The problem is solved by a safety belt device for a bench seat according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle according to dependent claim 10. Further embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] A safety belt device for a bench seat with at least two adjacent seats and at least one safety belt is described, wherein a shoulder pivot point of the safety belt is movable and adjustable relative to a backrest of the bench seat, wherein an adjustment rail is provided along the upper edge of the backrest of the bench seat, along which the shoulder pivot point of the safety belt is movable, whereby the shoulder pivot point is adjustable between at least two force absorption points.

[0011] The seat belt assembly for a bench seat with at least two adjacent seats is designed so that the existing seat belt allows for variable positioning of the shoulder anchor point. The shoulder anchor point, which defines the connection of the seat belt to the shoulder area of ​​the occupant's upper body, is not fixed to the backrest of the bench seat, but is movable and adjustable relative to it. To ensure this adjustability, an adjustment rail is integrated along the upper edge of the backrest. The shoulder anchor point of the seat belt can be moved along this rail, thus allowing a change in the position of the anchor point along the belt's force application point. This adjustability allows the seat belt to be adapted to different seating configurations, for example, when the seats are occupied by different numbers of people.

[0012] To prevent unintentional changes in the position of the shoulder pivot point during travel, safety mechanisms can be implemented, such as locking in defined positions or self-locking at the start of travel. The exact type of safety mechanism is freely selectable and depends on the specific requirements for the control and locking systems.

[0013] In a first further embodiment, it is provided that a belt deflector is arranged at the adjustable shoulder pivot point.

[0014] This belt guide directs the seat belt from the adjustment rail position to the respective belt retractor, which is designed for the specific position of the shoulder attachment point. The guide's placement allows for flexible adjustment of the belt alignment to the adjusted shoulder attachment position, ensuring optimal belt guidance and tension regardless of the seat configuration. The guide's shape and orientation are designed to ensure smooth and reliable belt redirection.

[0015] In a further, more advanced embodiment, a belt winder is provided for at the adjustable shoulder pivot point.

[0016] This belt retractor is used to receive and unwind the seat belt, thus enabling automatic adjustment of the belt length to the position of the adjustable shoulder anchor point. The integration of the belt retractor ensures a consistent belt tension regardless of the shoulder anchor point's position, thereby supporting optimal seat belt effectiveness regardless of the seat configuration. The belt retractor's design can incorporate a spindle, a roller mechanism, or another suitable solution for controlled belt unwinding.

[0017] In a further refined embodiment, it is provided that two buckle tongues are arranged on the safety belt, so that when the seat belt is adjusted, the lower part of the safety belt can be fastened in a buckle in a seat surface of the bench seat in accordance with the adjusted shoulder pivot point.

[0018] This arrangement allows the lower part of the seat belt to be attached to a buckle integrated into the seat cushion of the bench seat, corresponding to the selected position of the shoulder attachment point, even when the shoulder attachment point is adjusted. The design thus allows for adjustment of the pelvic attachment point by enabling a repositioned positioning of the lower belt section, which is particularly advantageous with variable seating configurations and different occupant heights. The use of the appropriate buckle in the seat cushion is determined by the position of the adjustable shoulder attachment point, ensuring optimal angle and force transmission of the seat belt at all times.

[0019] In a further refinement, it is provided that the two belt locking tongues are identical.

[0020] This standardization enables simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing, as well as greater flexibility in adapting to different seat configurations. The identical design reduces the complexity of adjusting to the position of the adjustable shoulder anchor point, as the attachment of the lower belt section to the buckle in the seat cushion is simplified.

[0021] In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that the two belt locking tongues are detachably magnetically fixed to each other.

[0022] This design allows for simple and intuitive handling when fastening and unfastening the seat belt, without the need for complex buckles or locking mechanisms. The magnetic connection ensures that the belt tongues are reliably held together, while simultaneously allowing for easy separation, for example, for cleaning or to adapt to different seat configurations. The magnet's strength is chosen to guarantee a secure attachment while preventing unintentional release.

[0023] In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that at least two identical seat belt buckles are provided in the bench seat.

[0024] This standardization of the seatbelt buckles reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies logistics, as fewer different components need to be handled. The identical design of the buckles ensures consistent functionality, regardless of which buckle is used for which position of the adjustable shoulder anchor point.

[0025] In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that the adjustment rail is essentially horizontally aligned.

[0026] This orientation allows for lateral offset of the adjustable shoulder pivot point. A horizontal alignment of the adjustment rail also simplifies integration into the seat backrest and enables efficient use of available space. The exact alignment may vary slightly, but a dominant horizontal orientation is maintained.

[0027] In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that the shoulder pivot point is electrically or mechanically adjustable and lockable.

[0028] An electric actuator allows for precise and comfortable adjustment of the seatbelt position, while a mechanical actuator offers a robust and reliable solution without electronic components. In both cases, a locking function ensures that the selected position of the shoulder anchor point remains stable during driving and prevents unintentional changes. The choice between electric and mechanical actuators depends on the specific requirements for comfort, automation, and reliability.

[0029] A first independent item relates to a motor vehicle with a seat belt device of the type described above.

[0030] Integrating this innovative seat belt system into a vehicle improves passenger safety and comfort, particularly in seats with variable configurations that require greater flexibility in adjusting the belt position. The presence of the seat belt system thus contributes to a higher safety standard for the vehicle and ensures optimal force transmission in the event of an accident.

[0031] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawing – at least one embodiment is described in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0032] They show schematically: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a section of the interior of a motor vehicle with a rear seat; Fig. 2 the rear seat Fig. 1 in a view from the rear of the motor vehicle; Fig. 3 the rear seat Fig. 1 with a safety belt device in a first configuration, as well as Fig. 4 the rear seat Fig. 1 with a safety belt device in a second configuration.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section of a motor vehicle. Figure 2.

[0034] The illustration shows a bench seat 4 of the motor vehicle 2 with a backrest 4.1 and a seat surface 4.2. The bench seat 4 offers a total of three seats, two outer and one middle seat.

[0035] Also shown is a safety belt device 6 with a safety belt 6.1, which is fixed on the one hand between backrest 4.1 and seat surface 4.2 and on the other hand is articulated to a shoulder pivot point 6.2.

[0036] The safety belt 6.1 has two buckle tongues 6.3 and 6.4, wherein the two buckle tongues 6.3 and 6.4 are detachably fixed to each other by means of a magnet.

[0037] In the seat surface 4.2 of the bench seat 4, three belt buckles 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7 are arranged, which serve to attach a belt for the passengers.

[0038] The shoulder pivot point 6.2 of the safety belt assembly 6 is adjustably mounted on an adjustment rail 8. The adjustment rail 8 is fixed to the backrest 4.1 and is essentially horizontally oriented. The shoulder pivot point 6.2 can be locked at at least two different points along the adjustment rail 8.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows the motor vehicle 2 from the rear, looking towards an open trunk 10.

[0040] The backrest 4.1, which can be fully or partially foldable, has the adjustment rail 8 on which a belt retractor 6.8 can be adjusted together with the belt attachment point 6.2. The adjustment rail 8 is mounted in such a way that the backrest 4.1 can still be folded down.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows the molded seat 4 from the front with the safety belt device 6 in a first configuration.

[0042] In this configuration, the left seat is occupied, so the belt 6.1 is secured in the buckle 6.5 by means of the buckle tongue 6.3. This achieves a three-point restraint of the person sitting there. The shoulder pivot point 6.2 is in its leftmost position in the illustration.

[0043] Fig. Figure 4 shows a second configuration of the safety belt device 6, in which a middle seat is to be occupied.

[0044] For this purpose, the shoulder pivot point 6.2 is fixed in a right end position along the adjustment rail 8 (not shown).

[0045] The seat belt 6.1 is secured on one side by the buckle tongue 6.3 in the buckle 6.5. On the other side, it is secured on the other side by the buckle tongue 6.4 in the buckle 6.6. Thus, the seat belt 6.1 also forms a three-point restraint for the person sitting in the middle position, in which the person's shoulder is also secured.

[0046] Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as a further explanation in the description. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 38 33 543 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Seat belt device (6) for a bench seat (4) with at least two seats (4.2) located next to each other and with at least one seat belt (6.1), wherein a shoulder pivot point (6.2) of the seat belt (6.1) is movable and adjustable relative to a backrest (4.1) of the bench seat (4), characterized by , that an adjustment rail (8) is provided along the upper edge (4.1) of the backrest (4.1) of the seat bench (4), along which the shoulder pivot point (6.2) of the safety belt (6.1) is movable, whereby the shoulder pivot point (6.2) is adjustable between at least two force absorption points. [2] Safety belt device (6) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a belt guide is arranged at the adjustable shoulder pivot point (6.2). [3] Safety belt device (6) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a belt retractor (6.8) is arranged at the adjustable shoulder pivot point (6.2). [4] Safety belt device (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that two buckle tongues (6.3, 6.4) are arranged on the safety belt (6.1) so that when adjusted the lower part of the safety belt (6.1) can be fastened in a buckle (6.5, 6.7) in a seat surface (4.2) of the bench seat (4) in a way that matches the adjusted shoulder pivot point (6.2). [5] Safety belt device (6) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the two belt buckle tongues (6.3, 6.4) are the same. [6] Safety belt device (6) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the two belt locking tongues (6.3, 6.4) are detachably magnetically fixed to each other. [7] Safety belt device (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least two belt buckles (6.5, 6.7) are provided in the seat bench (4) which are identical. [8] Safety belt device (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the adjustment rail (8) is essentially horizontally aligned. [9] Safety belt device (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shoulder pivot point (6.2) is electrically or mechanically adjustable and lockable. [10] Motor vehicle (2) with a safety belt device (6) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images