SEAT BELT ARRANGEMENTS FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a safety belt arrangement for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A safety belt assembly with a gas bag module attached to a safety belt of the assembly is known, for example, from DE 10 2017 202 644 A1. A locking mechanism is provided on a module housing, via which the safety belt can be coupled to the module housing. By coupling the safety belt to the module housing, relative movement between the safety belt and the gas bag module is prevented, so that the gas bag module follows an extension movement of the safety belt. To allow gas to be introduced into the gas bag of the gas bag module even in this case, a gas line with extra length is used. However, the implementation of such a safety belt assembly is very complex. Further safety belt assemblies are described in DE 2007 / 080528 A1 and in DE 10 2011 116146 A1.

[0003] The problem underlying the invention is to create a safety belt arrangement with a gas bag attached to a safety belt, which can be implemented in the simplest possible way.

[0004] This problem is solved by providing the safety belt arrangements with the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] A seat belt arrangement for a motor vehicle is then provided, with at least one safety belt for the protection of a vehicle occupant located in a vehicle seat; at least one inflatable gas bag arranged on the safety belt for the protection of the vehicle occupant, wherein the gas bag has a passage through which the safety belt extends and to which at least one inflatable chamber of the gas bag adjoins, wherein, during or after inflation of the gas bag, at least a partial section of a wall of the passage presses indirectly and / or directly against the safety belt in such a way that the gas bag couples to the safety belt (in particular by clamping) and follows an extension movement of the safety belt and thus a movement of the vehicle occupant, and wherein the safety belt is at least partially surrounded by a sheathing element, at least within the passage.

[0006] In the event of a vehicle collision and the resulting forward movement of the vehicle occupant, the airbag, due to its connection to the seatbelt, follows the extension movement of the seatbelt (i.e., the unwinding of the seatbelt from a retractor), thus minimizing the change in the position of the inflated airbag relative to the vehicle occupant. However, during normal vehicle operation (before the airbag is activated), some relative movement between the seatbelt and the airbag is possible; for example, to facilitate fastening the seatbelt. The airbag is specifically positioned at the shoulder section of the seatbelt, with the seatbelt passing at least partially through the opening in the airbag at the shoulder section.

[0007] In particular, the internal pressure in the chamber creates a surface pressure between the chamber (e.g., across sections of the passage wall) and the safety belt located in the passage (which is not designed to be filled with gas); this pressure is created at least partially indirectly via the casing element located in the passage. This surface pressure clamps the chamber, and thus the gas bag, to the safety belt.

[0008] The passage (its wall) is formed, for example, by a flexible element that extends at least partially through the chamber or adjoins it. For instance, the flexible element is shaped like a tube and forms a tunnel-like passage. The flexible element separates, for example, an inner, non-inflatable volume of the passage through which the seatbelt passes, from an inflatable volume of the chamber. This separation is, in particular, gas-tight.

[0009] The flexible element is formed, for example, by a woven or foil material. It is conceivable that the flexible element is connected (e.g., sewn) to at least one layer of material (gas bag layer) of the chamber that limits the inflatable volume of the chamber (especially to the outside), with this connection being particularly gas-tight.

[0010] For example, an opening is formed in the material layer of the gas bag, whereby the flexible element in the area of ​​the opening is connected to the material layer (as mentioned, in particular sewn) in such a way that the opening forms an access to the passage.

[0011] It is also possible that the inflatable volume of the chamber is limited by two layers of material connected by an edge seam, with an opening formed between the layers of material and the flexible element being attached to at least one of the layers of material by means of the edge seam and / or a projection of the edge seam in such a way that the opening forms an access to the passage.

[0012] The casing element can also extend beyond the opening and, for example, form a guide for the safety belt outside the opening. For instance, the safety belt is guided by the casing element outside the opening along an inflatable chamber and / or a gas inlet area of ​​the airbag (see explanation of the inlet area below). Furthermore, the casing element can be designed so that its cross-section is adapted to the shape of the safety belt. For example, the casing element has two sides that extend at least approximately parallel to the safety belt. It is also conceivable that the casing element has an approximate shape of an elongated oval.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the sheathing element is provided with an inner (facing the seat belt) friction-reducing coating. For example, the coating comprises silicone or is made of silicone. It is also conceivable that the sheathing element is made of silicone or another material that has the lowest possible coefficient of friction with the material of the seat belt.

[0014] Furthermore, the sides of the cover element running parallel to the seat belt can be uneven, at least in sections. A wave-like or sawtooth-like shape is conceivable for these sides of the cover element; that is, the cover element can have a wave-like (e.g., sinusoidal or trapezoidal) structure (especially when viewed in a cross-section along the direction of the seat belt). With this design of the cover element, before the airbag is inflated, essentially only the protruding sections of the cover element are in contact with the seat belt, so that as the belt unwinds, the frictional forces between the cover element and the seat belt are minimized.When the gas bag is inflated, the shell element is pressed against the safety belt so that it lies flat against it, resulting in greater friction between the shell element and the safety belt.

[0015] For example, the distance between adjacent wave crests or troughs is less than 15 mm or less than 10 mm, with the wavelength and / or amplitude of the wave structure varying depending on location. It is also conceivable that the wave-like structure of an upper section of the envelope element differs from the wave-like structure of a lower section. For example, the upper section is trapezoidal and the lower section sinusoidal, so that the upper section is more rigid than the lower section. With this design, for example, the upper part of the enveloped gasbag could be lifted from the vehicle occupant's shoulder using a lifting device (lifter); in particular, to improve comfort when using the seat belt assembly.

[0016] Furthermore, an inner section of the (especially corrugated, as explained above) shell element (for example, up to approximately 25% of its wall thickness) could be made of a low-friction material, while the remaining section of the shell element (for example, up to approximately 75% of its wall thickness) could be made of a different material; for example, a material that influences (especially increases) the flexural stiffness and / or tensile strength. This would eliminate the need for post-treatment of the shell element (for example, applying a coating of a low-friction material).

[0017] It is also possible that one side of the shell element facing away from the vehicle occupant is convex (especially when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the path of the seat belt). The side of the shell element facing the vehicle occupant, on the other hand, can be at least approximately flat.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, a first end of the passage borders a first opening of the airbag and a second end of the passage borders a second opening of the airbag, with the seat belt entering the passage through the first opening and exiting the passage through the second opening. For example, the first and second openings are formed in the same material layer (airbag layer) of the airbag (for example, in an airbag layer facing the vehicle occupant). However, it is also possible for the openings to be located in different airbag layers of the airbag; for example, the first opening through which the seat belt enters the passage is formed in an airbag layer facing the vehicle occupant, while the second opening through which the seat belt exits the passage is located in the airbag layer facing away from the vehicle occupant.

[0019] The safety belt assembly according to the invention can also include a fixing element by means of which the airbag can be attached (in particular detachably) to a component of a vehicle seat; for example, by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. For example, the fixing element provides attachment to a guide device of the vehicle seat in which the safety belt is guided. The guide device particularly has a guide channel for guiding the safety belt, wherein the guide channel is positioned, for example, above a shoulder of the vehicle occupant located on the vehicle seat. It is also possible that the safety belt assembly according to the invention includes a gas supply line (see the second aspect of the invention explained below), which extends, for example, from a gas generator for inflating the airbag towards the guide device.

[0020] The fixing element has in particular a through-opening through which the safety belt extends, and / or a through-opening through which a gas inlet area of ​​the gas bag (see explanations below) passes.

[0021] It is also possible that the safety belt assembly has an outer covering that at least partially surrounds the airbag. For example, the outer covering is made of a woven or foil material. Furthermore, the safety belt itself also runs at least partially through the outer covering.

[0022] It is also conceivable that the outer casing is fixed to the fastening element. It is also possible that, during an extension movement of the safety belt after the airbag has been coupled to the safety belt, the outer casing detaches from the airbag or tears open, allowing the airbag to follow the extension movement of the safety belt.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that during an extension movement of the safety belt after the gas bag has been coupled, the fixing element detaches from the vehicle seat component and thus does not counteract the gas bag moving with the safety belt.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the safety belt assembly comprises at least one connecting element (for example, in the form of a locking or clamping element) with which the outer covering and the covering element are connected to each other. It is conceivable that the covering element and / or the outer covering each have at least one opening into which corresponding connecting sections (for example, hooks or other projections) of the connecting element engage. A cover element may also be provided, which is connected to the connecting element (for example, by being locked in place) and which serves in particular to cover components (for example, the aforementioned connecting sections) of the connecting element (e.g., for aesthetic reasons and / or to prevent the connecting element from snagging on the clothing of the vehicle occupant).

[0025] Furthermore, the connecting element includes a (for example, slot-like) opening through which the seat belt runs. The cover element may also have an opening for the seat belt.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the airbag has a head section extending above a thoracic area, the head section having at least one indentation. The indentation can extend through the entire airbag or only a portion of it, forming a non-inflatable opening as seen from the vehicle occupant's perspective. For example, the indentation may be surrounded by sections of the head and thoracic areas in a ring-like fashion. At least one (particularly planar) element can be arranged in the indentation—particularly spaced from the airbag layer facing the vehicle occupant—which at least partially closes the opening and connects sections of one or more airbag layers (wall sections) that define the opening, thus preventing the indentation from spreading open when the vehicle occupant's head enters the airbag.

[0027] The indentation is particularly elongated, extending, for example, in a vertical direction.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a seat belt arrangement for a motor vehicle, as described above, with at least one seat belt for the protection of a vehicle occupant seated in a vehicle seat; at least one inflatable gas bag attached to the seat belt for the protection of the vehicle occupant; a gas generator for inflating the gas bag; a gas supply line through which gas released by the gas generator can be supplied to the gas bag, wherein the gas bag couples to the seat belt upon a signal from a pre-crash or crash sensor system of the vehicle or as a result of inflation, so that the gas bag follows an extension movement of the seat belt and thus a movement of the vehicle occupant, wherein the gas supply line is connected to an inlet area of ​​the gas bag in such a way that the inlet area detaches from one end of the gas supply line when the seat belt is extended by a predetermined extension length after the gas bag has been coupled to the seat belt.

[0029] The inlet section of the gas bag is connected, in particular, to at least one inflatable chamber of the gas bag, so that after the gas generator is triggered, gas flows from the gas generator into the inflatable chamber via the inlet section. For example, the inlet section is at least partially elongated, in particular tubular.

[0030] It is also possible that the end of the gas supply line is formed by a rigid (especially cylindrical) end piece to which the inlet section of the gas bag is connected. This end piece, for example, projects at least partially into an end section of the gas bag's inlet section. Alternatively, the gas generator-side end of the gas bag's inlet section could be detachably connected to the end of the gas supply line (especially to the aforementioned end piece), for example, via a detachable clamp connection. The clamp connection would release when the safety belt is extended beyond its predetermined extension length.

[0031] In particular, the gas bag's inlet area is designed in such a way that, in the event of a vehicle collision and subsequent extension of the safety belt after the gas bag has been coupled to the safety belt, gas can be introduced via the inlet area until the predetermined extension length is reached.

[0032] For example, the inlet area has a section that provides additional length which, when the safety belt is extended to the specified extension length, allows an inflatable chamber to be removed from the gas supply line without interrupting the gas supply to the chamber.

[0033] It is conceivable that the section providing the additional length is formed by a gathered portion of the inlet section. For example, the gathered portion is stored on the gas supply line, such as on the aforementioned end piece of the gas supply line. It is possible that the gathered portion of the inlet section is detachably connected to the gas supply line by means of a fastening element (for example, in the form of a fixing strap). The fastening element has, for example, a predetermined breaking point (for example, a predetermined tear point) that breaks (especially tears) particularly when the safety belt is extended, in order to allow the gathered portion to tighten.

[0034] It is also possible that the section of the gas bag inlet area providing the additional length does not run in a straight line, but rather has, for example, at least one loop-like section or a meandering shape before the safety belt is extended, with the section tightening as the safety belt is extended. It is also conceivable that the gas supply line (especially the aforementioned end piece of the gas supply line) protrudes into the gas bag inlet area with a section whose length is less than the additional length required to maintain gas supply to the chamber when the safety belt is extended after the gas bag has been coupled to the safety belt. For example, the length of the section of the gas supply line protruding into the inlet area is less than the distance the gas bag travels during an extension movement of the safety belt up to the predetermined extension length.

[0035] The required additional length can be significantly less than in previously known solutions, since only an extension length up to the predefined extension length or a forward displacement of the vehicle occupant up to a corresponding predefined occupant position needs to be covered. The predefined occupant position or the predefined extension length at which the inlet area of ​​the gas bag detaches from the gas supply line is determined, in particular, depending on the gas delivery characteristics of the gas generator. For example, at the moment the inlet area of ​​the gas bag detaches from the supply line, no gas, or at least substantially no gas, should be supplied by the gas generator.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the invention, a valve (e.g., in the form of a check valve or one-way valve) is provided that prevents gas from escaping the gas bag after the gas bag's inlet section becomes detached from the gas supply line (particularly due to exceeding the predetermined extension length). Specifically, the valve is activated when the gas bag's inlet section becomes detached from the gas supply line. For example, the valve is arranged in the area of ​​the connection between the gas supply line (particularly the aforementioned end piece) and the gas bag's inlet section. It is also conceivable that the valve is arranged inside the gas bag's inlet section or is formed by the inlet section itself.

[0037] It is also conceivable that the extent of the area in which the additional length is provided does not exceed a predefined distance from an inflatable chamber of the airbag. For example, the additional length is provided in an area between the inflatable chamber and a guide device for the seatbelt located on the vehicle seat. This eliminates, for example, the need for complex mechanisms for redirecting or releasing the gas supply line. It is also conceivable that larger flow cross-sections can be achieved by using the gas supply line via the inlet area of ​​the airbag.

[0038] The embodiments of the safety belt arrangement of the first aspect of the invention, as explained above, can of course also be used analogously to further develop the safety belt arrangement of the second aspect of the invention. It should also be noted that, analogous to the first aspect of the invention, the coupling of the airbag to the safety belt can indeed be achieved under the influence of the internal pressure in the airbag. However, other coupling mechanisms are also conceivable. For example, German patent application 10 2017 216 180.9, dated September 13, 2017, discloses coupling mechanisms that can be used to further develop the safety belt arrangement of the second aspect of the invention. Reference is hereby expressly made to patent application 10 2017 216 180.9.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a seat belt arrangement for a motor vehicle, as described above, with at least one seat belt for the protection of a vehicle occupant seated in a vehicle seat; at least one inflatable gas bag attached to the seat belt for the protection of the vehicle occupant; an outer covering that at least partially surrounds the gas bag, wherein the gas bag couples to the seat belt upon a signal from a pre-crash or crash sensor system of the vehicle or as a result of inflation, so that the gas bag follows an extension movement of the seat belt and thus a movement of the vehicle occupant; and at least one sensor attached to the outer covering for detecting vital data of the vehicle occupant and / or at least one environmental parameter and / or a signal transmitter.

[0040] The sensor serves, for example, to determine the heart rate, respiratory activity, temperature, and / or movement of the vehicle occupant. It is also conceivable that the sensor is designed to determine an environmental parameter, such as temperature or substance concentration (for example, in the breath of the vehicle occupant). For example, the sensor could be an accelerometer, microphone, or radar sensor, although the invention is naturally not limited to a specific sensor type.

[0041] For example, the at least one sensor is arranged on a section of the outer casing facing the vehicle occupant, and the sensor can be located on either the outside or the inside of this section. A sensor positioned in this way is used, in particular, to determine the aforementioned heart rate, respiratory activity, temperature, and / or movement of the vehicle occupant. However, it is also possible for the sensor to be attached to a section of the outer casing facing away from the vehicle occupant, and again, the sensor can be attached to either the outside or the inside of this section. A sensor positioned in this way, which is particularly in the form of a microphone, can, for example, be used to analyze the breath of the vehicle occupant or to determine environmental parameters (such as the ambient temperature).Of course, there can be multiple sensors attached to different sections of the outer casing.

[0042] It should be noted that the term "sensor" does not necessarily refer to a single sensing element, but can also include, for example, a unit (a module) that comprises other components (especially electronic ones) in addition to the sensing element (such as a semiconductor device). For instance, the sensor might have a sensing element mounted on a circuit board. It is also conceivable that there are multiple sensing elements, perhaps mounted on a single circuit board. The same applies to the signal transmitter.

[0043] The signal transmitter is, for example, an actuator that can transmit (especially haptic) signals to the vehicle occupants, or an acoustic transducer (e.g., a loudspeaker, such as in a hands-free system).

[0044] The sensor and / or signal transmitter is contacted, in particular, by means of at least one electrical conductor, wherein the electrical conductor is, in particular, a data conductor and / or a power conductor. For example, the electrical conductor runs, at least partially, along an outer surface of the outer casing, where it may be attached (e.g., woven in). However, it is also conceivable that the electrical conductor extends, at least partially, along an inner surface of the outer casing.

[0045] It is also conceivable that the seat belt assembly includes an energy storage device for storing electrical energy, which serves to power at least one sensor and / or the signal transmitter. Furthermore, the seat belt assembly can also include a radio module that allows, for example, sensor data to be transmitted wirelessly to a receiver.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electrical conductor has an additional length which, when the seat belt is extended, allows the airbag to move with the seat belt without interrupting the electrical connection between the sensor and / or signal transmitter and the vehicle electronics. For example, the additional length is formed by a folded or coiled section of the electrical conductor.

[0047] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a safety belt arrangement according to the invention.

[0048] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. The figures show: Figures 1 to 3 show different states of a safety belt arrangement according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a representation of the gas bag made of the Figures 1 to 3 Figure 5 shows a section through the gasbag. Figure 4Figure 6 shows a safety belt arrangement according to the invention, wherein the gas bag is shown in a flat, spread-out state; Figure 7 shows a partial sectional view of a safety belt arrangement according to the invention; Figure 8 shows a section through the inlet area of ​​a gas bag of a safety belt arrangement according to the invention; Figure 9 shows the inlet area of ​​the gas bag made of Figure 8 after detachment from the gas supply line; Figure 10: one end of the gas bag's inlet area from Figures 8 and 9 in a flat, spread-out state; Figures 11A to 11E: representations of the gas bag of a safety belt arrangement according to the invention; Figure 11: subtle modification of the Figures 11A to 11E Figure 12 shows an exemplary cladding element in top view; Figure 13 shows a section through the cladding element made of Figure 12 Figure 14 shows an enlarged section of the casing element made of Figure 12 Figure 15, a variation of the Figure 6 Figure 16, a variation of the Figure 15Figure 17 shows a variant of a seat belt connection; Figure 18 shows a side view of the connection. Figure 17 ; and Figure 19 shows an embodiment of a sensor arrangement according to a further aspect of the invention.

[0049] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a seat belt assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the seat belt assembly 1 comprises a seat belt 11 which can be wound onto a winding device 10 in a conventional manner. The seat belt 11 is guided in a guide device 3 arranged on a backrest 21 of a vehicle seat, such that a shoulder section 111 of the seat belt 11 extends through a guide channel 31 of the guide device 3 towards a vehicle occupant 4 located on the vehicle seat. The guide channel 31 is located, in particular, above a shoulder of the vehicle occupant 4, so that the shoulder section 111 is guided over the shoulder of the vehicle occupant 4.

[0050] An inflatable gas bag 5, housed in an outer covering 6 made of a flexible material, for example a fabric, is arranged on the shoulder section 111 of the safety belt 11. The gas bag 5 has a passage 51 in which a cover element 8 (see, for example, the detail view) is located. Figures 4 and 5 ) is located. The shoulder section 111 runs through passage 51 and at least partially within the envelope element 8. Fig. 1 The safety belt arrangement 1 is shown after the safety belt 11 has been fastened, but before the gas bag 5 has been activated.

[0051] A gas generator 7 located in the backrest 21 serves to fill the gas bag 5 with gas, wherein gas released from the gas generator 7 can flow into at least one inflatable chamber 53 of the gas bag 5 via a gas supply line 71 and a hose-shaped inlet area 52 of the gas bag 5.

[0052] The passage 51 of the gas bag 5 and the casing element 8 located in the passage 51 are designed such that the safety belt 11 is movable relative to the gas bag 5 before it is inflated, i.e., before the gas generator 7 is activated. However, during or after inflation of the gas bag 5, at least a section of the wall of the passage 51, which defines an inner volume of the passage 51 opposite the inflatable chamber 53 of the gas bag 5, is pressed against the safety belt 11 via the casing element 8 under the influence of the internal pressure prevailing in the gas bag 5, thus coupling the chamber 53, and therefore the gas bag 5, to the safety belt 11. This coupling results in the gas bag 5 following an extension movement of the safety belt 11 as a consequence of a collision-induced forward movement of the vehicle occupant 4.

[0053] To ensure that chamber 53 can be filled with gas even when the gas bag 5 is moved forward in this way, the inlet section 52 of the gas bag 5 includes a condensed section 521, which provides additional length for the inlet section 52. This allows gas to be introduced into chamber 53 even when chamber 53 is moved away from the supply line 71 to a predetermined distance. Further details, e.g., of the inlet section 52 and the supply line 71, are described in Figure 7 shown.

[0054] The condition of the safety belt assembly 1 and in particular of the airbag 5 after or during a collision of the vehicle, i.e. after at least partial inflation of the airbag 5, is described in Figure 2The gas bag 5 was coupled to the safety belt 11 as described above, thus counteracting any relative movement between the safety belt 11 and the gas bag 5. Consequently, the gas bag 5 follows the forward displacement of the vehicle occupant 4 caused by the vehicle collision, the associated extension of the safety belt 11, and the resulting lengthening of the shoulder section 111 of the safety belt 11. The gathered section 521 (initially fixed to the supply line 71) has detached, releasing the additional length of the inlet section 52. Therefore, despite the forward displacement of the vehicle occupant 4, the gas supply to the chamber 53 of the gas bag 5 is not interrupted.

[0055] However, if a predetermined extension length of the safety belt 11 is exceeded, the end section 522 of the inlet area 52 of the gas bag 5, which is initially connected to the supply line 71, detaches from the supply line 71, so that no gas is introduced into the chamber 53 if the vehicle occupant 4 moves forward further (cf. Figure 3 The end section 522 can be equipped with a valve that prevents gas from escaping from the gas bag 5 after the inlet section 52 has detached from the supply line 71 (see, e.g., the Figures 8 to 10 ). The extension length of the safety belt 11, at which the detachment of the inlet section 52 from the supply line 71 takes place, depends in particular on the additional length provided by the gathered section 521 of the inlet section 52.

[0056] Figure 4 shows the gasbag 5 of the Figure 2In an enlarged view, the sleeve element 8 extends in a tubular shape within the passage 51 of the gas bag 5 and beyond the passage 51. It is conceivable that the sleeve element 8 serves to guide the safety belt 11 outside the passage 51. The passage 51 (its wall) can, as mentioned above, be formed by a flexible element 510 that separates an inner, non-gas-fillable volume 5100 of the passage 51 from an inflatable volume 530 of the chamber 53. The flexible element 510 is connected, for example, in the area of ​​an opening 520 of the gas bag 5, which provides access to the passage 51, to at least one layer of material 540 that defines the inflatable volume 530 of the chamber 53; in particular, it is sewn. For example, the opening 520 is arranged in a connection area of ​​adjacent layers of material that define the inflatable volume 530 of the chamber 53.The two mentioned configurations of the opening 520 are also possible for an opening of the gas bag 5, which forms an exit from the passage 51, from which the safety belt 11 exits.

[0057] Furthermore, it is possible that an inner surface of the casing element 8 is provided with a friction-reducing coating, at least partially and / or at least within the passage 51, in order to allow the shoulder section 111 of the safety belt 11 to move as freely as possible relative to the gas bag 5 before the gas bag 5 is inflated. After the gas bag 5 is inflated, however, the coupling of the gas bag 5 to the safety belt 11 takes place as described above, whereby in Figure 4 The act of pressing the chamber 53 against the safety belt 11, which causes the coupling, due to the internal pressure in the chamber 53, is not shown for illustrative reasons; in particular, to be able to show the shell element 8.

[0058] The mechanism that leads to the coupling of chamber 53 to the safety belt 11 is in Figure 5 , which makes a cut through the gasbag 5 including passage 51 of the Figure 4 shows, indicated, whereby in Figure 5 as in Fig. 4 The distances between the flexible element 510, the sheath element 8, and the safety belt 11 are shown enlarged. An internal pressure PI in chamber 43 acts on the flexible element 510 of the passage 51 and thus on the sheath element 8, so that the flexible element 510 and the sheath element 8 are pressed against the shoulder section 111 of the safety belt 11 running in the passage 51, thereby coupling the chamber 53 to the shoulder section 111.

[0059] Figure 6 schematically shows the gas bag 5 of a safety belt arrangement 1 according to the invention (for example, the safety belt arrangement of the Figures 1-5) in a flat, spread-out state. The shell element 8 extends analogously to the Figure 4 together with the shoulder section 111 of the safety belt 11 running therein, it emerges from the passage 51 and runs towards the backrest 21 along the entry area 52 of the gasbag 5. It is conceivable that this section of the cover element 8 is attached to the entry area 52; for example via tabs 81.

[0060] The cover element 8 and the safety belt 11 extend through a first opening 511, which is formed in a gasbag layer 513 of the gasbag 5, into the passage 51. In particular, the passage 51 is connected to the gasbag layer 513 in the region of the first opening 511. The other end of the passage 51 adjoins a second opening 512, which is formed between two gasbag layers 513, 514 of the gasbag 5; for example, by an interruption of a circumferential seam through which the two gasbag layers 513, 514 are connected to each other. At least the safety belt 11 exits the passage 51 via the opening 512.

[0061] In Figure 7 are further components of the seat belt assembly 1 of the Figures 1 to 5 shown. Gasbag 5 is depicted there before inflation, but in a flat, spread-out state.

[0062] For example, the supply line 71 includes a rigid end piece 710 that projects into the gathered section 521 of the inlet area 52 of the airbag 5. The inlet area 52 is detachably connected to the end piece 710 via a fastening element 711 (for example, in the form of a clamping ring). The gathered section 521, in turn, is initially fixed to the end piece 710 by a fixing band 530. The fixing band 530 has a tear seam 531 that tears after the airbag 5 is coupled to the safety belt 11 and the safety belt 11 is subsequently extended, thus releasing the gathered section 521.

[0063] Furthermore, the seat belt assembly 1 includes a fixing element 9 to which the outer cover 6 is attached and which is detachably connected to the guide device 3 of the vehicle seat via a connection 90 (for example, in the form of a snap-fit ​​connection). The fixing of the outer cover 6 to the guide device 3 also fixes the airbag 5 to the guide device 3. Release of the fixing element 9 (and thus the airbag 5) from the guide device 3 by an extension movement of the seat belt 11, which occurs in conjunction with a forward displacement of the vehicle occupant during a vehicle collision, thus allows the airbag 5 to move along with the extension of the belt.

[0064] The fixing element 9 comprises a first through-opening 91, through which the inlet area 52 of the gas bag 5 extends, and a second through-opening 92, in which the safety belt 11 runs. At one end, the cover element 8 is attached to the fixing element 9 surrounding the through-opening 92, e.g., by hooking it in place. At its end facing away from the fixing element 9, the cover element 8 is connected to the outer covering 6 via the section 810 projecting from the through-opening 51; for example, via at least one connecting element in the form of a clamping or locking element 811. In a section extending between the fixing element 9 and the clamping or locking element 811, the outer covering 6 is provided with a weakened area (e.g., in the form of a tear seam or perforation). The location and size of the weakened area of ​​the outer covering 6 depend primarily on the dimensions of the gas bag 5 and its desired expansion.As a result of the forces occurring during the filling of the gas bag 5, the weakened area is torn open and an opening is created in the covering 6 for the gas bag 5 to escape.

[0065] The Figure 7It can further be seen that the cover element 8 and also the flexible element 510 forming the passage 51 are not flat, but have a wave-like structure. This results in a reduced contact area between the cover element 8 and the safety belt 11 before the gas bag 5 is inflated, and thus minimal friction between the cover element 8 and the safety belt 11. When the gas bag 5 is activated, i.e., in a state of the safety belt assembly 1 where coupling of the gas bag 5 to the safety belt 11 is desired, the flexible element 510 and the cover element 8 are pressed against the safety belt 11 and thereby smoothed. The contact area between the cover element 8 and the cover element 8 is correspondingly increased, resulting in higher frictional forces between the safety belt 11 and the cover element 8.

[0066] The Figures 8 and 9Figure 5 shows a possible configuration of the end section 522 of the inlet area 52 of the gas bag 5. Accordingly, the end section 522 is bounded by two layers of material 550, 551, which may also be integrally joined. The first layer of material 550 surrounds a section of the second layer of material 551, with a folded-back end of the first layer of material 550 being connected to the second layer of material 551 via a seam 553. Further lateral seams 554, 555 ( Figure 10 ) between the material layers 550, 551 the (particularly largely gas-tight) inlet area 52 of the gas bag 5 is formed.

[0067] The first and second material layers 550, 551 each have a through-opening 5501, 5502, through which the supply line 71, in particular the rigid end 710 shown above, extends into the interior of the inlet area 52. After activation of the gas generator and inflation of the gas bag 5 and exceeding the predetermined extension length of the safety belt 11, the inlet area 52 of the gas bag 5 detaches from the supply line 71 as described above.

[0068] This condition is in Figure 9 The internal pressure in the inlet area 52 presses the second material layer 551 against a section of the first material layer 550, thereby closing the through-openings 5501, 5502. The through-openings 5501, 5502 and their arrangement in the first and second material layers 550, 551 thus form a check valve that prevents gas from escaping from the inlet area 52 and therefore from the gas bag 5. Figure 10 shows a top view of the end section 522 of the introductory area 52 from Figure 9 .

[0069] The Figures 11A to 11E Figure 1 shows different views of a gas bag 5 according to an embodiment of the safety belt arrangement according to the invention. Accordingly, the gas bag 5 can have a head section 570 extending above a thorax section 580. The head section 570 comprises two lateral head chambers 571, 572, each of which can be separated from the rest of the head section 570 by a partition. However, it is also conceivable that no such partitions are present. If the head chambers 571, 572 are separated by partitions, overflow openings can be provided there, whereby the dimensioning of the overflow openings can be adjusted to delay the filling of the head chambers 571, 572 compared to the filling of a frontal section of the head section 570.

[0070] According to Figure 11FThe head section 570 has a section 5701 extending upwards in the vehicle's height direction beyond the lateral head chambers 571, 572. Furthermore, the head section 570 is provided with a recess 5702, which is located in the impact area of ​​the vehicle occupant's head when it shifts forward and is intended to reduce the forces occurring upon impact. Accordingly, the recess 5702 is situated between the lateral head chambers 571, 572, and may extend into the upwardly extended section 5701 and / or into the thorax area 580. The recess 5702 can be designed as an elongated depression (or opening) running vertically when the airbag 5 is inflated; in particular, to be effective for vehicle occupants of different sizes (in Fig. 11F (indicated by the dashed circles G1, G2).

[0071] The indentation 5702 can be designed as a non-fillable passage extending through the entire gasbag 5. However, it is also conceivable that the indentation 5702, viewed from the vehicle occupant's perspective, extends as a non-fillable section only over a portion of the thickness of the head region 570 (between the lateral head chambers 571, 572). In the illustrated embodiment, the indentation 5702 is surrounded in a ring-like fashion by sections of the head region 570 and the thorax region 580. As mentioned above, an element (for example, a planar element) can be arranged in the indentation 5702 that at least partially closes the indentation 5702 and connects sections of the gasbag 5 adjacent to the indentation 5702, thereby limiting the indentation 5702 from spreading open when the vehicle occupant's head enters it.

[0072] In Fig. 12 is a contrast to the Fig. 7A modified version of the envelope element 8 is shown. In comparison with Fig. 7 The casing element 8 possesses, at least in sections, a wave-like structure (viewed along the path of the safety belt) that is significantly more corrugated, i.e., has a shorter wavelength and / or a larger amplitude. Accordingly, the distance between adjacent wave troughs or crests of the structure is smaller; e.g., less than 10 mm. The wave-like structure is particularly evident in the section described in Figure 14 shown enlarged section (section marked "XIV" in Figure 12 ) can be recognized. For example, the enclosing element 8 is designed in the manner of a corrugated tube.

[0073] Furthermore, the side 82 of the shell element 8 facing the vehicle occupant is at least approximately flat, while its side 83 facing away from the vehicle occupant is convex; cf. Fig. 13 , which makes a cut along XIII-XIII in Figure 12 The wave-like structure and the concave or flat contour of the shell element 8 can improve the adaptation of the shell element 8 to the body contour of the vehicle occupant when the seat belt 11 is fastened.

[0074] Figure 15 concerns a first modification of the seat belt arrangement 1 from Figure 6 Unlike in Figure 6 The first opening 511, through which the safety belt 11 enters the passage 51, and the second opening 512, through which the safety belt 11 exits the passage 51, are located in one and the same material layer (gasbag layer) of the gasbag 5; namely, in the gasbag layer 514 facing the vehicle occupant. It is also conceivable, of course, that the openings 511 and 512 are located in the gasbag layer 513 facing away from the vehicle occupant.

[0075] In Figure 16An alternative modification of the seat belt arrangement 1 is shown. In this version, the two openings 511 and 512 are located in different positions within the airbag 5. The first opening 511 is located in the airbag position 514 facing the vehicle occupant, while the second opening 512 is located in the airbag position 513 facing away from the vehicle occupant. Conversely, it is also conceivable that the first opening 511 is located in the airbag position 513 facing away from the vehicle occupant and the second opening is located in the airbag position 514 facing the vehicle occupant.

[0076] The Figures 17 and 18 concern a situation opposite the Figure 7 modified design of the connection of the safety belt assembly 1 to the safety belt 11 at its fixing element 9 (cf. Fig. 7 ) opposite end, with the connection in Fig. 17 on average and in Fig. 18 can be seen in a side view.

[0077] Unlike the connecting element 811 of the Fig. 7 The connecting element 820 of the Figures 17 and 18 two sections 830, 840 of the shell element 8 and two sections 630, 640 of the outer covering 6, so that the connecting element 820 provides both a connection of the first section 830 of the shell element 8 with the first section 630 of the outer covering 6 and a connection of the second section 840 of the shell element 8 with the second section 640 of the outer covering 6.

[0078] For coupling with the connecting element 820, the shell element 8 and the outer covering 6 are provided with openings 850, 650, which are engaged with corresponding projections 8201 and hooks 8202 of the connecting element 820 during assembly.

[0079] Subsequently, an outer cover element 80 is snapped into the connecting element 820, thereby covering visible components (e.g., the projections 8201 and hooks 8202) of the connecting element 820 (design function). Simultaneously, the cover element 80 secures the connection between the outer covering 6 and the covering element 8 with the connecting element 820 against accidental disconnection. It is also conceivable that the cover element 80 presses the covering 6 and the covering element 8 against a section (e.g., an outer surface) of the connecting element 820. The cover element 80 is made, for example, of metal or plastic (e.g., by injection molding). The cover element 80 has, in particular, a contour (e.g., asymmetrical) designed to prevent snagging on the clothing of the vehicle occupant.

[0080] The connecting element 820 is furthermore provided with a slot-shaped through-opening 8203 through which the safety belt 11 runs. The cover element 80 has an opening 860 adjoining the through-opening 8203, with the safety belt 11 running through both the opening 8203 and the opening 860. To minimize friction between the connecting element 820 and the safety belt 11, a wall 8204 of the connecting element 820 adjacent to the through-opening 8203 can be provided with (e.g., strip-shaped) projections 8205, the direction of which is, for example, identical to the direction of travel of the safety belt 11; see also the Fig. 18 Analogous to the projections 8205 of the through-opening 8203, projections can of course also be found in the through-opening 92 of the fixing element 9 (cf. Fig. 7 There may be protrusions.

[0081] Fig. 19This relates to a further aspect of the invention, according to which several sensors 951, 952 for recording vital data of the vehicle occupant and / or at least one environmental parameter are arranged on the outer casing 6 of the safety belt assembly 1.

[0082] The sensors 951 and 952 can be located at different installation positions on the outer casing 6. For example, the sensors 951 are located on a first section 630 of the outer casing 6 facing the vehicle occupant 4, with two of these sensors 951 on an outside of the section 630 and the other two on an inside of the section 630. The sensors 952, on the other hand, are located on a second section 640 of the outer casing 6 facing away from the vehicle occupant 4, with two of these sensors on an outside and one on an inside of the section 640.

[0083] The invention is not limited to a specific number of sensors or specific installation positions. Rather, the number of sensors and their position are determined by their intended purpose. For example, the sensors 951 arranged on the section 630 of the outer casing 6 facing the vehicle occupant 4 can be used to determine the heart rate, parameters relating to respiration, temperature, and movement of the vehicle occupant 4. The sensors 952 arranged on the section 640 facing away from the vehicle occupant 4 include, for example, sensors for determining components of the exhaled air of the vehicle occupant 4, a microphone, and / or sensors (e.g., in the form of a camera) for monitoring the vehicle occupant 4's surroundings.

[0084] To ensure that sensors 951, 952 can continue to function even after a vehicle crash, the seat belt assembly 1 can include devices that ensure the power supply during and after a forward displacement of the vehicle occupant. For example, an electrical conductor can be provided via which the sensor can be connected to the vehicle electronics. This conductor can have an additional length that allows the airbag to move with the seat belt when it is extended, without interrupting the electrical connection between the sensor and the vehicle electronics. The electrical conductor can be applied (e.g., laminated) to the surface of the flexible material forming the outer covering 6, either inside or outside the outer covering 6.The electrical conductor runs within the flexible material, for example as a woven element when using an outer covering made of fabric. 6.

[0085] As mentioned above, it is also possible that the seat belt assembly 1 includes an energy storage device for storing electrical energy, which serves to supply power to at least one sensor, and / or a radio module with which, for example, sensor data can be wirelessly transmitted to a receiver. The signal transmitters mentioned above can be arranged analogously to sensors 951 and 952.

[0086] It could be the gasbag of the Figures 1 to 5 modeled after the one in the Figures 11A to 11F The depicted gasbag must be formed.

Claims

1. Seat belt assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising - at least one seat belt (11) intended to protect a vehicle occupant (4) located on a vehicle seat; - at least one airbag (5) arranged on the seat belt (11), which can be inflated to protect the vehicle occupant (4), characterized in that the airbag (5) has a passage (51) through which the seat belt (11) extends, and which adjoins at least one inflatable chamber (53) of the airbag (5), wherein when the airbag (5) is inflated or after the airbag has been inflated, at least one partial section of a wall of the passage (51) indirectly and / or directly exerts pressure against the seat belt (11) in such a manner that the airbag (5) couples to the seat belt (11) and follows a extraction movement of the seat belt (11) and thus a movement of the vehicle occupant (4), and wherein the seat belt (11) is at least partially surrounded by an enveloping element (8) at least inside the passage (51).

2. Seat belt assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall of the passage (51) is formed by a flexible element (510), which extends at least partially through the chamber (53) from one side to the other or adjoins the chamber (53), wherein in particular the flexible element (510) is connected to at least one material layer (540) of the chamber (53), which delimits the inflatable volume (530) of the chamber (53), wherein in particular an opening (520) is formed in the material layer (540), wherein the flexible element (510) is connected to the material layer (540) in the region of the opening (520) in such a manner that the opening (520) forms an access to the passage (51).

3. Seat belt assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the inflatable volume (530) of the chamber (53) is delimited by two material layers connected to one another by means of an edge seam, wherein an opening is formed between the material layers and the flexible element (510) is fastened to at least one of the material layers by means of the edge seam and / or an extension of the edge seam in such a manner that the opening forms an access to the passage (51).

4. Seat belt assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enveloping element (8) is provided with an inner coating that reduces friction and / or the enveloping element (8) has a corrugated structure at least in sections and / or a side of the enveloping element (8) facing away from the vehicle occupant (4) extends in a convex manner.

5. Seat belt assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first end of the passage (51) adjoins a first opening (511) of the airbag (5) and a second end of the passage (51) adjoins a second opening (512) of the airbag (5), wherein the seat belt (11) enters the passage (51) via the first opening (511) and exits the passage (51) via the second opening (512), wherein in particular the first and second openings (511, 512) are formed in the same airbag layers or in different airbag layers (513, 514) of the airbag (5).

6. Seat belt assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fixing element (9), by means of which the airbag (5) can be fastened to a component (3) of a vehicle seat (21).

7. Seat belt assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an outer envelope (6), which at least partially surrounds the airbag (5).

8. Seat belt assembly according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the outer envelope (6) is fastened to the fixing element (9).

9. Seat belt assembly according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by at least one connecting element (811, 820), by means of which the outer envelope (6) and the enveloping element (8) are connected to one another.

10. Seat belt assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising - a gas generator (7) intended to inflate the airbag (5); - a gas supply line (71), by means of which gas released by the gas generator (7) can be conveyed into the airbag (5), wherein - the airbag (5) couples to the seat belt (11) upon receipt of a signal from a pre-collision or collision detection system of the motor vehicle or as a result of inflation in such a manner that the airbag (5) follows an extraction movement of the seat belt (11) and thus a movement of the vehicle occupant (4), characterized in that the gas supply line (71) is connected to an introduction region (52) of the airbag (5) in such a manner that the introduction region (52) detaches from an end of the gas supply line (71) when the seat belt (11) is extracted by a specifiable extraction length after coupling of the airbag (5) to the seat belt (11).

11. Seat belt assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the end of the gas supply line (71) is formed by a rigid nozzle (710).

12. Seat belt assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that - the introduction region (52) of the airbag (5) is configured in such a manner that, after coupling of the airbag (5) to the seat belt (11), gas introduction is carried out via the introduction region (52) during an extraction of the seat belt (11) until the specifiable extraction length is reached, wherein in particular the introduction region (52) has a section (521) that provides an additional length which allows an inflatable chamber (53) to be withdrawn from the gas supply line (71) during extraction of the seat belt (11) until the specifiable extraction length is reached without causing an interruption of the gas introduction into the chamber (53), and / or - the seat belt assembly has a valve which counteracts a flow of gas out of the airbag (5) when the introduction region (52) is detached from the end of the gas supply line (71).

13. Seat belt assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airbag (5) has a head region (570) extending above the thorax region (580), wherein the head region (570) has at least one indentation (5702).

14. Seat belt assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising - an outer envelope (6), which at least partially surrounds the airbag (5), wherein - the airbag (5) couples to the seat belt (11) upon receipt of a signal from a pre-collision or collision detection system of the motor vehicle or as a result of inflation in such a manner that the airbag (5) follows an extraction movement of the seat belt (11) and thus a movement of the vehicle occupant (4), characterized by at least one sensor (951, 952) arranged on the outer envelope (6), intended to detect vital data of the vehicle occupant (4) and / or an environmental parameter and / or a signal transmitter.

15. Motor vehicle with a seat belt assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.