Seat belt device for automobile and control method of the same

Abstract

To support a seat belt in an attached state not on a door but on a vehicle body.SOLUTION: A seat belt device 1 for an automobile includes: a first path 11 arranged on a door inner surface of a seat side; a first support member 13 moving along the first path 11; a second support member 23 on an opposite door side of the seat; and a seat belt 2 stretched between the first support member 13 and the second support member 23, wherein a vehicle body side holding part 61 is located on a vehicle body side facing a rear end of the first path 11. The first support member 13 includes: a movable part 13a movable along the first path 11; and a belt holding part 13b engageable with the movable part. When the seat belt 2 is made in an attachment state, the belt holding part 13b is separated from the movable part 13a and the belt holding part 13b is engaged with the vehicle body side holding part 61, and when the seat belt 2 is made in a release state, the belt holding part 13b is engaged with the movable part 13a and the belt holding part 13b is separated from the vehicle body side holding part 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automobile seatbelt device that can be automatically fastened and detached for an automobile occupant, and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional seat belt device for an automobile is the device described in Patent Document 1. As shown in Fig. 16, this seat belt device 101 includes a first movable support member 113 whose movement along a first path 111 extending substantially forward from a rear lower portion of the inner surface of a door 152 through a corner substantially above and in front of the door 152, a second movable support member 123 whose movement along a second path 121 extending between a side rear portion of the seat 151 and a position substantially above and in front of the seat 151, and a seat belt 102 stretched between at least the first movable support member 113 and the second movable support member 123. The forward and backward movement of the first movable support member 113 between the front end of the first path 111 and substantially the top of the corner is performed with the second movable support member 123 positioned at the upper end of the second path 121. The seat belt 102 is released when the first movable support member 113 and the second movable support member 123 are moved to the front end of the first path 111 and the upper end of the second path 121, respectively, and the seat belt 102 is put into a fastened state when the first movable support member 113 and the second movable support member 123 are moved to the rear end of the first path 111 and the lower end of the second path 121, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-47822 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since the first path 111 is provided on the inner surface of the door 152, in the fastened state, the seat belt 102 is fastened to the door 152 via the first movable support member 113 that is moved to the rear end of the first path 111. This poses the following problem. (1) Since the seat belt 102 is fastened to the door 152, the strength of the door 152 is relatively weaker than that of the vehicle body 150, and therefore reliability is also reduced. (2) In the event of an accident or breakdown, if the door 152 opens or comes off from the vehicle body 150, the state of fastening of the seat belt 102 becomes unstable. (3) In an emergency, the door 152 may become unable to open or close or may become difficult to open and close, which may result in a longer time required to escape from the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a seat belt device for an automobile according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a first path that is located to the side of the seat, is disposed on the inner surface of a door whose front edge is pivotally supported on the vehicle body, and extends from a rear end of the path provided at a rear lower part of the door to a front end of the path provided substantially above and in front of the door; a first support member provided so as to be reciprocally movable along the first path; a second support member disposed at a rear side of the seat opposite the door; a seat belt stretched between at least the first support member and the second support member; a first drive mechanism that drives the reciprocating movement of the first support member; a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism; Equipped with The first path is provided so that the path rear end is located at the rear end and / or lower end of the rear lower part of the inner surface of the door, a vehicle body side holding portion is provided at a vehicle body side facing portion of the first path that is a portion of the first path on the vehicle body side facing the path rear end portion, the first support member includes a movable portion that is provided so as to be reciprocally movable along the first path and whose movement is driven by the first drive mechanism; and a belt holding portion that is configured to be engageable and disengageable with respect to a path rear end side of the first path at the movable portion and whose engagement and disengagement can be controlled by the control unit, and that is engageable and disengageable with respect to the vehicle body side holding portion at the path rear end side of the first path and whose engagement and disengagement can be controlled by the control unit, and that holds the first support member side of the seat belt, The control unit is configured to, when the seat belt is changed from a released state to a worn state, disengage the belt holding portion from the movable portion and engage the belt holding portion with the vehicle body side holding portion when the movable portion is located on the rear end side of the first path, and to, when the seat belt is changed from a worn state to a released state, engage the belt holding portion with the movable portion and disengage the belt holding portion from the vehicle body side holding portion when the movable portion is located on the rear end side of the first path.

[0006] According to this configuration, when the seat belt is changed from the released state to the worn state, the belt holding portion is disengaged from the movable portion and engaged with the vehicle body side holding portion, so that the seat belt can be supported by the vehicle body side in the worn state, thereby achieving the following effects. (1) The seat belt is supported by the vehicle body in the same way as a conventional manual seat belt, ensuring the same strength and reliability as a conventional manual seat belt. (2) In the event of an accident or breakdown, even if the door opens or comes off, the impact will not reach the seat belt. (3) Even if the door becomes unable to open or close or becomes difficult to open in an emergency, the seat belt's fastening status is not affected. Therefore, it can be quickly released in an emergency, just like a conventional manual seat belt.

[0007] The seat belt device of the second invention is the seat belt device of the first invention, the second support member is provided so as to be reciprocally movable along a second path extending between a side rear portion of the seat and an area substantially above and in front of the seat, and the reciprocating movement is controlled; The first support member and the second support member are moved to the front end of the first path and the upper end of the second path, respectively, to release the seat belt, This is an example of an embodiment in which the seat belt is configured to be fastened by moving the first support member and the second support member to the rear end of the first path and the lower end of the second path, respectively.

[0008] With this configuration, when the seat belt is in the released state, the seat belt extending between the first support member and the second support member can be floated high above the seat, making it easier for occupants to sit in and leave the seat.

[0009] The seat belt device of the third invention is the seat belt device of the first or second invention, In this embodiment, the second support member is configured to be detachable from the location where it is disposed.

[0010] According to this configuration, the seat belt can be fastened and undone on the side of the seat opposite the door, just like a conventional manually fastened seat belt device, so that in an emergency, the occupant can escape in the same way as in the conventional case.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a seat belt device for an automobile, comprising: a first path that is located to the side of the seat, is disposed on the inner surface of a door whose front edge is pivotally supported on the vehicle body, and extends from a rear end of the path provided at a rear lower part of the door to a front end of the path provided substantially above and in front of the door; a first support member provided so as to be reciprocally movable along the first path; a second support member disposed at a rear side of the seat opposite the door; a seat belt stretched between at least the first support member and the second support member; a first drive mechanism that drives the reciprocating movement of the first support member; a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism; Equipped with The first path is provided so that the path rear end is located at the rear end and / or lower end of the rear lower part of the inner surface of the door, a vehicle body side holding portion is provided at a vehicle body side facing portion of the first path that is a portion of the first path on the vehicle body side facing the path rear end portion, a seat belt device in which the first support member includes a movable portion that is provided so as to be reciprocally movable along the first path and whose movement is driven by the first drive mechanism, and a belt holding portion that is configured to be engageable and disengageable with respect to a path rear end side of the first path at the movable portion and whose engagement and disengagement can be controlled by the control unit, and that is engageable and disengageable with respect to the vehicle body side holding portion at the path rear end side of the first path and whose engagement and disengagement can be controlled by the control unit, and that holds the first support member side of the seat belt, When the seat belt is changed from the released state to the worn state, the control unit operates to disengage the belt holding portion from the movable portion and engage the belt holding portion with the vehicle body side holding portion when the movable portion is located on the rear end side of the first path, and when the seat belt is changed from the worn state to the released state, the control unit operates to engage the belt holding portion with the movable portion and disengage the belt holding portion from the vehicle body side holding portion when the movable portion is located on the rear end side of the first path.

[0012] This method also provides the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The seat belt device for an automobile and the control method thereof according to the present invention have the excellent effect of being able to support the seat belt in a fastened state on the vehicle body side, rather than on the door side. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of an automobile seat belt device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a released state of the seat belt in the seat belt device for an automobile. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a seat belt is fastened in the automobile seat belt device. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a perspective view showing a first movable means of the seatbelt device in the state of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a perspective view showing a first movable means of the seatbelt device in the state shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 6A] 10 is a front view illustrating the first stage in a series of movements of the first movable member when fastening the seat belt. FIG. [Figure 6B] 6B is a diagram showing the next step in the same sequence of operations from FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] 6B in the same sequence of operations. FIG. [Figure 6D] 6D is a diagram showing the next step in the same series of operations from FIG. 6C. [Figure 6E] 6D in the same sequence of operations. FIG. [Figure 6F] 6B is a diagram showing the next step in the same series of operations from FIG. 6E. [Figure 7A] 10 is a front view showing the first stage in a series of operations of the first movable member when releasing the seat belt. FIG. [Figure 7B] 7B is a diagram showing the next step in the same series of operations from FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] 7B in the same sequence of operations. FIG. [Figure 7D] 7D is a diagram showing the next step in the same series of operations from FIG. 7C. [Figure 7E] 7D in the same sequence of operations. FIG. [Figure 8]4A and 4B are front views showing the configuration of the protruding member, in which (a) shows a state in which the claws protrude laterally, and (b) shows a state in which the claws are retracted. [Figure 9] 3 is a perspective view showing a second movable means of the seatbelt device in the state shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a perspective view showing a second movable means of the seatbelt device in the state shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a perspective view showing a third movable means of the seatbelt device in the state of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 12] 4 is a perspective view showing a third movable means of the seatbelt device in the state shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 13] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing components of the third movable means, in which FIG. 5A shows a third support member and FIG. 5B shows an auxiliary support member. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in a control unit when a seat belt is released in the seat belt device for an automobile. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in a control unit of the automobile seat belt device when the seat belt is fastened. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a seat belt is fastened in a seat belt device for an automobile according to the related art; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of an automobile seat belt device 1 embodying the present invention will be described below, along with a control method implemented in the device, with reference to Figures 1 to 15. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, this seat belt device includes a first movable means 10 disposed on the inner surface of a door 52 located to the side of a seat 51 and pivotally supported at its front edge on a vehicle body 50, a second movable means 20 disposed at the rear side of the seat 51 on the side opposite the door, a third movable means 30 disposed on the vehicle body 50 above the door 52, a seat belt 2 having a tip attached to the first movable means 10 via the third movable means 30 and the second movable means 20, an automatic retractor 3 to which a base end of the seat belt 2 is connected, and a control unit 4 that controls the first movable means 10, the second movable means 20, and the third movable means 30. The automobile is also provided with a sensor (not shown) that detects predetermined operations for fastening the seat belt 2 (for example, operation of the door lock switch to lock the door 52, operation of closing the door 52, operation of the switch to fasten the seat belt 2, operation of the switch to start the prime mover (engine, motor, etc.), or an appropriate combination thereof), and a sensor (not shown) that detects predetermined operations for releasing the seat belt 2 (for example, operation of the outer door handle and inner door handle to open the door 52, operation of the door lock switch to unlock the door 52, operation of opening the door 52, operation of the switch to release the seat belt 2, operation of the switch to stop the prime mover, or an appropriate combination thereof), and the detection signals of each sensor are input to the control unit 4.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 , the first movable means 10 includes a first support rail 12 disposed on a first path 11 extending from a path rear end provided at the rear lower portion of the door 52 to a path front end provided substantially above and in front of the path rear end, a first support member 13 whose reciprocating movement on the first path 11 is controlled, and a first drive mechanism 19 that drives the reciprocating movement of the first support member. The first drive mechanism 19 includes a first drive roller 14 and a first driven roller 15 provided at both ends of the first support rail 12, a first flexible loop member 16 that is stretched between the first drive roller 14 and the first driven roller 15 via the first support rail 12, and a first motor 17 that drives the first drive roller 14, and is configured to be controlled by the control unit 4. The first path 11 extends substantially forward from the path rear end via a bend provided substantially above the path rear end to the path front end. Sensors 18a, 18b, and 18c are provided to detect when the first support member 13 is located at the front end of the path, approximately at the top of the corner, and at the rear end of the path, respectively, and when the first support member 13 is separated from the front end of the path, approximately at the top of the corner, and at the rear end of the path, respectively, and the detection signals from each are input to the control unit 4. The rear end side of the path in the first support rail 12 is open, and when the door 52 is closed, this opens opposite an opening at the door side end of an extension rail 63, which will be described later, and the insides of both openings communicate with each other.

[0017] A vehicle-body-side holding portion 61 is provided at a portion of the first path 11 on the vehicle body side facing the path rear end. The vehicle-body-side holding portion 61 includes an extension rail 63 provided on an extension path 62 that communicates with the path rear end side of the first support rail 12, and a pair of hooks 64 provided at a distance in the width direction of the extension rail 63. The base ends of both hooks 64 are rotatably supported via support shafts 64a, and are biased in directions that bring their tip ends closer to each other by a spring (not shown) that serves as a biasing means. The path rear end side of the first support member 13 can enter between the two hooks 64.

[0018] The first support rail 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first path 11, and its inside is divided into an inner chamber 12b and an outer chamber 12c by a partition wall 12a extending along the first path 11. An elongated guide hole 12d is provided on the inner chamber 12b side of the first support rail 12, which communicates with the interior of the car body 50 and extends along the first path 11. The first loop-shaped member 16 is formed in a flexible endless band shape, and has endless wires 45 embedded in both ends in the width direction. The first loop-shaped member 16 is hung around the first drive roller 14 and the first driven roller 15 via the inner chamber 12b and the outer chamber 12c.

[0019] The extension rail 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the extension path 62, and an interior 63a is formed to be the same size as the inner chamber 12b of the first support rail 12. The extension rail 63 is provided with an elongated extension guide hole 63b extending along the extension path 62. The extension guide hole 63b communicates with the interior of the vehicle body 50 and is formed to be continuous with the guide hole 12d.

[0020] The first support member 13 includes a movable part 13a that is provided so as to be able to reciprocate along the first path 11, and a belt holding part 13b that is configured so as to be able to be engaged with and disengaged from the movable part 13a. When the first support member 13 is in a combined state in which the movable part 13a and the belt holding part 13b are engaged with each other, the tip part on the path rear end side is formed in a tapered shape that can enter between the pair of hooks 64. Also, when the movable part 13a and the belt holding part 13b are in a separated state in which they are separated from each other, the tip parts on the path rear end side are each formed in the tapered shape.

[0021] The movable part 13a is fixed to the first loop-shaped member 16 by the mounting member 60 via the guide hole 12d, thereby allowing it to reciprocate along the first path 11, and this movement is driven by the first drive mechanism 19. The movable part 13a includes a protruding member 65 that protrudes from the rear end of the first path 11 and is reciprocally movable relative to the rear end. The tip of the protruding member 65 is formed into a generally V-shape. The protruding member 65 is biased in a direction retracting (pulling out) toward the movable part 13a by a spring 65a serving as a biasing means built into the movable part 13a. The protruding member 65 can be locked in its most retracted position toward the movable part 13a by the spring 65a by inserting a lock pin 66 built into the movable part 13a into a lock hole 65b. In this example, the lock pin 66 is configured to be driven by magnetic force, and the locking or unlocking of the protruding member 65 by the lock pin 66 can be controlled by the control unit 4. A pair of claws 68a are provided on both sides of the tip of the protruding member 65 so as to be able to protrude or retract from the protruding member 65, and these claws can engage and disengage the belt holding part 13b. As shown in FIG. 8 , the pair of claws 68a are provided at the tips of a pair of levers 68 that are supported so as to cross each other via a support shaft 67 provided on the protruding member 65. The pair of levers 68 are biased by a spring 68b as a biasing means so that the pair of claws 68a protrude from the protruding member 65. A pair of buttons 68c is provided at the base ends of the pair of levers 68, respectively. The pair of buttons 68c are provided so as to protrude from both sides of the base end of the protruding member 65 when the pair of claws 68a protrude from the protruding member 65, and when pressed down by the pair of hooks 64 provided on the vehicle body side holding part 61, the pair of claws 68a retract into the protruding member 65. As shown in Fig. 6E(b), the pair of hooks 64 and the protruding member 65 move in mutually offset courses, so they do not interfere with each other during movement.

[0022] The belt retaining portion 13b is configured to retain the first support member side of the seat belt 2 using a belt retaining piece 76. When the movable portion 13a is combined with the movable portion 13a, the belt retaining portion 13b moves along the first path 11 and the extension path 62 as the movable portion 13a moves along the first support rail 12. The movement is guided by a guide hole 12d and an extension guide hole 63b provided along the first path 11 and the extension path 62. The back side of the belt retaining portion 13b is provided with an engaging portion 69 that can engage with the inner edge of the guide hole 12d and the extension guide hole 63b to prevent the belt retaining portion 13b from slipping out of the guide hole 12d and the extension guide hole 63b toward the vehicle interior. The surface of the belt retaining portion 13b facing the movable portion 13a is provided with a hole 71 into which the protruding member 65 of the movable portion 13a can be inserted. The hole 71 is formed so that the interior is wider than the entrance, and when the inserted protruding member 65 has a pair of claws 68a protruding from the hole 71, the protruding member 65 cannot be removed from the hole 71. With this configuration, the belt holding portion 13b can be engaged with and disengaged from the rear end portion of the first path 11 in the movable portion 13a, and the engagement and disengagement can be controlled by the control portion 4.

[0023] Furthermore, the belt holding portion 13b is configured to be lockable with respect to the vehicle body side holding portion 61 by inserting a lock pin 75 built therein into a lock hole 61a provided in the vehicle body side holding portion 61. The lock pin 75 and the lock hole 61a have the role of fixing the position of the seat belt 2 when the seat belt 2 is fastened, and therefore have the strength required to ensure the required safety. In this example, the lock pin 75 is configured to be driven by magnetic force. Locking and unlocking of the belt holding portion 13b by the lock pin 75 is configured to be controllable by the control unit 4. In this way, the belt holding portion 13b is configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the vehicle body side holding portion 61, and the engagement and disengagement are controllable by the control unit 4.

[0024] The base end of the belt holding piece 76 is rotatably supported relative to the main body of the belt holding portion 13b. A wide hole 41 is formed at the tip of the belt holding piece 76, and the seat belt 2 is held through the wide hole 41.

[0025] When the seat belt 2 is released, the first support member 13 moves to the front end of the first path 11 due to the forward rotation of the first motor 17 (see Figure 4), and when the seat belt 2 is fastened, the first support member 13 moves to the rear end of the first path 11 due to the reverse rotation of the first motor 17 (see Figure 5).

[0026] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second movable means 20 includes an extendable arm 22 disposed at the rear side of the seat 51 on the side opposite the door, a second support member 23 provided at the tip of the extendable arm 22, and a second motor 27 that drives the extendable arm 22 to extend and retract.

[0027] The telescopic arm 22 is configured to be telescopic in the vertical direction by having a tip end 22b slidably nested within a cylindrical base end 22a. This telescopic movement causes the second support member 23 to reciprocate along a second path 21 that extends between the rear side of the seat 51 and an area substantially above and in front of it. Sensors 28a, 28b are provided at the upper and lower ends of the second path 21, respectively, for detecting the position of the second support member 23, and detection signals are input to the control unit 4. An upper wire 22c and a lower wire 22d are connected to the tip end 22b of the telescopic arm 22 for moving the tip end 22b upward and downward, respectively. When the second motor 27 is rotated forward to release the seatbelt 2, the upper wire 22c is retracted toward the second motor 27 and the lower wire 22d is released from the second motor 27, causing the tip 22b of the extendable arm 22 to extend upward, and the second support member 23 moves to the upper end of the second path 21 (see FIG. 9). When the second motor 27 is rotated backward to fasten the seatbelt 2, the lower wire 22d is retracted toward the second motor 27 and the upper wire 22c is released from the second motor 27, causing the tip 22b of the extendable arm 22 to contract downward, and the second support member 23 moves to the lower end of the second path 21 (see FIG. 10). The second support member 23 is configured to be detachable from the tip 22b of the extendable arm 22. Specifically, an insert engaging device 25, which corresponds to a known seat belt buckle, is provided at the tip 22b of the telescopic arm 22, and a tongue plate 26 that is inserted into and engaged with the insert engaging device 25 is provided at the second support member 23. The tongue plate 26 can be opened by pressing a push button (not shown) provided on the insert engaging device 25. (Note that in each drawing, the insert engaging device 25 and the tongue plate 26 are shown in an open state to indicate that they are detachable, but they are used in an engaged state except in emergencies.) The tip of the second support member 23 is provided with a wide hole 23a, similar to the first support member 13. A guide roller 42 for reducing friction with the seat belt 2 is rotatably provided on the inner edge of the tip side of the wide hole 23a via a bearing (not shown).

[0028] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the third movable means 30 is arranged on the vehicle body 50 above the door 52 and includes a third support member 33 that controls the reciprocating movement of a curved third path 31 that extends approximately in the front-to-rear direction, an auxiliary support member 38 that is arranged on the rear side of the third support member 33 on the third path 31 and is capable of reciprocating relative to the third path 31, a third support rail 32 that guides the reciprocating movement of the third support member 33 and the auxiliary support member 38 on the third path 31, a fixed support member 39 that is provided near the rear end of the third path 31, a third drive roller 34 and a third driven roller 35 that are provided at both ends of the third path 31, a flexible third loop member 36 that is stretched across the third drive roller 34 and the third driven roller 35, and a third motor 37 that drives the third drive roller 34. The third path 31 is provided with sensors 46a, 46b at its front and rear ends, respectively, for detecting that the third support member 33 is positioned, and the detection signal is input to the control unit 4.

[0029] The third support rail 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the third path 31. Similar to the first support rail 12, the inside of the third support rail 32 is divided into an inner chamber (not shown) and an outer chamber (not shown) by a partition wall (not shown) extending along the third path 31. The inner chamber is connected to the interior of the car body 50 and has an elongated guide hole 32d extending along the third path 31. The third loop-shaped member 36 is configured similarly to the first loop-shaped member 16 and is stretched over the third drive roller 34 and the third driven roller 35 via the inner chamber and the outer chamber. A base end of the third support member 33, which protrudes into the interior of the car body 50 through the guide hole 32d, is fixed to the third loop-shaped member 36, and an engaging member 40 is fixed thereto at a distance approximately half the length of the third path 31. An auxiliary support member 38 is supported between the third support member 33 and the engaging member 40 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the third loop-shaped member 36. Tip ends 33a, 38a, 39a of the third support member 33, the auxiliary support member 38, and the fixed support member 39 are pivotally supported relative to their respective base ends 33b, 38b, 39b. Similar to the second support member 23, the tip ends of the third support member 33, the auxiliary support member 38, and the fixed support member 39 are provided with wide holes 41 having guide rollers 42 pivotally supported via bearings 43 for relative rotation. When the seat belt 2 is released, the third support member 33 moves to the front end of the third path 31 due to the forward rotation of the third motor 37 (see FIG. 11 ). When the seat belt 2 is fastened, the third support member 33 moves to the rear end of the third path 31 due to the reverse rotation of the third motor 37 (see FIG. 12 ). During this time, the auxiliary support member 38 is pushed forward by the engaging member 40 to a position spaced approximately half the length of the third path 31 from the third support member 33 when the seat belt is released, and is pushed by the third support member 33 to the rear end of the third path 31 when the seat belt is fastened. In this way, when the third support member 33 is positioned at the front end of the third path 31, the auxiliary support member 38 is configured to be positioned at approximately the midpoint of the third path 31, thereby allowing the seat belt 2 to follow the curved third path 31.

[0030] The seat belt 2 is attached to the first support member 13 after its tip is loosely inserted into wide holes in the auxiliary support member 38, the third support member 33, the fixed support member 39 and the second support member 23, and its base end is connected to the automatic retractor 3.

[0031] The automatic retracting device 3 is configured in the same manner as that provided in a known seat belt device, and is designed to automatically retract any excess length of the seat belt 2.

[0032] In this example, the control unit 4 is configured using a known computer, and is configured to execute a first movable means control process 5a, a second movable means control process 5b, and a third movable means control process 5c (all of which will be described later) in parallel when the control unit 4 detects a predetermined action for fastening the seat belt 2, and fasten the seat belt 2 using the first movable means 10, the second movable means 20, and the third movable means 30. Furthermore, when the control unit 4 detects a predetermined action for releasing the seat belt 2, it executes a first movable means control process 6a, a second movable means control process 6b, and a third movable means control process 6c (all of which will be described later) in parallel when the control unit 4 releases the seat belt, and put the seat belt 2 into a released state using the first movable means 10, the second movable means 20, and the third movable means 30.

[0033] When the first movable means control process 5a for seat belt fastening is started, as shown in FIG. 14(a), the first motor 17 starts to rotate in the reverse direction (step S111, see FIG. 6A). Next, when the rear end sensor 18c detects that the first support member 13 has reached the rear end of the first path 11 (step S112), the first motor 17 is stopped (step S113, see FIG. 6B). At this time, the rear end of the path of the first support member 13 is inserted between the pair of hooks 64 at the opposing portion on the vehicle body side. Next, the lock pin 66 of the movable portion 13a unlocks the protruding member 65, and the lock pin 75 of the belt holder 13b locks the belt holder 13b, thereby engaging the belt holder 13b with the vehicle body side holder 61 (step S114). Next, the first motor 17 starts to rotate in the forward direction (step S115). This moves the movable portion 13a toward the front end of the path. Then, since the protruding member 65 is unlocked, the protruding member 65 protrudes as the movable portion 13a moves, exposing a pair of buttons 68c of the protruding member 65 (see FIG. 6C). The buttons 68c are then pressed down by a pair of hooks 64 (see FIG. 6D). Then, the claws 68a at the tip of the protruding member 65 retract, disengaging the belt holding portion 13b from the movable portion 13a. Then, the spring 65a, which serves as a biasing means built into the movable portion 13a, pulls the protruding member 65 back into the movable portion 13a, and moves the movable portion 13a toward the front end of the path (see FIG. 6E). When the rear end sensor 18c detects that the first support member 13 has left the rear end of the first path (step S116), the first motor 17 is stopped (step S117, see FIG. 6F). Next, the protruding member is locked by the lock pin of the movable portion 13a (step S118). This completes the separation of the belt holding portion 13b from the movable portion 13a, and the process ends.

[0034] 14(b), when execution of the second movable means control process 5b during seat belt fastening is started, the process waits for the corner sensor 18b to detect that the first support member 13 has reached substantially the top of the corner of the first path 11 (step S121). When it is detected in step S121 that the first support member 13 has reached substantially the top of the corner of the first path 11, the process starts reverse rotation of the second motor 27 (step S122). Next, when the lower end sensor 28b detects that the second support member 23 has reached the lower end of the second path 21 (step S123), the process stops the second motor 27 (step S124), and the process ends.

[0035] When the execution of the third movable means control process 5c during seat belt fastening is started, the third motor 37 starts to rotate in reverse (step S131), as shown in Fig. 14(c). Next, when the rear end sensor 46b detects that the third support member 33 has reached the rear end of the third path 31 (step S132), the third motor 37 is stopped (step S133), and the process ends. In this way, when the seat belt is fastened, the belt holding portion 13b is locked to the vehicle body side by the lock pin 75, and even if the lock by the lock pin 75 is released, the pair of hooks 64 prevents the belt holding portion 13b from escaping from the vehicle body side.

[0036] When the first movable means control process 6a for releasing the seatbelt is started, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the first motor 17 starts to rotate in reverse (step S211, see FIG. 7A). Then, the protruding member 65 of the movable portion 13a passes between the pair of hooks 64 and enters the hole 71 of the belt holding portion 13b (see FIG. 7B). Furthermore, the rear end of the path of the movable portion 13a enters between the pair of hooks 64, and the movable portion 13a and the belt holding portion 13b join together (see FIG. 7C). At this time, the pair of claws 68a at the tip of the protruding member 65 are pressed against the inner wall of the hole 71 and retracted while entering the hole 71, but when they enter the depths of the wide hole 71, they protrude due to the action of the spring 65a. As a result, the belt holding portion 13b engages with the movable portion 13a, and the two are joined together. Next, when the rear end sensor 18c detects that the first support member 13 has reached the rear end of the first path 11 (step S212), the first motor 17 is stopped and the lock pin 75 of the belt holder 13b is released (step S213). This allows the belt holder 13b to be released from the vehicle-side holder 61, so the first motor 17 starts rotating forward (step S214; see FIGS. 7D and 7E). Next, when the corner sensor 18b detects that the first support member 13 has reached substantially the top of the corner of the first path 11 (step S215), the first motor 17 is stopped (step S216). Next, the process waits for the upper end sensor 28a to detect that the second support member 23 has reached the upper end of the second path 21 (step S217). When it is detected in step S214 that the second support member 23 has reached the upper end of the second path 21, the first motor 17 starts rotating forward (step S218). Next, when the front end sensor 18a detects that the first support member 13 has reached the front end of the first path 11 (step S219), the first motor 17 is stopped (step S220), and the process ends.

[0037] When the second movable means control process 6b for when the seatbelt is released is started, the second motor 27 starts to rotate in the forward direction (step S221), as shown in Fig. 15(b). Next, when the upper end sensor 28a detects that the second support member 23 has reached the upper end of the second path 21 (step S222), the second motor 27 is stopped (step S223), and the process ends.

[0038] When the execution of the third movable means control process 6c for when the seatbelt is released is started, the third motor 37 starts to rotate in the forward direction (step S231), as shown in Fig. 15(c). Next, when the front end sensor 46a detects that the third support member 33 has reached the front end of the third path 31 (step S232), the third motor 37 is stopped (step S233), and the process ends.

[0039] Next, the operation of the seat belt device 1 of this example will be described. When the occupant H performs the predetermined action to fasten the seat belt 2, the control unit 4 detects this and executes a first movable means control process 5a, a second movable means control process 5b, and a third movable means control process 5c in parallel for fastening the seat belt, and the first support member 13, the second support member 23, and the third support member 33 are moved to the rear end of the first path 11, the lower end of the second path 21, and the rear end of the third path 31, respectively, thereby putting the seat belt 2 into a fastened state (see FIGS. 3, 5, 10, and 12). At this time, the rearward movement of the first support member 13 from the front end of the first path 11 to approximately the top of the corner is performed with the second support member 23 positioned at the upper end of the second path 21. Therefore, the seat belt 2 extending between the first support member 13 and the second support member 23 can be floated high above the seat 51, preventing the seat belt 2 from coming into strong contact with the clothing of the lower body of the occupant H during the rearward movement, and preventing damage to the clothing or the clothing from being lifted up.

[0040] Furthermore, when the occupant H performs the predetermined action to release the seat belt 2, the control unit 4 detects this and executes a first movable means control process 6a, a second movable means control process 6b, and a third movable means control process 6c in parallel for releasing the seat belt, and the first support member 13, the second support member 23, and the third support member 33 are moved to the front end of the first path 11, the upper end of the second path 21, and the front end of the third path 31, respectively, thereby releasing the seat belt 2 (see FIGS. 2, 4, 9, and 11). At this time, the forward movement of the first support member 13 from approximately the top of the corner of the first path 11 to the front end is performed with the second support member 23 positioned at the upper end of the second path 21. Therefore, the seat belt 2 extending between the first support member 13 and the second support member 23 can be floated high above the seat 51, preventing the seat belt 2 from coming into strong contact with the clothing of the lower body of the occupant H during the forward movement, and preventing damage to the clothing or the clothing from slipping down.

[0041] According to the automobile seat belt device 1 and the control method thereof of this example configured as described above, when changing from the released state to the worn state, the belt holding portion 13b is disengaged from the movable portion 13a and engaged with the vehicle body side holding portion 61. Therefore, in the worn state, the seat belt 2 can be supported on the vehicle body side. This provides the following advantageous effects. (1) The seat belt 2 is supported by the vehicle body in the same manner as a conventional manual seat belt, so that the same strength as a conventional manual seat belt can be ensured, and the same reliability can be ensured. (2) Even if the door 52 opens or comes off in the event of an accident or breakdown, the seat belt 2 is not affected. (3) Even if the door 52 cannot be opened or closed or becomes difficult to open in an emergency, the fastening state of the seat belt 2 is not affected. Therefore, it can be quickly released in an emergency, just like a conventional manual seat belt.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the automobile seat belt device 1 of this example, the second support member 23 is provided so as to be reciprocatable along the second path 21 extending between the lateral rear portion of the seat 51 and an area substantially above and in front of the seat 51, and the reciprocating movement is controlled, so that the seat belt 2 is released when the first support member 13 and the second support member 23 are moved to the front end of the first path 11 and the upper end of the second path 21, respectively, and the seat belt 2 is fastened when the first support member 13 and the second support member 23 are moved to the rear end of the first path 11 and the lower end of the second path 21, respectively. With this configuration, when the seat belt 2 is released, the seat belt 2 extending between the first support member 13 and the second support member 23 can be raised high above the seat 51, making it easier for the occupant to get in and out of the seat 51.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the automobile seat belt device 1 of this example, the second support member 23 is configured to be detachable from the tip of the extendable arm 22, where the second support member 23 is disposed. With this configuration, the seat belt 2 can be fastened and detached on the opposite side of the seat 51 from the door, just like in conventional manually fastened seat belt devices, so that in the event of an emergency, the occupant can escape in the same way as in conventional seat belt devices.

[0044] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied by making appropriate modifications within the scope of the invention, for example, as follows. (1) Appropriately changing the structure of the telescopic arm 22 in the second movable means 20. This structure can be any known method and is not particularly limited, but an example is a structure that uses a guide rail that extends in the telescopic direction and a slider that slides along the guide rail. (2) Properly changing the driving method of the telescopic arm 22 of the second movable means 20. This driving method can be any known method that is suitable and is not particularly limited, but examples include a rack and pinion driven by a motor, driving by a feed screw, or driving by an electric cylinder. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 Automobile seat belt devices 2 Seatbelts 3 Automatic winding device 4. Control Unit 5a First moving means control process when seat belt is fastened 5b Second movable means control process when seat belt is fastened 5c Third moving means control process when seat belt is fastened 6a First moving means control process when seat belt is released 6b Second movable means control process when seat belt is released 6c Third moving means control process when seat belt is released 10 First movable means 11 First Route 12 First support rail 12a Partition wall 12b inner chamber 12c outer chamber 12d guide hole 13 First support member 13a Moving part 13b Belt holder 14 First drive roller 15 First driven roller 16 First loop-shaped member 17 First Motor 18a Front end sensor 18b Turning angle sensor 18c Rear end sensor 19 First drive mechanism 20 Second movable means 21 Secondary Pathway 22 Telescopic arm 22a Proximal end 22b Tip 22c upper wire 22d Lower wire 23 Second support member 25 Insertion fitting 26 Tongue plate 27 Second motor 28a Upper end sensor 28b Lower end sensor 30 Third movable means 31 Third Pathway 32 Third support rail 32d guide hole 33 Third support member 33a Tip 33b Proximal end 34 Third drive roller 35 Third driven roller 36 Third loop-shaped member 37 Third Motor 38 Auxiliary support member 38a Tip 38b Proximal end 39 Fixed support member 39a Tip 39b Proximal end 40 Engagement member 41 Wide Hole 42 Guide roller 43 Bearings 45 endless wire 46a Front end sensor 46b Rear end sensor 50 body 51 seats 52 doors 60 Mounting material 61 Vehicle body side holding part 61a Lock hole 62 Extended Route 63 Extension Rail 63a internal 63b Extension guide hole 64 Hook 65 Projecting member 65a spring 65b Lock hole 66 Lock pin 67 Spindle 68 Lever 68a Claw 68b Spring 68c Button 69 Engagement part 71 holes 75 Lock pin 76 Belt retainer H Crew

Claims

1. a first path that is located to the side of the seat, is disposed on the inner surface of a door whose front edge is pivotally supported on the vehicle body, and extends from a rear end of the path provided at a rear lower part of the door to a front end of the path provided substantially above and in front of the door; a first support member provided so as to be reciprocally movable along the first path; a second support member disposed at a rear side of the seat opposite the door; a seat belt stretched between at least the first support member and the second support member; a first drive mechanism that drives the reciprocating movement of the first support member; a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism; Equipped with The first path is provided so that the path rear end is located at the rear end and / or lower end of the rear lower part of the inner surface of the door, a vehicle body side holding portion is provided at a vehicle body side facing portion of the first path that is a portion of the first path on the vehicle body side facing the path rear end portion, the first support member includes a movable portion that is provided so as to be reciprocally movable along the first path and whose movement is driven by the first drive mechanism; and a belt holding portion that is configured to be engageable and disengageable with respect to a path rear end side of the first path at the movable portion and whose engagement and disengagement can be controlled by the control unit, and that is engageable and disengageable with respect to the vehicle body side holding portion at the path rear end side of the first path and whose engagement and disengagement can be controlled by the control unit, and that holds the first support member side of the seat belt, The control unit is configured to disengage the belt holding portion from the movable portion and engage the belt holding portion with the vehicle body side holding portion when the movable portion is located on the rear end side of the first path, when the seat belt is changed from the released state to the worn state, and to engage the belt holding portion with the movable portion and disengage the belt holding portion from the vehicle body side holding portion when the movable portion is located on the rear end side of the first path, when the seat belt is changed from the worn state to the released state. Automobile seat belt device.

2. the second support member is provided so as to be reciprocally movable along a second path extending between a side rear portion of the seat and an area substantially above and in front of the seat, and the reciprocating movement is controlled; The first support member and the second support member are moved to the front end of the first path and the upper end of the second path, respectively, to release the seat belt, The seat belt is configured to be put into a fastened state by the first support member and the second support member being moved to the rear end of the first path and the lower end of the second path, respectively.

2. The seat belt device for an automobile according to claim 1.

3. The second support member is configured to be detachable from the location where it is disposed.

3. The seat belt device for an automobile according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a first path that is located to the side of the seat, is disposed on the inner surface of a door whose front edge is pivotally supported on the vehicle body, and extends from a rear end of the path provided at a rear lower part of the door to a front end of the path provided substantially above and in front of the door; a first support member provided so as to be reciprocally movable along the first path; a second support member disposed at a rear side of the seat opposite the door; a seat belt stretched between at least the first support member and the second support member; a first drive mechanism that drives the reciprocating movement of the first support member; a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism; Equipped with The first path is provided so that the path rear end is located at the rear end and / or lower end of the rear lower part of the inner surface of the door, a vehicle body side holding portion is provided at a vehicle body side facing portion of the first path that is a portion of the first path on the vehicle body side facing the path rear end portion, a seat belt device in which the first support member includes a movable portion that is provided so as to be reciprocally movable along the first path and whose movement is driven by the first drive mechanism, and a belt holding portion that is configured to be engageable and disengageable with respect to a path rear end side of the first path at the movable portion and whose engagement and disengagement can be controlled by the control unit, and that is engageable and disengageable with respect to the vehicle body side holding portion at the path rear end side of the first path and whose engagement and disengagement can be controlled by the control unit, and that holds the first support member side of the seat belt, When the seat belt is changed from a released state to a worn state, the control unit is operated to disengage the belt holding unit from the movable unit and engage the belt holding unit with the vehicle body side holding unit when the movable unit is located on the rear end side of the first path, and when the seat belt is changed from the worn state to the released state, the control unit is operated to engage the belt holding unit with the movable unit and disengage the belt holding unit from the vehicle body side holding unit when the movable unit is located on the rear end side of the first path. A method for controlling a seat belt device for an automobile.

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