Restraint system for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a restraint system (200) for a vehicle, comprising a seat belt (205) for restraining an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat (110), wherein the seat belt (205) comprises the following elements: - two lap belt portions (210, 215) which extend together over the pelvic region of the occupant in the fastened state; - a belt buckle (235) which is secured to the first lap belt portion (210) and is designed such that a latch tongue (240) of the second lap belt portion (215) can be locked thereon; and - a belt retractor (245) which is designed for the uniform winding and unwinding of the two lap belt portions (210, 215). The invention also relates to a vehicle (100), comprising a vehicle seat (110) and a restraint system (200) arranged thereon.

Description

[0001] -2917 DE

[0002] 1

[0003] Restraint system for a vehicle

[0004] The invention relates to a restraint system for a vehicle, comprising a seat belt for restraining an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with such a restraint system.

[0005] While shoulder straps can often be fitted with one or two automatic retractors, a comparable solution for the lap belt is more problematic. To ensure optimal protection, it is essential that the lap belt fits snugly against the pelvis and does not ride up into the abdominal area, as this significantly increases the risk of injury. However, using two separate retractors for the lap belt sections presents difficulties: it cannot be reliably guaranteed that the buckle will always remain in a stable, centered position. Therefore, existing lap belts must be adjusted manually, which reduces comfort and increases the risk of the belt being fitted incorrectly. This can compromise its protective effect.

[0006] Starting from the prior art, the object of the invention is to provide a restraint system for a vehicle that enables comfortable and safe use of a seat belt without the need for manual adjustment. This object is achieved by a restraint system according to the invention as described in claim 1. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0007] A restraint system according to the invention for a vehicle comprises a safety belt for restraining an occupant seated in a vehicle seat, wherein the safety belt has the following features: two lap belt sections which, when fastened, run together over the pelvic area of ​​the occupant; a belt buckle which is attached to the first lap belt section and is arranged such that a belt tongue-2917 DE

[0008] 2

[0009] The second lap belt section can be locked to it; and it has a belt retractor designed for the even winding and unwinding of both lap belt sections. This ensures improved restraint of the occupant in the vehicle and even load distribution in the event of an accident.

[0010] A restraint system is a device in a vehicle designed to keep the occupant securely in place during a collision or sudden braking maneuver. The restraint system includes at least one seat belt with two lap belt sections, but may also have additional belt sections, such as one or more shoulder belt sections.

[0011] An "occupant seated in a vehicle" is defined as a person who is inside the vehicle's interior or seating area while it is in motion and is seated in a vehicle seat. The restraint system can be located on or integrated into the driver's seat and serves to protect the occupant and control their movement in the event of an accident.

[0012] The lap belt section is a part of the seat belt that, when fastened, runs across part of the occupant's pelvic area. The two lap belt sections help to securely restrain the occupant's lower body.

[0013] The belt tongue can be a metal or plastic part located at the end of the respective belt section and inserted into the buckle for locking or securing. It serves as a connecting element between the respective belt section and the buckle. The belt tongue can also be made of another suitable material.-2917 DE

[0014] 3

[0015] The seatbelt buckle is the locking mechanism into which the belt tongue, and possibly additional belt tongues, are inserted and locked. It ensures that the seatbelt remains securely closed until it is manually released. In this sense, the buckle has a housing with means for receiving and locking the belt tongue. This enables a secure and reliable locking of the seatbelt system.

[0016] The means for receiving and locking the belt tongue may include a mechanical device within the belt buckle designed to securely receive the belt tongue and hold it in a fixed position. This device may include a spring-loaded detent mechanism, a locking pawl, or a locking bolt that prevents the belt tongue from unintentionally releasing and can be released, if necessary, by actuating an associated release mechanism.

[0017] A belt retractor is a device that ensures the smooth and even retraction of the lap belt sections of the safety belt. It guarantees that the lap belt sections move synchronously at all times, so that the buckle remains in a stable, central position and does not shift uncontrollably. The belt retractor prevents the buckle from slipping into the abdominal area. The belt retractor ensures synchronous movement of the lap belt sections.

[0018] Preferably, the safety belt is a 4-point safety belt with, in addition to the lap belt sections, two shoulder belt sections that, when fastened, run over each of the occupant's shoulders. The 4-point safety belt of the restraint system is a special type of safety belt that secures the occupant at four points. It consists of two shoulder belt sections and two lap belt sections which, when fastened, together provide improved restraint, particularly during strong deceleration or lateral forces. -2917 DE

[0019] 4

[0020] The shoulder strap section is a part of the seat belt that, when fastened, extends over the occupant's shoulder. It prevents the upper body from being thrown forward and ensures an even distribution of the load.

[0021] In a 4-point seat belt system, the buckle is preferably designed to accommodate multiple belt tongues simultaneously. In this sense, the buckle preferably comprises a housing with means for receiving and locking the belt tongue of the second lap belt section, as well as means for receiving and locking the other belt tongue.

[0022] In one embodiment, the shoulder strap sections converge in a V-shape into a common additional strap tongue, or each has its own separate strap tongue. This provides improved retention and increases occupant comfort.

[0023] If the shoulder strap sections converge in a V-shape into a common wider strap tongue, the width of the shoulder strap sections in the area of ​​the common wider strap tongue can be increased to allow for better load distribution on the occupant's chest.

[0024] The buckle describes a locked state of the seat belt or the aforementioned belt sections. In the locked state, the buckle is in a secure position, preventing unintentional movement or release. This means that the respective belt tongue is firmly held in the locking mechanism. In the locked state, the belt sections are blocked to keep the occupant safely in place.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment, the belt conveyor has a spool on which the two lap belt sections are wound in opposite directions. The coupling of the lap belt sections takes place in this 2917 DE

[0026] 5

[0027] The belt is wound onto a common spool, with both halves wound in opposite directions. This ensures even belt movement and optimized load distribution.

[0028] Alternatively, the lap belt sections can be wound in opposite directions on their respective belt retractors of the belt feeder, the belt feeder further comprising a gearbox that mechanically connects the separate belt retractors in opposite directions. In this case, the coupling of the lap belt sections is thus achieved via a gearbox that mechanically connects the two separate belt retractors in opposite directions. This ensures the synchronization of the belt movement.

[0029] The term "functionally coupled" refers to a functional connection between two or more components that ensures synchronized movement or force transmission without necessarily requiring a direct mechanical connection. This ensures that the lap belt remains evenly tensioned at all times and that the buckle, when locked, remains in a stable position centrally in front of the occupant.

[0030] A belt retractor is a device that automatically rewinds the corresponding belt section and dispenses or unwinds it as needed. It comprises a belt shaft mounted on a pivot axis, onto which the belt section can be wound. The belt retractor can also be equipped with a locking mechanism that stops the belt under sudden stress to improve its restraint effect.

[0031] Another embodiment provides that the lap belt sections are wound in the same direction on at least one belt reel of the belt conveyor, wherein the at least one belt reel is rotationally fixed to a rotatable shaft. In this case, the lap belt sections are thus coupled via a common axis on which a belt reel, on which both lap belt sections are wound together, is mounted.--2917 DE

[0032] 6

[0033] The belts are wound up, or two belt retractors, each with a lap belt section unwound, are attached synchronously. This allows for a compact and efficient design.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the lap belt sections are wound in parallel onto separate belt reels of the belt feeder, with the belt reels being rotationally fixed to each other via a flexible shaft. In this case, the lap belt sections are coupled via a flexible shaft, ensuring synchronized movement of the two belt reels. This solution ensures uniform movement of the lap belts and reduces asymmetrical loads.

[0035] The seatbelt adjuster can be equipped with a restraint device that prevents the unintentional release or loosening of the lap belt sections. Alternatively or additionally, it can include a tensioning device that maintains a defined belt tension, as well as a mechanical or electronic locking mechanism to prevent unintentional release of the belt.

[0036] The proposed restraint system improves occupant restraint and ensures even load distribution. The option of integrating a 4-point safety belt further enhances safety. Various belt retraction options allow for adaptation to different vehicle types and seating configurations.

[0037] The synchronous winding of the lap belt ensures that the belt always fits snugly without the need for manual adjustment. This not only increases comfort but also reduces the risk of incorrect use, thus improving protection in the event of an accident. -2917 DE

[0038] 7

[0039] The invention further relates to a vehicle with a vehicle seat to which a restraint system according to the invention is arranged. Preferably, the vehicle is a conventional motor vehicle or commercial vehicle, in particular a passenger car, a truck, or a bus. Alternatively, it can be a motorized two-wheeled vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, a scooter, or a moped. It can also be a motorized three-wheeled vehicle, in particular a three-wheeled motorcycle such as a rickshaw or a tuk-tuk. Furthermore, the vehicle can be a four-wheeled vehicle with an open passenger compartment, such as a quad bike or an electric light vehicle with an open driver's cab. The vehicle can also be a work vehicle or commercial vehicle, such as a forklift or an agricultural vehicle with an open driver's cab. Finally, it can be a construction vehicle, for example, an excavator with an open cab.The restraint system can be advantageously adapted for different vehicle types and be adjustable or adaptive for different driver sizes. The term "vehicle" also includes hybrid and electric vehicles.

[0040] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention with a laterally open design in the form of a covered motor scooter;

[0042] Figure 2 is a highly schematic frontal view of a restraint system of the vehicle according to Figure 1; Figure 3 is a highly schematic side view of the restraint system according to Figure 2;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a belt retractor of the restraint system according to the invention in a first embodiment;-2917 DE

[0044] 8

[0045] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a belt-type automatic restraint system according to a second embodiment;

[0046] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a belt-type automatic restraint system according to a third embodiment;

[0047] Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a belt-type automatic restraint system of the invention according to a fourth embodiment;

[0048] illustrated.

[0049] In one embodiment, a vehicle 100 according to the invention, as shown in Figure 1, is designed as a covered motor scooter with an open-sided design. The vehicle 100 comprises a frame structure (hidden here) with fairing elements 105 attached to it, a vehicle seat 110 with seat surface and backrest, a headrest 115, and a vehicle roof 120. An occupant (not shown here) can secure themselves with a restraint system 200, which is shown in Figures 2 and 3, and place their feet on a footboard 125.

[0050] As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the restraint system 200 comprises a 4-point safety belt 205, which ensures reliable restraint of the occupant on the vehicle seat 110. The safety belt 205 consists of two lap belt sections 210, 215, which, when fastened, run together over the occupant's pelvic area and ensure even load distribution.

[0051] Additionally, the safety belt 205 comprises two shoulder webbing sections 220, 225, each extending over one of the occupant's shoulders and converging in a V-shape at a common first belt tongue 230. The shoulder webbing sections 220, 225 are redirected by associated deflection means 233, so that the shoulder webbing section--2917 DE

[0052] 9

[0053] The shoulder strap sections 220, 225 are guided to the rear of the vehicle seat 110. Preferably, the width of the shoulder strap sections 220, 225 is increased in the area of ​​the first belt tongue 230 to allow better load distribution on the occupant's chest and thereby improve wearing comfort and protective effect.

[0054] The buckle 235 is attached to the first lap belt section 210 and is designed to engage and lock both the first belt tongue 230 and a second belt tongue 240 of the second lap belt section 215. Figures 2 and 3 show the 4-point safety belt 205 in a locked state, with the buckle 235 positioned centrally in front of the occupant, specifically in the area of ​​the navel. This arrangement allows for ergonomic operation with a single hand movement and ensures stable fixation of the belt system.

[0055] To ensure optimal belt tension and increase comfort when fastening the lap belt, the restraint system 200 is equipped with a belt tensioner 245, which guarantees the smooth rolling up and down of the lap belt sections 210 and 215. Depending on the vehicle design, the belt tensioner 245 can be located below, inside, or behind the vehicle seat.

[0056] Additionally, the shoulder strap sections 220, 225 are each connected to a corresponding strap winder 250, 255. Not shown in detail here, the strap winders 250, 255 each comprise a strap shaft rotatably mounted about a pivot axis, onto which the corresponding shoulder strap section 220, 225 can be wound or unwound. The shoulder strap sections 220, 225 are led out, for example, through an exit opening in the housing of the corresponding strap winder 250, 255.-2917 DE

[0057] 10

[0058] Figures 4 to 7 show different embodiments of the belt mechanism 245, which ensure synchronous movement of the two pelvic belt sections 210, 215.

[0059] In a first embodiment according to Figure 4, the belt tensioner 245 comprises a common spool 400 on which the lap belt sections 210, 215 are wound in opposite directions. This configuration ensures that both lap belt sections 210, 215 always move synchronously, thus keeping the belt buckle 235 in a stable, central position, regardless of the occupant's height.

[0060] Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment in which two separate belt retractors 500, 505 are operatively connected via a mechanical transmission 510. The transmission 510 comprises a first gear 515 non-rotatably connected to the first belt retractor 500 and a second gear 520 non-rotatably connected to the second belt retractor 505, with the gears 515, 520 meshing with each other. This transmission coupling ensures that the two belt retractors 500, 505 move in opposite directions, so that both lap belt sections 210, 215 are always unwound or wound up to the same length.

[0061] In another embodiment shown in Figure 6, the lap belt sections 210, 215 are wound in the same direction on separate belt reels 600, 605, which are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner via a common, rotatable shaft 610. This design enables a compact construction and direct power transmission between the belt reels 600, 605. It is also conceivable that the lap belt sections 210, 215 are wound on corresponding winding sections of a common belt reel. This simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the restraint system 200.

[0062] Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment in which two separate belt winders 700, 705 are connected to each other via a flexible, rotatable shaft 710--2917 DE

[0063] 11

[0064] the rotating parts are connected. The flexible shaft 710 ensures a uniform movement of the two belt retractors 700, 705, or, depending on the direction of rotation, a uniform winding or unwinding of the lap belt sections 210, 215, and at the same time allows for a more flexible arrangement of the belt retractors 700, 705 in or on the vehicle seat 115.

[0065] The combination of the safety belt 205, in particular the 4-point safety belt, with a synchronized belt adjuster 245 according to the invention offers several advantages. Firstly, the protective effect is optimized by ensuring a consistently close fit of the belt, thereby minimizing the risk of the lap belt slipping into the occupant's abdominal area. Secondly, occupant comfort is improved because the safety belt 205 adjusts automatically and no manual adjustment is required. The different technical solutions for synchronizing the lap belt sections 210, 215 allow the system 200 to be flexibly adapted to various vehicle designs.

[0066] Such a restraint system 200 enables optimized restraint while simultaneously ensuring comfortable and intuitive handling.-2917 DE

[0067] 12

[0068] Reference sign

[0069] 100 vehicles

[0070] 105 Trim element

[0071] 110 vehicle seats

[0072] 115 Headrest

[0073] 120 vehicle roof

[0074] 125 T step board

[0075] 200 restraint system

[0076] 205 Seatbelt

[0077] 210 First pelvic belt section

[0078] 215 Second pelvic belt section

[0079] 220 First shoulder strap section

[0080] 225 Second shoulder strap section

[0081] 230 First belt tongue

[0082] 235 Seatbelt buckle

[0083] 240 Second belt tongue

[0084] 245 belt drive

[0085] 250 strap winders for the first shoulder strap section, 255 strap winders for the second shoulder strap section, 400 spool

[0086] 500 First seatbelt retractor

[0087] 505 Second belt retractor

[0088] 510 gearbox

[0089] 515 First gear

[0090] 520 Second gear

[0091] 600 First seatbelt retractor

[0092] 605 Second belt retractor

[0093] 610 wave

[0094] 700 First seatbelt retractor

[0095] 705 Second belt retractor

[0096] 710 wave

Claims

-2917 DE 13 Claims 1. Restraint system (200) for a vehicle, comprising a safety belt (205) for restraining an occupant seated on a vehicle seat (110), wherein the safety belt (205) comprises the following elements: - two pelvic belt sections (210, 215) which, when fastened, run together over the pelvic area of ​​the occupant; - a belt buckle (235) attached to the first lap belt section (210) and arranged so that a belt tongue (240) of the second lap belt section (215) can be locked to it; and - a belt adjuster (245) designed for the even rolling up and down of the two lap belt sections (210, 215).

2. Restraint system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the safety belt (205) is a 4-point safety belt, further comprising two shoulder strap sections (220, 225) which, when fastened, extend over each shoulder of the occupant.

3. Restraint system (200) according to claim 2, wherein the shoulder strap sections (220, 225) converge in a V-shape in a common further strap tongue (230) or each have a further strap tongue.

4. Restraint system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt buckle (235) has a housing with means for receiving and locking the respective belt tongue (230, 240).

5. Restraint system (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the belt mechanism (245) has a spool (400) on which the two lap belt sections (210, 215) are wound in opposite directions.-2917 DE 14 6. Restraint system (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lap belt sections (210, 215) are wound in opposite directions to each other on a respective belt winder (500, 505) of the belt winding mechanism (245), and wherein the belt winding mechanism (245) further comprises a transmission (510) which mechanically connects the separate belt winders (500, 505) in opposite directions.

7. Restraint system (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lap belt sections (210, 215) are wound up in the same direction on at least one belt winder (600, 605) of the belt machine (245), wherein the at least one belt winder (600, 605) is connected to a rotatably driven shaft (610) in a rotationally fixed manner.

8. Restraint system (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lap belt sections (210, 215) are wound in the same direction on each belt reel (700, 705) of the belt machine (245), wherein the belt reels (700, 705) are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner via a flexible shaft (710).

9. Vehicle (100) comprising a vehicle seat (110) and a restraint system (200) arranged thereon according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Vehicle (100), wherein the vehicle (100) is a vehicle with a vehicle roof (120) and an open-sided design.

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