Restraint system for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a restraint system (200) for a vehicle, comprising a 4-point 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; two shoulder strap portions (220, 225) which, when in the fastened state, extend over each of the occupant's shoulders and converge in a V-shape in a common first latch tongue (230); and a belt buckle (235) which is secured to the first lap belt portion (210), wherein the belt buckle (235) is designed such that the first latch tongue (230) and a second latch tongue (240) of the second lap belt portion (215) can be locked thereon. The invention also relates to a vehicle (100), comprising a vehicle seat (110) and a restraint system (200) of this type.

Description

[0001] -0025 DE

[0002] 1

[0003] Restraint system for a vehicle

[0004] The invention relates to a restraint system for a vehicle, comprising a 4-point safety 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] Various restraint systems for vehicles are known from the prior art, all of which include a seat belt to restrain an occupant. Commonly used systems are three-point belts, which are attached to three anchor points in the vehicle. However, these offer only limited restraint, especially under high acceleration or lateral forces. Four-point belt systems are also known, but often involve complicated handling or require special seats. In particular, fastening a four-point seat belt is often cumbersome, as it requires multiple buckles or complex locking mechanisms. Furthermore, there is often no practical way to neatly stow the belt when it is not in use.

[0006] Starting from the prior art, the object of the invention is to provide a restraint system for a vehicle that offers increased safety for the occupant while ensuring ease of handling and comfortable use. 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 4-point safety belt for restraining an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. The safety belt comprises the following elements: two lap belt sections which, when fastened, run together over the occupant's pelvic area, and two shoulder belt sections which, when fastened, each run over one shoulder of the occupant.

[0008] 2

[0009] The belt sections run in a V-shape and converge at a common first belt tongue. Furthermore, the restraint system includes a buckle attached to the first lap belt section, the buckle being designed so that the first belt tongue and a second belt tongue of the second lap belt section can be locked to it.

[0010] This arrangement offers the advantage of improved restraint for the occupant, as the seat belt ensures stable fixation in both the pelvic and shoulder areas.

[0011] 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's four-point safety belt is a specific type of seat belt that secures the occupant at four points. It consists of two shoulder belt sections and two lap belt sections, which, when fastened, work together to provide enhanced restraint, particularly during hard deceleration or lateral forces.

[0012] An "occupant seated in a vehicle" is 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 directly on or integrated into the vehicle seat or another suitable location, such as the vehicle frame, and serves to protect this occupant and control their movement in the event of an accident. The vehicle seat can be the driver's seat or a passenger's seat.

[0013] 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. -0025 DE

[0014] 3

[0015] The shoulder section of the seat belt, on the other hand, is part of the belt that, when fastened, extends over the occupant's shoulder. It prevents the upper body from being thrown forward and ensures even weight distribution. The width of the shoulder section may be increased in the area of ​​the common first belt tongue to allow for better weight distribution across the occupant's chest.

[0016] The seatbelt buckle is preferably arranged so that it can be operated by the occupant with a single hand movement, thereby increasing ease of use.

[0017] The belt tongue can be a metal or plastic part located at the end of the respective belt section, which can be inserted into the buckle for locking or securing. It serves as a connecting element between the belt section and the buckle. The belt tongue can also be made of another suitable material.

[0018] The buckle is the locking mechanism into which the belt tongues are inserted and locked. It ensures that the 4-point safety belt remains securely closed until it is released. Releasing the safety belt can be done manually, remotely (e.g., via an electrical signal), or mechanically transmitted. In the 4-point harness system, the buckle is designed to accommodate multiple belt tongues simultaneously. In this sense, the buckle preferably comprises a housing with means for receiving and locking the first belt tongue and means for receiving and locking the second belt tongue. These means are mechanical devices within the buckle that serve to securely receive the first and second belt tongues and hold them in a fixed position. They can be spring-loaded detent mechanisms, pawls, or locking devices.

[0019] 4

[0020] include lung bolts that prevent unintentional loosening of the belt tongue and can be released if necessary by actuating an associated unlocking mechanism.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the shoulder strap sections are designed such that the first strap tongue is held in a parked position by a fastening element that is at least indirectly attached to a vehicle frame. Advantageously, this design allows for easy handling of the strap, especially when getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0022] The fastening element serves to fix the first belt tongue in the parked position. It can be a bracket, a clip, a guide rail, or another mechanical element that securely holds the belt tongue and allows for quick release when the seat belt is fastened.

[0023] The parking position refers to a defined storage position for the first belt tongue when the seat belt, and in particular the shoulder belt sections, is not in use. This position is chosen so that the belt tongue is easily accessible to the user and allows for orderly stowing of the belt. It is preferably located in an area above the vehicle seat, especially centrally in front of the occupant's head.

[0024] The term "at least indirectly attached to a vehicle frame" means that the fastening element is connected to the vehicle frame either directly or via another connecting element, such as a bracket or intermediate structure. This ensures a stable and robust mounting without the need for direct bolting or welding to the frame.

[0025] Preferably, the fastening element comprises a magnet, a mechanical latch, a pocket and / or an additional strap--0025 DE

[0026] 5

[0027] A buckle. A magnet can hold the first belt tongue by magnetic attraction, while a mechanical locking mechanism allows the belt tongue to be securely locked in place. A pocket provides a physical storage option into which the first belt tongue can be inserted. A second buckle can be used to secure the first belt tongue in a secondary locking position when the belt is not in use. This second buckle can have a release mechanism that, when activated, releases the first belt tongue.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the lap belt sections and the shoulder belt sections are each connected to a corresponding belt retractor. This advantageously ensures automatic adjustment of the belt to the occupant's posture and increases wearing comfort. A belt retractor is a device that automatically retracts the corresponding belt section and releases or unwinds it as needed. It comprises a belt shaft rotatably mounted around 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.

[0029] Preferably, the belt retractors are operatively connected with means for the synchronized winding and unwinding of the lap belt sections and / or the shoulder belt sections. By means of the synchronized winding and unwinding, several belt sections, i.e., only the lap belt sections, only the shoulder belt sections, or both the lap and shoulder belt sections, can be wound and unwound simultaneously or in a coordinated ratio. This can be achieved by a mechanical coupling of the belt retractors to ensure uniform tension and optimal adjustment of the belt to the occupant's posture. This ensures, in particular, that the belt buckle is located centrally in front of the occupant after all belt sections have been locked at the buckle. -0025 DE

[0030] 6

[0031] In this sense, one embodiment provides that the seat belt buckle, when the lap belt sections and shoulder belt sections are locked, is located centrally in front of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat. This position advantageously improves the accessibility of the seat belt buckle and facilitates fastening and unfastening the belt. The "locked position" describes a secured position of the seat belt buckle in which it is protected against unintentional movement or release. In the case of a seat belt buckle, this means that the respective belt tongue is firmly held in the locking mechanism. In the locked position, the belt sections are blocked to keep the occupant securely in place.

[0032] The term "functionally coupled" refers to a functional connection between two or more components without requiring a direct mechanical link. In the context of synchronized winding and unwinding, this means that the belt retractors interact with each other to ensure coordinated movement of the belts, for example, through a coupled mechanism.

[0033] The design of the restraint system according to the invention achieves an improved restraint effect, as both the pelvic and shoulder areas of the occupant are secured. At the same time, the arrangement of the buckle simplifies handling, allowing the belt to be fastened and unfastened intuitively. In particular, the shoulder strap sections can be fastened with one hand. Furthermore, the fastening element ensures that the belt tongue is stored neatly, which increases comfort.

[0034] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle seat and a restraint system arranged thereon according to the above descriptions. Preferably, the vehicle is a conventional motor vehicle (MV) or commercial vehicle (CV), in particular a passenger car (PC), a truck (TKW), or a bus. Alternatively, it can be a motorized two-wheeled vehicle, in particular a motorcycle such as a motorcycle--0025 DE

[0035] 7

[0036] The vehicle can be a bicycle, a scooter, or a moped. It can also be a motorized three-wheeled vehicle, particularly 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. It can also be a work vehicle or commercial vehicle, such as a forklift or an agricultural vehicle with an open driver's cab. Additionally, 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.

[0037] Preferably, a fastening element for holding the first belt tongue in a parked position is arranged above the vehicle seat, at least indirectly on the vehicle frame. Accordingly, the vehicle in any case has a frame that extends at least partially above the occupant, so that the fastening element is located above the occupant with respect to gravity. According to a particular embodiment, the fastening element is arranged on the vehicle roof. This arrangement advantageously improves the organization and accessibility of the belt, especially when it is not in use.

[0038] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0039] 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;

[0040] Figure 2 is a highly schematic frontal view of a restraint system according to the invention for the vehicle as shown in Figure 1; and-0025 DE

[0041] 8

[0042] Figure 3 shows a highly schematic side view of the restraint system according to Figure 2;

[0043] illustrated.

[0044] 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 (concealed 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 sections 220, 225 are guided to the back of the vehicle seat 110. Preferably, the width of the shoulder webbing sections 220, 225 is increased in the area of ​​the first belt tongue 230 to allow for better load distribution on the occupant's chest and thereby improve wearing comfort and protective effect.

[0047] 9

[0048] 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. This arrangement allows for ergonomic operation with a single hand movement and ensures stable fixation of the belt system.

[0049] The shoulder strap sections 220, 225 are designed such that the first belt tongue 230 can be held, at least indirectly, in a parked position by a fastening element 250 arranged on a vehicle frame 245 of the vehicle roof 120. According to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 3, the fastening element 250 is arranged centrally in front of the occupant's head to allow quick access to the first belt tongue 230. The fastening element 250 can be attached directly to the vehicle frame 245 or connected to it via an intermediate structure. The fastening element 250 is designed, for example, as a magnet, a mechanical latch, a pocket, or an additional belt buckle. The design of the fastening element 250 can be adapted to the application of the vehicle 100.

[0050] The parking position of the shoulder strap sections 220, 225 and the first strap tongue 230 is illustrated by the dashed lines 255, 256. Accordingly, during entry and exit, the shoulder strap sections 220, 225 are located above the occupant's normal range of motion, allowing the occupant to enter and exit without hindrance. The first dashed line 255 represents the first shoulder strap section 220 in the parking position, while the second dashed line 256 represents the second shoulder strap section 225 in the parking position.

[0051] 10

[0052] When the occupant sits down on vehicle seat 110, they can first fasten or lock the second lap belt section 215 to the buckle 235 or the first lap belt section 210 to fasten their seatbelt. They can then easily, especially with just one hand, detach the first belt tongue 230 from the fastening element 250, which is located within easy reach above the occupant's head, remove or pull it down, and then secure it to the buckle. This allows for simple and comfortable fastening with just two steps, without the occupant having to reach awkwardly behind them.

[0053] As can be seen in Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 3, the lap belt sections 210, 215 and the shoulder belt sections 220, 225 are each connected to an associated belt retractor 260, 265, 270, 275. Not shown in detail here, the belt retractors 260, 265, 270, 275 each comprise a belt shaft rotatably mounted about a pivot axis, onto which the respective belt sections 210, 215, 220, 225 can be wound and unwound. The belt sections 210, 215, 220, 225 are, for example, led out through an outlet opening in a housing of the associated belt retractor 260, 265, 270, 275. The belt retractors 260, 265, 270, 275 can be operatively connected with means for synchronized winding and unwinding of the shoulder belt sections 220, 225 and / or the lap belt sections 210, 215.

[0054] Such a restraint system 200 enables optimal restraint while simultaneously ensuring comfortable handling. Furthermore, the combination of synchronized belt retractors 260, 265, 270, 275 and ergonomic belt clamp rest ensures quick and intuitive use, especially for occupants of different sizes.-0025 DE

[0055] 11 Reference marks

[0056] 100 vehicles

[0057] 105 Trim element

[0058] 110 vehicle seats

[0059] 115 Headrest

[0060] 120 vehicle roof

[0061] 125 T step board

[0062] 200 restraint system

[0063] 205 4-point safety belt

[0064] 210 First pelvic belt section

[0065] 215 Second pelvic belt section

[0066] 220 First shoulder strap section 225 Second shoulder strap section 230 First strap tongue

[0067] 235 Seatbelt buckle

[0068] 240 Second belt tongue

[0069] 245 vehicle frames

[0070] 250 fastening elements

[0071] 255 Dashed line

[0072] 256 Dashed line

[0073] 260 seatbelt retractors

[0074] 265 seatbelt retractors

[0075] 270 seatbelt retractors

[0076] 275 seatbelt retractors

Claims

-0025 DE 12 Claims 1. Restraint system (200) for a vehicle, comprising a 4-point 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; - two shoulder strap sections (220, 225) which, when fastened, run over each of the occupant's shoulders and converge in a V-shape at a common first strap tongue (230); and - a belt buckle (235) which is attached to the first lap belt section (210), wherein the belt buckle (235) is designed such that the first belt tongue (230) and a second belt tongue (240) of the second lap belt section (215) can be locked to it.

2. Restraint system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the belt buckle (235) has a housing with means for receiving and locking the first belt tongue (230) and means for receiving and locking the second belt tongue (240).

3. Restraint system (200) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shoulder strap sections (220, 225) are designed such that the first strap tongue (230) is held in a parked position on a fastening element (250) arranged at least indirectly on a vehicle frame (245).

4. Restraint system (200) according to claim 3, wherein the fastening element (250) comprises a magnet, a mechanical latch, a pocket and / or a further belt buckle.-0025 DE 13 5. Restraint system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lap belt sections (210, 215) and the shoulder belt sections (220, 225) are each connected to an associated belt retractor (260, 265, 270, 275).

6. Restraint system (200) according to claim 5, wherein the belt retractors (260, 265, 270, 275) are operatively connected with means for synchronously rolling up and unrolling the lap belt sections (210, 215) and / or the shoulder belt sections (220, 225).

7. Restraint system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt buckle (235) is located centrally in front of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat (110) when the lap belt sections (210, 215) and the shoulder belt sections (220, 225) are locked in the locked state.

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

9. Vehicle (100) according to claim 8, wherein a fastening element (250) for holding the first belt tongue (230) in a parked position above the vehicle seat (110) is arranged at least indirectly on the vehicle frame (245).

10. Vehicle (100) according to claim 9, wherein the fastening element (250) is arranged on the vehicle roof (120).

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