Claims:We Claim:
1. A seat belt assembly (100) for a vehicle seat (210), the seat belt assembly (100) comprising:
a seat belt (30) with a first end (60) and a second end (70);
the first end (60) of the seat belt (30) is fixed on a first arm (10a) and the second end (70) of the seat belt (30) is movably arranged on the first arm (10a), the second end (70) of the seat belt (30) is movable between an unfasten position (70a) and a fasten position (70b);
a second arm (10b) pivotally arranged on an opposite side of the first arm (10a) beside the vehicle seat (210), the second arm (10b) is movable between a first position (40a) and a second position (40b);
wherein the seat belt (30) is buckled to a buckle (20), the buckle (20) is movably arranged on the second arm (10b), the buckle (20) is movable between a first buckle position (80a) and a second buckle position (80b); and
wherein upon sensing an occupant (1000) on the vehicle seat (210), the second arm (10b) moves from the first position (40a) to the second position (40b), simultaneously the buckle (20) slides to a second buckle position (80b), and the second end (70) of the seat belt (30) moves from the unfasten position (70a) to the fasten position (70b), thereby extending and fastening the seat belt (30) around the occupant (1000).

2. The retractable seat belt assembly (100) as claimed in claims 1, wherein a retractor unit (280) is arranged on the first arm (10a) to retract the seat belt (30) from the first end (60) thereof.

3. The seat belt assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (70) of the seat belt (30) is connected to a first sliding unit (50a) arranged on or in the first arm (10a), the first sliding unit (50a) having a rack and pinion arrangement with a motor (58a) connected to the pinion (52b), rotation of the pinion (52b) slides the first sliding unit (50a) thereby sliding the second end (70) of the seat belt (30) along the first arm (10a) between the unfasten position (70a) and the fasten position (70b) upon sensing the occupant (1000) on the vehicle seat (210).

4. The seat belt assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first arm (10a) is a pillar of a body of the vehicle interior.

5. The seat belt assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second arm (10b) is having a second sliding unit (50b) for sliding the buckle thereon, the second sliding unit (50b) having a rack (52b) and pinion (54b) arrangement with a motor (58b) connected to the pinion (54b), rotation of the pinion (54b) slides the second sliding unit (50b) thereby sliding the buckle (20) on the second arm (10b) between the first buckle position (80a) and the second buckle position (80b).
6. The seat belt assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second arm (10b) integrates with a central console (200) of a vehicle interior in the second position (40b).

7. The seat belt assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motor is arranged in the vehicle interior to move the second arm (10b) between the first position (40a) and the second position (40b).

8. The seat belt assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position (40a) of the second arm (10b) is substantially vertical and the second position (40b) of the second arm (10b) is substantially horizontal.

9. The seat belt assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a position sensor or a camera is arranged in the vehicle interior for sensing the presence of the occupant on the vehicle seat (210).

10. The seat belt assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm (10a) and the second arm (10b) having a first enclosure (260a) and a second enclosure (260b) respectively for enclosing the first sliding unit (50a) and the second sliding unit (50b) respectively.
, Description:Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat belt of a vehicle seat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a seat belt assembly of a vehicle interior.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Generally, in the existing vehicles, seat belts are manually operated. Due to this reason passengers and a driver tends to forget to fasten the seat belt while driving the vehicle or do not consider to fasten the seat belt as important, thereby putting the safety of the passenger in danger. Even-though, the SBR (seat belt reminder) sensor gives constant alert to fasten the seat but passengers tend to ignore the alert. Also, in many cases, the manually operated seat belt do not fastens properly around the body, which may cause harm to chest and abdominal area of the passenger in case of accidents. Specially, the kids are not used to fasten the seat belts while travelling. This has become the major safety concern over the time.

[0003] Therefore, there is a requirement of such a seat belt system for the vehicles, which overcomes few or all drawbacks of the existing prior art.

Objects of the Invention
[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a seat belt assembly for a vehicle.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide seat belt assembly for a vehicle seat, which fastens the seat belt automatically upon sensing an occupant sitting on the seat in the vehicle.

[0006] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a seat belt assembly, which has less complexity in construction.

[0007] Another one object of the present invention is to provide a seat belt assembly, which ensures safety to the occupant.

[0008] One more object of the present invention is to provide a seat belt assembly, which is robust and economical.

Summary of the invention

[0009] According to the present invention there is provided a seat belt assembly for a vehicle seat. The seat belt assembly is having a seat belt with a first end and a second end. The first end of the seat belt may be fixed on a first arm. The first arm is a pillar of a body of the vehicle interior. A retractor unit may be arranged on the first arm to retract the first end of the seat belt therefrom. The second end of the seat belt is movably arranged on the first arm. The second end of the seat belt is movable from an unfasten position to a fasten position. The second end of the seat belt may be connected to a first sliding unit. The first sliding unit is arranged on the first arm to move the second end of the seat belt between the unfasten position and the fasten position, upon sensing the occupant on the vehicle seat. The first sliding unit may have a rack and pinion arrangement. A motor is connected to the pinion. Rotation of the pinion slides the first sliding unit thereby sliding the second end of the seat belt along the first arm between the unfasten position and the fasten position, upon sensing the occupant on the vehicle seat.

[0010] Further, the seat belt assembly may include a second arm pivotally arranged on an opposite side of the first arm beside the vehicle seat. The second arm is movable from a first position to a second position. A motor may be arranged in the vehicle to move the second arm between the first position and the second position. In the present embodiment, the first position of the second arm is substantially vertical and the second position of the second arm is substantially horizontal. The seat belt may be buckled to a buckle and the buckle is movably arranged on the second arm. The buckle is movable between a first buckle position and a second buckle position. The second arm is having a second sliding unit for sliding the buckle thereon. The second sliding unit is having a rack and pinion arrangement. A motor is connected to the pinion. Rotation of the pinion slides the second sliding unit thereby sliding the buckle on the second arm between the first buckle position and the second buckle position.
[0011] In the present embodiment, the first arm and the second arm may have a first enclosure and a second enclosure respectively for enclosing the first sliding unit and the second sliding unit respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, upon sensing the occupant on the vehicle seat, the second arm moves from the first position to the second position. Simultaneously, the buckle slides to the second buckle position and the second end of the seat belt moves from the unfasten position to the fasten position, thereby extending and fastening the seat belt around the occupant. A position sensor or camera may be arranged in the vehicle interior for sensing the presence of the occupant on the vehicle seat.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The advantages and features of the present invention will be understood better with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a seat belt assembly with a second arm in a first position in accordance with the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of the seat belt assembly with the second arm in the second position;

[0016] Figure 3a illustrates a schematic representation of the assembly with a dummy and the second arm in the first position;

[0017] Figure 3b illustrates a schematic representation of the assembly with the dummy and the second arm between the first position and the second position;

[0018] Figure 3c illustrates a schematic representation of the assembly with the dummy and the second arm in the second position;

[0019] Figure 4a illustrates a schematic front view of the seat belt assembly with the first arm and the second arm in an unfasten position;

[0020] Figure 4b illustrates a schematic front view of the seat belt assembly with the first arm and the second arm in a fasten position;

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a sliding mechanism in accordance with the present invention; and

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates the exploded view of the mechanism for operating the seat belt of the vehicle interior.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0023] An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be described in detail. The words "comprising, "having, "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0024] The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “an” and “a” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0025] The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0026] The present invention describes about a seat belt assembly for a vehicle. The seat belt has an important role for the one’s safety. The seat belt is a device designed to secure the driver or a passenger of a vehicle while travelling. The seat belt reduces the injuries in road accidents by keeping the driver or passenger in a position to avoid impact during accidents. Also, as the seat belt applies an opposing force on the driver and the passenger, the seat belt prevents the driver and the passenger from being ejected from the vehicle in a crash or if the vehicle rolls over. Hence, the seat belts are considered to be Primary Restraint Systems (PRS).

[0027] Referring now to figures 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4, 6, a seat belt assembly (herein after referred as an assembly (100)) for a vehicle seat (210) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The assembly (100) is used for operating a seat belt (30) automatically without human intervention upon sensing presence of a person on the seat (210) and immediately after switching on an ignition switch (not shown) of the vehicle. The assembly (100) includes the seat belt (30) having a first end (60) and a second end (70). The first end (60) of the seat belt (30) is fixed on a first arm(10a) and the second end (70) of the seat belt (30) is movably arranged on the first arm (10a). The first arm (10a) is a pillar of a body of the vehicle interior.

[0028] The second end (70) of the seat belt (30) is movable between an unfasten position (70a) and a fasten position (70b) (as shown in figures, 1, 2, 3a, 3c, 4a and 4b). The first arm (10a) is arranged beside the seat (210) in a vehicle interior. It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art to arrange the first arm (10a) juxtaposed to a body of the vehicle interior toward a side door. Specifically, the first arm (10a) is arranged between the seat (210) and a body of the vehicle. Also, a retractor unit (280) is arranged on the first arm (10a) to retract from the first end (60) of the seat belt (30), thereby extending or retracting the seat belt (30) thereof.

[0029] Further, the second arm (10b) is pivotally arranged on an opposite side of the first arm (10a) beside the seat (210). The second arm (10b) is movable between a first position (40a) (as shown in figure 3a) and a second position (40b) (as shown in figure 3c). In the present embodiment, the second arm (10b) is arranged pivotally along a centre console (200) or on a side of the seat (210) which is on inner side of the vehicle interior. Further, a motor (not shown) is arranged in the vehicle interior for moving the second arm (10b) arcuately between the first position (40a) and the second position (40b) around a pivotal axis (not shown).

[0030] Further, the seat belt (30) is buckled to a buckle (20). In the present embodiment, the buckle (20) is movably arranged on the second arm (10b). Specifically, the buckle (20) is movably arranged between a first buckle position (80a) and a second buckle position (80b). The movement of the buckle (20) away from the first arm (10a) uncoils and extends the seat belt (30).

[0031] The retractor unit (280) is a standard assembly which coils and uncoils the seat belt (30) and is also adapted to lock extension of the seat belt (30) therefrom in case of sudden impact, which prevents injures to a seated occupant (1000). In the present embodiment, the seat belt (30) is buckled between the first arm (10a) and the second arm (10b) above the seat (210) of the vehicle interior (as shown in figures 1 and 4a).

[0032] Further, upon sensing the occupant (1000) on the vehicle seat (210), the second arm (10b) moves from the first position (40a) to the second position (40b) and simultaneously the buckle (20) slides to a second buckle position (80b). Also, the second end (70) of the seat belt (30) moves from unfasten position (70a) to the fasten position (70b), thereby extending and fastening the seat belt (30) around the occupant (1000). In the present embodiment, the first position (40a) of the second arm (10b) is substantially vertical. i.e. parallel to a back rest of the seat (210) in the vehicle interior (as shown in figure 1, 3a and 4a). The second position (40b) of the second arm (10b) is substantially horizontal. i.e. parallel to a floor of the vehicle interior (as shown in figure 2 and 3c). Also, an intermediate position of the second arm (10b) is shown in figure 3b. In the present embodiment, the intermediate position (figure 3b) is the position of the second arm (10b) anywhere between the first position (40a) of the second arm (10b) and the second position (40b) of the second arm (10b).

[0033] When the occupant (1000) opens the door (not shown) of the vehicle, the second arm (10b) is in the second position (40b), i.e. the second arm (10b) is horizontally arranged with the console (200). Once the occupant starts the ignition of the vehicle, the second arm (10b) moves from the second position (40b) to the first position (40a) (as shown in figure 1). On occupying the seat (210) by the occupant (1000), a sensor or a camera (not shown), which is arranged in the vehicle senses the presence of an occupant (1000) on the vehicle seat. In the present embodiment, the head position sensor is used for sensing the correct position of the head of the occupant (1000). It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art to use any position sensor or distance sensor or Object Detection System (ODS) or any other sensor for the purpose. The head position sensor may be integrated with the head rest of the seat (210) of the vehicle.

[0034] The sensor of the vehicle (not shown) detects the presence of the occupant (1000) on the vehicle seat (210) and sends the signal to the control unit (not shown) of the vehicle , thereby moving the second end (70) of the seat belt (30) to the fasten position (70b) on the first arm (10a) and simultaneously moving the second arm (10b) to the second position (40b) and the buckle (20) to the second buckle position (80b). Also, a display on an instrument panel displays an alert to ensure the correct position of the head and body of the occupant (1000), thereby ensuring the safety of the occupant (1000) during fastening of the seat belt (30).

[0035] Referring now to figure 5, a sliding unit (50) of the seat belt (30) of a vehicle interior is shown. In the present embodiment, there is provided two sliding unit, a first sliding unit (50a) and a second sliding unit (50b) respectively. Specifically, the first arm (10a) is having the first sliding unit (50a) for sliding the second end (70) of the seat belt (30). The first sliding unit (50a) is adapted to slid the second end (70) from an unfasten position (70a) (as shown in figure 3a, and 4a) to an fasten position (70b) (as shown in figure 3c and 4b). In the present embodiment, the first sliding unit (50a) is having a rack and pinion arrangement (herein after referred as “the rack and pinion arrangement (50a)”) (as shown in figure 5), which includes a rack (52a) and a pinion (54a). Also, the rack and pinion arrangement (50a) includes a motor (58a), which is connected to the pinion (54a) by a fasteners (56a). Upon sensing the occupant (1000) on the vehicle seat (210 ), the motor (58a) starts rotating and hence rotating the pinion (54a) along the rack (52a), thereby sliding the second end (70) of a seat belt (210) to the fasten position (70b). Also, the first arm (10a) has an enclosure (260a) for enclosing the first sliding unit (50a) therein for preventing any contact and injury to the occupant (1000). In the present embodiment, the enclosure (260a) is an outer cover arranged over the first sliding unit (50a) having a channel (230a).

[0036] Similarly, the second arm (10b) is having a second sliding unit (50b) for sliding the buckle (20) thereon. The second sliding unit (50b) is a rack and pinion arrangement (herein after referred as “the rack and pinion arrangement 50b”). The rack and pinion arrangement (50b) include a rack (54a) and a pinion (54b). Also, the rack and pinion arrangement (50b) includes a motor (58b), which is connected to the pinion (54b) by a fasteners (56b). Upon sensing the occupant (1000) on the vehicle seat (210), the motor (58b) starts rotating and hence provides the pinion (54b) to slide along the rack (54a), thereby sliding the buckle (20) on the second arm (10b) along a second channel (230b) (as shown in figures 3a, 3b and 3c). Also, the buckle (20) of the seat belt (30) extends from the first arm (10a) for extending the seat belt (30) therefrom. Simultaneously, the buckle (20) slides from the first buckle position (80a) to the second buckle position (80b), the second arm (10b) moves pivotally from a first position (40a) to a second position (40b) along a pivot axis. The second arm (10b) integrates with the central console (200) of the vehicle interior in the second position (40b) (in a flushed manner for good aesthetic), thereby extending and fastening the seat belt (30) around the occupant (1000). Specifically, the second arm (10b) integrates along with an armrest cover (250) on the central console (200) of the vehicle interior in the second position (40b) for good aesthetic.

[0037] Further, the second arm (10b) is having an enclosure (260b) for enclosing the second sliding unit (50b) therein for preventing any contact and injury to the occupant. In the present embodiment, the enclosure (260b) is an outer cover arranged over the second sliding unit (50b) having a channel (230b).

[0038] Furthermore, upon operating a release button (not shown) the seat belt (30) unfastens around the occupant (1000) with the sliding of the buckle (20) from the second buckle position (80b) to the first buckle position (80a), the second arm (10b) moves pivotally from the second position (40b) to the first position (40a) along the pivot axis and the second end (70) of the first arm(10a) moves from unfasten position (70b) to the fasten position(70a) simultaneously.

[0039] The retractor unit (280) is arranged on the first arm (10a) and is connected to the first end (60) of the seat belt (30). The retractor unit (280) retracts the seat belt (30) when the seat belt (30) is unfastens the occupant (1000), when the second arm (10b) moves toward the first position (40a) and the second end (70) of the seat belt (30) moves from the fasten potion (70b) to the unfasten position (70a).

[0040] Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of providing a mechanism (100) for operating a seat belt (30) of a vehicle interior. The mechanism (100) which operates automatically upon sensing an occupant seating on the seat in the vehicle. Also, the mechanism (100) has less complexity in construction. Further, the mechanism (100) provides more safety to the occupant. Furthermore, the mechanism (100) is robust and economical.

[0041] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.