Device for determining vehicle-occupant-related variables in a vehicle
A device is provided for determining vehicle-occupant-related variables in a vehicle, which comprises a seatbelt with a seatbelt deflector which can be set with respect to its position. A sensor can be provided for sensing the position of the seatbelt deflector.
1 . A device for determining vehicle-occupant-related variables in a vehicle which has a seatbelt with a seatbelt deflector whose position can be set, comprising:
a sensor configured to determine the position of the seatbelt deflector.
2 . The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a seatbelt extension sensor.
3 . The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a seat-position-sensing sensor which senses one of a longitudinal seat position or a vertical seat position.
4 . The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one switch configured to sense the position of the seatbelt deflector.
5 . The device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the at least one switch senses a latched position of the seatbelt deflector.
6 . The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the position of the seatbelt deflector is sensed from outside before a vehicle door opens or when a central locking system is activated.
7 . The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the position of the seatbelt deflector is sensed before manual activation of the seatbelt occurs.
8 . The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a seat-position-sensing sensor which senses a seat longitudinal position and a seat vertical position.
9 . A method for determining the weight of a vehicle occupant sitting on a vehicle seat in a vehicle which includes a seatbelt with a seatbelt deflector whose position can be set and a sensor that is configured to determine the position of the seatbelt deflector, the method comprising the acts of:
determining the position of the seatbelt deflector;
determining a degree of extension of the seatbelt of the vehicle occupant who is belted onto the vehicle seat; and
determining the weight of the vehicle occupant, based on the position of the seatbelt deflector and the determined extension of the seatbelt.
10 . The method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein at least one of a longitudinal seat position, a vertical seat position and a seat inclination is used to determine the weight of the vehicle occupant.
11 . The method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one switch configured to sense the position of the seatbelt deflector.
12 . The method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the at least one switch senses a latched position of the seatbelt deflector.
13 . The method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the position of the seatbelt deflector is sensed from outside before a vehicle door opens or when a central locking system is activated.
14 . The method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the position of the seatbelt deflector is sensed before manual activation of the seatbelt occurs.
15 . The method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein a seat longitudinal position and a seat vertical position are also used to determine the position of the seatbelt deflector.
16 . The method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein a longitudinal seat position and a vertical seat position are also used to determine the weight of the vehicle occupant.
17 . The method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein a longitudinal seat position and a seat inclination are also used to determine the weight of the vehicle occupant.
18 . The method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein a vertical seat position and a seat inclination are also used to determine the weight of the vehicle occupant.
19 . The method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein a longitudinal seat position, a vertical seat position and a seat inclination are also used to determine the weight of the vehicle occupant.
20 . A device for determining vehicle-occupant-related variables in a vehicle that has a seatbelt, comprising:
a seatbelt deflector having a position that can be set; and
a sensor configured to determine the position of the seatbelt deflector, the sensor comprising one of a seatbelt extension sensor configured to sense a degree of extension of the seatbelt, a seat-position-sensor configured to sense at least one of a longitudinal seat position, a vertical seat position and a seat inclination, and a switch configured to sense the position of the seatbelt deflector.