Load limiting seat belt assemblies

Abstract

A seat belt assembly includes a seat belt retractor, a support member spaced apart from the seat belt retractor, and a webbing retractably engaged with the seat belt retractor. The webbing is movable relative to the support member. The seat belt assembly includes a magnet and a conductive material adjacent to the magnet. One of the magnet and the conductive material is fixed to the support member, and the other of the magnet and the conductive material is movable relative to the support member via the webbing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to seat belt assemblies and, more particularly, to load limiting seat belt assemblies. Background Art

[0002] Seat belts in vehicles may be equipped with a "load limiting" feature. During a vehicle collision, the seat belt's retractor may lock the seat belt's webbing from further extension from the retractor, and the load limiting feature may permit some additional limited extension of the webbing when the force applied to the webbing exceeds a load limiting threshold. This additional extension of the webbing from the retractor limits the load applied by the webbing to the occupant's chest, which may reduce chest compression.

[0003] The functionality of the load limiting feature depends on the size of the occupant, such as the occupant's weight and / or height. In other words, at a given vehicle impact velocity, a larger occupant may impose a load on the webbing that exceeds the load limiting threshold, whereas at the same velocity, a smaller occupant may not impose a load on the webbing that exceeds the load limiting threshold. Summary of the invention

[0004] A seat belt assembly includes a seat belt retractor and a support member spaced apart from the seat belt retractor. The seat belt assembly includes a webbing that is telescopically engaged with the seat belt retractor and is movable relative to the support member. The seat belt assembly includes a magnet and a conductive material adjacent to the magnet. One of the magnet and the conductive material is fixed to the support member, and the other of the magnet and the conductive material is movable relative to the support member through the webbing.

[0005] The support may include a slot. The webbing may extend through the slot. One of the magnet and the conductive material may be secured to the webbing, and the other of the magnet and the conductive material may be secured to the support in the slot. One of the magnet and the conductive material may be embedded in the webbing. The webbing may be elongated along a webbing axis, and one of the magnet and the conductive material may be at least one strand elongated along the webbing axis. The other of the magnet and the conductive material may be a plate.

[0006] The support may include a first end. The support may pivot about the first end. The support may include a second end spaced apart from the first end. The seat belt assembly may include a tensioning pulley. The tensioning pulley may be rotatably supported by the second end of the support. One of the magnet and the conductive material may be fixed to the second end of the support, and the other of the magnet and the conductive material may be fixed to the tensioning pulley. The tensioning pulley may engage with the webbing. The tensioning pulley may be rotated by the webbing. The webbing and the tensioning pulley may each include an anti-skid interface. The anti-skid interface of the webbing may engage with the anti-skid interface of the tensioning pulley.

[0007] The seat belt assembly may include a spring connected to a tensioning pulley. The spring may bias the tensioning pulley toward the webbing.

[0008] The seat belt assembly may include an anchor pulley spaced apart from the tensioning pulley and engaged with the webbing. The tensioning pulley may be movable relative to the anchor pulley via a support.

[0009] The seat belt assembly may include a pulley. The support may include sides spaced apart from each other, and the pulley may extend from one side toward the other side. One of the magnet and the conductive material may be fixed to one of the sides, and the other of the magnet and the conductive material may be fixed to the pulley. The pulley may be rotatably supported by both sides of the support. The webbing may engage with the pulley. The pulley may be rotated by the webbing. The webbing and the pulley may each include an anti-skid interface. The anti-skid interface of the webbing may engage with the anti-skid interface of the pulley.

[0010] The magnet may be a permanent magnet.

[0011] The magnet may be an electromagnet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat with a seat belt assembly in a vehicle.

[0013] Figure 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a seat belt assembly including a support member having a slot and a webbing extending through the slot.

[0014] Figure 2B is along Figure 2A Cross-sectional view of line 2 of the support.

[0015] Figure 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a seat belt assembly including a tensioning pulley rotatably supported by a support and engageable with a webbing.

[0016] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A side view of an embodiment of a seat belt assembly in FIG.

[0017] Figure 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a seat belt assembly including a pulley rotatably supported by a support and engaged with a webbing.

[0018] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A side view of an embodiment of a seat belt assembly in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, a vehicle 10 is generally shown. The vehicle 10 includes a seat 12 and a seat belt assembly 14 having a seat belt retractor 16 and a webbing 18 telescopically engaged with the seat belt retractor 16. During a vehicle collision, the momentum of an occupant biases the occupant relative to the seat 12. For example, in a frontal collision or an oblique collision, the momentum of the occupant may bias the occupant away from the seat 12. As the occupant moves away from the seat 12, the occupant may apply a force F on the webbing 18 while the webbing 18 holds the occupant on the seat 12. In this case, the seat belt assembly 14 may apply a drag force Fd that counteracts the force F applied by the occupant to limit the load of the occupant while the webbing 18 holds the occupant on the seat 12. Specifically, the seat belt assembly 14 can apply a resistance force Fd to control the payout of the webbing 18 during high loads, which can reduce the occupant's momentum while also limiting the occupant's chest compression during a vehicle collision. In this case, the seat belt assembly 14 can absorb energy to reduce the load applied by the webbing 18 to the occupant's chest during a vehicle collision.

[0020] refer to FIG. 2A to FIG. 4B , the seat belt assembly 14 includes a support 20 spaced apart from the seat belt retractor 16. The webbing 18 is movable relative to the support 20. The seat belt assembly 14 includes a magnet 22 and a conductive material 24 adjacent to the magnet 22. One of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 is fixed to the support 20, and the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 is movable relative to the support 20 by the webbing 18.

[0021] During a vehicle collision, the force F applied by the occupant causes the webbing 18 to be pulled out of the seat belt retractor 16. In this case, when the webbing 18 is pulled out of the seat belt retractor 16, the webbing 18 moves relative to the support 20. Additionally, the webbing 18 causes one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 to move relative to the support 20. When the webbing 18 moves relative to the support 20, the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 move relative to each other. By allowing one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 to move relative to the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24, the seat belt assembly 14 applies the resistance force Fd.

[0022] refer to Figure 1The vehicle 10 may be, for example, any suitable type of automobile. The vehicle 10 may include a body 26 that defines a passenger compartment 28 for accommodating occupants (if any) of the vehicle 10. The body 26 may include a roof 30, a floor 32 spaced apart from the roof 30, and a plurality of pillars 34, 36 extending from the roof 30 to the floor 32. For example, the pillars 34, 36 may include an A-pillar 34 and a B-pillar 36 spaced apart from the A-pillar 34. The pillars 34, 36 may include additional pillars, such as a C-pillar (not shown).

[0023] Continue to refer Figure 1 , one or more seats 12 may be disposed at a front portion (not numbered) of the passenger compartment 28, for example, between the A-pillar 34 and the B-pillar 36. In this case, the seat 12 may be a front seat. The passenger compartment 28 may include one or more rear seats (not shown) disposed behind the front seats. The passenger compartment 28 may also include a third row of seats (not shown) at a rear portion (not numbered) of the passenger compartment 28, in which case the seat 12 may be a second row of seats (not numbered) instead of or in addition to the front seats. Figure 1 As shown, the seat 12 is a bucket seat, but the seat 12 may be another suitable type of seat, such as a bench seat.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the seat belt assembly 14 may include a seat belt retractor 16 and a webbing 18 that can be retractably pulled out from the seat belt retractor 16. The seat belt assembly 14 may include an anchor 38 coupled to the webbing 18, and a clip 40 engaged with a buckle 42. The seat belt assembly 14 may be disposed adjacent to the seat 12. For example, the seat belt assembly 14 may be adjacent to a front seat, such as Figure 1 The seat belt assembly 14 holds the occupant in the seat 12 when fastened, such as during a sudden deceleration of the vehicle 10 .

[0025] The webbing 18 may extend continuously from the seat belt retractor 16 to the anchor 38. For example, one end of the webbing 18 is fed to the seat belt retractor 16, and the other end of the webbing 18 is secured to the anchor 38. The anchor 38 may, for example, be secured to the seat 12. Alternatively, the anchor 38 may be secured to the vehicle body 26, such as a B-pillar 36, a floor 32, etc. The anchor 38 may be attached to the seat 12 in any suitable manner, such as with a fastener.

[0026] The webbing 18 may be formed of a fabric, such as braided nylon. The clip 40 slides freely along the webbing 18 and when engaged with the buckle 42 divides the webbing 18 into a waist belt and a shoulder belt.

[0027] The seat belt retractor 16 may be mounted to the vehicle body 26. For example, the seat belt retractor 16 may be attached to a B-pillar 36, such as Figure 1 As another example, when the seat belt assembly 14 is adjacent to the rear seat, the seat belt retractor 16 can be attached to the C-pillar. Alternatively, the seat belt retractor 16 can be attached to the seat 12. The seat belt retractor 16 can be attached to the vehicle body 26 in any suitable manner, such as with fasteners.

[0028] The seat belt retractor 16 can be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position by conventional mechanisms known in the art. In the unlocked position, the webbing 18 can be extended from and retracted into the seat belt retractor 16. In the locked position, the seat belt retractor 16 prevents extension of the webbing 18 to limit forward movement of the occupant. The seat belt retractor 16 can be in the unlocked position by default (i.e., in the absence of sudden deceleration). During sudden deceleration of the vehicle 10, the seat belt retractor 16 can change from the unlocked position to the locked position, i.e., the deceleration triggers a component of the seat belt retractor 16 to change from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0029] The seat belt retractor 16 may include a torsion bar (not shown). The torsion bar may be of a conventional type known in the art. The torsion bar may be free to rotate in the unlocked position. In the locked position, one end of the torsion bar may be fixed to prevent rotation of the torsion bar, i.e., pull-out of the webbing 18. The torsion bar may be designed to yield rotationally, i.e., plastically deform, when the torsion bar is rotated by the webbing 18 (i.e., by a force F exerted on the webbing 18 by the occupant). In particular, the torsion bar may be formed of a suitable shape, size, and material to yield when subjected to a threshold rotational force. For example, when the seat belt retractor 16 is in the locked position but the webbing 18 exerts a force (not shown) on the seat belt retractor 16, the torsion bar may prevent the webbing 18 from pulling out unless the force of the webbing 18 exceeds a threshold, in which case the rotational yielding may permit the webbing 18 to pull out.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 , the seat belt assembly 14 may include a D-ring 44 that engages the webbing 18. For example, the webbing 18 may freely slide through the D-ring 44. In other words, the webbing 18 may extend from the anchor 38 through the D-ring 44 to the seat belt retractor 16. The D-ring 44 may be spaced apart from the seat belt retractor 16. For example, the D-ring 44 may be disposed between the seat belt retractor 16 and the roof 30. As another example, the seat belt retractor 16 may be adjacent to the floor 32, and the D-ring 44 may be adjacent to the roof 30. The D-ring 44 may be secured to the vehicle body 26, such as the B-pillar 36.

[0031] The seat belt assembly 14 may be a three-point seat belt, meaning that the webbing 18 is attached at three points around the occupant when fastened: the anchor 38, the seat belt retractor 16, and the buckle 42. Alternatively, the seat belt assembly 14 may include additional attachment point arrangements.

[0032] The magnet 22 can be any suitable type of magnet. For example, the magnet 22 can be a permanent magnet. In this case, the magnet 22 can be formed of a magnetic material, such as iron, nickel or cobalt, and the magnet 22 can continuously generate a magnetic field. Alternatively, the magnet 22 can be an electromagnet, such as a resistive magnet, a superconducting magnet, a hybrid magnet, etc. In this case, the magnet 22 generates a magnetic field when an electric current passes through the magnet 22. For example, the magnet 22 can be connected to a controller (not shown). For example, the controller can send an electric current through the magnet 22 during a vehicle collision. In other words, the controller can selectively sense the magnetic field in the magnet 22. In this case, the magnet 22 generates a magnetic field during a vehicle collision.

[0033] The conductive material 24 can be any suitable conductive material. In other words, the conductive material 24 can be formed of any material suitable for carrying an electric current. For example, the conductive material 24 can be formed of any suitable metal, such as steel, copper, aluminum, etc.

[0034] As further described below, several embodiments of the seat belt assembly 14 are respectively FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B , 3A to Figure 3B and 4A to Figure 4B Each embodiment may include any suitable number of magnets, i.e., one or more. For example, Figure 4A and Figure 4B The embodiment shown in comprises a plurality of magnets, i.e. more than one. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 20 may be secured to the B-pillar 36 and the webbing 18 may extend through the support member 20. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment shown, the support member 20 can be pivoted in the vehicle transverse direction Dc. Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 20 may be a D-ring 44. Common numerals are used to identify common features among the embodiments.

[0035] refer to Figure 2A , the webbing 18 extends along the webbing axis W. For example, the webbing 18 extends along the B-pillar 36 , ie, from the seat belt retractor 16 to the D-ring 44 . In other words, the webbing 18 extends in the direction D from the floor 32 to the roof 30 of the vehicle 10 .

[0036] Continue to refer FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B In the illustrated embodiment, one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 can be fixed to the webbing 18. For example, one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 can be embedded in the webbing 18. In other words, one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 can be woven into the webbing 18, such as Figure 2B As shown. In this case, one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 can be at least one strand 46 extending along the webbing axis W. The webbing 18 may include any suitable number of strands, such as one or more. The strand 46 can be, for example, a continuous piece extending along the length of the webbing 18, for example, extending from one end of the webbing 18 to the other end. In this case, the strand 46 can extend from the seat belt retractor 16 through the D-ring 44 to the anchor 38. As another example, the strand 46 can be a plurality of segments aligned along the webbing axis W. In this case, each segment can extend along a portion of the length of the webbing 18, such as Figure 2A In other words, multiple sections may be provided along the length of the webbing 18, for example, from one end of the webbing 18 to the other end.

[0037] As another example, one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 may be embedded in a sleeve (not shown) secured to the webbing 18. In this case, the sleeve may extend around the webbing 18 (e.g., completely or partially) around the webbing axis W. The sleeve may extend along the webbing 18, e.g., along the webbing axis W, such that the sleeve moves through the slot of the support 20 during a vehicle collision. For example, the sleeve may extend through the slot of the support 20 by default. Alternatively, the sleeve may be spaced apart from the slot of the support 20 by default. In other words, the sleeve may be disposed between the support 20 and the seat belt retractor 16. The sleeve may be secured to the webbing 18 in any suitable manner (e.g., sewing, ultrasonic welding, etc.).

[0038] refer to Figure 2A , the support 20 can be secured to the B-pillar 36. For example, the support 20 can be secured to the B-pillar 36 between the seat belt retractor 16 and the D-ring 44. The support 20 can include a slot 48 extending through the support 20 along the webbing axis W.

[0039] refer to Figure 2B , the groove 48 includes two surfaces 50, 52 that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction Dc and extend along the webbing axis W. At least one of the surfaces 50, 52 supports the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24. For example, the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 may be fixed to the support 20 in the groove 48, that is, fixed to at least one of the surfaces 50, 52 of the groove 48.

[0040] Continue to refer Figure 2B, the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 may be a plate 54. In other words, the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 may extend substantially in a plane (not shown) along a surface of the slot 48 (i.e., along the webbing axis W) and along the vehicle fore-and-aft direction Df (e.g., transverse to the webbing axis W). For example, one plate 54 may be fixed to each surface of the slot 48.

[0041] The webbing 18 extends through the slot 48 (i.e., between the two surfaces 50, 52), as shown. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B 4 and 52. In other words, the webbing 18 is movable relative to the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24. For example, when the webbing 18 is extended from and retracted into the seat belt retractor 16, the webbing 18 moves through the slot 48. In this case, the webbing 18 moves one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 relative to the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 through the slot 48.

[0042] refer to Figure 3A , the support member 20 may include a first end 56 supported by the B-pillar 36 (e.g., connected directly or through an intermediate component) and spaced apart from the webbing 18. The support member 20 is capable of pivoting in the vehicle transverse direction Dc about the first end 56. In other words, the support member 20 can pivot toward and away from the B-pillar 36 (i.e., the webbing 18).

[0043] Continue to refer Figure 3A , the support 20 includes a second end 58 spaced apart from the first end 56 (e.g., generally along the webbing axis W). For example, the second end can be disposed between the first end 56 and the floor 32 of the vehicle 10. One of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 can be secured to the second end of the support 20.

[0044] Continue to refer Figure 3A , the support 20 may include a tension pulley 60 rotatably supported by the second end. In this case, the tension pulley 60 is rotatable relative to the second end 58 of the support 20. The tension pulley 60 may define a rotation axis A about which the tension pulley 60 rotates. The rotation axis A of the tension pulley 60 may extend along the vehicle front-rear direction Df.

[0045] Continue to refer Figure 3A , the tension pulley 60 may include a first wall 62 and a second wall 64, the second wall 64 being disposed between the first wall 62 and the second end 58 of the support 20. The other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 may be fixed to the second wall 64 of the tension pulley 60. In this case, the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 may rotate relative to the second end 58 of the support 20 (i.e., one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24).

[0046] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the support member 20 may include an anchor pulley 66 spaced apart from the tension pulley 60. For example, the anchor pulley 66 may be disposed between the tension pulley 60 and the D-ring 44. The anchor pulley 66 may be connected to the vehicle body 26, such as the B-pillar 36, in any suitable manner.

[0047] The anchor pulley 66 may define a rotation axis R about which the anchor pulley 66 rotates. The rotation axis R of the anchor pulley 66 may extend along the vehicle fore-and-aft direction Df (ie, parallel to the rotation axis A of the tension pulley 60 ) and be spaced apart from the rotation axis A of the tension pulley 60 along the webbing axis W.

[0048] The anchor pulley 66 engages the webbing 18. For example, when the webbing 18 is withdrawn from and retracted into the seat belt retractor 16, the webbing 18 rotates the anchor pulley 66. In other words, the webbing 18 contacts the anchor pulley 66 and applies a force (not shown) on the anchor pulley 66, causing the anchor pulley 66 to rotate when the webbing 18 moves. For example, when the webbing 18 is withdrawn from the seat belt retractor 16, the webbing 18 causes the anchor pulley to rotate in a clockwise direction CW, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The webbing 18 is disposed between the anchor pulley 66 and the tension pulley 60 .

[0049] refer to Figure 3A , the tension pulley 60 can be moved relative to the anchor pulley 66 by the support member 20. For example, when the support member 20 is pivoted toward the B-pillar 36, the tension pulley 60 is moved generally toward the B-pillar 36, that is, in the vehicle transverse direction Dc. In this case, the tension pulley 60 is closer to the anchor pulley 66 than when the support member 20 is pivoted away from the B-pillar 36.

[0050] The tensioning pulley 60 is capable of engaging the webbing 18 in the engaged position. When the support member 20 is pivoted toward the B-pillar 36, the tensioning pulley 60 can contact the webbing 18 and push (i.e., guide) the webbing 18 toward the B-pillar 36. In the engaged position, the webbing 18 extends partially around the tensioning pulley 60 and partially around the anchor pulley 66, as shown in FIG. Figure 3BIn other words, the webbing 18 contacts the tensioning pulley 60 and the anchoring pulley 66. In this case, the tensioning pulley 60 may exert a force (not shown) on the webbing 18 so that the webbing 18 is in a tensioned state, that is, the webbing 18 may have no slack between the tensioning pulley 60 and the anchoring pulley 66. When the webbing 18 moves, the webbing 18 may exert a force (not shown) on the tensioning pulley 60 so that the tensioning pulley 60 rotates through the webbing 18. For example, when the webbing 18 is withdrawn from the seat belt retractor 16, the webbing 18 causes the tensioning pulley 60 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction CCW, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In this case, the tension pulley 60 rotates relative to the second end 58 of the support 20. In other words, the webbing 18 exerts a force on the tension pulley 60 to rotate one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 relative to the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24.

[0051] refer to Figure 3B , the tension pulley 60 may be in the engaged position by default (i.e., in the absence of sudden deceleration). For example, the support 20 may include a spring 68 extending from the B-pillar 36 to the first wall 62 of the tension pulley 60. The spring 68 may be fixed to each of the B-pillar 36 and the first wall 62 of the tension pulley 60. The spring 68 may bias the tension pulley 60 toward the webbing 18, that is, bias the second end 58 of the support 20 toward the B-pillar 36. In other words, the spring 68 may pull the tension pulley 60 into contact with the webbing 18. In this case, the spring 68 may be in a tensioned state to maintain contact between the tension pulley 60 and the webbing 18, for example, to keep the webbing 18 in a tensioned state.

[0052] Alternatively, the tension pulley 60 may be in the disengaged position by default (ie, without sudden deceleration), such as Figure 3B . In this case, the tension pulley 60 is spaced apart from the webbing 18, for example, in the vehicle transverse direction Dc. The tension pulley 60 can be moved to the engaged position during a sudden deceleration of the vehicle 10, i.e., the deceleration triggers the support member 20 to pivot toward the B-pillar 36. In other words, the tension pulley 60 can be moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position during a vehicle collision.

[0053] In this case, the support 20 may include an activation sensor (not shown) that senses a sudden deceleration of the vehicle 10 (e.g., a vehicle collision) and triggers activation of the tension pulley 60 to engage the webbing 18, i.e., the support 20 pivots toward the B-pillar 36. The activation sensor may communicate with the support 20 directly or indirectly through a controller. The activation sensor may be on the support 20, i.e., fixed to the support 20, or elsewhere in the vehicle 10. On the support 20, the activation sensor may be, for example, a weighted pendulum, a centrifugal clutch, or any other suitable type. Elsewhere in the vehicle 10, the activation sensor may be, for example, a post-contact sensor, such as an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, and a contact switch; a pre-collision sensor, such as a radar, a lidar, and a vision sensing system; or any other suitable type. The vision system may include one or more cameras, a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, etc.

[0054] The webbing 18 and the tensioning pulley 60 may each include an anti-slip interface 70. The anti-slip interface 70 of the webbing 18 can engage with the anti-slip interface 70 of the tensioning pulley 60. For example, when the tensioning pulley 60 contacts the webbing 18, the anti-slip interface 70 of the tensioning pulley 60 engages the anti-slip interface 70 of the webbing 18. The anti-slip interface 70 of the tensioning pulley 60 and the webbing 18 may be any suitable interface to prevent slippage of the webbing 18 relative to the tensioning pulley 60, as further described below.

[0055] refer to Figure 4A , the support member 20 can be a D-ring 44. In this case, the support member 20 includes two side surfaces 72, 74 spaced apart from each other along an axis X that is transverse to the webbing axis W (e.g., along the vehicle front-rear direction Df). The support member 20 includes a pulley 76 that extends from one side surface 72 toward the other side surface 74 along the axis X. The pulley 76 can extend any suitable amount along the axis X. For example, the pulley 76 can extend to the other side surface 74. As another example, the pulley 76 can extend through the other side surface 74, that is, farther along the axis X than the sides 72, 74 of the support member 20. As yet another example, the pulley 76 can extend to a position between one side surface 72 and the other side surface 74, that is, not reaching the sides 72, 74 of the support member 20 along the axis X.

[0056] The two sides 72, 74 can be designed (e.g., sized, shaped, and positioned) to receive the pulley 76. For example, each side can be an annular member extending circumferentially around the axis X. The other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 is fixed to one of the sides 72, 74 of the support 20, for example, directly or through an intermediate member. For example, one side 72 of the support 20 can be disposed between the other side 74 of the support 20 and the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24, such as Figure 4A As shown. In this case, the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 may be fixed to one side 72 by an intermediate member (e.g., a rod). As another example, the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 may be disposed between two side surfaces 72, 74 of the support 20 and fixed to one of the side surfaces 72, 74 by an intermediate member (e.g., a rod). As yet another example, the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 may be fixed to one of the side surfaces 72, 74 in the ring.

[0057] refer to Figure 4A , the pulley 76 is rotatably supported by both sides 72, 74 of the support 20. In other words, the pulley 76 can rotate relative to each side of the support 20. The pulley 76 is engaged with the webbing 18. For example, when the webbing 18 is withdrawn into the seat belt retractor 16 or retracted from the seat belt retractor 16, the pulley 76 can be rotated by the webbing 18. When the webbing 18 moves, the webbing 18 exerts a force (not shown) on the pulley 76, so that the webbing 18 rotates the pulley 76 about the axis X relative to the sides 72, 74 of the support 20. For example, when the webbing 18 is withdrawn from the seat belt retractor 16, the webbing 18 rotates the pulley 76 in the clockwise direction CW.

[0058] Continue to refer Figure 4A , the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 is fixed to the pulley 76. Specifically, one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 is fixed to the pulley 76 adjacent to one side 72 of the support 20, for example, fixed to the side of the support 20 of the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24. When the webbing 18 rotates the pulley 76, the webbing 18 applies a force on the pulley 76 to rotate the one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 relative to the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24.

[0059] The webbing 18 and the pulley 76 each include an anti-skid interface 70. The anti-skid interface 70 of the webbing 18 engages with the anti-skid interface 70 of the pulley 76. The anti-skid interface 70 may be, for example, cogs 78 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction Df along both the webbing 18 and the pulley 76. In this case, the cogs 78 of the webbing 18 (e.g., spaced apart from each other along the length of the webbing 18) mesh with the cogs 78 of the pulley 76 (e.g., spaced apart from each other around the rotation axis A of the pulley 76), as shown in FIG. Figure 4BAs another example, the anti-slip interface 70 can be a coating on the pulley 76 and the webbing 18 to prevent sliding of the webbing 18 relative to the pulley 76. The coating can be attached to the pulley 76 and the webbing 18. Alternatively, the coating can be sprayed onto the pulley 76 and the webbing 18. The coating can be any suitable material to prevent sliding of the webbing 18 relative to the pulley 76. As yet another example, the anti-slip interface 70 can be a groove extending into the pulley 76 and the webbing 18. In this case, the groove of the webbing 18 (e.g., extending along the webbing axis W) engages with the groove of the pulley 76 (e.g., extending around the rotation axis A of the pulley 76).

[0060] When one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 rotates relative to the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24, the seat belt assembly 14 may apply a resistance force Fd during a vehicle collision to increase the load of the webbing 18 and absorb energy from the occupant. As described above, the resistance force Fd may counteract the force F applied by the occupant on the webbing 18, and may be proportional to the speed of one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24, that is, the resistance force Fd may increase when the relative speed between the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 increases. In other words, the resistance force Fd may be proportional to the speed of the pullout of the webbing 18.

[0061] The resistance Fd may be formed by eddy currents. The relative movement of the conductive material 24 with respect to the magnet 22 may induce a current in the conductive material 24. Specifically, the relative movement of the conductive material 24 with respect to the magnetic field of the magnet 22 may induce a current in the conductive material 24. The current may flow in a direction opposite to the speed of one of the conductive material 24 and the magnet 22. In other words, the current may flow in a direction opposite to the movement (e.g., withdrawal) of the webbing 18. The current may cause a reverse magnetic field that applies a resistance Fd opposite to the relative movement of the conductive material 24 and the magnet 22. For example, when the relative speed of one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 is in one of the clockwise CW direction and the counterclockwise CCW direction, the resistance Fd acts in the other of the clockwise CW direction and the counterclockwise CCW direction, such as FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B As another example, when the relative speed of one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 is toward the roof 30, that is, in the direction D, the resistance Fd acts toward the floor 32, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A shown.

[0062] The resistance force Fd depends on the size of the occupant during the vehicle collision. For example, a larger occupant may apply a higher load on the webbing 18 than a smaller occupant in the same vehicle collision. In other words, a larger occupant may have more momentum during a vehicle collision than a smaller occupant. When the webbing 18 is subjected to a higher load from a larger occupant, the webbing 18 may be pulled out at a faster rate than when the webbing 18 is subjected to the load of a smaller occupant. When the webbing 18 is pulled out at a faster rate, the relative speed between the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 increases compared to when the webbing is pulled out at a slower rate (e.g., when the webbing 18 is subjected to a load from a smaller occupant). Since the resistance force Fd is proportional to the relative speed between the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24, as described above, the seat belt assembly 14 may apply a greater resistance force Fd on a larger occupant to offset the increased momentum of the larger occupant than when the seat belt assembly 14 applies the resistance force Fd on a smaller occupant.

[0063] During a vehicle collision, the occupant of the seat 12 has forward momentum relative to the seat 12 and exerts a force F on the webbing 18. The force F on the webbing 18 tends to pull the webbing 18 out of the seat belt retractor 16. When the seat belt retractor 16 is in the locked position, the torsion bar can prevent the webbing 18 from being pulled out until the force F on the webbing 18 exceeds a threshold force that deforms the torsion bar.

[0064] As the webbing 18 is pulled out of the seat belt retractor 16, the webbing 18 (e.g., directly or through an intermediate component) causes one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 to move relative to the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 because the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 is fixed to the support 20. FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B In the illustrated embodiment, when the webbing 18 is withdrawn from the seat belt retractor 16, the webbing 18 rotates one of the tensioning pulley 60 and the pulley 76. In this case, one of the tensioning pulley 60 and the pulley 76 rotates relative to the support 20, which causes one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 to rotate relative to the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2BIn the illustrated embodiment, the webbing 18 causes one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 to move through the slot 48 of the support 20 because the one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 is fixed to (e.g., embedded in) the webbing 18. In this case, one of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 moves relative to the other of the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 that is fixed to the slot 48. When the magnet 22 and the conductive material 24 move relative to each other, the force F applied by the occupant is offset by the resistance force Fd, so that the seat belt assembly 14 limits the load applied by the webbing 18 on the occupant. The limited load can help reduce chest compression of the occupant and absorb the energy of the occupant during a vehicle collision.

[0065] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than limitation. In light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure may be practiced in other ways than specifically described.

[0066] According to the present invention, a seat belt assembly is provided, which has: a seat belt retractor; a support member spaced apart from the seat belt retractor; a webbing which is telescopically engaged with the seat belt retractor and is movable relative to the support member; and a magnet and a conductive material adjacent to the magnet, one of which is fixed to the support member and the other of which is movable relative to the support member via the webbing.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the support member includes a slot and the webbing extends through the slot.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that one of the magnet and the conductive material is fixed to the webbing, and the other of the magnet and the conductive material is fixed to the support in the groove.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that one of the magnet and the conductive material is embedded in the webbing.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the webbing is elongated along the webbing axis, and one of the magnet and the conductive material is at least one strand elongated along the webbing axis.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the other of the magnet and the conductive material is a plate.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the support member includes a first end and the support member is capable of pivoting about the first end.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a tensioning pulley, and wherein the support includes a second end spaced apart from the first end, the tensioning pulley being rotatably supported by the second end of the support.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that one of the magnet and the conductive material is fixed to the second end of the support, and the other of the magnet and the conductive material is fixed to the tensioning pulley.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the tensioning pulley is engageable with the webbing, and the tensioning pulley is rotatable by the webbing.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a spring connected to the tensioning pulley, the spring biasing the tensioning pulley toward the webbing.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the webbing and the tensioning pulley each include an anti-slip interface, and the anti-slip interface of the webbing is engageable with the anti-slip interface of the tensioning pulley.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by an anchor pulley, which is spaced apart from the tensioning pulley and is engaged with the webbing, the tensioning pulley being movable relative to the anchor pulley via a support.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a pulley, and wherein the support includes side surfaces that are spaced apart from each other, the pulley extending from one side surface toward the other side surface.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that one of the magnet and the conductive material is fixed to one of the side surfaces, and the other of the magnet and the conductive material is fixed to the pulley.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the pulley is rotatably supported by two side surfaces of the support.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the webbing is engaged with the pulley, and the pulley can be rotated by the webbing.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the webbing and the pulley each include an anti-slip interface, and the anti-slip interface of the webbing engages with the anti-slip interface of the pulley.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the magnet is a permanent magnet.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the magnet is an electromagnet.

Claims

1. A seat belt assembly, comprising: Seat belt retractors; a D-ring spaced apart from the seat belt retractor; a support member disposed between the D-ring and the seat belt retractor; a webbing retractably engaged with the seat belt retractor and movable relative to the support; and A magnet and a conductive material adjacent to the magnet, one of the magnet and the conductive material being fixed to the support and the other of the magnet and the conductive material being movable relative to the support via the webbing.

2. The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the magnet is an electromagnet.

3. The seat belt assembly of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the support member includes a slot and the webbing extends through the slot.

4. The seat belt assembly of claim 3, wherein one of the magnet and the conductive material is secured to the webbing and the other of the magnet and the conductive material is secured to the support member in the slot.

5. The seat belt assembly of claim 4, wherein said one of said magnet and said conductive material is embedded in said webbing.

6. The seat belt assembly of claim 4, wherein the webbing is elongated along a webbing axis, and the one of the magnet and the conductive material is at least one strand elongated along the webbing axis.

7. The seat belt assembly of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the support member includes a first end, the support member being pivotable about the first end.

8. The seat belt assembly of claim 7, further comprising a tensioning pulley, and wherein the support member includes a second end spaced apart from the first end, the tensioning pulley being rotatably supported by the second end of the support member.

9. The seat belt assembly of claim 8, wherein the one of the magnet and the conductive material is secured to the second end of the support member, and the other of the magnet and the conductive material is secured to the tensioning pulley.

10. The seat belt assembly of claim 8, wherein the tensioning pulley is engageable with the webbing, the tensioning pulley being rotatable by the webbing.

11. The seat belt assembly of claim 10, further comprising a spring connected to the tensioning pulley, the spring biasing the tensioning pulley toward the webbing.

12. The seat belt assembly of claim 10, said webbing and said tensioning pulley each comprising a non-slip interface, said non-slip interface of said webbing being engageable with said non-slip interface of said tensioning pulley.

13. The seat belt assembly of claim 8, further comprising an anchor pulley spaced apart from the tension pulley and engaged with the webbing, the tension pulley being movable relative to the anchor pulley via the support.

14. The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.

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