Seat belt webbing guide

Abstract

A seat includes a frame, a pyrotechnic actuator, a webbing guide, and a member. The pyrotechnic actuator includes a housing attached to the frame and a rod that is linearly movable relative to the housing from a retracted position to an extended position. The rod includes a slot. The webbing guide is attached to the rod. The member is supported by the frame and is movable into the slot when the rod is in the extended position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle seat belts and, more particularly, to a vehicle having a seat belt webbing guide. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles include seat belts for each seat in the vehicle. The seat belt includes a webbing that stretches across the seat occupant when the seat belt is buckled. An anchor attaches one end of the webbing to the seat frame. The other end of the webbing is fed into a retractor that includes a spool that pays out and retracts the webbing. A tongue slides freely along the webbing and, when engaged with a buckle, divides the webbing into a lap belt and a shoulder belt. Seat belts are typically three-point harnesses, meaning that the webbing attaches at three points around the occupant when fastened: the anchor, the retractor, and the buckle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A seat includes: a frame; a pyrotechnic actuator including a housing attached to the frame and a rod linearly movable relative to the housing from a retracted position to an extended position; a webbing guide attached to the rod; and a member supported by the frame. The rod includes a slot. When the rod is in the extended position, the member is movable into the slot.

[0004] The seat may include a spring attached to the member and the frame. When the rod is in the retracted position, the spring may be in a compressed state.

[0005] The rod is linearly movable relative to the housing from the retracted position to the extended position in a vertical direction.

[0006] The rod is linearly movable relative to the housing from the retracted position to the extended position in vertical and medial directions.

[0007] The seat may include a seat back including a frame. The seat back may include a cover extending around the frame. The housing may be disposed inside the cover, and the webbing guide may be disposed outside the cover. When the rod is in the retracted position, the webbing guide may contact the cover, and when the rod is in the extended position, the webbing guide may be spaced apart from the cover.

[0008] The seat may include a computer in communication with the pyrotechnic actuator, and the computer may be programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to move the rod from the retracted position to the extended position in response to receiving data indicating a collision.

[0009] The seat may include a computer in communication with the pyrotechnic actuator, and the computer may be programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to move the rod from the retracted position to the extended position in response to receiving data indicating an oblique collision. The computer may be programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to hold the rod in the retracted position in response to receiving data indicating a frontal collision.

[0010] The seat includes: a frame; a pyrotechnic actuator including a housing attached to the frame and a rod linearly movable relative to the housing; a webbing guide attached to the rod; and a computer in communication with the pyrotechnic actuator. The computer is programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to move the rod from a retracted position to an extended position in response to receiving data indicating an oblique collision.

[0011] The computer may be programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to hold the rod in the retracted position in response to receiving data indicating a frontal collision.

[0012] The rod is linearly movable relative to the housing from the retracted position to the extended position in a vertical direction.

[0013] The webbing guide 82 is positioned to move the shoulder belt 62 upward in response to a collision of the vehicle 30. The elevated position of the shoulder belt 62 may move the shoulder belt 62 to a more centered position on the occupant's chest, which may reduce the likelihood of the shoulder belt 62 slipping off the occupant's shoulder during some collision scenarios, such as an oblique collision. The elevated position of the shoulder belt 62 may also introduce a certain amount of slack in the shoulder belt 62, which may reduce the pressure on, for example, the occupant's chest. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including the seat.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the seat.

[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the seat with the webbing guide in the retracted position.

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the said portion of the seat with the webbing guide in the extended position.

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the said portion of the seat with the webbing guide in the retracted position.

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the seat frame with the webbing guide in the retracted position.

[0020] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the said portion of the frame with the webbing guide in the extended position.

[0021] Figure 8 is a front cross-sectional view of the pyrotechnic actuator of the seat in the retracted position.

[0022] Figure 9 is a front cross-sectional view of the pyrotechnic actuator of the seat in the extended position.

[0023] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a control system for a seat.

[0024] Figure 11 is a process flow diagram of a process for moving a webbing guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference Figure 1 , vehicle 30 includes a passenger compartment 32 to accommodate the occupants (if any) of vehicle 30. Passenger compartment 32 includes a plurality of seats 34, such as one or more front seats 34 disposed at the front of passenger compartment 32 and one or more rear seats 34 disposed behind front seat 34. Passenger compartment 32 may also include a third row of seats 34 at the rear of passenger compartment 32. In Figure 1 , seat 34 is shown as a bucket seat, but seat 34 can be other or multiple different types. The position and orientation of seat 34 and its components can be adjusted by the occupant.

[0026] Reference Figure 2 , seat 34 may include a seat back 36, a seat bottom 38, and a headrest 40. Headrest 40 may be supported by seat back 36 and may be fixed or movable relative to seat back 36. Seat back 36 may be supported by seat bottom 38 and may be fixed or movable relative to seat bottom 38. Seat back 36, seat bottom 38, and / or headrest 40 can be adjusted in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, seat back 36, seat bottom 38, and / or headrest 40 themselves may be adjustable, in other words, the components within seat back 36, seat bottom 38, and / or headrest 40 are adjustable, and / or may be adjustable relative to each other.

[0027] Reference Figure 5 , seat back 36 includes a frame 42. Frame 42 may include a panel and / or may include tubes, beams, etc. Frame 42 may be formed of any suitable plastic material, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite (organic sheet), etc. Alternatively, for example, some or all components of frame 42 may be formed of a suitable metal (e.g., steel or aluminum).

[0028] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , a cushion 44 is supported on frame 42. Cushion 44 may be made of a cushioning material and covered with a cover 46. Cushion 44 may be formed of foam or any other suitable support material. Cover 46 may be formed of cloth, leather, artificial leather, or any other suitable material. Cover 46 extends around cushion 44 and frame 42. Cover 46 may be stitched into the panel around cushion 44 and frame 42.

[0029] Reference Figure 2, the seat 34 includes a restraint system 48. An anchor 50 secures one end of a webbing 52 relative to the frame 42. The other end of the webbing 52 is fed into a retractor 54, which may include a spool (not shown) for extending and retracting the webbing 52. A tongue 56 slides freely along the webbing 52 and, when engaged with a buckle 58, divides the webbing 52 into a lap belt 60 and a shoulder belt 62. The restraint system 48 is a three-point harness, meaning that the webbing 52 is attached at three points around the occupant when fastened: the anchor 50, the retractor 54, and the buckle 58. Alternatively, the restraint system 48 may include another attachment point arrangement.

[0030] Reference Figures 5 to 9 , a pyrotechnic actuator 64 is attached to the frame 42. The pyrotechnic actuator 64 includes a housing 66, a rod 68, and a charge 70. The housing 66 may be cylindrical and hollow and may extend between a closed end 72 and an open end 74. The rod 68 may be cylindrical and may extend from a lower end 76 to an upper end 78. The rod 68 may extend through the open end 74 of the housing 66. The lower end 76 of the rod 68 may be disposed inside the housing 66, and the upper end 78 may be disposed outside the housing 66. The housing 66 and the lower end 76 of the rod 68 may define and enclose a chamber 80. The charge 70 may be disposed in the chamber 80.

[0031] The housing 66 is attached to the frame 42. The housing 66 is fixed relative to the frame 42. The housing 66 may be attached via a clamp 57, as Figures 5 to 9 shown, or attached via any other suitable attachment, such as fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. The housing 66 is disposed inside the cover 46, i.e., the cover 46 encloses the volume including the housing 66. The housing 66 may be disposed between the cushion 44 and the frame 42.

[0032] The rod 68 may linearly move relative to the housing 66 from a retracted position (as Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 shown) to an extended position (as Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 shown). The rod 68 may linearly move in a vertical direction or in a vertical and inboard direction. For the purposes of this disclosure, "inboard" means toward the centerline of the seat 34, which is defined by the direction the seat 34 faces. In the extended position, the portion of the rod 68 extending outside the housing 66 is more than in the retracted position.

[0033] Reference Figure 8, the filler 70 can be combustible to generate gas. The filler 70 can be formed from a solid mixture of substances that, when ignited, react to produce gas. For example, the filler 70 can be formed from sodium azide (NaN3), potassium nitrate (KNO3), and silicon dioxide (SiO2), which react to form nitrogen gas (N2). When the filler 70 burns, the gas expands in the chamber 80 and exerts pressure on the lower end 76 of the rod 68. The pressure on the lower end 76 of the rod 68 pushes the rod 68 from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0034] Reference Figures 2 to 9 , the webbing guide 82 is attached to the rod 68, specifically, to the upper end 78 of the rod 68. The webbing guide 82 is fixed relative to the rod 68. The webbing guide 82 is disposed above the housing 66 and outside the cover 46. When the rod 68 is in the retracted position, the webbing guide 82 can contact the cover 46. When the rod 68 is in the extended position, the webbing guide 82 is spaced apart from the cover 46.

[0035] The webbing 52 extends through the webbing guide 82. The webbing guide 82 can have an annular shape defining an opening 84 through which the webbing 52 extends. The size of the opening 84 can be set to allow the cross-sectional shape of the webbing 52 to pass freely. The annular shape of the webbing guide 82 can be open or closed; that is, the annular shape of the webbing guide 82 can form a complete loop or can have a gap 86. The size of the gap 86 can be set to allow the thickness of the webbing 52 to pass through.

[0036] Reference Figures 7 to 9 , the rod 68 includes a slot 88. The slot 88 can be spaced apart from the lower end 76 and the upper end 78 of the rod 68. The slot 88 can extend toward the central axis of the rod 68. The slot 88 can extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the rod 68.

[0037] Reference Figures 6 to 9 , the member 90 can be supported by the frame 42. The size of the member 90 can be set to fit into the slot 88. The member 90 can be positioned in a hole 92 in the frame 42. The member 90 can elongate in a generally lateral direction that is substantially perpendicular to the elongation and / or movement direction of the rod 68. The hole 92 can elongate in the same generally lateral direction.

[0038] The member 90 can move in the hole 92 from a disengaged position (as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 8 ) to an engaged position (as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown. Member 90 extends further from aperture 92 in the engaged position than in the disengaged position. When rod 68 is in the retracted position, member 90 is in the disengaged position. Member 90 in the engaged position extends into slot 88. When rod 68 is in the extended position, member 90 is movable into slot 88. In other words, when rod 68 is in the extended position, slot 88 is in the direction of movement of member 90, and member 90 is capable of moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

[0039] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 , spring 94 may be attached to member 90 and frame 42. Spring 94 may be a compression spring. When member 90 is in the disengaged position, i.e., when rod 68 is in the retracted position, spring 94 may be in a compressed state. When member 90 is in the engaged position, i.e., when rod 68 is in the extended position, spring 94 may be relaxed or in a less compressed state.

[0040] Reference Figure 10 , computer 96 is a microprocessor-based controller. Computer 96 may include a processor, memory, etc. The memory of computer 96 may include memory for storing instructions executable by the processor and for electronically storing data and / or databases. Computer 96 may be, for example, a restraint control module which, among other functions, may communicate with and control an airbag, a pretensioner of restraint system 48, etc.

[0041] Computer 96 may transmit and receive data via communication network 98, such as a controller area network (CAN) bus, Ethernet, WiFi, local interconnection network (LIN), on-board diagnostic connector (OBD-II), and / or any other wired or wireless communication network. Computer 96 may communicate with collision sensor 100, pyrotechnic actuator 64, and other components via communication network 98.

[0042] Collision sensor 100 is adapted to detect a collision of vehicle 30. Collision sensor 100 may be of any suitable type, e.g., post-contact sensors such as linear or angular accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, and contact switches; and pre-collision sensors such as radar, lidar, and vision sensing systems. The vision system may include one or more cameras, CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, etc. Collision sensor 100 may be located at multiple points within or on vehicle 30.

[0043] Figure 11 is a process flow diagram showing an exemplary process 1100 for moving webbing guide 82. The memory of computer 96 stores executable instructions for performing the steps of process 1100.

[0044] Process 1100 begins at block 1105, where computer 96 receives data from impact sensor 100 via communication network 98. The data can be a signal from impact sensor 100 and can include the severity and / or direction of a collision of vehicle 30.

[0045] Next, at decision block 1110, computer 96 determines whether the data received from impact sensor 100 indicates that an oblique collision has occurred. An oblique collision is a collision of vehicle 30 where the impactor is offset from the centerline of vehicle 30. If no oblique collision has occurred, i.e., if no collision has occurred or if a frontal collision has occurred, then process 1100 proceeds to block 1120.

[0046] If an oblique collision has occurred, then next, at block 1115, computer 96 instructs pyrotechnic actuator 64 to move rod 68 from a retracted position to an extended position. Specifically, computer 96 instructs filler 70 to burn, and the pressure from the gas generated by the burning pushes rod 68 from the retracted position to the extended position. Webbing guide 82 moves upward with rod 68, and webbing guide 82 pulls shoulder belt 62 upward. Shoulder belt 62 moves to a more centered position over the occupant's chest, which can reduce the likelihood of shoulder belt 62 slipping off the occupant's shoulder during some oblique collisions. The raised position of shoulder belt 62 can introduce a certain amount of slack into shoulder belt 62, which can reduce, for example, the pressure on the occupant's chest. Once rod 68 is in the extended position, spring 94 pushes member 90 into slot 88. By engaging slot 88, member 90 prevents rod 68 and thus prevents webbing guide 82 from moving further upward and recoiling downward. After block 1115, process 1100 ends.

[0047] After decision block 1110, if no oblique collision has occurred, then computer 96 instructs pyrotechnic actuator 64 to hold rod 68 in the retracted position, i.e., not to burn filler 70. Shoulder belt 62 remains in the same position over the occupant's chest. After block 1120, process 1100 ends.

[0048] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terms used are intended to be descriptive in nature rather than restrictive. Given the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure can be practiced in other ways than specifically described.

[0049] According to the present invention, there is provided a seat having a frame; a pyrotechnic actuator including a housing attached to the frame and a rod movable linearly relative to the housing from a retracted position to an extended position, the rod including a slot; a webbing guide attached to the rod; and a member supported by the frame and movable into the slot when the rod is in the extended position.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in the springs attached to the member and the frame.

[0051] According to one embodiment, when the rod is in the retracted position, the spring is in a compressed state.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the rod can linearly move from the retracted position to the extended position relative to the housing in the vertical direction.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the rod can linearly move from the retracted position to the extended position relative to the housing in the vertical and inner directions.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in a seat back including a frame.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the seat back includes a covering extending around the frame.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the housing is disposed inside the covering, and the webbing guide is disposed outside the covering.

[0057] According to one embodiment, when the rod is in the retracted position, the webbing guide contacts the covering, and when the rod is in the extended position, the webbing guide is spaced apart from the covering.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in a computer communicating with a pyrotechnic actuator, wherein the computer is programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to move the rod from the retracted position to the extended position in response to receiving data indicating a collision.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in a computer communicating with a pyrotechnic actuator, wherein the computer is programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to move the rod from the retracted position to the extended position in response to receiving data indicating an oblique collision.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the computer is programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to hold the rod in the retracted position in response to receiving data indicating a frontal collision.

[0061] According to the present invention, there is provided a seat having a frame; a pyrotechnic actuator including a housing attached to the frame and a rod linearly movable relative to the housing; a webbing guide attached to the rod; and a computer communicating with the pyrotechnic actuator, the computer being programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to move the rod from the retracted position to the extended position in response to receiving data indicating an oblique collision.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the computer is programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to hold the rod in the retracted position in response to receiving data indicating a frontal collision.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the rod can linearly move from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the housing in a vertical direction.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in the fixture for attaching the housing to the frame.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the housing is attached to the outside of the frame.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the housing is spaced apart from the frame.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in the cover, wherein the housing is disposed inside the cover.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in the fixture for attaching the housing to the frame.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in the hole in the frame, the member disposed in the hole, and the spring located in the hole between the frame and the member.

Claims

1. A seat, comprising: A frame; A pyrotechnic actuator including a housing attached to the frame and a rod linearly movable relative to the housing from a retracted position to an extended position, the rod including a slot; A webbing guide attached to the rod; And A member supported by the frame and movable into the slot when the rod is in the extended position; A computer in communication with the pyrotechnic actuator, the computer being programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to move the rod from the retracted position to the extended position in response to receiving data indicating an oblique collision, and to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to hold the rod in the retracted position in response to receiving data indicating a frontal collision.

2. The seat according to claim 1, further comprising a spring attached to the member and the frame.

3. The seat according to claim 2, wherein the spring is in a compressed state when the rod is in the retracted position.

4. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the rod is linearly movable relative to the housing from the retracted position to the extended position in a vertical direction.

5. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the rod is linearly movable relative to the housing from the retracted position to the extended position in vertical and medial directions.

6. The seat according to claim 1, further comprising a seat back including the frame.

7. The seat according to claim 6, wherein the seat back includes a cover extending around the frame.

8. The seat according to claim 7, wherein the housing is disposed inside the cover and the webbing guide is disposed outside the cover.

9. The seat according to claim 7, wherein the webbing guide contacts the cover when the rod is in the retracted position and is spaced apart from the cover when the rod is in the extended position.

10. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the pyrotechnic actuator includes a filler.

11. The seat according to claim 1, further comprising a clamp attaching the housing to the frame.

12. The seat according to claim 11, wherein the housing is spaced apart from the frame.

13. A seat, comprising: A frame; A pyrotechnic actuator including a housing attached to the frame and a rod linearly movable relative to the housing; A webbing guide attached to the rod; And A computer in communication with the pyrotechnic actuator, the computer being programmed to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to move the rod from the retracted position to the extended position in response to receiving data indicating an oblique collision, and to instruct the pyrotechnic actuator to hold the rod in the retracted position in response to receiving data indicating a frontal collision.

14. The seat according to claim 13, wherein the rod is linearly movable relative to the housing from the retracted position to the extended position in a vertical direction.

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