Safety belt

Abstract

A seat belt assembly includes a first webbing, a first plate attached to the first webbing, a second plate rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first plate, and a second webbing attached to the second plate. The seat belt assembly may include a spring attached to the first plate and the second plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle seat belt assemblies. 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 band and a shoulder strap. Seat belts are typically three-point harnesses, meaning the webbing is attached at three points around the occupant when fastened: the anchor, the retractor, and the buckle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A seat belt assembly includes a first webbing, a first plate attached to the first webbing, a second plate rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first plate, and a second webbing attached to the second plate.

[0004] The seat belt assembly may include a spring attached to the first plate and the second plate. The spring may be a torsion spring.

[0005] The seat belt assembly may include a pin rotatably coupling the first plate and the second plate. The first plate may include a hole through which the pin may extend. The pin may include a head disposed on a side of the first plate opposite the second plate, and the head may be wider than the widest width of the hole.

[0006] The spring may be wound around the pin and attached to the first plate and the second plate.

[0007] The first plate may include an elongated hole, and the pin may extend through the elongated hole.

[0008] The second plate may include a tongue. The second plate may include two slots, and the second webbing may extend through each of the two slots. The first webbing may include a loop of the first webbing sewn to an end of the first webbing to form a loop that extends through the slot. The seat belt assembly may include a buckle releasably engageable with the tongue.

[0009] The seat belt assembly may include a retractor coupled to the first webbing. The retractor may be a first retractor, and the seat belt assembly may include a second retractor coupled to the second webbing.

[0010] The first plate may include a slot through which a first webbing extends. The first webbing may include a loop formed by sewing the ends of the first webbing together such that the loop extends through the slot. The slot may be a first slot, and a second plate may include a second slot through which a second webbing extends. The seat belt assembly may include a spring attached to the first and second plates, and the spring may bias the first and second plates into a relative orientation in which the first and second slots are parallel.

[0011] One of the first and second plates may include a stop positioned to prevent rotational movement of the first plate relative to the second plate. The stop may be a first stop, and one of the first and second plates may include a second stop positioned to prevent rotational movement of the first plate relative to the second plate, and the first and second stops may define a range of motion of the first plate relative to the second plate.

[0012] The seat belt assembly may include a spring attached to the first and second plates, and the spring may bias the first and second plates into a relative orientation in which the other of the first and second plates is spaced apart from the stop. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a seat.

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the seat and the seat belt assembly.

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the seat belt assembly when unbuckled, with the shoulder plate of the clip in a relaxed orientation.

[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the seat belt assembly when buckled, with the shoulder plate of the clip in a relaxed orientation.

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the portion of the seat belt assembly when buckled, with the shoulder plate of the clip in a tensioned orientation.

[0018] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the clip in a relaxed orientation.

[0019] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the clip in a relaxed orientation.

[0020] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the clip in a tensioned orientation.

[0021] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the clip in a tensioned orientation.

[0022] Figure 10 It is an exploded view of the clip. Detailed implementation

[0023] The restraint system 42 in the vehicle 30 includes the clip 50 as described below. The clip 50 includes a first plate 52 and a second plate 54 connected by a spring 84. (The adjectives "first" and "second" are used as identifiers throughout this document and are not intended to indicate importance or order.) The spring 84 can absorb energy during a collision of the vehicle 30. The clip 50 can reduce the pressure exerted by the first webbing 60 on the occupant's chest during a collision.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 , the vehicle 30 includes a passenger compartment 32 to accommodate the occupants (if any) of the vehicle 30. The passenger compartment 32 includes a plurality of seats 34, such as one or more front seats 34 disposed at the front of the passenger compartment 32 and one or more rear seats 34 disposed behind the front seats 34. The passenger compartment 32 may also include a third row of seats 34 at the rear of the passenger compartment 32. In Figure 1 , the seats 34 are shown as bucket seats, but the seats 34 can be other or various different types. The position and orientation of the seats 34 and their components can be adjusted by the occupants.

[0025] Reference Figure 2 , the seat 34 may include a seat back 36, a seat bottom 38, and a headrest 40. The headrest 40 can be supported by the seat back 36 and can be fixed or movable relative to the seat back 36. The seat back 36 can be supported by the seat bottom 38 and can be fixed or movable relative to the seat bottom 38. The seat back 36, the seat bottom 38, and / or the headrest 40 can be adjusted in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seat back 36, the seat bottom 38, and / or the headrest 40 themselves can be adjustable, in other words, there are adjustable components within the seat back 36, the seat bottom 38, and / or the headrest 40, and / or they can be adjusted relative to each other.

[0026] The vehicle 30 includes a restraint system 42 for each seat 34. The restraint system 42 is a three-point harness, which means that the restraint system 42 is attached at three points around the occupant when fastened: the buckle 44, the first retractor 46, and the second retractor 48. The clip 50 snaps into the buckle 44. The clip 50 includes a first plate 52 and a second plate 54. Alternatively, the restraint system 42 can include another attachment point arrangement.

[0027] The first retractor 46 can be attached to the vehicle body 56 of the vehicle 30, for example, when the seat 34 is a front seat, attached to the B-pillar 58, and when the seat 34 is a rear seat, attached to the C-pillar (not numbered). Alternatively, the first retractor 46 can be mounted to the seat 34. The first retractor 46 includes a spool (not numbered) that retracts and pays out a first webbing 60.

[0028] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , the first webbing 60 extends from the first plate 52 of the clip 50 to the first retractor 46. The first webbing 60 can be, for example, a shoulder webbing, i.e., a webbing that extends over the shoulder and diagonally across the chest of an occupant of the seat 34. The first retractor 46 is coupled to the first webbing 60, such as attached to and wound around the spool. The first webbing 60 can be formed of a strip of fabric (e.g., a nylon fabric).

[0029] Reference Figures 3 to 10 , the first plate 52 can have a plate-like shape, for example, a substantially constant thickness that is significantly less than the length and width. The first plate 52 can include a first slot 62 that extends through the thickness of the first plate 52. The dimensions of the first slot 62 can be set to allow the cross-section of the first webbing 60 to pass through the first slot 62. In other words, the length of the first slot 62 can be greater than the width of the first webbing 60, and the height can be greater than the thickness of the first webbing 60. The first plate 52 includes a first hole 64 that is spaced from the first slot 62 and extends through the thickness of the first plate 52.

[0030] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , the first webbing 60 is attached to the first plate 52. The first webbing 60 extends through the first slot 62 to a first end 66 that is sewn to the first webbing 60, thereby forming a loop of the first webbing 60 that extends through the first slot 62.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 , the second retractor 48 can be attached to the vehicle body 56 of the vehicle 30, for example, when the seat 34 is a front seat, attached to the B-pillar 58, and when the seat 34 is a rear seat, attached to the C-pillar (not numbered). Alternatively, the second retractor 48 can be mounted to the seat 34. The second retractor 48 includes a spool (not numbered) that retracts and pays out a second webbing 68. The second retractor 48 is a separate component from the first retractor 46; in other words, each restraint system 42 includes two retractors 46, 48.

[0032] Reference Figures 2 to 5, a second webbing 68 extends from a second plate 54 of the clip 50 to a second retractor 48. The second webbing 68 can be, for example, a waist webbing, i.e., a webbing that extends across the hips of an occupant of the seat 34. The second retractor 48 is coupled to the second webbing 68, such as attached to and wound around a spool. The second webbing 68 can be formed of a ribbon-like fabric (e.g., a nylon fabric). The second webbing 68 is a separate component from the first webbing 60; in other words, each restraint system 42 includes two webbings 60, 68.

[0033] Reference Figures 3 to 10 , the second plate 54 can have a plate-like shape, e.g., a substantially constant thickness that is significantly less than the length and width. The second plate 54 can include two second slots 70, each second slot 70 extending through the thickness of the second plate 54. The size of each second slot 70 can be set to allow the cross-section of the second webbing 68 to pass through the second slot 70. In other words, the length of each second slot 70 can be greater than the width of the first webbing 60, and the height can be greater than the thickness of the first webbing 60. The second plate 54 includes a second hole 72 (marked in Figure 10 ), the second hole 72 being spaced from the second slot 70 and extending through the thickness of the second plate 54. The second hole 72 can be elongate. The second hole 72 can have a width that is substantially the same as the diameter of the first hole 64. The second plate 54 includes a tongue 74, and the latch 44 is releasably engaged to the tongue 74. In other words, an occupant can, for example, press a button, and then the latch 44 can disengage from the tongue 74.

[0034] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , the second webbing 68 is attached to the second plate 54. The second webbing 68 extends through each second slot 70 to a second end 76, the second end 76 being sewn to the second webbing 68, thereby forming a loop of the second webbing 68 that extends through the second slot 70.

[0035] Reference Figures 3 to 10 , the first plate 52 and the second plate 54 are rotatably and non-removably coupled to each other. The first plate 52 and the second plate 54 can rotate relative to each other about an axis A. The axis A can extend through the first hole 64 and the second hole 72, e.g., one end of the second hole 72. For the purposes of the present disclosure, "non-removably coupled" means that the two components will not separate from each other during normal operation of an occupant, i.e., without tools and / or without the components breaking.

[0036] Reference Figure 10, the pin 78 is rotatably coupled to the first plate 52 and the second plate 54. The pin 78 may define an axis A and may extend through the first hole 64 and / or the second hole 72. The pin 78 may be attached and fixed relative to one of the first plate 52 and the second plate 54, may rotate freely in the hole of the other of the first plate 52 and the second plate 54, and may have a head 80 disposed on the side of the other of the first plate 52 and the second plate 54 opposite to one of the first plate 52 and the second plate 54. Alternatively, as Figure 10 shown, the pin 78 may rotate freely in the first hole 64 and the second hole 72, the pin 78 may slide in the second hole 72, and the pin 78 may include a head 80 and a nut 82 on the side of the clip 50 opposite to the head 80. The head 80 may be wider than the widest width (e.g., diameter) of the first hole 64.

[0037] A spring 84 is attached to the first plate 52 and the second plate 54. The spring 84 may be a torsion spring. The spring 84 may be wound around the pin 78. The spring 84 may be disposed between the first plate 52 and the second plate 54. The spring 84 has a stiffness, also known as a spring constant. The stiffness is high enough such that the spring 84 will not substantially elastically deform in response to a pressure applied to the first webbing 60 by the autonomous movement of an occupant. The occupant may be, for example, of the 50th percentile in size. The stiffness is low enough such that the spring 84 elastically deforms in response to a pressure applied to the first webbing 60 by the occupant during a collision of the vehicle 30, e.g., an oblique impact test conducted in accordance with the regulations of the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

[0038] Referring to Figures 3 to 10 , the second plate 54 may include one or more stoppers 86 positioned to prevent rotational and / or translational movement of the first plate 52 relative to the second plate 54. The stopper 86 may be a protrusion from the second plate 54 that extends from the second plate 54 to a location farther than the distance between the second plate 54 and the first plate 52. The stopper 86 may be integral with the second plate 54, i.e., may be a single piece with the second plate 54, or the stopper 86 may be a separate component attached to the second plate 54. Alternatively, the stopper 86 may be a protrusion from the first plate 52.

[0039] Referring to Figures 6 to 9 , the spring 84 may bias the first plate 52 relative to the second plate 54 to a certain orientation and position, hereinafter the relaxed orientation and the relaxed position, as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown. The relaxed position can enable the pin 78 to be located at one end of the hole 72. The first plate 52 in the relaxed orientation and the relaxed position can be spaced apart from one or all of the stoppers 86. The stoppers 86 can define the range of motion of the first plate 52 relative to the second plate 54. The range of motion can be from the orientation and position where the first plate 52 contacts one of the stoppers 86 to the orientation and position where the second plate 54 contacts another stopper 86, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown. When the first plate 52 moves away from the relaxed orientation, i.e., from the relaxed orientation towards the orientation of contacting one of the stoppers 86, the spring 84 can absorb energy. When the first plate 52 moves away from the relaxed position, i.e., from the position where the pin 78 is located at one end of the hole 72 towards the position where the pin 78 is located at the other end of the hole 72, the spring 84 can absorb energy.

[0040] In the case of a collision of the vehicle 30, the occupant of the seat 34 has momentum in the direction towards which the collision occurs. Due to its momentum, the torso is pushed towards the first webbing 60. The pressure exerted by the occupant on the first webbing 60 causes the first plate 52 to twist and slide relative to the second plate 54. The spring 84 elastically deforms, and the deformation of the spring 84 absorbs energy and can reduce the pressure on the occupant's chest. The first plate 52 can rotate far enough to contact one of the stoppers 86, which prevents further rotation of the first plate 52.

[0041] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it will be understood that the terms used are intended to be descriptive words in nature rather than restrictive. As used herein, "substantially" means that dimensions, durations, shapes, or other adjectives may vary slightly from what is described due to physical defects, power outages, processing, or other manufacturing variations, etc. According to the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure can be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described.

[0042] According to the present invention, there is provided a seat belt assembly having a first webbing; a first plate attached to the first webbing; a second plate rotatably and non - removably coupled to the first plate; and a second webbing attached to the second plate.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the above - mentioned invention is further characterized by a spring attached to the first plate and the second plate.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the above - mentioned invention is further characterized in that the spring is a torsion spring.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the above - mentioned invention is further characterized by a pin rotatably coupling the first plate and the second plate.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further lie in that the first plate includes a hole, a pin extends through the hole, the pin includes a head disposed on a side opposite to the second plate, and the head is wider than the widest width of the hole.

[0047] According to one embodiment, a spring is wound around the pin and attached to the first plate and the second plate.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first plate includes an elongated hole, and the pin extends through the elongated hole.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the second plate includes a tongue.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the second plate includes two slots, and the second webbing extends through each of the two slots.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first webbing includes an end sewn to the first webbing, thereby forming a loop of the first webbing that extends through the slot.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the features of the present invention further lie in a buckle releasably engaged with the tongue.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the features of the present invention further lie in a retractor coupled to the first webbing.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the features of the present invention further lie in that the retractor is a first retractor, and the seat belt assembly further includes a second retractor coupled to the second webbing.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first plate includes a slot, and the first webbing extends through the slot.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first webbing includes an end sewn to the first webbing, thereby forming a loop of the first webbing that extends through the slot.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the slot is a first slot, and the second plate includes a second slot, and the second webbing extends through the second slot.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the features of the present invention further lie in a spring attached to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the spring biases the first plate and the second plate into a relative orientation in which the first slot and the second slot are parallel.

[0059] According to one embodiment, one of the first plate and the second plate includes a stop, and the stop is positioned to prevent rotational movement of the first plate relative to the second plate.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the stop is a first stop, and one of the first plate and the second plate includes a second stop, the second stop being positioned to prevent rotational movement of the first plate relative to the second plate, and the first stop and the second stop defining a range of movement of the first plate relative to the second plate.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the invention further features a spring attached to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the spring biases the first plate and the second plate to a relative orientation in which the other of the first plate and the second plate is spaced apart from the stop.

Claims

1. A seat belt assembly, comprising: A first webbing; A first plate attached to the first webbing; A second plate non-removably coupled to the first plate and rotatable relative to the first plate about an axis; A second webbing attached to the second plate; And A torsion spring attached to the first plate and the second plate, the torsion spring positioned to apply a torque about the axis to the first plate relative to the second plate, the torque rotationally biasing the first plate about the axis to an orientation relative to the second plate.

2. The seat belt assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a pin rotatably coupling the first plate and the second plate.

3. The seat belt assembly according to claim 2, wherein the torsion spring is wound around the pin.

4. The seat belt assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first plate includes an elongated hole and the pin extends through the elongated hole.

5. The seat belt assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second plate includes a tongue.

6. The seat belt assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second plate includes two slots and the second webbing extends through each of the two slots.

7. The seat belt assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a buckle releasably engageable with the tongue.

8. The seat belt assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first plate includes a slot through which the first webbing extends.

9. The seat belt assembly according to claim 8, wherein the slot is a first slot and the second plate includes a second slot through which the second webbing extends.

10. The seat belt assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a spring attached to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the spring biases the first plate and the second plate to a relative orientation in which the first slot and the second slot are parallel.

11. The seat belt assembly according to claim 1, wherein one of the first plate and the second plate includes a stop positioned to prevent rotational movement of the first plate relative to the second plate.

12. The seat belt assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a retractor coupled to the first webbing.

13. The seat belt assembly according to claim 12, wherein the retractor is a first retractor and the seat belt assembly further comprises a second retractor coupled to the second webbing.

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