Seat belt retractor

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "seat belt retractor". An assembly includes a base. The assembly includes a plate pivotally supported by the base. The assembly includes a seat belt retractor supported by the plate. The assembly includes a webbing that can be released from the seat belt retractor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle safety belt assemblies. Background Art

[0002] The seatbelt portion of a vehicle restraint system secures the occupants of a vehicle to prevent harmful movement that could result from a vehicle collision. The function of the seatbelt is to reduce the likelihood of injury by reducing the forces of the occupant's impact with the vehicle's internal structure. In this role, the seatbelt applies loads to the occupant's chest or waist. Controlling or reducing these loads can reduce the risk of occupant injury during a collision. Summary of the invention

[0003] An assembly includes a base. The assembly includes a plate pivotally supported by the base. The assembly includes a seat belt retractor supported by the plate. The assembly includes a webbing that can be released from the seat belt retractor.

[0004] The assembly may include a seat and the base may be secured to the seat.

[0005] The assembly may include a vehicle roof, and the base may be supported by the vehicle roof.

[0006] The assembly may include a vehicle passenger compartment having a longitudinal axis bisecting the vehicle passenger compartment and a seat on the longitudinal axis, the seat may be below the base.

[0007] The assembly may include a roof and an axis extending transverse to the roof about which the panel is pivotable.

[0008] The axis may be substantially vertical.

[0009] The plate can be pivoted in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0010] The assembly may include a vehicle passenger compartment having a transverse axis, a first seat, a second seat spaced from the first seat along the transverse axis, and a third seat between the first seat and the second seat, the third seat may be below the base.

[0011] A seat belt retractor may be supported on top of the plate.

[0012] The board can be extended horizontally.

[0013] The plate may include a slot and the webbing may be disposed within the slot.

[0014] The assembly may include a liner supported by a plate at the slot.

[0015] The assembly may include a hinge pin connecting the base to the plate.

[0016] The base may include a second plate and a third plate spaced apart from the second plate, and the plate may be disposed between the second plate and the third plate.

[0017] The assembly may include a hinge pin engaged with the plate, the second plate, and the third plate.

[0018] The base may include a main portion, and the second and third plates may be transverse to the main portion.

[0019] The base may include a distal end having a curved profile.

[0020] The seat belt retractor may be spaced apart from the base.

[0021] The base may be transverse to the plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle including a plurality of seat belt assemblies.

[0023] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary vehicle and one of the seat belt assemblies secured to a seat of the vehicle.

[0024] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary vehicle and one of the seat belt assemblies secured to a roof of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the seat belt assembly.

[0026] Figure 5 is a side sectional view of a seat belt assembly.

[0027] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a seat belt assembly.

[0028] Figure 7 is a top view of an exemplary vehicle including a seat belt assembly prior to a vehicle collision.

[0029] Figure 8 is a top view of an exemplary vehicle including a seat belt assembly during a side impact of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, a seat belt assembly 20 for a vehicle 22 includes a base 24. The seat belt assembly 20 includes a first plate 26 pivotally supported by the base 24. The seat belt assembly 20 includes a seat belt retractor 28 supported by the first plate 26. The seat belt assembly 20 includes a webbing 30 that is releasable from the seat belt retractor 28.

[0031] The pivoting of the first plate 26 relative to the base 24 allows the seat belt retractor 28 to pivot when the webbing 30 is pushed to the side of the vehicle 22, for example, during a side vehicle collision or other vehicle collision that causes the occupant to move relative to the vehicle 22. This pivoting reduces the possibility of wear on the seat belt 30, and / or excessive loading on the seat belt assembly 20 and / or the webbing 30.

[0032] The vehicle 22 may be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. The vehicle 22 may include a seat belt assembly 20 , one or more seats 32 , one or more vehicle pillars, a roof 34 , a floor 36 , etc.

[0033] The vehicle 22 may include a body and a frame. The body and frame may be an integral structure. In an integral structure, the body (e.g., lower side rails, pillars, roof 34, etc.) serves as the frame of the vehicle 22. As another example, the body and frame may have a load-bearing body structure (also known as a cab-on-frame structure). In other words, the body and frame are separate components, i.e., modular, and the body is supported on and fixed to the frame. Alternatively, the body and frame may have any suitable structure. The body and / or frame may be formed of any suitable material, e.g., steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, etc.

[0034] The vehicle 22 may include a vehicle passenger compartment 38. The vehicle passenger compartment 38 houses vehicle 22 components that are designed to interact with occupants and / or drivers of the vehicle 22, such as seats 32, seat belt assemblies 20, instrument panels, etc. The vehicle passenger compartment 38 has a longitudinal axis A1, which is an axis extending between a front "F" and a rear "R" of the vehicle 22. The vehicle passenger compartment 38 has a transverse axis A2, which is an axis extending between a left side "LS" and a right side "RS" of the vehicle 22. The vehicle passenger compartment 38 has a vertical axis A3, which is an axis extending between a top "T" and a bottom "B" of the vehicle 22. The longitudinal axis A1, the transverse axis A2, and the longitudinal axis A3 may all be perpendicular to each other. The directions front "F", rear "R", left side "LS", right side "RS", top "T", and bottom "B" are all relative to the orientation of the driver of the vehicle 22, the orientation of the controls (e.g., the dashboard) used to operate the vehicle 22, the driving direction when the wheels of the vehicle 22 are parallel to each other, etc. The longitudinal axis A1 can divide the vehicle passenger compartment 38 into two equal halves. For example, the longitudinal axis A1 can divide the vehicle passenger compartment 38 into two approximately equal halves, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As another example, the longitudinal axis A1 may divide the vehicle passenger compartment 38 into unequal portions, such as a 60 / 40 split.

[0035] The seat 32 may include a frame 40 such as Figure 2and Figure 3 As shown. The frame 40 may include tubes, beams, etc. For example, the frame 40 may be formed of any suitable plastic material, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite material (organic board), etc. As another example, some or all components of the frame 40 may be formed of a suitable metal, such as steel, aluminum, etc.

[0036] The seat 32 may include a seat back 42, a seat bottom 44, etc. The seat back 42 may be supported by the seat bottom 44 and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat bottom 44. The seat back 42 and the seat bottom 44 may be included in a plurality of seats 32. For example, a bench seat 32 may include a seat back 42 (or more, e.g., a 60 / 40 split bench seat) and a seat bottom 44 included in three seats 32, e.g., a first seat 32a and a second seat 32b and a third seat 32c located between the first seat 32a and the second seat 32b, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown.

[0037] The seat 32 may be supported in a vehicle passenger compartment 38, for example, by a floor 36. The seat 32 may be on a longitudinal axis A1, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 2. In other words, the seats 32 may be equidistant from the left side "LS" and the right side "RS" of the vehicle 22. A plurality of seats 32 may be supported in the vehicle 22 passenger compartment 38. For example, a first seat 32a, a second seat 32b, and a third seat 32c may be supported in the vehicle passenger compartment 38. The second seat 32b may be spaced apart from the first seat 32a along the transverse axis A2. The third seat 32c may be between the first seat 32a and the second seat 32b.

[0038] The roof 34 provides cover for the occupants of the vehicle 22. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the roof 34 may include an inner panel 46, an outer panel, a headliner, a decorative cover, etc. The inner panel 46 provides support for the decorative cover, the outer panel, the headliner, etc. The inner panel 46 may be made of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. The outer panel and the headliner provide the roof 34 with a Class A surface, i.e., a surface that is specially manufactured to have a refined aesthetic appearance of high quality, no flaws, etc.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the base 24 secures the first plate 26 and the seat belt retractor 28 within the passenger compartment 38. The base 24 may include a main portion 48, such as Figures 4 to 6As shown. The main portion 48 can be rectangular. The main portion 48 can include a groove 50, for example, to provide additional rigidity to the main portion 48. The base 24 can include a second plate 52. The base 24 can include a third plate 54. The third plate 54 can be spaced apart from the second plate 52, for example, defining a gap 56 therebetween. The second plate 52 and the third plate 54 can be parallel. The second plate 52 and the third plate 54 can be transverse to the main portion 48. The base 24 includes a distal end 58. The distal end 58 can be located at the second plate 52 and / or the third plate 54. The distal end 58 can have an arcuate profile. The arcuate profile enables the first plate 26 to pivot relative to the base 24 without binding the seat belt retractor 28 to the distal end 58 of the base 24. The base 24 can be made of metal or any other suitable material.

[0040] The base 24 may define one or more apertures 60, such as Figures 4 to 6 For example, the second plate 52 and the third plate 54 may each define a hole 60. The hole 60 of the second plate 52 may be aligned with the hole 60 of the third plate 54. In other words, the holes 60 in the second plate 52 and the third plate 54 may be positioned to receive the hinge pin 62 together.

[0041] The base 24 can be fixed to the seat 32. For example, the main portion 48 of the base 24 can be fixed to the frame 40 of the seat 32, such as by fasteners, welding, etc. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. The base 24 can be supported by the roof 34. For example, the main portion 48 of the base 24 can be fixed to the inner panel 46, such as by fasteners, welding, etc. Figure 3 shown.

[0042] The base 24 may be supported above the seat 32, for example, so that the base 24 is located above the shoulders of an occupant of the seat 32. In other words, the seat 32 may be below the base 24. The base 24 may be supported above a particular seat 32 (e.g., the third seat 32c). In other words, the third seat 32c may be below the base 24, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown.

[0043] The first plate 26 supports the seat belt retractor 28. The first plate 26 may include a slot 64, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. The first plate 26 may include a hole 66. The first plate 26 may extend horizontally. For example, the first plate 26 may be planar and extend along the longitudinal axis A1 and the transverse axis A2. In other words, the first plate 26 may be positioned so that the vertical axis A3 is orthogonal to the first plate 26. The base 24 may be transverse to the first plate 26. The first plate 26 may be metal or any other suitable material.

[0044] The first plate 26 is pivotally supported by the base 24. For example, the first plate 26 may be disposed between the second plate 52 and the third plate 54. In other words, the first plate 26 may be located in the gap 56 between the second plate 52 and the third plate 54.

[0045] The first plate 26 can be connected to the base 24 using a hinge pin 62. The hinge pin 62 can engage with the first plate 26, the second plate 52, and the third plate 54. For example, the hinge pin 62 can be disposed in a hole 66 of the first plate 26, and in a hole 60 of the second plate 52 and the third plate 54. The hinge pin 62 can be frictionally fitted in the hole 60 in the second plate 52 and / or the third plate 54, and can be slidably fitted in the hole 66 in the first plate 26, or vice versa. The hinge pin 62 can be cylindrical. The hinge pin 62 can include a pair of halves that are threadedly engaged with each other. The hinge pin 62 can be metal or any other suitable material.

[0046] The first plate 26 pivots about an axis A4. The axis A4 extends transversely to the roof 34. For example, the axis A4 can be generally vertical, i.e., within 5 degrees of a vertical position. In other words, the axis A4 can be generally parallel, i.e., within 5 degrees of a parallel position, with the vertical axis A3 defined by the vehicle passenger compartment 38. As another example, the axis A4 can be offset from the vertical axis A3, e.g., tilted 10 degrees, 20 degrees, etc. toward the front "F" and / or one of the sides "RS", "LS" (not shown) of the vehicle 22.

[0047] The first plate 26 is pivoted in the vehicle transverse direction CD. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In other words, the first plate 26 pivots between orienting the seatbelt retractor 28 toward the right side “RS” of the vehicle 22 and toward the left side “LS” of the vehicle 22 .

[0048] The seat belt assembly 20 may include an inner liner 68, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. The liner 68 can be supported by the first plate 26. The liner 68 reduces the friction between the webbing 30 and the first plate 26. For example, the liner 68 can be supported at the slot 64. For example, the liner 68 can extend through and around the slot 64. The liner 68 can be plastic or any other suitable material.

[0049] The seat belt retractor 28 is supported by the first plate 26. For example, the seat belt retractor 28 may be secured to the first plate 26 using one or more fasteners, etc., or in any other suitable manner.

[0050] The seatbelt retractor 28 may include a spool. The spool may rotate freely within the retractor 28. The spool may be adapted to receive the webbing 30, for example, by including a webbing attachment slot and allowing the webbing 30 to be wound around the spool. The seatbelt retractor 28 may include a locking mechanism that prevents rotation of the spool when the vehicle 22 is subjected to deceleration above a threshold amount, such as during a collision of the vehicle 22.

[0051] The seat belt retractor 28 can be supported on top of the first plate 26, for example, relative to the vertical axis A3, the top "T" of the vehicle 22, etc. Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown. For example, the seat belt retractor 28 can be between the first plate 26 and the top plate 34. For example, the first plate 26 can be between the seat 32 and the seat belt retractor 28.

[0052] The seat belt retractor 28 may be spaced apart from the base 24, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 For example, the seat belt retractor 28 can be spaced apart from the distal end 58 of the second plate 52 and / or the third plate 54. Spacing the seat belt retractor 28 apart from the base 24 enables the first plate 26 to pivot relative to the base 24 without binding the seat belt retractor 28 to the base 24.

[0053] The seat belt retractor 28 may be above the position where the first plate 26 is pivoted relative to the base 24, such as Figure 6 For example, the hinge pin 62 may be within the housing of the retractor 28. For example, the seat belt retractor 28 may be above the apertures 60, 66.

[0054] The webbing 30 may be formed of a fabric in a strip shape. The webbing 30 may be attached to a reel, where the webbing 30 is wound around the reel. For example, when the reel is not prevented from rotating by a locking mechanism, the webbing 30 may be unwound from the seat belt retractor 28. The webbing 30 may be disposed in the slot 64. For example, the webbing 30 may be slidably received in the slot 64.

[0055] In operation, the first plate 26 and the seat belt retractor 28 may be substantially centered, i.e., within 5 degrees of being centered, for example, pivoting between toward the right side "RS" of the vehicle 22 and the left side "LS" of the vehicle 22, as shown in FIG. Figure 7In the event of a collision of the vehicle 22 (e.g., a side collision, an oblique collision, a frontal collision, etc.), movement of the occupant restrained by the seat belt assembly 20 may cause the occupant or a portion of the occupant (such as the torso) to move toward the left side "LS", the right side "RS" and / or the front "F" of the vehicle 22. The movement of the occupant may push the webbing 30, and the first plate 26 and the seat belt retractor 28 may pivot relative to the base 24 and with the webbing 30, for example, as shown. Figure 8 The pivoting of the first plate 26 and the seat belt retractor 28 helps the webbing 30 remain centered within the slot 64, for example, preventing the webbing 30 from bunching toward one end of the slot 64, thereby reducing localized loads and stress concentrations in the webbing 30, the first plate 26, the seat belt retractor 28, and the like.

[0056] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it will be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be words of description rather than limitation in nature. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present disclosure may be practiced in other ways than specifically described.

[0057] According to the present invention, there is provided an assembly having: a base; a plate pivotally supported by the base; a seat belt retractor supported by the plate; and webbing releasable from the seat belt retractor.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the above invention is also characterized by a seat, and the base is fixed to the seat.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a vehicle roof, and the base is supported by the vehicle roof.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by: a vehicle passenger compartment having a longitudinal axis that bisects the vehicle passenger compartment; and a seat on the longitudinal axis, wherein the seat is below the base.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a roof and an axis extending transversely to the roof, wherein the panel pivots about the axis.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the axis is substantially vertical.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the plate is pivoted in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the above invention is also characterized by: a vehicle passenger compartment having a transverse axis, a first seat, a second seat spaced apart from the first seat along the transverse axis, and a third seat between the first seat and the second seat, wherein the third seat is below the base.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the seat belt retractor is supported on top of the plate.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the plate extends horizontally.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the plate comprises a slot in which the webbing is arranged.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the above invention is also characterized by the liner being supported at the slot by the plate.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the above invention is also characterized by a hinge pin at which the base is connected to the plate.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the base includes a second plate and a third plate spaced apart from the second plate, the plate being disposed between the second plate and the third plate.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a hinge pin that engages the plate, the second plate, and the third plate.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the base comprises a main portion, the second plate and the third plate being transverse to the main portion.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the base includes a distal end having a curved profile.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the seat belt retractor is spaced apart from the base.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the base is transverse to the plate.

Claims

1. A component comprising: Base; a plate pivotally supported by the base; a seat belt retractor supported by the plate; and a webbing releasable from the seat belt retractor; Wherein the plate includes a slot, and the webbing is disposed in the slot.

2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a seat, the base being secured to the seat.

3. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a vehicle roof, said base being supported by said vehicle roof.

4. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a vehicle passenger compartment having a longitudinal axis bisecting the vehicle passenger compartment; and a seat on the longitudinal axis, wherein the seat is below the base.

5. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a roof and an axis extending transverse to the roof, wherein the panel pivots about the axis.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the axis is vertical.

7. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a vehicle passenger compartment having a transverse axis, a first seat, a second seat spaced apart from the first seat along the transverse axis, and a third seat between the first seat and the second seat, wherein the third seat is below the base.

8. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a hinge pin connecting the base to the plate.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the base includes a second plate and a third plate spaced apart from the second plate, the plate being disposed between the second plate and the third plate.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the base includes a main portion, the second plate and the third plate being transverse to the main portion.

11. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base is transverse to the plate.

12. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the seat belt retractor is supported on top of the plate.

13. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plates extend horizontally.

14. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a liner supported by the plate at the slot.

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