Seat belt assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "seat belt assembly". An assembly includes a base and a seat belt anchorage. The seat belt anchorage has a first end and a second end, the first end defining a circular hole pivotally supported by the base, and the second end being fixed in place relative to the first end. The assembly includes a buckle fixed in place relative to the second end. The assembly includes a pyrotechnic actuator fixed to the base. The assembly includes a connector extending from the pyrotechnic actuator to the seat belt anchorage.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The seat belt portion of a vehicle restraint system secures the vehicle's occupants to prevent harmful movement that may be caused by a vehicle collision. The seat belt serves to reduce the likelihood of injury by reducing the impact of the occupant with the vehicle's interior structure. In this role, the seat belt applies a load 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 seat belt anchor having a first end and a second end, the first end defining a round hole pivotally supported by the base, and the second end being fixed in place relative to the first end. The assembly includes a buckle fixed in place relative to the second end. The assembly includes a pyrotechnic actuator fixed to the base. The assembly includes a connector extending from the pyrotechnic actuator to the seat belt anchor.

[0004] The connector can be a cable that fixes the pyrotechnic actuator to the base.

[0005] The seat belt anchor can pivot from a first position to a second position, the second position being in the forward direction of the seat relative to the first position.

[0006] The pyrotechnic actuator can be designed to move the seat belt anchor from the first position to the second position.

[0007] The pyrotechnic actuator can be in the forward direction of the seat relative to the seat belt anchor.

[0008] The base can be a vehicle floor.

[0009] The base can be a seat.

[0010] The seat can include a seat bottom that pivotally supports the seat belt anchor at the hole.

[0011] The seat can include a seat bottom to which the pyrotechnic actuator is fixed.

[0012] The seat belt anchor can be metallic.

[0013] The assembly can include a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator upon detection of a vehicle collision.

[0014] The assembly may include a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate a pyrotechnic actuator only upon detection of an oblique vehicle collision.

[0015] The oblique vehicle collision may include a vehicle collision that is 15 degrees off the forward direction of the vehicle.

[0016] The assembly may include a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator upon detection of a vehicle collision that is 15 degrees off the forward direction of the vehicle.

[0017] The connector may be fixed to the seat belt anchor between a first end and a second end.

[0018] The seat belt anchor may be integral. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a seat belt assembly.

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a seat and a seat belt assembly, where the seat belt anchor of the seat belt assembly is in a first position.

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a seat and a seat belt anchor, where the seat belt anchor of the seat belt assembly is in a second position.

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the seat belt anchor of the seat belt assembly in the first position.

[0023] Figure 5 is of Figure 4 the seat belt anchor in the second position.

[0024] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the system of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 7 is a top view of the vehicle in an oblique collision with another vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a seat belt assembly 20 for a vehicle 22 includes a base 24. The seat belt assembly 20 includes a seat belt anchor 26 having a first end 28 and a second end 32, the first end defining a round hole 30 pivotally supported by the base 24 and the second end being fixed in place relative to the first end 28. The seat belt assembly 20 includes a buckle 34 fixed in place relative to the second end 32. The seat belt assembly 20 includes a pyrotechnic actuator 36 fixed to the base 24. The seat belt assembly 20 includes a connector 38 extending from the pyrotechnic actuator 36 to the seat belt anchor 26.

[0027] Pivoting of the seat belt anchor 26 (e.g., together with the pyrotechnic actuator 36) moves the webbing 40 of the seat belt assembly 20 relative to the seat 46, e.g., to loosen the webbing 40 on the chest of an occupant 42 restrained by the seat belt assembly 20 and reduce the likelihood of injury.

[0028] The base 24 supports components of the seat belt assembly 20, such as the seat belt anchor 26 and the pyrotechnic actuator 36. For example, the base 24 can be the floor 44 or the seat 46 of the vehicle 22.

[0029] The vehicle 22 can be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, a sport utility vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. The vehicle 22 can include the seat belt assembly 20, one or more seats 46, the floor 44, etc. The vehicle 22 defines a vehicle forward direction VD, e.g., relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle 22 when the wheels of the vehicle 22 are aligned in the same direction, relative to the seated position of an operator of the vehicle 22 interacting with a control interface (e.g., a steering wheel) mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle 22, etc.

[0030] Figures 1 to 5 The illustrated seat 46 is a bucket seat, but alternatively, the seat 46 can be a bench seat or other type of seat 46.

[0031] The seat 46 can include a seat back 48, a seat bottom 50, and a headrest. The headrest can be supported by the seat back 48 and can be fixed or movable relative to the seat back 48. The seat back 48 can be supported by the seat bottom 50 and can be fixed or movable relative to the seat bottom 50. The seat back 48, the seat bottom 50, and / or the headrest can be adjusted in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seat back 48, the seat bottom 50, and / or the headrest can be adjustable themselves, in other words, having adjustable components within the seat back 48, the seat bottom 50, and / or the headrest, and / or adjustable relative to each other.

[0032] The seat bottom 50 and / or the seat back 48 may include a frame and a covering supported on the frame. The frame may include tubes, beams, etc. The frame may be formed of any suitable plastic material, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite material (organic sheet), etc. As another example, some or all components of the frame may be formed of a suitable metal, such as steel, aluminum, etc.

[0033] The seat 46 defines a seat forward direction SD, for example, relative to the seating position of the occupant 42 of the seat 46, relative to the seat back 45 and the seat bottom 50, etc. For example, the seat bottom 50 may extend from the seat back 48 in the seat forward direction SD. The seat forward direction SD and the vehicle forward direction VD may be in the same direction.

[0034] The seat belt assembly 20 may include a seat belt anchor 26, a webbing 40, a retractor, a latch plate 58, a buckle 34, etc. The seat belt assembly 20 serves to reduce the likelihood of injury by reducing the collision of the occupant 42 with the internal structure of the vehicle 22.

[0035] The seat belt anchor 26 secures the webbing 40 relative to the seat 46, for example, when the latch plate 58 engages with the buckle 34. The seat belt anchor 26 may be a rectangular plate.

[0036] The seat belt anchor 26 includes a first end 28. The seat belt anchor 26 includes a second end 32. The second end 32 is fixed in place relative to the first end 28, for example, to prevent relative rotation and / or translation therebetween. The seat belt anchor 26 may elongate between the first end 28 and the second end 32. The second end 32 may be spaced apart from the first end 28. For example, the seat belt anchor 26 may include an intermediate portion 60 extending from the first end 28 to the second end 32. The seat belt anchor 26 may be metal or any other suitable material.

[0037] The seat belt anchor 26 may be integral, i.e., a single-piece material, without seams, joints, fasteners, welds, or adhesives holding the seat belt anchor 26 together. The seat belt assembly 20 may include additional components connected to and / or extending along the seat belt anchor 26, such as a sheath, a cover, etc.; in an example where the seat belt anchor 26 is integral, the seat belt anchor 26 is integral from the first end 28 to the second end 30, and the additional components may extend along the exterior of the seat belt anchor 26.

[0038] The first end 28 of the seat belt anchor 26 defines a round hole 30 pivotally supported by the base 24. For example, the first end 28 can be fixed to the base 24 with a fastener 62 such as a bolt that engages the hole 30. The fastener 62 can be slidably received within the hole 30 such that, for example, the seat belt anchor 26 can pivot about the fastener 62. The seat belt anchor 26 is pivotally supported by the seat bottom 50 at the hole 30. For example, the fastener 62 can be fixed to the frame of the seat bottom 50.

[0039] The seat belt anchor 26 pivots from Figure 2 and Figure 4 the first position shown to Figure 3 and Figure 5 the second position shown, for example, relative to the seat 46 and about the hole 30 at the first end 28 of the seat belt anchor 26. The second position is in the forward seat direction SD relative to the first position. In other words, the second end 32 of the seat belt anchor 26 is further from the seat back 48 in the second position than in the first position.

[0040] The buckle 34 secures the seat belt anchor 26 to the webbing 40. For example, the buckle 34 can include a latching mechanism that engages a latch plate 58, such as when the buckle 34 receives the latch plate 58. The latch plate 58 can be fixed to the buckle 34, for example, until the latching mechanism is actuated to release the latch plate 58. For example, the buckle 34 can include a button that, when depressed by the occupant 42, for example, actuates the latching mechanism to release the latch plate 58.

[0041] The buckle 34 is fixed in place relative to the second end 32, for example, to prevent relative rotation and / or translation therebetween. In other words, the buckle 34 and the second end 32 move together as a unit. The buckle 34 can be fixed to the second end 32 of the seat belt anchor 26 by one or more fasteners, welding, etc.

[0042] The pyrotechnic actuator 36 is designed to move the seat belt anchor 26 from the first position to the second position, for example, in response to an instruction from the computer 64. The pyrotechnic actuator 36 can include a cylinder 66 and a piston 68. The pyrotechnic actuator 36 can include a flammable material 70 in the pyrotechnics, such as a cold gas inflator or other pyrotechnic material that generates gas or otherwise rapidly expands when actuated to move the piston 68 relative to the cylinder 66, for example.

[0043] The pyrotechnic actuator 36 is fixed to the base 24, such as fixed to the seat 46, the seat bottom 50, the floor 44, etc. For example, one or more fasteners, welding, etc. can fix the pyrotechnic actuator 36 to the floor 44, the frame of the seat bottom 50, etc. The pyrotechnic actuator 36 can be in the forward seat direction SD relative to the seat belt anchor 26. In other words, the distance between the seat belt anchor 26 and the seat back 48 can be less than the distance between the pyrotechnic actuator 36 and the seat back 48. For example, the seat belt anchor 26 can be between the seat back 48 and the pyrotechnic actuator 36.

[0044] The connector 38 transmits the force generated by the pyrotechnic actuator 36 to the seat belt anchor 26, for example, to move the seat belt anchor 26 from a first position to a second position. The connector 38 extends from the pyrotechnic actuator 36 to the seat belt anchor 26. For example, the connector 38 can include a pair of opposite ends 72, 74. One end 72 of the connector 38 can be fixed to the seat belt anchor 26. The other end 74 of the connector 38 can be fixed to the pyrotechnic actuator 36. The end 72 of the connector 38 fixed to the seat belt anchor 26 can be fixed between the first end 28 and the second end 32, such as fixed to the middle part 60. The end 74 of the connector 38 fixed to the pyrotechnic actuator 36 can be fixed to the piston 68. The ends 72, 74 of the connector 38 can be fixed by fasteners, welding, etc. The connector 38 can be made of metal or any other suitable material. The connector 38 can be a cable, a rod, etc.

[0045] The retractor can be attached to a component of the vehicle 22, such as attached to one of the vehicle pillars, one of the seats 46, etc. The retractor can be attached in any suitable manner, for example, attached with one or more fasteners, etc. The retractor can include a spool. The spool can rotate freely within the retractor. The spool is adapted to receive the webbing 40, for example, by including a webbing attachment groove and allowing the webbing 40 to wind around the spool. The retractor can include a locking mechanism that prohibits the spool from rotating when the vehicle 22 is decelerated by a threshold amount, such as during a collision of the vehicle 22.

[0046] The webbing 40 can be formed of a strip of fabric. The webbing 40 can be attached to the spool, with the webbing 40 wound around the spool. The webbing 40 can be pulled out from the retractor, for example, when the locking mechanism does not prevent the spool from rotating.

[0047] The latch plate 58 engages the buckle 34 to position the webbing 40 relative to the occupant 42 of the vehicle 22 (such as an occupant occupying the seat 46). The latch plate 58 can slidably receive the webbing 40. For example, the latch plate 58 can include a slot for setting the webbing 40 therein. The latch plate 58 can be fixed to the webbing 40, for example, by one or more fasteners, stitching, etc.

[0048] ReferenceFigure 6 The vehicle 22 may include at least one collision sensor 76 for sensing a collision of the vehicle 22. The collision sensor 76 is configured to detect a collision of the vehicle 22. The collision sensor 76 can be of any suitable type, such as: post-contact sensors, such as accelerometers, pressure sensors, and contact switches; and pre-collision sensors 76, such as radar, lidar, and vision sensing systems. The vision system may include one or more cameras, CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, etc. The collision sensor 76 may be located at multiple points in or on the vehicle 22. Alternatively or in addition to sensing a collision, the collision sensor 76 may be configured to sense a collision prior to the collision, i.e., pre-collision sensing.

[0049] The computer 64 may be a microprocessor-based computer 64 implemented by circuits, chips, or other electronic components. For example, the computer 64 may include a processor, a memory, etc. The memory of the computer 64 may include a memory storing programming instructions executable by the processor.

[0050] The computer 64 and the collision sensor 76 may be connected to a communication bus 78 of the vehicle 22, such as a controller area network (CAN) bus. The computer 64 may use information from the communication bus 78, such as information from the collision sensor 76, to control the actuation of the pyrotechnic actuator 36. The pyrotechnic actuator 36 may be directly connected to the computer 64, as Figure 6 shown, or the pyrotechnic actuator 36 may be connected via the communication bus 78.

[0051] The computer 64 may be programmed to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator 36 upon detection of a vehicle collision. For example, the computer 64 may identify a vehicle collision based on information received, for example, via the communication bus 78 from one or more collision sensors 76. Once a vehicle collision is identified, the computer 64 may send, for example, via the communication bus 78, a command indicating detonation of the flammable material 70 in the pyrotechnics of the pyrotechnic actuator 36.

[0052] The computer 64 may be programmed to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator 36 upon detection of an oblique vehicle collision. The computer 64 may be programmed to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator 36 only upon detection of an oblique vehicle collision. An oblique vehicle collision may deviate 15 degrees to 25 degrees from the vehicle forward direction VD. Specifically, an oblique vehicle 22 collision may include a vehicle collision that deviates 15 degrees from the vehicle forward direction VD. For example, the computer 64 may identify a vehicle collision and the angle A of such a collision based on information received, for example, via the communication bus 78 from one or more collision sensors 76, as Figure 7As shown, for example, an angle relative to the forward vehicle direction VD. Once a vehicle collision is recognized and once it is recognized that the angle A of such a collision deviates from the forward vehicle direction VD by 15 to 25 degrees, for example 15 degrees, the computer 64 can send a command to the pyrotechnic actuator 36 to indicate detonation of the flammable material 70 in the pyrotechnics. Otherwise, the computer 64 can inhibit sending such a command.

[0053] During operation of the vehicle 22, the seat belt anchor 26 is in the first position. For example, in response to detecting an oblique collision, actuation of the pyrotechnic actuator 36 creates a tension in the connector 38 that pushes the seat belt anchor 26 to the second position and moves the webbing 40 relative to the occupant 42 to reposition and slacken the webbing 40 across the chest of the occupant 42 and reduce the likelihood of injury.

[0054] Computing devices such as the computer 64 generally include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions can be executed by one or more computing devices. The computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages and / or technologies, the variety of programming languages and / or technologies including but not limited to Java TM , C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, etc. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on a virtual machine, such as a Java virtual machine, a Dalvik virtual machine, etc. Generally, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions from, for example, a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes the instructions to perform one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. These instructions and other data can be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media.

[0055] A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) includes any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., a processor of computer 64). Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks and other persistent memories. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor of computer 64. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which computer 64 can read.

[0056] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.) stored on a computer-readable medium associated therewith (e.g., disk, memory, etc.). A computer program product may include instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for performing the functions described herein.

[0057] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terms used are of a descriptive nature rather than of a limiting 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 a manner different from that specifically described.

[0058] According to the present invention, there is provided an assembly having: a base; a seat belt anchor having a first end and a second end, the first end defining a circular hole pivotally supported by the base, the second end being fixed in place relative to the first end; a buckle fixed in place relative to the second end; a pyrotechnic actuator fixed to the base; and a connector extending from the pyrotechnic actuator to the seat belt anchor.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the connector is a cable that fixes the pyrotechnic actuator to the base.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the seat belt anchor pivots from a first position to a second position, the second position being in the forward direction of the seat relative to the first position.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the pyrotechnic actuator is designed to move the seat belt anchor from the first position to the second position.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the pyrotechnic actuator is in the forward direction of the seat relative to the seat belt anchor.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the base is the vehicle floor.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the base is the seat.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the invention further comprises a seat including a seat bottom that pivotally supports the seat belt anchor at the hole.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the seat includes a seat bottom to which the pyrotechnic actuator is fixed.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the seat belt anchor is metallic.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the invention further comprises a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator upon detection of a vehicle collision.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the invention further comprises a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator only upon detection of an oblique vehicle collision.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the oblique vehicle collision includes a vehicle collision deviating 15 degrees from the forward direction of the vehicle.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the invention further comprises a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator upon detection of a vehicle collision deviating 15 degrees from the forward direction of the vehicle.

[0072] According to one embodiment, a connector is fixed to the seat belt anchor between a first end and a second end.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the seat belt anchor is integral.

Claims

1. An assembly, comprising: A seat back; A seat bottom extending forward from the seat back along the seat; A base; A seat belt anchor having a first end and a second end, the first end defining a circular hole pivotally supported by the base, the second end being fixed in place relative to the first end, the seat belt anchor pivoting from a first position to a second position, the second position being in the seat forward direction relative to the first position; A buckle fixed in place relative to the second end; A pyrotechnic actuator fixed to the base; A connector extending from the pyrotechnic actuator to the seat belt anchor; And Wherein the pyrotechnic actuator is designed to move the seat belt anchor from the first position to the second position.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base is a vehicle floor.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base is fixed to the seat bottom.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the seat bottom pivotally supports the seat belt anchor at the circular hole.

5. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the pyrotechnic actuator is fixed to the seat bottom.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator upon detection of a vehicle collision.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator only upon detection of an oblique vehicle collision.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein the oblique vehicle collision includes a vehicle collision deviating 15 degrees from the vehicle forward direction.

9. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the pyrotechnic actuator upon detection of a vehicle collision deviating 15 degrees from the vehicle forward direction.

10. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the seat belt anchor is integral.

11. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector is a cable that fixes the pyrotechnic actuator to the base.

12. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connector is fixed to the seat belt anchor between the first end and the second end.

13. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pyrotechnic actuator is in the seat forward direction relative to the seat belt anchor.

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