Reinforcement for a vehicle seat belt retractor support

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (3) for a body (6) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising: a support (10) for fixing a retractor of a seat belt (2); a C-pillar (36); a cup (33) for fixing the shock absorber; a tower (32) for the cup (33), the arrangement (3) comprising means (50) for reinforcing the support (10) and / or the C-pillar (36) in the event such a seat belt (2) is stressed.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement comprising a stiffness enhancing device for a vehicle seat belt retractor support. The present invention also relates to a vehicle body comprising such an arrangement. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a body or such an arrangement. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, generally comprise a seat belt device at each seating position. Such a device generally comprises a seat belt and a retractor for such a seat belt. Such a seat belt is unwound from its retractor so as to create some slack in the seat belt, such that a user wishing to fasten the seat belt can easily fasten their seat belt. Such fastening is obtained by means of a buckle device generally arranged near the seat cushion. Such a retractor generally comprises a device for restricting or preventing the unwinding of the seat belt. Such a retractor is generally arranged vertically such that the device restricting its unwinding is fully operable. Such a retractor is arranged to allow the seat belt to be positioned such that the seat belt meets the requirements in terms of ergonomics and safety. Thus, a steering loop is generally arranged near the retractor to allow such a seat belt to extend in a defined area, in particular in an area compatible with passengers of different body sizes.

[0003] In particular, in the case of braking or even a collision, such a retractor restraint device locks, thereby immobilizing the seat belt and preventing the seat belt from unwinding freely. As a result, a passenger secured with such a seat belt device is restricted, in particular in terms of movement towards the front of the vehicle, thereby protecting them from injury and / or from being ejected from the vehicle. Thus, in the case of vehicle braking and / or a collision, due to the activation of the restraint device restricting the unwinding of the seat belt, a large force pulls the seat belt of the seat belt forward. Thus, the force on the seat belt is absorbed by the retractor and the seat belt steering loop.

[0004] Therefore, such a retractor and such a steering loop need to be rigidly fixed. However, there is no room to change the position of such a steering loop. In addition, the retractor support through which the seat belt of the seat belt passes weakens the fixing of such a retractor. In the second row or behind the rear row of a vehicle where space is very precious, it is particularly difficult to meet these constraints regarding stiffness. In particular, the cup-shaped member for fixing the rear shock absorber behind such a second row and the last C-pillar or D-pillar near such a rear row leave very little available space. Finally, fixing such a retractor adjacent to such a cup-shaped member is a complex matter because a passage needs to be left for removing and / or assembling such a rear shock absorber. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. In particular, the present invention enables the C-pillar to be reinforced at the level of the steering loop such that the forces applied to such a steering loop can be transmitted to the body floor structure of such a vehicle while complying with the constraints imposed by the regulations on the position of the seat belt.

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle body, the arrangement comprising:

[0007] - a support for fixing a retractor of a seat belt of a seat belt,

[0008] - a C-pillar,

[0009] - a cup for fixing a shock absorber,

[0010] - a tower for the cup,

[0011] The arrangement comprises a stiffness reinforcement device which, in the event of a stress load occurring on such a seat belt of the seat belt, reinforces the stiffness of the support and / or the C-pillar.

[0012] The arrangement may comprise a steering loop for such a seat belt, the steering loop being able to be fixed at least partially to the C-pillar and being able to extend substantially above the support in the vertical direction.

[0013] The support may comprise an opening through which such a seat belt of the seat belt can pass.

[0014] The stiffness reinforcement device may be a reinforcement which is fixed, in particular by welding, especially by spot welding, to the C-pillar and the tower.

[0015] The stiffness reinforcement device may be a reinforcement which is fixed, in particular by welding, especially by spot welding, to the C-pillar and the support.

[0016] The reinforcement may be fixed, in particular by welding, especially by spot welding, to the support.

[0017] The reinforcement may be fixed, in particular by welding, especially by spot welding, to the cup.

[0018] The arrangement may comprise a retractor for a seat belt of the seat belt, and the support may comprise a receiving surface arranged substantially in a vertical transverse plane, the receiving surface being able to be oriented towards the rear and the retractor being able to be fixed on or at the receiving surface.

[0019] The arrangement may comprise an inner side panel to which the support can be fixed, in particular by welding, especially by spot welding.

[0020] The arrangement may include a structural wheel arch to which the support element can be fixed, in particular by welding, especially by spot welding.

[0021] The invention also relates to a vehicle body, in particular for a motor vehicle, which body includes at least one arrangement as defined above.

[0022] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which vehicle includes a body as defined above or at least one arrangement as defined above. Description of the Drawings

[0023] These subjects, features and advantages of the invention will be elaborated in detail in the following description of an embodiment of an arrangement given by way of non - limiting example with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle body according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of an arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a body according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a stiffness - enhancing device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 6 is another perspective view of a stiffness - enhancing device according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] The direction in which a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in a plane parallel to the ground is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction perpendicular to these two directions is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct reference system XYZ is used, where X is the longitudinal direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle and thus points to the rear, Y is the transverse direction pointing to the right, and Z is the vertical direction pointing upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle normally moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the backward direction.

[0031] As Figure 1As shown, a vehicle (e.g., motor vehicle 1) includes a body 6. The vehicle includes one or more seats and / or benches in a first row 7. The vehicle preferably includes a second row 5. The second row 5 includes seat or bench backs 8. The vehicle or body 6 includes an arrangement 3. The vehicle, or the body, or the arrangement includes at least one support 10, particularly shown in Figure 2 . The vehicle or the arrangement includes at least one seat belt device at each seat position within the vehicle, for example. The seat belt device particularly includes a retractor 20 and a seat belt 2. Preferably, the retractor 20 includes a preventing or limiting device (not shown) that can prevent the seat belt 2 from unwinding when the seat belt is subjected to a force, for example, when the vehicle brakes or is involved in a collision.

[0032] More specifically, as Figure 3 shown, the arrangement 3 includes a support 10 for fixing the retractor 20 (shown in dashed lines), which retracts the seat belt 2 of the seat belt. The arrangement 3 further includes a lateral portion of a C-pillar 36 or a rearmost D-pillar or a tailgate surround. The arrangement 3 further includes a cup member 33 for fixing a shock absorber (not shown). The arrangement 3 further includes a tower member 32 for the cup member 33 such that the cup member 33 can be mounted higher. The arrangement 3 further includes a stiffness enhancement device 50 to enhance the stiffness of the support 10 and / or the C-pillar 36. The stiffness enhancement device 50 enables the support 10 and / or the C-pillar 36 to be strengthened in the case of a stress load occurring on the seat belt 2 of the seat belt.

[0033] Preferably, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the arrangement 3 includes a swivel loop 9 for changing the angle of the seat belt 2 of the seat belt. The swivel loop 9 is integrally fixed to the C-pillar 36, for example. For example, to achieve this fixation, two bolts 69 are provided, which engage in nuts attached to the C-pillar 36 or threaded holes formed in the C-pillar. Alternatively, to fix the swivel loop 9 to the C-pillar 36, a hook engaging with a slot or hole and a nut / bolt system or one or at least three nut / bolt systems are provided.

[0034] As Figure 3 shown, the swivel loop 9 can be partially fixed to the C-pillar 36. For example, the body 6 or the arrangement 3 includes an inner side panel 31. In this case, preferably, the swivel loop is fixed both to the C-pillar 36 and to the inner side panel 31 positioned near the C-pillar. For example, one bolt 69 engages with the C-pillar 36, and another bolt 69 engages with the inner side panel 31. Preferably, the swivel loop 9 extends above the support 10 or substantially above the support in the vertical direction.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 10 for the retractor 20 includes an opening 15. The opening 15, which is of the orifice or slot type, provides a passage for the seat belt 2. Thus, the seat belt 2 extends from the retractor 20, passes through the opening 15 in the support 10, and over the steering loop 9 so as to be guided to the desired area meeting safety and / or ergonomic requirements. Preferably, one end of the seat belt 2 is held fixed within the retractor, while the other end is fixed in the area of the corresponding seat cushion.

[0036] Advantageously, as shown on the vehicle body 6 partially shown in Figure 4 , the stiffness enhancement device 50 is a reinforcement 51.

[0037] In an embodiment not shown, the reinforcement 51 is preferably fixed to the C-pillar 36 and the tower 32 by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0038] In another embodiment not shown, the reinforcement 51 is preferably fixed to the C-pillar 36 and the support 10 by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0039] In another embodiment not shown, the reinforcement 51 is preferably fixed to the C-pillar 36, the tower 32 and the support 10 by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0040] Advantageously, as shown especially in Figure 4 , the reinforcement 51 is preferably fixed to the C-pillar 36, the tower 32, the support 10 and the cup 33 by welding, in particular by spot welding. In this case, spot welds 60 are formed between the reinforcement 51 and the C-pillar 36, between the reinforcement 51 and the support 10, between the reinforcement 51 and the tower 32, and between the reinforcement 51 and the cup 33. For example, there is a single spot weld between the reinforcement 51 and the cup 33. For example, there is a single spot weld between the reinforcement 51 and the tower 32. Additional spot welds can be formed in this area. Although six spot welds between the retractor support 10 and the reinforcement 51 are shown, more or fewer spot welds can be formed. For example, there are two spot welds between the reinforcement 51 and the C-pillar 36. A single spot weld or more spot welds can be formed in this area.

[0041] Note that one or more beads can replace a series of spot welds, or even all of the spot welds.

[0042] Especially as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the reinforcement 51 has a flange edge 56. The flange edge 56 makes it easier to fix to, in particular weld to, the support 10. Preferably, the reinforcement 51 has a hole or orifice 55. Advantageously, the reinforcement 51 has a flange edge 54, especially around the hole 55.

[0043] For example, the reinforcement 51 has an oblong hole 52. The oblong hole 52 is used for attaching, for example, an inner side panel. For example, the reinforcement 51 includes a circular hole 53. The circular hole 53 is used, for example, for positioning and / or centering during sheet metal processing. If required, the reinforcement 51 may include other holes for other fasteners.

[0044] In particular, as Figure 3 shown, the arrangement 3 preferably includes a retractor 20 for a seat belt 2 of a seat belt. Preferably, the support 10 includes a receiving surface 13 that is substantially arranged in a vertical transverse plane and is oriented towards the rear. Accordingly, the retractor 20 is fixed on or at the rear-facing receiving surface 13. The support 10 includes a surface 18 opposite to the receiving surface 13 of the support 10, and the surface 18 is oriented towards the front of the vehicle.

[0045] For example, as Figure 4 shown, the support 10 includes a locking device, such as a loop 41, for locking the backrest 8 in place. An orifice 42 formed in the support 10 allows the loop 41 to pass through such that the loop extends forward while being fixed on the rearward-facing receiving surface 13.

[0046] Preferably, the arrangement 3 includes a structural wheel arch 34.

[0047] Preferably, the support 10 is preferably fixed to the inner side panel 31 by welding, in particular by spot welding. Further preferably, the support 10 is also preferably fixed to the C-pillar 36 and / or the structural wheel arch 34 by welding, in particular by spot welding. For this purpose, preferably, the support 10 includes a flange edge 14 on at least a part (if not the whole) of the outer periphery of the support 10.

[0048] If the vehicle brakes or decelerates while moving forward, especially if the vehicle is involved in a collision, especially a frontal collision or a front-end collision, the passenger is pushed forward. The passenger is restrained by the seat belt 2, and the retraction of the seat belt is prevented by enabling a restraint device installed in the retractor 20, as Figure 3 shown, a force F is generated on the seat belt and thus on the steering loop 9. Remember that when the seat belt restraint device is enabled, the seat belt cannot be retracted from the retractor. In other words, the retractor 20 becomes an anchoring point for anchoring the end of the seat belt. Since the steering loop 9 is positioned above the retractor 20, this force F is partially transmitted as a force R that extends substantially vertically and acts on the retractor and / or on the end of the seat belt fixed in the retractor. In particular, this force F is absorbed by one or more points where the steering loop 9 is fixed to the C-pillar and / or another element of the vehicle body 6, such as the inner side panel 31.

[0049] Thus, the force R tends to move the retractor 20 upward, in particular to bend its support 10 at the opening 15, thereby creating a weakness in the support. The force F tends to bend the C-pillar in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction D in which the C-pillar extends.

[0050] Due to this solution, although the force F acts on the seat belt 2 to lock the seat belt and prevent it from unwinding due to the actuation of the limiting device, the support 10 maintains its shape. Specifically, the stiffness enhancement device 50 (in particular, the stiffness enhancement device of the reinforcement 51 type) enhances the stiffness of the support 10. Although the support is provided with an opening 15 through which the seat belt 2 passes, the support does not bend. In addition, the reinforcement 51 holds the C-pillar 36 in place, thereby preventing the C-pillar from collapsing under the action of the force F acting on the steering loop 9 fixed to the C-pillar. Remember that the reinforcement 51 has flange edges 54, 56, making it highly rigid. The spot welds that fix the reinforcement 51 to multiple components (such as the C-pillar 36 and / or the support 10 and / or the tower 32 and / or the cup 33) contribute to the overall stiffness. In appropriate cases, this row of spot welds can prevent the movement and deformation of the support 10. This row of spot welds establishes a connection between the rearmost C-pillar or D-pillar and the cup tower. It is worth noting that the reinforcement 51 fixed to the C-pillar 36 and the tower and / or the cup and / or the support 10 (the support itself is fixed to the structural wheel arch 34) provides a connection between the C-pillar and the vehicle body bottom structure. In other words, the reinforcement 51 provides a force transfer from the C-pillar to the particularly rigid vehicle body bottom structure.

[0051] The flange edge 54 of the reinforcement 51 also makes it possible to improve the effectiveness of the reinforcement of the C-pillar and / or the support 10. The opening 55 in the reinforcement 51 makes it possible to reduce the mass of the reinforcement while avoiding flat surfaces on the reinforcement that are prone to resonance.

[0052] In summary, this solution involves a structural reinforcement between the rearmost C-pillar or D-pillar, the seat belt retractor support, and the tower, which raises the height of the cup that fixes the rear shock absorber.

[0053] This solution is compatible with the lack of space between the rearmost C-pillar or D-pillar (for example, inclined at about 45 degrees) and the rear seat or bench seat, as well as the vertical positioning of the seat belt retractor. This solution makes it possible to fix the "wire" type seat belt steering loop to the C-pillar, even if the C-pillar directly receives forces during a collision event, and in particular receives forces orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the C-pillar extends.

[0054] Due to the stiffness provided by the reinforcement, this solution makes it possible to use a retractor support through which the seat belt passes and which is vertically arranged.

[0055] As mentioned, the arrangement 3 enables the forces experienced by the C-pillar to be transmitted to the vehicle body bottom structure and prevents movement and deformation of the shelf-like support 10.

[0056] Furthermore, the solution achieves a uniformity in the thickness and composition of the materials used, especially with respect to the support 10, any reinforcement (preferably a plate fixed to the receiving surface 13 of the support 10) for fixing the loop 41 of the backrest 8 to the support 10, and the reinforcement 51. For example, the material is steel and the thickness is 1.2 mm. This uniformity allows for economies in material procurement and / or material inventory control. In addition, using similar or even identical materials and similar or even identical thicknesses makes the process of welding these parts together much easier. This results in particularly reliable and durable welding.

[0057] Note that the stiffness of this rear region around the shock absorber mounting cup is improved, and the shock absorber mounting cup is thus "enclosed" by the reinforcement 51, which allows for an improvement in the acoustic behavior. This helps to improve the comfort inside the vehicle and the perceived quality of the vehicle.

[0058] The solution enables the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle to be harmonized with the steeply inclined C-pillar and is capable of fitting into the small space available here and in particular of complying with regulations in terms of passive safety measures.

[0059] The solution provides a particularly rigid fixing for the retractor and the corresponding steering loop. In the event of hard braking and / or a collision, the forces from the seat belt are particularly dispersed over the various elements of the vehicle body. Although, given the position of the seat belt retractor, the steering loop cannot be located elsewhere, the support for the steering loop (i.e., the C-pillar) is rigid. Despite the presence of the rear shock absorber mounting cup behind the second row and the little space left by the rearmost C-pillar or D-pillar extending close to the rear row, there is still access to remove and / or assemble the rear shock absorber due to the retractor support and the reinforcement 51.

[0060] Furthermore, the solution is compatible with standard seat belt retractors in restricted spaces and meets the passive safety requirements, especially due to the linear placement of the steering loop 9.

[0061] Although the solution is shown for a seat belt device mounted in the left rear seat position, the solution can clearly be transposed for the right rear seat position. The solution can potentially be adapted to suit seat belt devices for the front seat positions in a vehicle. It is noteworthy that the solution can be adapted to suit seat belt devices for the front seat positions of a vehicle having only front seats.

[0062] It should be noted that the solution thus achieves the desired purpose of providing an arrangement that allows the seat belt retractor support and the seat belt deflector ring to be rigidly fixed while meeting the seat belt placement requirements specified in the regulations and provides advantages that can be used in other types of vehicles (i.e., trucks, buses, passenger cars or even aircraft).

Claims

1. An arrangement (3) for a body (6) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), the arrangement comprising: - a support (10) for fixing a retractor (20) of a seat belt (2) of the seat belt, - a C-pillar (36), - a cup-shaped part (33) for fixing a shock absorber, - a tower part (32) for the cup-shaped part (33), characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a stiffness enhancement device (50) which enhances the stiffness of the support (10) and / or the C-pillar (36) in the case of a stress load occurring on such a seat belt (2) of the seat belt.

2. The arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The arrangement (3) comprises a steering loop (9) for such a seat belt (2) of the seat belt, the steering loop (9) being at least partially fixed to the C-pillar (36) and extending substantially above the support (10) in the vertical direction.

3. The arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support (10) comprises an opening (15) through which such a seat belt (2) of the seat belt can pass.

4. The arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The stiffness enhancement device (50) is a reinforcement (51) which is fixed to the C-pillar (36) and the tower part (32) in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

5. The arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The stiffness enhancement device (50) is a reinforcement (51) which is fixed to the C-pillar (36) and the support (10) in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

6. The arrangement (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reinforcement (51) is fixed to the support (10) in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

7. The arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The reinforcement (51) is fixed to the cup-shaped part (33) in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

8. The arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The arrangement (3) comprises a retractor (20) for a seat belt (2) of the seat belt, and the support (10) comprises a receiving surface (13) arranged substantially in a vertical transverse plane, the receiving surface (13) being directed rearward, and the retractor (20) is fixed on or at the receiving surface (13).

9. The arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The arrangement (3) comprises an inner side panel (31), and the support (10) is fixed to the inner side panel (31) in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

10. The arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The arrangement (3) comprises a structural wheel arch (34), and the support (10) is fixed to the structural wheel arch (34) in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

11. A vehicle body (6) especially for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that, The body (6) comprises at least one arrangement (3) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that, The motor vehicle comprises a body (6) as claimed in the preceding claim, or at least one arrangement (3) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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