Safety belt anchor with energy absorption function for frontal impact protection

Abstract

A seatbelt anchoring system includes a vehicle seat coupled in a vehicle. A seat belt assembly of a vehicle seat includes an extended seat belt shoulder strap portion, a laptop belt portion, and a buckle releasably connected to a first buckle connection defining a first anchor connected to a seat structural member by a first pin. During a vehicle collision event, the first pin and the first buckle link together displace from an initial position to a final first buckle link position forward of the initial position to mitigate occupant glide movement. The shoulder strap portion is secured to a second buckle connection defining a second anchor connected to the seat structural member by a second pin. The second pin and the second buckle connector are displaced during a vehicle crash event from an initial second buckle connector position to a final second buckle connector position forward of the initial second buckle connector position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat belt and a vehicle seat belt control system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In vehicle-mounted seatbelt anchor designs, seat occupants can slide forward during a frontal collision. This forward motion can be modified by reducing the angle of the lap belt relative to the vehicle floor. This change in lap belt angle can potentially lead to an occupant slippage problem, where the occupant can partially slide under the lap belt, reducing the lap belt's effectiveness. The severity of the slippage depends on the severity of the collision, occupant size, and lap belt position.

[0003] Therefore, while current systems and methods for reducing or mitigating vehicle occupant downturn during a vehicle crash event achieve their intended purpose, a new and improved system and method is needed for anchoring an occupant in a vehicle seat. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to several aspects, a seatbelt anchor system includes a vehicle seat connected to a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a seatbelt assembly comprising an extended shoulder belt portion, a lap belt portion, and a buckle releasably connected to a first buckle connector defining a first anchor connected to a seat structural member by a first pin. During a vehicle crash, the first pin and the first buckle connector collectively shift from an initial first buckle connector position to a final first buckle connector position forward of the initial first buckle connector position to mitigate downward downward movement of an occupant of the vehicle seat. The shoulder belt portion is secured to a second buckle connector defining a second anchor connected to the seat structural member by a second pin. During a vehicle crash, the second pin and the second buckle connector collectively shift from an initial second buckle connector position to a final second buckle connector position forward of the initial second buckle connector position.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, during use of the seat belt assembly, the lap belt portion maintains direct contact with the hips of an occupant of the vehicle seat via the first anchor and the second anchor and resists displacement of the occupant in a forward direction and partially under the lap belt portion during a vehicle crash event, thereby limiting downward sliding motion.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the angular orientation of the first buckle connector relative to the floor of the vehicle and the angular orientation of the second buckle connector relative to the floor of the vehicle remain unchanged during displacement of the first buckle connector to the final first buckle connector position and during displacement of the second buckle connector to the final second buckle connector position.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a first energy storage device is in contact with the first buckle connector. A second energy storage device is in contact with the second buckle connector. The first energy storage device and the second energy storage device act to respectively resist forward displacement of the first buckle connector and the second buckle connector and mitigate downward sliding motion of the occupant.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device respectively define one of the following: a compression spring, which is respectively positioned in front of the first buckle connector and the second buckle connector and is compressed by the forward displacement of the first buckle connector or the second buckle connector; and a tension spring, which is respectively positioned behind the first buckle connector and the second buckle connector and is elastically extended by the forward displacement of the first buckle connector or the second buckle connector.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a seatbelt link is integrally connected to and extends from the first buckle connector. The seatbelt link receives a first pin, wherein a biasing force of the first energy storage device mitigates rotation of the seatbelt link about a central axis of the first pin to maintain the lap belt portion in contact with the occupant's hips.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second energy storage devices respectively define compression springs positioned forward of the first and second buckle connectors, respectively, and compressed by forward displacement of the first or second buckle connector.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device respectively define a tension spring that is respectively positioned behind the first buckle connector and the second buckle connector and is elastically extended by the forward displacement of the first buckle connector or the second buckle connector.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat cushion includes a first bolster and a second bolster opposite the first bolster, the first and second bolsters being angled inwardly and downwardly toward each other. A first curved groove is formed in the first bolster. A first seat belt link is connected to a first buckle connector and initially displaced forwardly within a first groove portion of the first curved groove until the first seat belt link reaches the inwardly curved portion of the first curved groove, after which the first buckle connector displaces inwardly and downwardly to pull the lap belt portion downwardly into contact with the occupant's hips.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a second curved groove is formed in the second bolster. The second seat belt link is connected to the second buckle connector and initially displaced in a forward direction within the first groove portion of the second curved groove until the seat belt link reaches the inwardly curved portion of the second curved groove, after which the second buckle connector displaces in an inward and downward direction to pull the lap belt portion downward into contact with the occupant's hips.

[0014] According to several aspects, a vehicle seat belt anchor system includes a vehicle seat connected to a seat frame structural member in a vehicle. A seat back frame member is rotatably connected to the seat frame structural member by a pin. A hook-shaped rod is received through the pin, with a straight section of the rod extending through and secured to the pin, the hook-shaped rod rotating during axial rotation of the pin. The hook end of the hook-shaped rod is positioned to directly contact a buckle mounting bolt, which is slidably positioned and displaced within a slotted chamber and contacts a biasing member. During rotation of the seat back frame member about an arc of rotation relative to the seat frame structural member from an upright position to a reclined position, the hook-shaped rod rotates with the pin, causing the hook end to displace the buckle mounting bolt, which compresses the biasing member.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the slotted chamber guides the forward travel movement of the buckle mounting bolt.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the slotted chamber also guides the downward travel of the buckle mounting bolt, which pulls the lap belt downward to maintain positive frictional contact of the lap belt with the occupant's hips.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the biasing member contacts the buckle mounting bolt when the buckle mounting bolt is slidably displaced within the slotted chamber.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the biasing member defines a compression spring.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a stop member is provided having a biasing member positioned between the stop member and the buckle mounting bolt to retain the biasing member.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat belt assembly for a vehicle seat includes an extended seat belt shoulder belt portion, a lap belt portion, and a buckle releasably connected to a first buckle connector; and a tensioning mechanism that extends and retracts the seat belt shoulder belt portion, which is secured at one end to a second buckle connector.

[0021] According to several aspects, a method for mitigating downward sliding of a vehicle occupant during a vehicle crash event includes: connecting a vehicle seat in a vehicle; providing a seat belt assembly for the vehicle seat, the seat belt assembly having an extended seat belt shoulder belt portion, a lap belt portion, and a buckle releasably connected to a first buckle connector; rotatably connecting the first buckle connector to a seat structural member via a first pin; and displacing the first pin and the first buckle connector together from an initial first buckle connector position to a final first buckle connector position forward of the initial first buckle connector position to mitigate downward sliding motion of the occupant during the vehicle crash event.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes connecting a seatbelt link to a buckle connector; and rotatably connecting the seatbelt link to a seat structure member using a pin to allow rotation and angular displacement of the seatbelt link.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes: slidably positioning the pin in an angular slot so as to allow the pin to shift about a rotational arc within the angular slot; and maintaining an angle beta (β) relative to a horizontal plane extending through an axial center of the first pin by a tensioning device, the tensioning device rotating to induce tension on a tensioning band connected to the first pin when the pin shifts in the angular slot during forward movement of the occupant in a forward direction.

[0024] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1 is a rearward-looking front view of a seat belt anchor system for a vehicle seat according to an exemplary aspect;

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Left side view of the vehicle seat;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a right side view of a vehicle seat;

[0029] Figure 4 It is from Figure 2 a modified left side view showing additional system components;

[0030] Figure 5 It is from Figure 2a modified left side view showing the initial and final displacement positions of the seat belt coupler of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 It is from Figure 5 a modified left side view showing the occupant's movement;

[0032] Figure 7 It is from Figure 2 a modified left side view showing an alternative system biasing component aspect;

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 a front view of the biasing member;

[0034] Figure 9 It is from Figure 2 a modified left side view showing an alternative system biasing component aspect;

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 a front view of the biasing member;

[0036] Figure 11 is Figure 10 The biasing component Figure 10 a cross-sectional view taken at section 11 of FIG.

[0037] Figure 12 It is from Figure 2 a modified left side view showing aspects of the improved seat belt anchor system of the present disclosure in the seat back frame upright position;

[0038] Figure 13 The seat back frame is shown in the reclined position. Figure 12 Left side view of the improved seat belt anchor system;

[0039] Figure 14 is used for Figure 12 A left side view of an alternative biasing member of the improved seat belt anchor system;

[0040] Figure 15 is a left front perspective view of a vehicle seat having the improved seat belt anchor system of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A front view of a curved groove of a vehicle seat;

[0042] Figure 17 yes Figure 1 a side view of a vehicle seat modified to include a curved slot for travel of a seat belt buckle, wherein the seat belt buckle is in an initial position with a tensioning member;

[0043] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 a side view of a vehicle seat showing the seat belt buckle in a forward or final position;

[0044] Figure 19 It is from Figure 17 modified to include a side view of the compression member;

[0045] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 a side view of a vehicle seat showing the seat belt buckle in a forward or final position; and

[0046] Figure 21 is a side view of a seat belt anchor system with a tensioning device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 A seat belt anchor system 10 is provided for a vehicle seat 12 having a seat cushion 14 and a seat back 16 that rotates relative to the seat cushion 14. The vehicle seat 12 is connected to a vehicle floor 18 of a vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 can be any of a sedan, a sport utility vehicle, a van, a truck, an autonomous vehicle, a gasoline engine vehicle, a battery electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle seat 12 supports an occupant 22 during operation of the vehicle 20 and provides restraint during a vehicle crash event.

[0049] The restraint may be provided by a seat belt assembly 24 that includes an extended seat belt shoulder belt portion 26, a lap belt portion 28, and a buckle 30 releasably connected to a first buckle connector 32. The first buckle connector 32 is displaced from an initial first buckle connector position to a forward position to absorb energy and mitigate occupant downturn during a vehicle collision event, and with reference to Figures 3 to 19 The first buckle connector 32 is described in more detail. The seat belt shoulder strap portion 26 is extended and retracted using a tensioning mechanism 34 and is secured at one end to a second buckle connector 36. Similar to the first buckle connector 32, the second buckle connector 36 shifts from an initial second buckle connector position to a forward position during a vehicle impact event to achieve energy absorption and mitigate occupant downturn during a vehicle impact event.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 And refer to it again Figure 1The seatbelt anchor system 10 also includes a seatbelt link 38 integrally connected to and extending from the first buckle connector 32. The seatbelt link 38 is secured to a seat frame structural member 42 using a first seatbelt pin 40. During a vehicle collision event, the occupant 22 may displace in a forward direction 44. This displacement is resisted by the seatbelt assembly 24, which includes the shoulder belt portion 26 and the lap belt portion 28. The lap belt portion 28 directly contacts the hips 46 of the occupant 22. To mitigate the downward sliding motion 48 during forward displacement of the occupant, the initial angular orientation of the buckle 30, the first buckle connector 32, and the seatbelt link 38 is maintained by allowing the buckle 30, the first buckle connector 32, and the seatbelt link 38 to displace forward, with the forward displacement being resisted by the first energy storage device 50. According to several aspects, the first buckle connector 32 further defines a first anchor of the belt anchor system 10 positioned on a first side of the vehicle seat 12 , and the second buckle connector 36 further defines a second anchor of the belt anchor system 10 positioned on a second side of the vehicle seat 12 to anchor the opposite end of the lap belt portion 28 to the hip 46 of the occupant 22 .

[0051] According to several aspects, the first energy storage device 50 defines a compression spring that is contacted by the seatbelt link 38 and / or the first buckle connector 32 and is compressed by the forward displacement of the buckle 30, the first buckle connector 32, and the seatbelt link 38. Allowing compression of the first energy storage device 50 mitigates rotation of the seatbelt link 38 about the central axis of the seatbelt pin 40. By mitigating rotation of the seatbelt link 38, the lap belt portion 28 thereby maintains optimal contact with the hips 46 of the occupant 22.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 And refer to it again Figure 1 and Figure 2 The opposite side of the vehicle seat 12 includes a second seat belt pin 52 that secures the second buckle connector 36 to the seat frame structural member 42. To mitigate the downward sliding motion 48 of the occupant 22 as the occupant 22 shifts forward, as defined above by the hips 46 of the occupant 22 partially sliding under the lap belt portion 28, the initial angular orientation of the second buckle connector 36 is maintained by allowing the second buckle connector 36 to shift forward, wherein this forward displacement is resisted by the second energy storage device 54. According to several aspects, the second energy storage device 54 further defines a compression spring that is contacted by the second buckle connector 36 and compressed by the forward displacement of the second buckle connector 36.

[0053] refer to Figure 4 And refer to it again Figures 1 to 3 , the vehicle seat 12 is shown in the seatback upright position with the occupant 22 seated in a normal driving or upright position. The first energy storage device 50 is shown in a fully extended, uncompressed state, having a first end 56 directly contacting the seatbelt link 38 and an opposing second end 58 contacting a stop member 60 connected to the seat frame structural member 42. The first energy storage device 50 can also be positioned within a guide 62 (e.g., a slot, channel, groove, etc. formed in or attached to the seat frame structural member 42).

[0054] refer to Figure 5 And refer to it again Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the buckle 30, the first buckle connector 32, and the seat belt link 38 collectively define a first buckle assembly 64. A longitudinal axis 66 extending centrally through the buckle 30, the first buckle connector 32, the seat belt link 38, and the first seat belt pin 40 defines a nominal angle alpha (α) of approximately 75 degrees relative to a horizontal axis 68 extending through the center axis of the first seat belt pin 40. Figure 2 During the depicted compression of the first energy storage device 50, the first buckle assembly 64 is displaced forward to a forwardly displaced position defining the first buckle assembly 64'. In the forwardly displaced position defining the first buckle assembly 64', the longitudinal axis 66 remains as the longitudinal axis 66', and the angle alpha (α) of approximately 75 degrees remains as the angle α'.

[0055] refer to Figure 6 And refer to it again Figure 4 and Figure 5 During a vehicle collision event, the torso 70 of the occupant 22 rotates forward as shown, and the first buckle assembly 64 shifts forward to the first buckle assembly 64' position. The first energy storage device 50 compresses, allowing the first buckle assembly 64 to move forward and maintain the lap belt portion 28 in contact with the hips 46 of the occupant 22.

[0056] refer to Figure 7 And refer to it again Figure 4 According to several aspects, the first energy storage device 50 can be replaced by a compressible foam member 72. When the first buckle assembly 64 moves forward to the reference position Figure 5 In the illustrated first buckle assembly 64' position, the compressed foam member 72 is longitudinally compressed. The compressed foam member 72 is positioned similarly to the first energy storage device 50 in contact with the seat belt link 38 of the first buckle assembly 64 and, oppositely, with the stop member 60.

[0057] refer to Figure 8 And refer to it again Figure 7The compressed foam member 72 has a generally rectangular shaped foam body 74 having a first end surface 76 and a generally parallel second end surface 78. The length 80 of the compressed foam member 72 is predetermined to substantially match the compressed length of the first energy storage device 50 when the first energy storage device 50 is compressed in a longitudinal direction 82 by displacement of the first buckle assembly 64.

[0058] refer to Figure 9 According to several aspects, the first energy storage device 50 can be replaced by the shear member 84. When the first buckle assembly 64 is displaced forward to the reference position Figure 5 In the illustrated first buckle assembly 64' position, the shear member 84 is longitudinally sheared. The shear member 84 is positioned similarly to the first energy storage device 50 and is activated by the movement of the seat belt link 38 of the first buckle assembly 64 and is relatively in contact with the modified stop member 86.

[0059] refer to Figure 10 And refer to it again Figure 9 , the shear member 84 includes an upper or first half 88 and a lower or second half 90 separated by a frangible shear member 92. The modified stop member 86 is secured to the seat frame structural member 42 and is modified from the stop member 60 to directly contact only the second half 90. A push block 94 is positioned in direct contact with the first half 88 and the seat belt link 38. The push block 94, when displaced by the seat belt link 38, displaces the first half 88 to apply a predetermined shear force 96 while the second half 90 is retained by the modified stop member 86, thereby causing the frangible shear member 92 to shear longitudinally and separating the first half 88 from the second half 90.

[0060] refer to Figure 11 , the thickness or width 98 of the frangible shear member 92 is substantially thinner than the width 100 of both the first half 88 and the second half 90. The width 98 is predetermined to allow the shear force 96 to separate the first half 88 from the second half 90.

[0061] refer to Figure 12 And refer to it again Figure 4 and Figure 6According to other aspects, the seat belt anchor system 102 is an improvement over the seat belt anchor system 10. A seat back frame member 104 is rotatably connected to the seat frame structural member 42 by a pin 106, which is shown in a reduced size form for clarity. The seat back frame member 104 is shown in an upright position. A hook rod 108 is substantially rigid and is received by the pin 106, wherein a straight section 110 extends through and beyond the pin 106 and is fixed to the pin 106. The hook rod 108 rotates during axial rotation of the pin 106. The hook end 112 of the hook rod 108 is positioned to directly contact a buckle mounting bolt 114, which is connected to a buckle assembly (not shown for clarity, which is similar to the reference 106). Figure 5 The first buckle assembly 64 is shown and described. The buckle mounting bolt 114 is slidably positioned and displaced within a slotted chamber 116 and contacts a biasing member 118, such as a compression spring. The biasing member 118 is held relative to the buckle mounting bolt 114 by a stop member 120, which is similar to that described with reference to FIG. Figure 4 A stop member 60 is shown and described.

[0062] refer to Figure 13 And refer to it again Figure 12 , the seat back frame member 104 rotates about the arc 122 relative to the seat frame structural member 42 from Figure 12 During rotation from the upright position shown to the tilted position shown, the hook lever 108 rotates with the pin 106, causing the hook end 112 to move the buckle mounting bolt 114, which compresses the biasing member 118. Figure 5 The first buckle assembly 64 shown and described is displaced by displacement of the buckle mounting bolt 114 (as previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 5 According to several aspects, the contact feature 124 can be positioned between the buckle mounting bolt 114 and the biasing member 118 within the slotted chamber 116 to provide an additional mechanical advantage for compressing the biasing member 118. It should be noted that the geometry of the slotted chamber 116 guides the forward and downward travel of the buckle mounting bolt 114. The downward partial travel of the buckle mounting bolt 114 further pulls the lap belt portion 28 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) to maintain positive frictional contact of the lap belt portion 28 with the hips 46 of the occupant 22 to help mitigate downward sliding motion of the hips 46 .

[0063] refer to Figure 14 And refer to it again Figure 12 and Figure 13, a teardrop-shaped member 126 may be used in place of the hook-shaped rod 108. The teardrop-shaped member 126 includes a body 128 that receives the pin 106 at a first end. A bulbous and curved second end 130 directly contacts the buckle mounting bolt 114, which compresses the biasing member 118 (similar to the reference Figure 13 function of the hook end 112 as described above).

[0064] refer to Figure 15 And refer to it again Figures 1 to 6 , a vehicle seat 132 is shown and configured as a vehicle passenger seat and is further modified from the vehicle seat 12 to also include a first buckle connector 134 that defines a first anchor similar to the first buckle connector 32 and has the first buckle connector 134 slidably disposed in a first curved slot 136 that extends through a first bolster 138 of the seat cushion 14 ′ to guide a curved and downward travel path of the first buckle connector 134 when the first buckle connector 134 moves forward during a vehicle collision event. The vehicle seat 132 also includes a second buckle connector 140 that defines a second anchor similar to the second buckle connector 36 and has the second buckle connector 140 slidably disposed in a second curved slot 142 of a second bolster 144 extending through the seat cushion 14' to guide the curved and downward travel path of the second buckle connector 140 as it moves forward during a vehicle collision event.

[0065] refer to Figure 16 And refer to it again Figure 15Due to the curved geometry of the first curved slot 136 and the second curved slot 142, and due to the downwardly and inwardly directed slopes of the first bolster 138 and the second bolster 144, the first buckle connector 134 having a seat belt link 146 connected to the first buckle connector 134 defining a first anchor is initially displaced in a forward direction 150 within the first slot portion 148 until the seat belt link 146 reaches the inwardly curved portion 152 of the first curved slot 136, after which the first buckle connector 134 is displaced in an inward direction 154 and a downward direction 156. Similarly, the second buckle connector 140, which defines a second anchor having a seatbelt link 158 connected to the second buckle connector 140, is initially displaced in a forward direction 162 within the first slot portion 160 of the second curved slot 142 until the seatbelt link 158 reaches the first slot portion 164 of the second curved slot 142, after which the second buckle connector 140 is displaced in an inward direction 166 and a downward direction 168. The combination of the inward and downward displacement of the first buckle connector 134 and the second buckle connector 140 causes the lap belt portion 28 to retract around the hips 46 of the occupant 22 while also pulling the lap belt portion 28 downward to further enhance mitigation of sliding down by the occupant 22.

[0066] refer to Figure 17 And refer to it again Figure 15 and Figure 16 According to several aspects, a biasing member 170 can be disposed in the second curved slot 142 , the biasing member 170 defining a tension spring connected to the seat belt link 158 that provides a biasing force for initially retaining the second buckle connector 140 at the first slot portion 160 of the second curved slot 142 .

[0067] refer to Figure 18 And refer to it again Figures 15 to 17 , when the occupant 22 is displaced forward in the forward direction 162 (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 ), the second buckle connector 140 is pulled forward in the forward direction 162 to an extended position identified as the second buckle connector 140 ′, thereby extending the biasing member 170 and increasing the biasing force of the biasing member 170 .

[0068] refer to Figure 19 And refer to it again Figures 15 to 18 According to several aspects, a biasing member 172 can be disposed in the first curved slot 136 , the biasing member 172 defining a compression spring or defining a mechanism connected to the seat belt link 146 , the biasing member 172 initially extending to provide a biasing force for initially retaining the first buckle connector 134 at the first slot portion 148 of the first curved slot 136 .

[0069] refer to Figure 20 And refer to it again Figures 15 to 19 ,when Figure 6 When the occupant 22 shown in FIG. 1 is displaced forward in the forward direction 150 (as shown in FIG. 2 ), Figure 6 ), the first buckle connector 134 is urged forward in the forward direction 150 to an extended position identified as the first buckle connector 134 ′, thereby compressing the biasing member 172 and increasing the biasing force of the biasing member 172 .

[0070] It should be noted that the biasing member 172 may be used in both the first flex slot 136 and the second flex slot 142. It should also be noted that the biasing member 170 may be used in both the second flex slot 142 and the first flex slot 136 as well.

[0071] refer to Figure 21 And refer to it again Figures 1 to 20 According to several aspects, a seat belt anchor system 174 is a modification of the seat belt anchor system 10 and the seat belt anchor system 102. The seat belt anchor system 174 includes a seat belt link 176 that is similar to the seat belt link 38 connected to the buckle connector 32'. The seat belt link 176 is rotatably connected to the seat structure member 178 using a pin 180 to allow rotation and angular displacement of the seat belt link 176. The pin 180 is slidably received in the angular slot 182, thereby allowing the pin to be displaced about a rotational arc 184 within the angular slot 182. When the pin 180 is displaced in the angular slot 182 during forward movement of the occupant 22 in the forward direction 44 (similar to Figure 6 ), it is desirable to maintain a similar reference relative to a horizontal plane extending through the axial center of the pin 180. Figure 5 Angle beta (β) is described as angle α. Rotation of tensioner 186 in rotational direction 188 induces a tensioning force on tensioning band 190 in contact with pin 180 to maintain angle β during movement of pin 180.

[0072] The disclosed seatbelt anchor system 10 allows the lap belt and buckle anchor to move forward (and downward) during a frontal collision. This provides energy absorption while the anchor moves forward and / or inward, narrowing the buckle and anchor distance for better pelvic restraint. A pin at the chute allows the anchor to remain in place during normal driving conditions and be removed or sheared during a frontal collision. This forward movement of the seatbelt anchor point and buckle attachment is provided to mitigate occupant downsliding motion during a frontal vehicle collision, a defined impact event. Downsliding is mitigated by the forward moment of the anchor with dummy movements.

[0073] The disclosed seatbelt anchor system 10 provides several advantages. These advantages include allowing the energy-absorbing lap belt and buckle anchor to slide forward in a frontal impact while the seatbelt anchor also slides forward, thereby reducing the occupant's tendency to slide down. Allowing the lap belt anchor point to move forward also reduces the angle of the lap belt relative to the vehicle floor, thereby reducing the tendency to slide down.

Claims

1. A seat belt anchoring system comprising: a vehicle seat, said vehicle seat being connected in the vehicle; a seat belt assembly for the vehicle seat, the seat belt assembly having an extended seat belt shoulder belt portion, a lap belt portion, and a buckle releasably connected to a first buckle connector, the first buckle connector defining a first anchor connected to a seat structural member by a first pin, the first pin and the first buckle connector together displacing from an initial first buckle connector position to a final first buckle connector position forward of the initial first buckle connector position during a vehicle crash event to mitigate downward sliding motion of an occupant of the vehicle seat; as well as The seat belt shoulder belt portion is secured to a second buckle connector defining a second anchor connected to the seat structural member by a second pin, the second pin and the second buckle connector together displacing from an initial second buckle connector position to a final second buckle connector position forward of the initial second buckle connector position during the vehicle impact event.

2. The seat belt anchoring system according to claim 1, wherein: During use of the seat belt assembly, the lap belt portion maintains direct contact with the hips of an occupant of the vehicle seat via the first anchor and the second anchor and resists displacement of the occupant in a forward direction and partially beneath the lap belt portion during a vehicle crash event to limit the downward sliding motion.

3. The seat belt anchoring system according to claim 2, wherein: During displacement of the first buckle connector to the final first buckle connector position and during displacement of the second buckle connector to the final second buckle connector position, the angular orientation of the first buckle connector relative to the floor of the vehicle and the angular orientation of the second buckle connector relative to the floor of the vehicle remain unchanged.

4. The seat belt anchoring system according to claim 1, comprising: a first energy storage device in contact with the first buckle connector; as well as a second energy storage device, the second energy storage device being in contact with the second buckle connector; as well as The first energy storage device and the second energy storage device act to hinder the forward displacement of the first buckle connector and the second buckle connector respectively and to reduce the downward movement of the occupant.

5. The seat belt anchoring system according to claim 4, wherein: The first and second energy storage devices each define a compression spring positioned forward of the first and second buckle connectors, respectively, and compressed by forward displacement of the first or second buckle connector.

6. The seat belt anchoring system according to claim 4, wherein: The first and second energy storage devices each define a tension spring positioned rearward of the first and second buckle connectors, respectively, and elastically extended by forward displacement of the first or second buckle connector.

7. The seat belt anchor system of claim 4, comprising a seat belt link integrally connected to and extending from the first buckle connector, the seat belt link receiving the first pin, wherein The biasing force of the first energy storage device mitigates rotation of the seat belt link about the central axis of the first pin to maintain the lap belt portion in direct contact with the hips of an occupant of the vehicle seat.

8. The seat belt anchoring system according to claim 4, wherein: The first energy storage device and the second energy storage device each define one of: a compression foam member that is longitudinally compressed when the first buckle connector and the second buckle connector are displaced forward; and a shear member that is longitudinally sheared when the first buckle connector and the second buckle connector are displaced forward.

9. The seat belt anchoring system according to claim 1, further comprising: a seat cushion of the vehicle seat, the seat cushion having a first bolster and a second bolster opposite the first bolster, the first bolster and the second bolster respectively angled inwardly and downwardly toward each other; a first curved slot formed in the first bolster; as well as a first seat belt link connected to the first buckle connector and initially displaced in a forward direction within the first slot portion of the first curved slot until the first seat belt link reaches an inwardly curved portion of the first curved slot, after which the first buckle connector displaces in an inward and downward direction to draw the lap belt portion downwardly into contact with a hip of the occupant of the vehicle seat.

10. The seat belt anchoring system according to claim 9, comprising: a second curved slot formed in the second bolster; as well as A second seat belt link is connected to the second buckle connector and is initially displaced in a forward direction within the first slot portion of the second curved slot until the seat belt link reaches the inwardly curved portion of the second curved slot, after which the second buckle connector is displaced in an inward and downward direction to pull the lap belt portion downwardly into contact with the hips of the occupant of the vehicle seat.

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