Swiveling spring-loaded band guide

Abstract

Safety belt strap guide assembly (10) designed for attachment to a backrest (12), comprising: a strap guide (16) in the form of a loop; a pivot point (14) designed for attachment to a backrest (12) and a first pivot axis (46) is defined; a connecting element (26) that is arranged between the belt guide (16) and the pivot point (14) and connects them at a position where the belt guide (16) is spaced away from the first pivot axis (46); wherein the pivot point (14) has a first pivot part and a second pivot part, wherein the second pivot part is rotatable about the pivot axis (46) with respect to the first pivot part and the connecting member (26) is attached to the second pivot part for rotation about the axis, wherein the connecting member (26) comprises a first connecting member part and a second connecting member part, wherein the second connecting member part is in sliding engagement with the first connecting member part.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] A seat belt currently used in passenger cars is a three-point restraint system with a webbing length that provides a shoulder section and a lap section. The shoulder section extends over the occupant's shoulder on one side and diagonally across the occupant's torso to the other side, at or near the occupant's hip. Misalignment of the webbing can cause it to rub against the occupant in a position that chafes or is otherwise uncomfortable. Certain seating locations, such as second-row seats in some sports cars, present particular challenges due to the placement of the retractors for these locations.A particular challenge lies in providing seatbelt guides or pathways for such retractor locations that are suitable for the comfort of occupants of a wide variety of sizes and shapes. It is desirable to provide a seatbelt guide that is not disruptive to the occupant, as such disruption can lead to the occupant not wearing the seatbelt.

[0002] The state of the art for belt guidance systems for vehicle seat belts is disclosed, for example, in documents US 5 730 499 A and US 2002 / 0 011 726 A1.

[0003] Against the background described above, the object of the present invention is to provide an advantageous seat belt webbing guide arrangement. This object is achieved according to the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims contain further advantageous embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a rearward-facing view of an exemplary belt guide arranged with respect to a schematic representation of a vehicle seat backrest with a headrest. Fig. 2 is a top view of the exemplary webbing guide shown in Fig. 1 is shown in an installed state. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the exemplary webbing guide of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary webbing guide of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is an expanded view of the exemplary webbing guide of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary pivot section of the belt guide of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary alternative webbing routing. Fig. 8 is a top view of an example of the in Fig. 7 shown webbing guide, in an installed state and in a first position. Fig. 9 is a top view of an example of the in Fig. 7 shown webbing guide in an installed state and in a second position. Fig. 10 is an expanded view of an exemplary webbing guide made of Fig. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] Relative orientations and directions (for example, upper, lower, bottom, rearward, front, rear, backside, outboard, inboard, inward, outward) are listed in this description not as a limitation, but as an aid to the reader when imagining at least one embodiment of the described structures.

[0005] Fig. Figure 1 shows a pivoting belt guide assembly 10, which is received and embedded in an upper region of a backrest 12 of a vehicle seat. The belt guide assembly 10 is anchored at its pivot point 14 to a seat frame (not shown), which provides a structural skeleton for the backrest 12. As described in more detail below, the pivot point 14 defines a pivot axis 46. The pivot point 14 connects a belt guide 16 to the backrest 12. The guide 16 is loop-shaped for receiving and retaining the seat belt webbing. The guide 16 can either be completely closed or it can have a slot to facilitate the passage of the webbing in and out of the guide 16. The belt guide assembly 10 shown is located on a first side of a separate headrest 18, but it is possible to integrate a non-adjustable headrest into the backrest 12.A seat cover 20, which in an exemplary embodiment consists of textile material or leather and lies over an upholstery material, is arranged above the frame to provide the visible section of the backrest 12. The pivot point 14 is at least partially concealed or enclosed by the seat cover 20.

[0006] Fig. Figure 2 shows the webbing guide assembly 10, which is pivoted into a position in which it accommodates a path of the seat belt webbing 22. The section of the webbing 22 shown comprises a shoulder strap section of a seat belt. The webbing 22 is part of a three-point restraint system, which in an exemplary embodiment alternatively comprises a lap belt section of the webbing 22 or alternatively a separate webbing section forming the seat belt. The webbing 22 in Fig. 2 extends over the shoulder of inmate 24.

[0007] Fig. Figure 3 shows the pivoting belt guide assembly 10 separate from the backrest 12. The pivot point 14 is connected to the belt guide 16 via a connecting link 26. The connecting link 26 holds the belt guide 16 at a point spaced from the pivot axis 46. The connecting link 26 can be rigidly attached to the guide 16 so that no relative movement is possible between one end of the connecting link 26 engaging with the guide 16 and the guide 16. As can be seen, a hinge connection is provided between the connecting link 26 and the guide 16. Although a hinge connection could be achieved in several ways, for example by having a U-shaped piece at the end of the guide receiving the connecting link 26 and a hinge pin passing through both, in Figure 3, a U-shaped piece is used. Fig. Figure 3 shows a different arrangement. The guide 16 has a receiving groove 28 that receives a guide end of the connecting member 26. A hinge pin 30 holds the guide end of the connecting member 26 in the groove 28. The groove 28 is defined by sides that are parallel to a plane defined by a region of the guide 16 with maximum area. The viewing direction in Fig. 3 is perpendicular to such a plane. The pin 30 is perpendicular to the sides of the notch 26, allowing the connecting member 26 to pivot about the pin 30 in the notch 28. The pin 30 passes through both the guide end of the connecting member 26 and the guide 16. The pivot direction is indicated by the guide pivot arrow 32.

[0008] The connecting element 26 could be a shaft guide 16 of fixed length at a fixed distance from the pivot point 14. The connecting element 26 shown is a telescopic rod of variable length. The connecting element 26 has a first cylinder 34 with a first diameter, which is slidably received in a second cylinder 36 with a larger diameter. An axial displacement direction of the band guide 16 with respect to the pivot point 14 is defined by a common connecting axis 38 of the cylinders 34 and 36. The relative telescopic displacement of the cylinder 34 and the cylinder 36 occurs along the connecting axis 38.

[0009] The pivot point 14 has a hemispherical lower housing 40 and a hemispherical upper rim 42 covering the housing 40, which together define a spherical cavity within it. A first portion of the rim lip 44 extends radially outward from the rim 42 and wraps downward, overlapping an upper section of the housing 40. The rim lip 44 defines a first pivot plane. The rim lip 44 prevents the ingress of dirt into the housing 40. The pivot axis 46 defined by the rim 42 in conjunction with the housing 40 is perpendicular to the pivot plane. The rim 42 is axially fixed to the housing 40. Although not shown, the housing 40 may have a radially outward extending flange, the flange being overlapped by the lip 44.The lip 44 is wound under the flange to allow rotation of the rim 42 about the axis 46 while maintaining a connection between the rim 42 and the housing 40, which resists separation of the rim 42 from the housing 40 in response to a force along an axis 46 in a direction which tends to separate the rim 42 from the housing 40.

[0010] In Fig. 4 is a spherical bearing 48 received by the housing 40 and the rim 42. Sufficient clearance exists between the bearing 48 and the cavity in the housing 40 and the rim 42 to allow the bearing 48 to rotate freely within it. The bearing 48 accommodates a pivot end of the connecting element 26, which is defined by the second cylinder 36. A channel or slot 50 in the rim 42 accommodates the second cylinder 36, which extends through the rim 42 and into the bearing 48. The rim 42, the bearing 48, and the connecting element 26 can rotate together as a unit about the axis 46. The sides of the slot 50 are parallel to a line defined by a plane that intersects the rim 42 and coincides with the pivot axis 46. The slot 50 accommodates a pivoting movement of the bearing 48 and the connecting element 26 in the direction of a bearing pivot arrow 52 with a range of approximately 45 degrees.The mounting 42 and the bearing 48 can rotate about the axis 46 in the direction of a mounting pivot arrow 54 relative to the housing 40. The band guide 16, the connecting link 26, and the bearing 48 are also rotatable about the connecting link axis 38 relative to the housing 40 and the mounting 42. Rotation of the bearing 48 about the pivot axis 46 could be achieved if the bearing 48 had an alternative shape, for example, if it were a cylinder or cone, provided that the section perpendicular to the axis had a circular shape and the cavity defined by the housing 40 and the mounting 42 had a complementary shape.

[0011] In Fig. Figure 5 shows the components that comprise the pivoting belt guide assembly 10, illustrated in more detail in an exploded view. The bearing 48 has a receiving opening 56 that accommodates the pivoting end of the connecting link 26, which is provided by the second cylinder 36. In the assembled guide assembly 10 shown, the connecting link 26 is attached to the bearing 48.

[0012] The opening 56 has a diameter that provides an interference fit between the pivot end of the connecting member and the bearing 48 to prevent relative movement between them. The use of an interference fit is exemplary. Alternative fastening structures could include a welded connection joining the connecting member 26 and the bearing 48, and a pin passing through both the connecting member 26 and the bearing 48.

[0013] An exemplary spring 58 is functionally arranged between the first cylinder 34 and the second cylinder 36 and pre-tensions the band guide 16 towards the pivot point 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 58 is a tension spring and comprises a loop or hook end at each end. A first loop at a first end of the spring 58 is arranged in the first cylinder 34. The first loop receives the pin 30. The pin 30 also passes through receiving openings in the guide 16 and in the first cylinder 34. The receiving openings in the guide 30 are located on opposite sides of the groove 28 and are axially aligned to receive the pin 30. The pin 30 has an interference fit with the receiving opening on at least one side of the guide 16. The pin 30 has a clearance fit with the pin receiving opening through the first cylinder 34.

[0014] The loop at the second end of the tension spring 58 is located in the second cylinder 36 and receives an anchoring pin 60. The anchoring pin 60 also passes through aligned receiving openings in the second cylinder 36. The press fit between the second cylinder 36 and the bearing 48 would hold the pin 60 in the cylinder 36. The anchoring pin 60 may have a press fit with at least one of the pin receiving openings through the second cylinder 36 to facilitate assembly, but a press fit is not required to provide the desired functionality. As discussed in the section on fastening the second cylinder 36 to the bearing 48, the connection between the bearing and the connecting member 26 may be facilitated by a pin instead of a press fit.One method for providing a pin connection is to provide an opening (not shown) that passes through the bearing 48 in alignment with and extending over the receiving opening 56. The pin 60 would be longer, long enough to engage the bearing 48 on both sides of the opening 56. The pin 60 would have an interference fit with the bearing 48 on at least one side of the opening 56.

[0015] Cylinders 34 and 36 are equipped with features that limit their relative axial displacement to prevent separation. Without this movement restriction, the band guide 16 could be displaced axially far enough along the connecting link axis 38 to disengage the first cylinder 34 from the second cylinder 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement restriction is provided by a combination of a radially outwardly extending first lip 62 on an outer diameter of the first cylinder 34 at an end distal to the openings for the hinge pin 30 and a radially inwardly extending second lip 64 on an inner diameter of the second cylinder 36 at an end distal to the openings for the anchoring pin 60.If no force is present in a direction that tends to move the tape guide 16 away from the pivot point 14, the spring 58 biases the first cylinder 34 into an unloaded position in which essentially the entire first cylinder 34 is located within the second cylinder 36. Naturally, the end of the second cylinder 36, which has the second lip 64, cannot move past the hinge pin 30. If the tape guide 16 is biased away from the pivot point 14 with sufficient force to overcome the resistance of the spring 58, the movement is limited by the engagement of the first lip 62 against the second lip 64. An alternative to providing lips 62 and 64 that completely delimit the cylinders 34 and 36 is to provide radially extending tabs on the cylinders 34 and 36 that only partially delimit them.In such an arrangement it may be necessary to restrict the relative rotation of the cylinders 34 and 36 about the connecting link axis 38.

[0016] The pivoting belt guide assembly 10 described above allows the belt guide 16 to rotate about the pivot bearing 48 in a variety of directions, to pivot the belt guide 16 relative to the connecting link 26 located between a pivot point and the belt guide, and to extend axially in the direction of the connecting link axis. The ability to move the belt guide 16 in this way allows the seat belt webbing 22 to exit the guide 16 and strike the occupant 24 at various angles, thus providing an improved seat belt fit for a wider range of occupant sizes. The webbing 22 can be guided away from the neck and over the shoulder by the guide assembly 10, ensuring proper belt positioning and preventing chafing on the neck. Various shapes and types of belt guides can be used.The illustrated embodiment uses a spring-loaded, telescopic, cylindrical connecting element 26, which allows the belt guide 16 to be drawn inwards towards the center of the seat when this is desired to accommodate smaller occupants. The spring 58 creates tension between the two cylinders, causing the belt guide 16 to be drawn outwards away from the center of the seat and backrest 12 when a more outboard position is preferred for larger occupants. The frame 42 is arranged above the housing 40 and covers the bearing 48, and it can also rotate around the housing 40, which in the illustrated embodiment is located below the seat cover 20.One advantage of the arrangement 10 shown is the ability to allow almost free or floating movement of the belt guide while adapting to different sizes of occupants, thus providing both safety and comfort for the occupant while maintaining structural integrity in the event of an impact.

[0017] An alternative embodiment of a belt guide arrangement, a rail belt guide arrangement 110, is described in Fig. Figure 7 shows the belt guide assembly 110, which is attached to a backrest 112 and comprises a rail base 114 and a belt guide 116. The belt guide 116 can be displaced relative to the base 114 in a first direction parallel to a housing axis 118. The belt guide 116 is not limited to the shape shown, but can have any shape suitable for receiving the seat belt webbing, provided it has a suitable sliding surface on a bottom or underside for engagement with the rail base 114.

[0018] The rail base 114 has a sliding housing 120 with a U-shaped channel 130, which is closed at its ends by rail end caps 128. The housing 120 provides sliding platforms 136 into which the sliding surfaces of the belt guide 116 engage.

[0019] The arrangement 110 is received and embedded in an upper region of a backrest 112 of a vehicle seat. The belt guide arrangement 110 is fixedly anchored to the seat frame (not shown) at its sliding housing 120. The seat cover 122 covers the seat frame. The belt guide 116 has a predetermined amount of displacement along the housing axis 118. The belt guide 116 is pre-tensioned by a pre-tension spring 144 in a first position distal to a seat center.

[0020] In Fig. Figure 8 shows the belt guide 116 in an outboard arrangement, with a belt 124 held distal to a center of the seat to accommodate a larger occupant 126. Fig. Figure 9 shows the belt guide 116 in an inboard arrangement, with one belt 124 held more proximal to the center of the seat to accommodate a smaller occupant 127.

[0021] In Fig.Figure 10 shows components comprising the illustrated belt guide arrangement 110 in more detail. The housing 120 has an axially extending U-shaped channel 130 and is essentially defined by it. The channel 130 is framed in a top view by a pair of opposing sliding platforms 136. The sliding platforms 136 of the illustrated housing are extensions of the first flanges, which extend outward from the channel 130, fold upward, and then bend inward to form the platforms 136. The sliding platforms 136 and the underlying flanges define a pair of plane-parallel lateral grooves 132. The lateral grooves 132 are sized to accommodate a guide plate 137. In the illustrated embodiment, axially extending slide rails 134 are provided alongside the bottom of an inner surface of the channel 130.The channel 130 and the grooves 132 can each be characterized as guiding means.

[0022] A sliding piece 138, which in the illustrated embodiment is spherical, is arranged in the bottom of the channel 130 in sliding engagement with the guide rails 134. The sliding piece 138 has two pins extending from it. A first pin 140 extends upwards in engagement with the guide plate 137. A lifting spring 146, shown, is arranged above the first pin 140 and provides a preload that tends to separate the sliding piece 138 from the guide plate 137. A second pin 142 extends parallel to the axis 118 and is directed towards a first of the end caps 128. The preload spring 144 is arranged between the first of the end caps 128 and the sliding piece 138. The spring 144 shown is a compression coil spring and has an inner diameter of a size that allows the second pin 142 to be accommodated.

[0023] The guide plate 137 is slidably arranged in lateral grooves 132 for movement in the direction of the axis 118. The guide plate 137 is shorter than the housing 120. The available axial range of motion of the belt guide 116 with respect to the housing 120 and the seat frame is no more than the length of the housing 120 minus the length of the guide plate 137. The guide plate 137 has an opening 148 that receives the first pin 140. If the plate 137 is to be held at a fixed distance with respect to a mating surface of the sliding piece 138, the opening 148 can be sized to provide an interference fit with the first pin 140. An alternative means of providing engagement between the plate 137 and the sliding piece 138 is to provide a threaded connection between the plate 137 and the first pin 140.In the embodiment shown, the spring 142 is provided in an alternative configuration to maintain a substantially constant force that biases the sliding piece 138 away from the plate 137. This is achieved by a clearance fit between the first pin 140 and the opening 148.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the tape guide 116 is attached to the sliding piece 138 by the first pin 140. The connection between the first pin 140 and the tape guide 116 can take several forms. One possible form is the provision of an opening in a bottom or lower side of the tape guide 116, which receives the first pin 140 in an interference fit. An interference fit resists rotation of the tape guide 116 relative to the housing 120. Alternatively, the first pin 140 has a detent ring arranged in a circumferential groove at one end of the first pin 140 distal to the sliding piece 138, and the opening in the tape guide 116 provides a clearance fit with the first pin. The opening in the tape guide 116 further has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter above the sliding surface, thus allowing the detent ring to extend into a cavity in the guide 116.When the locking ring has expanded, the tape guide 116 is pivotably held on the sliding block housing 120. Alternatively, the tape guide 116 can be equipped with a projection below the center of its sliding surface, the projection extending along the length of the tape guide 116 to prevent pivoting. A cross-section of the tape guide with the described projection has a T-shape. The projection extends into a gap in the housing 120 between the sliding platforms 136. A groove is formed in the end caps, its shape complementary to the projection, allowing one end of the tape guide 116 to slide past the end caps 128. The axial movement of the tape guide 116 relative to the housing 120 is still limited by the engagement of the guide plate 137 with the end caps 128.

[0025] The rail-guided belt assembly 110 described above allows the belt guide 116 to be laterally displaced relative to the backrest. Optionally, the belt guide 116 can pivot about a pivot axis established by a relationship between the first pin 140 and the opening 148. The ability to displace the belt guide 116 in this way allows the seat belt webbing 124 to exit the guide 116 and strike occupants 126 and 127 at various angles and lateral positions, thus providing an improved seat belt fit for a wider variety of occupant sizes and shapes. The belt webbing 124 is guided away from the neck and over the shoulder by the guide assembly 110, ensuring proper belt routing and preventing chafing on the neck. Various shapes and types of belt guides can be used.The illustrated embodiment uses a spring-loaded sliding block 138 that biases the belt guide 116 away from the center of the seat, but allows the guide 116 to be drawn inward toward the center of the seat when desired to accommodate smaller occupants. The spring 144 generates a bias force between the housing 120 and the sliding block 138, causing the belt guide 116 to be drawn outward away from the center of the seat and backrest 112 when a more outward-facing position is preferred for larger occupants. The guide plate 137 is moved into the side grooves 132. The illustrated arrangement 110 advantageously allows for almost free or floating movement of the belt guide to accommodate different occupant sizes, thus providing both safety and comfort for the occupant while maintaining structural integrity in the event of an impact.

[0026] Other possible variations of the band guide arrangement 110 include a version without a sliding piece. For example, the guide plate 137 could be provided with a spring engagement tab extending under a lower surface of the plate 137. The spring 144 is then positioned between the tab and the first of the end caps 128. The housing 120 would have a much smaller channel 130, providing just a clearance fit sized to retain the spring 144 and prevent it from bending during compression.

Claims

[1] Seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) designed for attachment to a backrest (12), comprising: a strap guide (16) in the form of a loop; a pivot point (14) designed for attachment to a backrest (12) and a first pivot axis (46) is defined; a connecting element (26) that is arranged between the belt guide (16) and the pivot point (14) and connects them at a position where the belt guide (16) is spaced away from the first pivot axis (46); wherein the pivot point (14) has a first pivot part and a second pivot part, wherein the second pivot part is rotatable about the pivot axis (46) with respect to the first pivot part and the connecting member (26) is attached to the second pivot part for rotation about the axis, wherein the connecting member (26) comprises a first connecting member part and a second connecting member part, wherein the second connecting member part is in sliding engagement with the first connecting member part. [2] Seat belt guide assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member (26) comprises a spring (58) which pre-tensions the first connecting member part with respect to the second connecting member part. [3] Seat belt strap guide arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member (26) is connected to the strap guide (16) by a pin (30) which has a clearance fit with the strap guide (16) or the connecting member (26), wherein a hinge is formed between the connecting member (26) and the strap guide (16). [4] Seat belt guide assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pivot point (14) comprises: a housing (40) having a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (46) and defining the pivot axis (46); a frame (42) which is arranged over an opening of the housing (40) and defines a cavity in between; a bearing (48) arranged in the housing (40) with a clearance fit with respect to the cavity between the enclosing (42) and the housing (40); and wherein the connecting element (26) passes through an opening in the frame (42) and for rotation with the bearing (48) about the pivot axis (46) is attached to the bearing (48). [5] Seat belt guide assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the cavity defined by the housing (40) and the enclosing (42) together define the cavity between them as a spherical shape and the bearing (48) is spherical; the opening through the frame (42) is a slot with sides that are spaced apart from each other to allow movement of the connecting element (26) and are parallel to a line defined by a plane that intersects the frame (42) and coincides with the pivot axis (46). [6] Seat belt strap guide assembly (10) designed for attachment to a backrest (12), comprising: a strap guide (16) in the form of a loop; a fastening which is arranged between the belt guide (16) and the backrest (12) and connects them, wherein the fastening has a first fastening part and a second fastening part; wherein the first fastening part is designed to be attached to the backrest (12) and defines a sliding axis; wherein the second fastening part is arranged to slide in at least one section of the first fastening part or is slidably received by it; wherein the belt guide (16) is connected to the second fastening part for movement; a spring (58) arranged between the first fastening part and the second fastening part, wherein the spring (58) biases the first fastening part with respect to the second fastening part, wherein the first fastening part is defined by a pivot point (14) designed for attachment to a backrest (12), wherein the pivot point (14) defines a first pivot axis (46) and a first connecting part (36) of a connecting part (26) defines the sliding axis and the second fastening part is defined by a second connecting element part (34) of the connecting element (26), which is in sliding engagement with the first connecting element part (36) and is coaxial with the first connecting element part (36) and is connected at one end to the band guide (16). [7] Seat belt guide arrangement (10) according to claim 6, wherein the connecting member (26) comprises a spring (58) which pre-tensions the first connecting member part (36) with respect to the second connecting member part (34). [8] Seat belt strap guide arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein the second connecting element part (34) is connected to the strap guide (16) by a pin (30) which has a clearance fit with the strap guide (16) or the second connecting element part (34), whereby the connecting element (26) and the strap guide (16) are pivotably connected. [9] Seat belt guide assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the pivot point (14) comprises: a housing (40) having a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (46) and defining the pivot axis (46); a frame (42) which is arranged above the opening of the housing (40) and defines a cavity between them; a bearing (48) arranged in the housing (40) with a clearance fit with respect to the cavity between the enclosing (42) and the housing (40); and wherein the connecting element (26) passes through an opening in the frame (42) and for rotation with the bearing (48) about the pivot axis (46) is attached to the bearing (48). [10] Seat belt guide assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the cavity defined by the housing (40) and the enclosing (42) together define the cavity between them as a spherical shape and the bearing (48) is spherical; the opening through the enclosing (42) is a slot with sides spaced apart from each other to allow movement of the connecting member (26) and parallel to a line defined by a plane that intersects the enclosing (42) and coincides with the pivot axis (46). [11] Seat belt webbing guide assembly (10) designed for attachment to a backrest (12), comprising: a strap guide (16) in the form of a loop; a pivot point (14) designed for attachment to a backrest (12) and a first pivot axis (46) is defined and wherein the pivot point (14) has a first pivot part and a second pivot part, wherein the second pivot part is rotatable about the pivot axis (46) with respect to the first pivot part; a connecting element (26) arranged between the belt guide (16) and the pivot point (14) and connecting them, wherein the connecting element (26) holds the belt guide (16) at a position spaced apart from the first pivot axis (46) and the connecting element (26) has a first connecting element part attached to the second pivot point part and a second connecting element part connected to the belt guide (16) for movement therewith, and wherein the second connecting element part is slidably connected to the first connecting element part along a first sliding axis with respect to the first connecting element part; and a spring (58) which is arranged between the first connecting element part and the second connecting element part and which preloads the first connecting element part with respect to the second connecting element part. [12] Seat belt strap guide arrangement (10) according to claim 11, wherein the connecting member (26) is connected to the strap guide (16) by a pin (30) which has a clearance fit with the strap guide (16) or the connecting member (26), wherein a hinge is formed between the connecting member (26) and the strap guide (16). [13] Seat belt guide assembly (10) according to claim 11, wherein the pivot point (14) comprises: a housing (40) having a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (46) and defining the pivot axis (46); a frame (42) which is arranged over an opening of the housing (40) and defines a cavity in between; a bearing (48) arranged in the housing (40) with a clearance fit with respect to the cavity between the enclosing (42) and the housing (40); and wherein the connecting element (26) passes through an opening in the frame (42) and for rotation with the bearing (48) about the pivot axis (46) is attached to the bearing (48). [14] Seat belt guide assembly (10) according to claim 13, wherein the cavity defined by the housing (40) and the enclosing (42) together define the cavity between them in a spherical shape and the bearing (48) is spherical; the opening through the enclosing (42) is a slot with sides spaced apart from each other to allow movement of the connecting member (26) and parallel to a line defined by a plane that intersects the enclosing (42) and coincides with the pivot axis (46).

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