UPPER BODY SAFETY BELT SYSTEM

Abstract

A seat comprises a seat base with a first and second side panel and a backrest with a first and second side panel. The backrest is pivotable between an upright and a deeply reclined configuration. A torso harness system is attached to the seat system. The torso harness system includes a retractor mechanism located adjacent to either the seat base or the backrest. A portion of the flexible webbing comprises a first end, which is anchored to the retractor mechanism, and a second end. An optional anchor point can be connected to the second end of the flexible webbing. The optional anchor point is optionally positioned in a first position on the seat base when the backrest is in the upright seating configuration, and in a second position on the backrest when the backrest is in the deeply reclined seating configuration.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle restraint systems and, more particularly, to an upper body safety belt system for a vehicle.

[0002] Many passenger cars, particularly those manufactured after 1968, are equipped with passenger restraint systems. Initially, the vehicles were equipped with lap belts. In some cases, an additional, separate shoulder belt may also have been provided. The use of lap belts was shown to reduce deceleration injuries. As vehicle seating systems evolved, improvements in restraint systems were also introduced. A combined lap and shoulder belt was developed and installed in vehicles. The combined seat belt further reduced deceleration injuries.

[0003] In addition to passive restraint systems such as lap and shoulder belts, supplemental restraint systems such as airbags have been introduced to further enhance the safety of seated passengers. Airbags inflate rapidly when they sense, for example, a sudden deceleration. Airbags prevent interactions between passengers and vehicle surfaces. While passive and supplemental restraint systems have been proven effective in protecting seated passengers, they are currently ineffective for reclined passengers. Thus, there remains a need to protect passengers who may be in a reclined position. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system that can adjust restraint configurations not only for upright passengers but also for passengers in a highly reclined or sleeping position. SUMMARY

[0004] A seating system for a vehicle, according to one non-limiting example, includes a seat base having a seating surface having first and second sides, and a backrest connected to the seat base. The backrest has a support surface having first and second side portions. The backrest is pivotable between an upright and a highly reclined seating configuration. An upper body harness system is disposed on the seat system. The upper body harness system includes a retractor mechanism mounted adjacent to one of the seat base and the backrest. The retractor mechanism includes a spool and a first connector that is fixedly mountable within a vehicle. A portion of flexible webbing has a first end anchored to the spool and a second end. A selectable anchor is connectable to the second end of the portion of flexible webbing.The selectable anchor is selectively arranged in a first position on the seat base when the backrest is in the upright seating configuration and in a second position on the backrest when the backrest is in the highly reclined seating configuration.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the selectable anchor is a sliding anchor, wherein the seating system includes a motor connected to the sliding anchor that is selectively activated to move the sliding anchor between the first and second positions.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a seat sensor is configured to detect the position of the backrest.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a guide rail comprises a first end portion disposed on the first or second side and a second end portion disposed on the corresponding first or second side part, wherein the displaceable anchorage is selectively displaceable along the guide rail between the first and second end portions.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a controller is operatively connected to the motor and the seat sensor, the controller operating the motor to translate the slidable anchor between the first and second end portions of the guide track as the seat back pivots between the first and second positions.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the seat includes a frame having a first frame portion provided on the seat base and a second frame portion provided on the backrest, wherein the guide rail is attached between the first and second frame portions.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second end of the flexible webbing includes a buckle and the selectable anchor includes a buckle receiver selectively connected to the buckle.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the selectable anchorage includes a belt pretensioner.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the selectable anchor includes a first anchor disposed on the first side of the seat base and a second anchor disposed on the first side portion of the backrest.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a first buckle receiver is disposed on the second side of the seat base and a second buckle receiver is disposed on the second side portion of the backrest, wherein the second end of the flexible webbing includes a buckle connected to the first buckle receiver when the backrest is in the upright seating configuration and connected to the second buckle receiver when the backrest is in the highly reclined seating configuration.

[0014] According to one non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body partially defining a passenger compartment and a seat disposed within the passenger compartment. The seat includes a seat base having a seating surface having first and second sides, and a backrest connected to the seat base. The backrest has a support surface having first and second side portions. The backrest is pivotable between an upright and a highly reclined seating configuration. An upper body harness system is disposed on the seat. The upper body harness system includes a retractor mechanism mounted adjacent to one of the seat base and the backrest. The retractor mechanism includes a spool and a first connector that is fixedly mountable within a vehicle. A portion of flexible webbing has a first end anchored to the spool and a second end.A selectable anchor is connectable to the second end of the section of flexible webbing. The selectable anchor is selectively positioned in a first position on the seat base when the backrest is in the upright seating configuration and in a second position on the backrest when the backrest is in the fully reclined seating configuration.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the selectable anchor is a sliding anchor, wherein the seating system includes a motor connected to the sliding anchor that is selectively activated to move the sliding anchor between the first and second positions.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a seat sensor is configured to detect the position of the backrest.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a guide rail comprises a first end portion disposed on the first or second side and a second end portion disposed on the corresponding first or second side part, wherein the displaceable anchor is selectively displaceable along the guide rail between the first and second end portions.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a controller is operatively connected to the motor and the seat sensor, the controller operating the motor to translate the slidable anchor between the first and second end portions of the guide track as the seat back pivots between the first and second positions.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the seat includes a frame having a first frame portion provided on the seat base and a second frame portion provided on the backrest, wherein the guide rail is attached between the first and second frame portions.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second end of the flexible webbing includes a buckle and the selectable anchor includes a buckle receiver selectively connected to the buckle.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the selectable anchorage includes a belt pretensioner.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the selectable anchor includes a first anchor disposed on the first side of the seat base and a second anchor disposed on the first side portion of the backrest.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a first buckle receiver is disposed on the second side of the seat base and a second buckle receiver is disposed on the second side portion of the backrest, wherein the second end of the flexible webbing includes a buckle connected to the first buckle receiver when the backrest is in the upright seating configuration and connected to the second buckle receiver when the backrest is in the highly reclined seating configuration.

[0024] The above-described features and advantages and other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features, advantages and details appear only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings; they show: Fig. 1 is a left side view of a vehicle having an upper body safety belt system according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 2 is a left side view of a seated passenger restrained by the upper body safety belt system arranged in a first configuration according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 3 a left side view of the seated passenger Fig. 2 with the upper body safety belt system according to a non-limiting example in a second configuration; Fig. 4 a front view of the seated passenger Fig. 2 according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 5 a front view of the seated passenger from Fig. 3 according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 6 is a left side view of a pretensioner of the upper body safety belt system according to a non-limiting example in the first configuration; Fig. 7 is a left side view of the belt pretensioner according to a non-limiting example in the second configuration; Fig. 8 is a front view of a seating system including a seat base, a backrest, and an upper body harness system according to another non-limiting example; and Fig. 9 a partial view of the backrest from Fig. 8 according to a non-limiting example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding portions and features. As used herein, the term module refers to processing circuitry that may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) with memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0027] A vehicle according to a non-limiting example is in Fig. 1 is generally designated 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported by a plurality of wheels 16. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 having a plurality of structural members 24. The structural members 24 include an "A" pillar 26, a "B" pillar 28, and a "C" pillar 30. Other structural members (not separately designated) are also provided. Structural members 24 extend between a passenger compartment floor 32 and a roof 33. Disposed within the passenger compartment 20 is a plurality of seats, one of which is designated 34. The seats 34 may include outboard seats (e.g., seats disposed adjacent a door) and center seats (e.g., seats disposed between the outboard seats).

[0028] According to a report published in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the seat 34 comprises a seat base 38 having a base frame 40 and a backrest 42 having a back frame 44 and a headrest 46. The backrest 42 is pivotally connected to the seat base 38 via a hinge 47. The seat base 38 comprises a seat surface 48 having a first side 50 and a second side 52 ( Fig. 4), which is arranged opposite the first side 50. The backrest 42 comprises a support surface 56 with a first side part 58 and a second side part 60 ( Fig. 4). As explained in detail here, the backrest 42 can be adjusted between an upright position ( Fig. 2) and a strongly reclined position ( Fig. 3). It should be noted at this point that the term "highly reclined position 4" describes a condition in which the backrest 42 is tilted more than 35° from the vertical and the seat base 38 can tilt upwards more than 20° from the horizontal.

[0029] By way of non-limiting example, the vehicle 10 includes an upper body harness system 64 disposed on the seat 34. As explained in more detail below, the upper body harness system 64 can accommodate users sitting on the seat 34 in either an upright or a highly reclined position. The upper body harness system 64 includes a retractor 66 disposed on the seatback 42. The retractor 66 can be mounted in various locations within the passenger compartment 20 depending on the seating position. For example, the retractor 66 can be mounted on the "B" pillar 28 or the "C" pillar 30 for the outboard seats.

[0030] The retractor 66 includes a spool 68 that is spring-biased. The spool 68 also includes a locking device (not shown). The retractor 66 includes a first connector 70 that defines a first anchor 73 of the torso belt system 64. A first selectable anchor 75 is attached to the first side 50 of the seat base 38 and is movable to and from the first side portion 58 of the seatback 42, as described in more detail herein. A webbing guide 76 may be attached to an upper portion (not separately labeled) of the seatback 42. In outboard rear seat configurations, the webbing guide 76 may be connected, for example, to the "C" pillar 30. It should be understood that the term "selectable anchor" describes an anchor that has a selectable anchor point.

[0031] A flexible webbing 78 is provided on the spool 68. The flexible webbing 78 includes a first end 80 fixedly connected to the retractor 66, a second end 82 coupled to the first selectable anchor 75, and an intermediate portion 84. The intermediate portion 84 includes a buckle 87 ( Fig. 4) connected to a second selectable anchor 88 disposed on the second side 52 of the seat base 38. The second selectable anchor 88 may take the form of a buckle receiver 86 connected to the buckle 87. The intermediate portion 84 may be routed through the buckle 87. In one non-limiting example, the flexible webbing 78 includes a shoulder belt portion 90 extending from the retractor 66 to the second selectable anchor 88 and a lap / torso belt portion 92 extending between the first selectable anchor 75 and the second selectable anchor 88.

[0032] As described in more detail herein, the first selectable anchor 75 and the second selectable anchor 88 are movable between a first position in which the lap belt portion 90 extends over the lap of a passenger ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 4), and a second position in which the lap belt section 90 extends over the upper body of the passenger ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 5). The first selectable anchor 75 is displaced along a guide rail 94 mounted in the vehicle 10. The second selectable anchor 88 may have a similar guide rail (not shown). The guide rail 94 is attached to a first side 50 of the seat base 38 and a first side portion 58 of the backrest 42.

[0033] In one non-limiting example, the guide track 94 is mounted between the base frame 40 and the back frame 44. Of course, the guide track 94 may also be mounted between the passenger compartment floor 32 and the "B" pillar 28 or directly to the "B" pillar 28. The guide track 94 includes a first end portion 96 disposed on the base frame 40, a second end portion 98 disposed on the back frame 44, and an intermediate portion 100. As will be explained in more detail below, the first selectable anchor 75 is translated between the first end portion 96 and the second end portion 98 along the intermediate portion 100 as the backrest 42 pivots between the upright configuration and the highly reclined configuration.In this manner, the lap belt portion 90 is placed across the occupant's lap in the upright configuration and across the occupant's torso in the highly reclined configuration to better restrain an occupant in a reclined position during sudden deceleration events.

[0034] In one non-limiting example, the first selectable anchorage 75 may be connected to a seat belt pretensioner 104 as shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The pretensioner 104 includes the first selectable anchor 75. The member 106 is connected to the second end 82 of the flexible webbing 78. The member 106 is also connected to a tether 108 that is selectively retracted by the pretensioner 104 and can create pretension on the second end 82 of the flexible webbing 78 upon the onset of a sudden deceleration. The pretensioner 104 can cooperate with the retractor 66 to limit occupant deflection in the event of a sudden deceleration of the vehicle 10.

[0035] In a non-limiting example, set out in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, the first selectable anchor 75 is connected to a motor 110. The motor 110 translates the selectable anchor 75 along the guide rail 94 between the first end portion 96 and the second end portion 98 depending on the angle of the backrest 42. A seat sensor 112 is connected to the backrest 42. The seat sensor 112 detects the angle of the backrest 42 in real time. In one non-limiting example, the vehicle 10 includes a controller 130 connected to the motor 110 and the seat sensor 112, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 2 and Fig. 6. The controller 130 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 132, a non-volatile memory 136, and an anchoring control module 139.

[0036] When activated, the controller 130 receives position signals from the seat sensor 112 related to changes in the seatback angle. The controller 130 signals the anchor control module 139 to activate the motor 110 and translate the first selectable anchor 75 along guide rail 94. In one non-limiting example, the controller 130 may be selected to operate autonomously, meaning the anchor control module 139 translates the first selectable anchor 75 without specific input based on the sensed seat position. In another non-limiting example, an actuator 144 may be manually actuated to translate the first selectable anchor 75. Additionally, a user may store preset positions of the lap belt portion in the non-volatile memory 136 that are specific to the user's upper body geometry.At this point, it should be noted that the controller 130 can also be connected to the second selectable anchor 88.

[0037] In a non-limiting example, set out in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the position of the upper body harness system 64 can be selected manually.

[0038] In addition to the first selectable anchor 75 and the second selectable anchor 88, the upper body harness system 64 includes a webbing guide member 200 attached to the first side panel 58 of the backrest 42 and a second buckle receiver 210 attached to the second side panel 60 of the backrest 42. In the upright position, the lap belt portion 90 of the flexible webbing 78 extends between the selectable anchor 75 and the buckle receiver 87.

[0039] In the highly reclined position, the lap belt portion 90 can be rerouted. That is, the buckle 85 can be detached from the second selectable anchor 88 and connected to the second buckle receiver 210, and the intermediate portion 84 can be routed through the webbing guide member 200, effectively displacing the first selectable anchor 75 upward along the seatback 42. Alternatively, the webbing guide member 200 can be replaced with another selectable anchor (not shown), and the first selectable anchor 75 can be detached and then reconnected to the second selectable anchor position.It should be noted that instead of the second buckle receiver 210, an additional webbing guide (not shown) may be arranged on the second side member 60 of the seatback 42, allowing the lap belt portion to be easily manually shifted upward and redirected to extend over the upper torso of an occupant. Furthermore, although shown in conjunction with an outboard seat, the upper torso belt system may also be used in conjunction with mid-seat seating positions.

[0040] It should be noted that the non-limiting examples described here illustrate a system for adjusting the lap belt position based on the seatback angle to better restrain reclined occupants. This means that the system adapts the position of the lap belt to a reclined or highly reclined passenger. A lap belt may be less effective for a passenger in such a position. Moving the lap belt upward toward the occupant's torso will better restrain reclined occupants.

[0041] The terms "a" and "an" do not imply a limitation of number, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced elements. The term "or" means "and / or" unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. A reference throughout the application text to "an aspect" means that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or property) described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in further aspects. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0042] When an element, such as a layer, film, region, or substrate, is referred to as "on" another element, it may be directly adjacent to the other element or may also have intervening elements present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly adjacent" to another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified herein, all examination standards shall be the most recent standard in force as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the examination standard appears.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0045] While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements without departing from the scope thereof. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

[1] Seating system for a vehicle comprising: a seat base having a seat surface having a first and a second side, and a backrest connected to the seat base, the backrest having a support surface with a first and a second side portion, and the backrest being pivotable between an upright seating configuration and a highly reclined seating configuration; and an upper body harness system arranged on the seating system, comprising: a retractor mechanism mounted adjacent to the seat base or backrest, the retractor mechanism comprising a spool and a first connector that can be fixedly mounted in a vehicle; a section of flexible webbing having a first end anchored to the spool and a second end; and a selectable anchor connectable to the second end of the flexible webbing, the selectable anchor being selectively disposed in a first position on the seat base when the backrest is in the upright seating configuration and in a second position on the backrest when the backrest is in the highly reclined seating configuration. [2] The seating system of claim 1, wherein the selectable anchor is a translatable anchor, the seating system including a motor connected to the translatable anchor that is selectively activated to translate the translatable anchor between the first and second positions. [3] The seating system of claim 2, further comprising a seat sensor configured to detect the position of the seat back. [4] The seating system of claim 3, further comprising a guide rail having a first end portion disposed on one of the first and second sides and a second end portion disposed on the corresponding first and second side members, wherein the slidable anchor is selectively slidable along the guide rail between the first and second end portions. [5] The seating system of claim 4, further comprising a controller operatively connected to the motor and the seat sensor, the controller operating the motor to translate the slidable anchor between the first and second end portions of the guide rail as the seat back pivots between the first and second positions. [6] A seat system according to claim 4, wherein the seat comprises a frame having a first frame portion provided on the seat base and a second frame portion provided on the backrest, the guide rail being fixed between the first and second frame portions. [7] The seat system of claim 1, wherein the second end of the flexible webbing comprises a buckle and the selectable anchor comprises a buckle receiver selectively connected to the buckle. [8] The seating system of claim 1, wherein the selectable anchor comprises a first anchor disposed on the first side of the seat base and a second anchor disposed on the first side portion of the backrest. [9] The seat system of claim 8, further comprising a first buckle receiver disposed on the second side of the seat base and a second buckle receiver disposed on the second side portion of the seat back, wherein the second end of the flexible webbing includes a buckle connected to the first buckle receiver when the seat back is in the upright seating configuration and connected to the second buckle receiver when the seat back is in the highly reclined seating configuration. [10] Vehicle that includes: a body that partly defines a passenger compartment; a seating system according to claim 1, arranged in the passenger compartment.

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