Seat belt guide and associated car seat

Abstract

For guiding a car seat safety belt strap (12), a guide piece (30) comprises a plate (34) and an elongated element (32). This elongated element (32) comprises: - a first end zone (32A) fixed to the plate (34); - a second end zone (32C) opposite the first end zone (32A) and having a free end (33); - a central zone (32B) connecting the first end zone (32A) and the second end zone (32C), the central zone (32B) having a rounded surface to allow partial winding of the safety belt strap (12) around the central zone (32B) and keeping the strap (12) away from the first and second end zones (32A, 32C). The guide piece (30) includes erasable means (40) for closing a passage (35) formed between said free end (33) and the plate (34). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Guide piece for a seat belt strap and associated automotive seat. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the installation of a seat belt in a vehicle.

[0002] It relates more particularly to a guide piece for a seat belt strap.

[0003] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the case of mounting the seat belt by means of a pretensioner.

[0004] It also relates to an automotive seat, intended to equip a motor vehicle. State of the art

[0005] A seat belt is generally fitted in a vehicle by attaching one end of the webbing to the floor of the vehicle, in a region which allows the webbing, when tensioned by the retractor, to assume a suitable position to restrain the occupant of the vehicle.

[0006] However, this conventional solution offers little flexibility regarding the area where the end of the strap can be attached to the floor, which can prove problematic in certain situations. Presentation of the invention

[0007] In this context, the present invention proposes a guide piece for a car seat safety belt strap, said guide piece comprising a plate and an elongated element, said elongated element comprising: - a first end zone fixed to the plate; - a second end zone opposite to the first end zone and having a free end; - a central zone connecting the first end zone and the second end zone, the central zone having a rounded surface to allow partial winding of the seat belt strap around the central zone and keeping the strap away from the first and second end zones, said guide piece including erasable means for closing a passage formed between said free end and the plate.

[0008] Thanks to the redirection of the strap made possible by this partial winding, the orientation of the strap between its attachment point and the guide piece, and the orientation of the strap The guide piece towards the occupant can be separate, which gives more flexibility in implanting the fixing point.

[0009] As will be shown in the embodiment described later, this allows, in particular, for the end of the strap to be fixed by means of a pretensioner with some flexibility in the pretensioner's placement. Such a pretensioner can thus be installed outside the area where the controls for the position of the car seat are generally located and where the available space is very limited (the controls must be easily accessible to the user).

[0010] For mounting the safety belt in the vehicle, the strap can be inserted into a space located between the plate and the elongated element by erasing the erasable closing means, and then positioned at the level of the central area.

[0011] The erasable closure means, on the other hand, prevent the strap from being unintentionally pulled out of this space.

[0012] Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the guide piece according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: - the erasable closing means include a spring mounted movable on the plate and positioned in tension against the elongated element; - the guide piece includes two protruding lugs from the plate; - the spring is mounted on an axle connecting the two ears; - the elongated element presents a contact surface with a part of the spring; - said contact surface having a shape complementary to said part of the spring; - the elongated element has, at the level of the central area, a concavity facing towards the plate (the elongated element being for example curved at the level of the central area so as to have a concavity facing towards the plate); - the elongated element is a metal wire; - the metal wire has a diameter greater than or equal to 10 mm; - one end of the belt strap has a connecting attachment to a pretensioner.

[0013] The invention also proposes an automotive seat comprising a guide piece as mentioned above and a movable slide designed to cooperate with a rail fixedly mounted in the vehicle, in which said guide piece is mounted on the movable slide.

[0014] The car seat may include a housing having a recessed portion for the passage of the seat belt strap and / or forming a cover to cover an end portion of the seat belt strap (preferably a portion located between the aforementioned end and the portion of the seat belt webbing partially wrapped around the central area).

[0015] Of course, the various features, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0016] The following description with regard to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0017] On the attached drawings:

[0018] [Fig-1] is a diagram illustrating the positioning of a seat belt in a vehicle;

[0019] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a strap of this safety belt partially wound around a guide piece according to the invention;

[0020] [Fig.3] is a side view also showing the strap partially wrapped around of the guide piece;

[0021] [Fig.4] represents a first conceivable embodiment for a contact between a spring and an elongated element of the guide piece; and

[0022] [Fig.5] represents a second conceivable embodiment for this same contact.

[0023] An example of the installation of a seat belt in a vehicle according to the invention is now described. This vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle, but could alternatively be another type of vehicle in which a seat belt is used.

[0024] In the rest of the description:

[0025] - the adjective "longitudinal" shall apply to a direction or axis oriented from the front towards the rear of the vehicle, parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle when the steering wheel is in the neutral position;

[0026] - the adjective "transverse" shall apply to an oriented direction or axis orthogonally to the longitudinal axes and horizontally when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal road;

[0027] - the adjective "vertical" shall apply to a direction or axis oriented vertically when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal road.

[0028] In [Fig. 1], the positioning of such a safety belt between a seat 2 of the vehicle (here a car seat) and a middle pillar 4 of the vehicle is shown when the safety belt is in use, i.e. when a loop (not shown) of the safety belt is attached at the level of a loop strand (attached to the vehicle) in order to restrain an occupant (driver or passenger) of the vehicle in the aforementioned seat.

[0029] The seat 2 includes in particular a side cover 20 which forms an outer wall of the seat 2. When the door of the vehicle allowing access to the seat 2 is closed, this side cover 20 faces this door.

[0030] The seat 2 is mounted on a movable slide 6 relative to a rail 8 fixed relative to the vehicle floor. This movable slide 6 includes, in particular, an upper wall 62, here in the form of a plate extending in a horizontal plane.

[0031] The seat 2 includes control elements 22, mounted here at the level of the housing 20. These control elements 22 allow the raising of the car seat to be controlled.

[0032] The seat 2 also includes means (not shown, for example a rocker arm) for releasing the translational movement of the movable slide 6 relative to the rail 8 when these means are actuated by the user, so as to allow adjustment of the position of the seat 2 in the longitudinal direction (the movable slide 6 being, conversely, immobilized relative to the rail 8 when these means are at rest, i.e., when said means are not actuated by the user). Alternatively, a control element may be provided that is capable of controlling a motor causing a relative displacement of the seat 2 - movable slide 6 assembly relative to the rail 8 (and consequently to the vehicle floor).

[0033] The seat belt 10 comprises a strap 12 attached at both ends in the vehicle. As shown in [Fig. 1], the strap 12 winds at one end by means of a retractor 14 housed at the center pillar 4 and passes through a guide piece 16 (attached to an upper part of the center pillar 4). Thus, the strap 12 can be moved between a first position (rest position) where this strap 12 extends mainly vertically between a guide piece 30 (described later) and the guide piece 16, and a second position (use position) where the strap 12 is deployed so as to restrain the occupant in the seat 2 and therefore extends from the guide piece 16 to the loop attached to the associated loop strap, and then from the loop to the end of the strap 12 opposite the retractor 14, via the guide piece 30.

[0034] On the portion of the strap located between the buckle and the end of the strap 12 opposite the winder, the strap 12 is partially wound on the guide piece 30, precisely around an elongated element 32 of this guide piece 30.

[0035] We can therefore define several portions on the strap 12:

[0036] - a first portion 12A which extends (here in a horizontal direction) between one end of strap 12 and the partially wound section of strap 12 around the elongated element 32 of the guide piece 30 (the first portion 12A thus forming an end portion);

[0037] - a second portion 12B which extends between this part of strap 12 partially wrapped around the elongated element 32 and the buckle of the seat belt 10;

[0038] - a third portion 12C which extends from the seat belt buckle 10 to the reference piece 16;

[0039] - a fourth portion 12D which extends from the connecting piece 16 to a second end of strap 12 attached within winder 14.

[0040] In the example described, the first end of the strap 12 is attached to the vehicle by means of a pretensioner 15. Specifically, the first end of the strap 12 has a fastener 11 for connecting to the pretensioner 15. The pretensioner 15 can, for example, be mounted between the first end of the strap 12 and a part (not shown) integral with the movable slide 6. The pretensioner 15 can thus be located at the front of the guide piece 30 (in the usual direction of travel of the vehicle), which prevents the pretensioner 15 from interfering with the control elements 22.

[0041] Such a pretensioner 15 makes it possible to tighten the strap 12 (by movement of the attachment 11 to the left in [Fig.3], i.e. a movement of the first end of the strap 12) when a shock is detected in order to ensure that the occupant's torso is held against the seat back 2, and then quickly to release the strap 12 so as not to oppress the occupant.

[0042] Alternatively, the first end of the strap 12 could be attached directly (without a pretensioner) to the seat 2 (for example to a part integral with the movable slide 6) or to a part of the passenger compartment.

[0043] As can be clearly seen in figures 2 and 3, the housing 20 has a hollowed part 24 for the passage of the strap 12 (in particular the second portion 12B of the strap 12) and forms on the other hand a cover 26 to cover (at least in part) the first portion 12A of the strap 12 and, here, the pretensioner 15.

[0044] The guide piece 30 includes in particular a plate 34 and the elongated element 32 already mentioned.

[0045] The plate 34 is here fixed (for example welded or, alternatively, screwed) onto the movable slide 6. Specifically, the plate 34 is here fixed (welded or screwed) onto the upper wall 62 of the movable slide 6.

[0046] The guide piece 30 comprises two lugs 36 projecting from the plate 34 and extending opposite each other. In the example described here, the plate 34 and the two lugs 36 are made of a single piece, for example of steel.

[0047] In the example described, as clearly visible in [Fig.3], the two ears 36 are located at the respective ends (rear in the usual direction of advance of the vehicle) of two lateral (longitudinal) edges of the plate 34.

[0048] An axis 38 (whose role is detailed later) is mounted between the two ears 36.

[0049] The elongated element 32 is made here by a metal wire, for example a steel wire. In order to have sufficient rigidity so as not to deform despite the stresses applied by the strap 12 (partially wrapped around the wire 32), the diameter of the wire is preferably greater than or equal to 10 mm.

[0050] Thus, the elongated element 32 here has a constant cross-section (generally rounded in shape, for example circular or oval) and extends in its length along a left-hand curve as seen in Figures 1 and 2.

[0051] The elongated element 32 comprises three zones defined along its longitudinal extension as follows:

[0052] - a first end zone 32A fixed (here welded) to the plate 34;

[0053] - a second end zone 32C opposite the first end zone 32A and presenting a free end 33;

[0054] - a central zone 32B connecting the first end zone 32A and the second end 32C.

[0055] The central zone 32B has a rounded surface (formed here by the outer surface of the wire 32) to allow the strap to be partially wound around this central zone 32B as well as keeping the strap away from the first and second end zones 32A, 32C in use, i.e. when the strap 12 is partially wound around the central zone 32B.

[0056] The first end zone 32A extends (along the length of the elongated element 32) along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (or, in other words, along the direction of translation of the sliding rail 6 relative to the rail 8), which facilitates its attachment (here by welding) to the plate 34 (attached, as already mentioned, to the upper wall 62 of the sliding rail 6 and consequently positioned in a horizontal plane). The welds of the first zone 32A to the plate 34 can be longitudinal (as in the case described here, as shown in [Fig. 3]), or, alternatively, transverse. In some embodiments, a reinforcement can be mounted (here welded) on the first zone 32A and on the plate 34 to improve the hold of the elongated element 32 on the plate 34.

[0057] The central zone 32B has (in the length of the elongated element 32) a curved shape having a (non-zero) component in each of the three directions (longitudinal, transverse and vertical) of space.

[0058] The elongated element 32 is thus curved at the central zone 32B so as to present a concavity facing the plate 34 and, consequently, a convexity facing in contrast to plate 34, which allows the strap 12 to remain, in use, away from the first and second end zones 32A, 32C and to be able to take different positions (and thus different directions of return) by moving (potentially along the central zone 32B) the region where the strap 12 is partially wrapped around the central zone 32B in order to adapt to different positions of the seat 2 and to different morphologies of the occupant sitting on this seat 2.

[0059] Indeed, as shown in [Fig.3], the extension direction (or return direction) of the second portion 12B of the strap 12 (located near the part of the strap 12 partially wrapped around the elongated element 32) must be able to adopt various orientations defined over an angular range A relative to a reference point H (corresponding to the hip-leg joint of the occupant).

[0060] The curved shape of the central zone 32B, forming a convexity turned away from the plate 34, i.e. upwards, makes it possible to define such a set of orientations for the strap 12. More precisely, the strap 12 is positioned (due to its contact on its own width with the elongated element 32) in a direction orthogonal to the local direction of extension of the elongated element 32; the central zone 32B is shaped (curved) so that the directions orthogonal (to the local direction of extension of the elongated element 32) taken throughout the central zone 32B sweep the angular orientation range A.

[0061] Furthermore, in order to better position the second part 12B of the strap 12 towards the occupant (by adopting return directions which are not included in a transverse vertical plane, but include a longitudinal component), the central zone 32B is closer to the seat 2 in its rear part (in the usual direction of travel of the vehicle), connected to the second end zone 32C, than in its front part, connected to the first end zone 32A. In other words, according to the transverse direction, the distance between the first end zone 32A and the lateral (longitudinal) edge of the plate 34 facing the seat 2 is greater (strictly) than the distance between the second end zone 32C and this same lateral edge.

[0062] The second end zone 32C extends essentially vertically, in the direction of the plate 34 (i.e. downwards) from the central zone 32B. The second end zone 32C therefore forms a bend with the central zone 32B (the part of the central zone 32B connected to the second end zone 32C extending essentially in a longitudinal direction, with a slight transverse component as explained above).

[0063] The second end zone 32C thus prevents the strap 12, partially wrapped around the central zone 32B, from slipping out of this central zone 32B, or, in other words, allows the strap 12 to be kept in the central zone 32B (outside the first and second end zones 32A, 32C).

[0064] The second end zone 32C (specifically: its free end 33) and the plate 34 form between them a passage 35 through which the strap 12 is introduced into the space formed between the plate 34 and the elongated element 32 (before partial winding of the strap 12 around the central zone 32B) when mounting the safety belt 10 in the vehicle.

[0065] The free end 33 extends opposite the plate 34, along a surface substantially parallel to this plate. The second end zone 32C extends for this purpose in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the plate 34.

[0066] In order to prevent the strap 12 from coming out of the space formed between the plate 34 and the elongated element 32 during the use of the vehicle, the passage 35 is closed by erasable closing means 40.

[0067] These erasable closure means 40 are designed to erase (i.e. to free the passage 35) when the strap 12 passes (through the passage 35) from the outside to the inside of the space formed between the elongated element 32 and the plate 34 (when mounting the safety belt 10), and otherwise to obstruct the passage 35, in particular when the strap 12, present in the space formed between the elongated element 32 and the plate 34, is pulled (at the level of the passage 35) outwards from this space.

[0068] These erasable closing means are here achieved by means of a spring 40 mounted movable on the plate 14 around the axis 38 and positioned in tension against the second end zone 32C of the elongated element 32.

[0069] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], as well as in Figures 4 and 5, which respectively present two possible embodiments for the spring 40, the spring 40 is here made in the form of a metal wire shaped to define:

[0070] - a contact part 42, 42' which extends, along a rounded curve, around (and (partly in contact) with the second end zone 32C of the elongated element 32 in the assembled position;

[0071] - two first straight sections 44, 44' which each extend from a terminal region of the contact part 42, 42', in the direction of the axis 38 in the assembled position and thus obstruct the passage 35 (a bend being formed between each straight part 44, 44' and the terminal region of the contact part 42, 42' concerned);

[0072] - two second straight parts 48, 48', essentially parallel to each other and which extend (longitudinally from axis 38) into contact with plate 34 in assembled position;

[0073] - two winding parts 46, 46', each winding part 46, 46' connecting a first straight part 44, 44' and a second straight part 48, 48' and winding (forming at least one turn) around the axis 38 in assembled position.

[0074] Due to this winding of the winding parts 46, 46' around the axis 38, as well as the positioning of the second straight parts 48, 48' in contact with the plate 34, the first straight parts 44, 44' tend (by spring effect) to reduce the winding of the winding parts 46, 46' and are subjected to rotation around the axis 38 in a direction tending to move them away from the second straight parts 48, 48' and thus maintain the contact part 42, 42' in support on the second end zone 32C of the elongated element 32.

[0075] During the assembly of the safety belt 10, the strap 12 is introduced into the passage 35 with a force greater than the force exerted by the spring 40 to keep its contact part 42, 42' in contact with the second end zone 32C (as just explained) and the first straight parts 44, 44' then disappear so as to allow the introduction of the strap 12 into the space formed between the elongated element 32 and the plate 34.

[0076] On the other hand, once present in the space formed between the elongated element 32 and the plate 34, a movement of the strap 12 towards the passage 35 would be blocked by the first straight parts 44, 44', which ensures the retention of the strap 12 in the space formed between the elongated element 32 and the plate 34 (unless a technician intervenes and voluntarily moves the first straight parts 44, 44' forward to free the passage 35 for the purpose of dismantling the safety belt 10).

[0077] In order to prevent the strap 12 from being inserted between the contact part 42, 42' and the second end zone 32C, the contact surface of the second end zone 32C with the contact part 42, 42' of the spring 40 has a shape complementary to this contact part 42, 42' of the spring 40.

[0078] According to an example of an embodiment shown in [Fig.4], the second end zone 32C has a groove 39 (here in the form of a notch) of complementary shape to the region of the contact part 42 intended to come into contact with the second end zone 32C.

[0079] According to another embodiment shown in [Fig.5], the second end zone 32C has a terminal portion 37' (forming the free end 33) with a reduced cross-section relative to the cross-section of the main portion 31' of the second end zone 32C (this main portion 31' connecting in particular the second end zone 32C to the central zone 32B), which makes it possible to define (on a part of the periphery of the second end zone 32C) a surface 39' connecting the main portion 31' and the terminal portion 37' and having a shape complementary to the region of the contact part 42' intended to come into contact with the second end zone 32C.

[0080] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and represented, but a person skilled in the art will be able to make any variation in accordance with the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Guide piece (30) of a motor seat safety belt strap (12), said guide piece (30) comprising a plate (34) and an elongated element (32), said elongated element (32) comprising: - a first end zone (32A) fixed to the plate (34); - a second end zone (32C) opposite the first end zone (32A) and having a free end (33); - a central zone (32B) connecting the first end zone (32A) and the second end zone (32C), the central zone (32B) having a rounded surface to allow partial winding of the safety belt strap (12) around the central zone (32B) and keeping the strap (12) away from the first and second end zones (32A, 32C), said guide piece (30) comprising erasable means (40) for closing a passage (35) formed between said free end (33) and the plate (34).

2. Guide piece according to claim 1, wherein the erasable closing means comprise a spring (40) movably mounted on the plate (34) and positioned in tension against the elongated element (32).

3. Guide piece according to claim 2, comprising two lugs (36) projecting from the plate (34), the spring (40) being mounted on an axis (38) connecting the two lugs (36).

4. Guide piece according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the elongated element (32) has a contact surface (39; 39') with a part (42; 42') of the spring (40), said contact surface (39; 39') having a form complementary to said part (42; 42') of the spring (40).

5. A guide piece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongated element (32) has, at the level of the central area (32B), a concavity facing the plate (34).

6. Guide piece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongated element (32) is a metal wire.

7. Guide piece according to claim 6, wherein the metal wire (32) has a diameter greater than or equal to 10 mm.

8. Automotive seat (2) comprising a guide piece (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a movable slide (6) designed to cooperate with a rail (8) fixedly mounted in the vehicle, wherein said guide piece (30) is mounted on the movable slide (6).

9. Car seat according to claim 8, comprising a housing (20) having a recessed portion (24) for the passage of the safety belt strap (12) and forming a cover (26) to cover an end portion of the safety belt strap.

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