Reinforcement for a vehicle seat belt retractor support - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention relates to an arrangement (3) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, body (6), comprising a support (10) for fastening a seat belt retractor (2), a rear foot (36), a cup (33) for fastening a shock absorber, and an extension (32) for the cup (33), the arrangement (3) comprising means (50) for stiffening the support (10) and / or the rear foot (36) in the event of stress on such seat belt (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement comprising rigidity-enhancing means for a vehicle seat belt retractor support. The present invention also relates to a vehicle body comprising such an arrangement. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a body or such an arrangement. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, generally include seat belt devices at each seating position. Such devices generally include a belt and a retractor for such belt. Such belts are unwound from the belt retractor to provide some slack in the belt so that a user wishing to buckle can easily fasten their seat belt. Such fastening is achieved by a buckle means generally configured near the seat cushion. Such retractors generally include means for limiting or preventing belt unwinding. Such retractors are generally configured vertically so that the means for limiting unwinding is fully operable. Such retractors are configured in a manner that allows the belt to be installed so that it meets ergonomic and safety requirements. Accordingly, a turning loop is generally configured near the retractor to allow such belts to extend in defined zones, particularly zones that accommodate occupants of different sizes.

[0003] In particular in the event of braking, but also in the event of an impact, such a retractor limiting means locks, immobilizing the belt and preventing it from being unwound. The result of this is that an occupant secured in such a seat belt device is restrained, particularly with respect to movement toward the front of the vehicle, thereby preventing the occupant from being injured and / or thrown from the vehicle. In the event of vehicle braking and / or impact, therefore, a significant force pulls the belt of the seat belt forward as a result of the activation of the limiting means that limits belt unwinding. The force on the belt is therefore absorbed by the retractor and by the belt turning loop.

[0004] Therefore, such retractors and such turning loops must be rigidly fixed. However, there is no room to change the location of such turning loops. Furthermore, having a retractor support through which the seat belt passes weakens the fixation of such retractors. These rigidity constraints are particularly difficult to meet behind the second or rear row of a vehicle, where space is already scarce. In particular, behind such a second row, the cup for fixing the rear shock absorber and the rearmost C- or D-pillar in the general vicinity of such a rear row leave little usable space. Finally, fixing such retractors in the immediate vicinity of such cups is a complicated matter due to the need to leave access for removing and / or installing such rear shock absorbers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks, in particular the invention allows the C-pillar to be reinforced at the location of the turning loop, so that forces applied to such turning loop can be transmitted to the underside structure of such vehicle, while at the same time complying with restrictions such as those imposed by law regarding belt installation.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to an arrangement for the body of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising: - a support for fixing a retractor for the belt of the seat belt; - C-pillar and - a cup for fixing the shock absorber; - Tower for Cups and Equipped with The arrangement relates to an arrangement comprising a stiffening means for increasing the stiffness of the support and / or the C-pillar in the event of a stress load on the belt of the seat belt.

[0007] The arrangement may comprise a turning loop for such a seat belt, which may be at least partially fixed to the C-pillar and may extend vertically substantially above the support.

[0008] The support may include an opening through which the belt of the seat belt may pass.

[0009] The stiffening means may be reinforcements fixed to the C-pillar and to the tower, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0010] The stiffening means may be a reinforcement fixed to the C-pillar and to the support, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0011] The reinforcement can be fixed to the support in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0012] The reinforcement may be fixed to the cup in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0013] The arrangement may comprise a retractor for a belt of a seat belt, the support may comprise a receiving surface arranged in a substantially vertical and horizontal plane, the receiving surface may be oriented towards the rear, and the retractor may be fixed on or at the receiving surface.

[0014] The arrangement may comprise an inner quarter panel, the support being capable of being fixed to the inner quarter panel, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0015] The arrangement may comprise a structural wheel arch, the support being capable of being fixed to the structural wheel arch, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0016] The invention also relates to a vehicle body, in particular for a motor vehicle, which body comprises at least one feature as defined above.

[0017] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a body as defined above or at least one arrangement as defined above.

[0018] These objects, features and advantages of the invention will be presented in detail in the following description of one embodiment of the configuration, the description of which is given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle body according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stiffening means according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of a stiffening means according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The direction in which a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as being the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which lies in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the lateral direction Y. A third direction perpendicular to these two others is called the vertical direction Z. Therefore, a direct coordinate system XYZ is used, where X is the longitudinal direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle and therefore points to the rear, Y is the lateral direction pointing to the right, and Z is the vertical direction pointing upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which a vehicle normally moves in a longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rearward direction.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle 1, comprises a body 6. The vehicle comprises a first row 7 of one or more seats and / or bench seats. The vehicle preferably comprises a second row 5. The second row 5 comprises a seat or bench seat back 8. The vehicle or body 6 comprises an arrangement 3. The vehicle or body or arrangement comprises at least one support 10, shown in particular in FIG. 2 . The vehicle or arrangement comprises, for example, at each seat position in the vehicle, at least one seat belt device. The seat belt device comprises, in particular, a retractor 20 and a belt 2. Preferably, the retractor 20 comprises a prevention or limiting means (not shown) capable of preventing the belt 2 from being unwound in the event of a force on the belt, for example when the vehicle brakes or is impacted.

[0022] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the configuration 3 includes a support 10 for fixing a retractor 20 (shown in dotted lines) that retracts the belt 2 of the seat belt. The configuration 3 further includes a C-pillar 36, a rearmost D-pillar, or a side portion around the tailgate. The configuration 3 further includes a cup 33 for fixing a shock absorber (not shown). The configuration 3 further includes a tower 32 for the cup 33 so that the cup 33 can be mounted higher. The configuration 3 further includes a stiffness-enhancing means 50 for increasing the stiffness of the support 10 and / or the C-pillar 36. The stiffness-enhancing means 50 makes it possible to reinforce the support 10 and / or the C-pillar 36 when stress load occurs on the belt 2 of the seat belt.

[0023] 2 and 3, the arrangement 3 preferably includes a turning loop 9 for changing the angle of the belt 2 of the seat belt. The turning loop 9 is, for example, integrally fixed to the C-pillar 36. For example, to achieve this fixation, two bolts 69 are provided that engage with attached nuts or that engage with threaded holes formed in the C-pillar 36. Alternatively, a hook and nut / bolt system that engages with slots or holes, or in other cases one or at least three nut / bolt systems, are provided to secure the turning loop 9 to the C-pillar 36.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3 , the turning loop 9 may be partially secured to the C-pillar 36. For example, the body 6 or structure 3 includes an inner quarter panel 31. In that case, the turning loop is preferably secured to both the C-pillar 36 and the inner quarter panel 31 located near the C-pillar. For example, one bolt 69 engages the C-pillar 36 and another bolt 69 engages the inner quarter panel 31. Preferably, the turning loop 9 extends or substantially extends vertically above the support 10.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 10 for the retractor 20 includes an opening 15. The orifice or slot-type opening 15 provides a passage for the belt 2. The belt 2 thus extends from the retractor 20, passes through the opening 15 in the support 10 and over the turning loop 9 so as to be guided to the required zone that meets safety and / or ergonomic requirements. Preferably, one end of the belt 2 remains fixed in the retractor, and the other end is fixed in a corresponding area of ​​the seat cushion.

[0026] Advantageously, the stiffening means 50 are reinforcements 51, as shown on the body 6, which is partially shown in FIG.

[0027] In an embodiment not shown, the reinforcement 51 is fixed to the C-pillar 36 and to the tower 32, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0028] In another embodiment not shown, the reinforcement 51 is fixed to the C-pillar 36 and to the support 10, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0029] In another embodiment not shown, the reinforcement 51 is fixed to the C-pillar 36, to the tower 32 and to the support 10, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0030] Advantageously, as shown in particular in FIG. 4 , the reinforcement 51 is fixed to the C-pillar 36, to the tower 32, to the support 10, and to the cup 33, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding. In that case, spot welds 60 are made between the reinforcement 51 and the C-pillar 36, between the reinforcement 51 and the support 10, between the reinforcement 51 and the tower 32, and between the reinforcement 51 and the cup 33. For example, a single spot weld is between the reinforcement 51 and the cup 33. For example, a single spot weld is between the reinforcement 51 and the tower 32. Additional spot welds can be made in this area. Although six spot welds are shown between the retractor support 10 and the reinforcement 51, a greater or lesser number of spot welds can be made. For example, two spot welds are between the reinforcement 51 and the C-pillar 36. A single spot weld or a greater number of spot welds can be made in this area.

[0031] It should be noted that one or more beads of weld may replace a series of spot welds, or even all of the spot welds.

[0032] As shown in particular in Figures 5 and 6, the reinforcement 51 has a flanged edge 56 which makes it easier to fasten, in particular by welding, to the support 10. Preferably, the reinforcement 51 has a hole or orifice 55. Advantageously, the reinforcement 51 has a flanged edge 54, in particular around the hole 55.

[0033] For example, reinforcement 51 has an oblong hole 52. Oblong hole 52 serves, for example, for attaching an inner quarter panel. For example, reinforcement 51 comprises a circular hole 53. Circular hole 53 is used, for example, during sheet metal work, for example, for positioning and / or centering. Reinforcement 51 may comprise other holes for other fastenings, if required.

[0034] As shown in particular in Figure 3, the arrangement 3 preferably comprises a retractor 20 for the belt 2 of the seat belt. Preferably, the support 10 comprises a receiving surface 13 arranged in a substantially vertical and horizontal plane, the receiving surface 13 being oriented towards the rear. The retractor 20 is therefore fixed on or at the rearward-facing receiving surface 13. Opposite the receiving surface 13 of the support 10, the support 10 comprises a surface 18, the surface 18 being oriented towards the front of the vehicle.

[0035] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the support 10 comprises a locking means, such as a ring 41, for locking the backrest 8 in place. An orifice 42 formed in the support 10 allows the ring 41 to pass through so that the ring 41 extends forward while being fixed on a receiving surface 13 oriented towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0036] Preferably, the arrangement 3 comprises a structural wheel arch 34 .

[0037] Preferably, the support 10 is fixed to the inner quarter panel 31, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding. Further preferably, the support 10 is also fixed to the C-pillar 36 and / or to the structural wheel arch 34, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding. To that end, the support 10 preferably comprises a flanged edge 14 over at least part, if not the entire outer periphery of the support 10.

[0038] When the vehicle brakes or slows down, especially when the vehicle experiences an impact, especially a frontal or frontal impact, while moving forward, the occupant is pushed forward. The occupant's restraint by the belt 2, which is prevented from being unwound by the activation of the limiting means installed in the retractor 20, creates a force F on the belt, and thus on the turning loop 9, as shown in FIG. 3. Recall that when the belt limiting means is activated, the belt is prevented from being unwound from the retractor. In other words, the retractor 20 becomes an anchor point for anchoring the end of the belt. This force F is partially transmitted as a force R, which, as a result of the turning loop 9 being located above the retractor 20, extends substantially vertically and acts on the retractor and / or on the end of the belt that is immobilized in the retractor. In particular, this force F is absorbed by one or more points at which the turning loop 9 is fixed to a C-pillar and / or to another element of the vehicle body 6, such as, for example, the inner quarter panel 31.

[0039] Thus, force R tends to move retractor 20 upward, particularly bending support 10 of retractor 20 at opening 15, creating a weak point in the support. Force F tends to bend the C-pillar in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to direction D in which the C-pillar extends.

[0040] Thanks to this solution, the support 10 maintains the shape of the belt 2 despite the force F acting on it as a result of the activation of the restricting means that lock the belt 2 and prevent it from being pulled out. In particular, a stiffening means 50, in particular of the reinforcement 51 type, increases the stiffness of the support 10. The support has an opening 15 for the passage of the belt 2, but does not bend. Furthermore, the reinforcement 51 holds the C-pillar 36 in place and prevents it from collapsing under the influence of the force F acting on the turning loop 9 fixed to the C-pillar. It should be remembered that the reinforcement 51 has flanged edges 54, 56, which make it extremely stiff. Spot welds that fasten the reinforcement 51 to several elements, such as the C-pillar 36 and / or the support 10 and / or the tower 32 and / or the cup 33, contribute to the overall stiffness. Where appropriate, a row of spot welds makes it possible to prevent the support 10 from moving and deforming. This row of spots creates a connection between the rearmost C-pillar or D-pillar and the cup tower. In particular, the reinforcement 51 fixed to both the C-pillar 36 and the tower and / or cup and / or support 10 which is itself fixed to the structural wheel arch 34 provides a connection between the C-pillar and the vehicle underbody structure. In other words, the reinforcement 51 provides a particularly rigid force transmission from the C-pillar to the underbody structure.

[0041] The flanged edges 54 of the reinforcement 51 also make it possible to increase the effect of stiffening the C-pillar and / or the support 10. The openings 55 in the reinforcement 51 make it possible to reduce the mass of the reinforcement while avoiding the presence of flat surfaces on the reinforcement that are prone to resonance.

[0042] In summary, the solution concerns structural reinforcement between the rearmost C- or D-pillar, the seat belt retractor support and the tower that raises the height of the cup in which the rear shock absorber is fixed.

[0043] This solution accommodates the lack of space between the rearmost C- or D-pillar (which may be inclined by, for example, about 45 degrees) and the rear row or bench seat, and the vertical placement of the seat belt retractor. This solution allows the "wire" type seat belt turning loop to be fixed to the C-pillar, despite the fact that the "wire" type seat belt turning loop is directly subjected to forces in the event of an impact, as described above, in particular forces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the C-pillar extends.

[0044] Thanks to the stiffness provided by the reinforcement, the solution makes it possible to use retractor supports through which the belt passes and which are arranged vertically.

[0045] As mentioned above, configuration 3 makes it possible to transmit the forces experienced by the C-pillar to the vehicle underbody structure and to prevent the shelf-like support 10 from moving and deforming.

[0046] Furthermore, the present solution allows for uniformity in the thickness and composition of the material used, particularly with respect to the support 10, any reinforcement used to fasten the ring 41 of the backrest 8 to the support 10 (preferably a plate fixed to the receiving surface 13 of the support 10), and reinforcement 51. For example, the material is steel and has a thickness of 1.2 mm. Such uniformity allows savings to be made with respect to material purchases and / or material inventory management. Furthermore, the use of similar or even identical materials, as well as similar or even identical thicknesses, makes the process of welding these parts together much easier. This results in a particularly reliable and durable weld.

[0047] It should be noted that the improvement in the stiffness of this rear zone around the shock absorber mounting cup, which is thus "closed" by the reinforcement 51, allows for an improvement in the acoustic behavior, which contributes to improving the comfort inside the vehicle and the perceived quality of the vehicle.

[0048] The solution makes it possible to fit into the small space available here and to harmonize the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle with the steeply raked C-pillars, with the ability to comply with regulations, especially those regarding passive safety measures.

[0049] This solution provides a particularly rigid fixation for the retractor and for the corresponding turning loop. The forces coming from the seat belt in the event of severe braking and / or impact are particularly spread over various elements of the vehicle body. The turning loop cannot be mounted elsewhere, given the location of the belt retractor, but the support that supports the turning loop, i.e., the C-pillar, is rigid. Despite the presence of the rear shock absorber mounting cup behind the second row, and the presence of the rearmost C- or D-pillar, retractor support and reinforcement 51, which extend close to the rear row and leave little usable space, there is still access for removing and / or installing the rear shock absorber.

[0050] Furthermore, the solution is compatible with standard belt retractors in confined spaces, particularly thanks to the turning loop 9-wire installation, and passive safety requirements are met.

[0051] Although the present solution is shown for a seat belt device installed in the rear left seat position, it can obviously be substituted for the rear right seat position. The present solution can potentially be adapted to suit seat belt devices for front seat positions in a vehicle. In particular, the present solution can be adapted to suit seat belt devices for front seat positions in a vehicle having only front seats.

[0052] It is therefore noted that the present solution achieves the desired objective of providing a configuration that allows the seat belt retractor support and belt turning loop to be rigidly fixed while meeting the belt installation requirements set out in the regulations, and offers the advantage of being able to be used on other types of vehicles, i.e. trucks, buses, coaches and even aircraft.

Claims

1. An arrangement (3) for a body (6) of a vehicle, in particular an automotive vehicle (1), comprising: a support (10) for fixing a retractor (20) for the belt (2) of a seat belt; - C-pillar (36) and - a cup (33) for fixing the shock absorber; - a tower (32) for said cup (33); Equipped with The configuration (3) is characterized in that it comprises a rigidity increasing means (50) that increases the rigidity of the support (10) and / or the C-pillar (36) when a stress load is applied to the belt (2) of the seat belt.

2. 2. The arrangement (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a turning loop (9) for the belt (2) of a seat belt, the turning loop (9) being at least partially fixed to the C-pillar (36) and extending vertically substantially above the support (10).

3. 3. An arrangement (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (10) comprises an opening (15) through which the belt (2) of the seat belt can pass.

4. 4. The arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stiffening means (50) are reinforcements (51) fixed to the C-pillar (36) and to the tower (32), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

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

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

7. 7. The arrangement (3) according to claim 6, characterized in that the reinforcement (51) is fixed to the cup (33) in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

8. 8. The arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a retractor (20) for the belt (2) of a seat belt, and that the support (10) comprises a receiving surface (13) arranged in a substantially vertical and horizontal plane, the receiving surface (13) being oriented towards the rear, and the retractor (20) being fixed on or in the receiving surface (13).

9. 9. The arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises an inner quarter panel (31), and the support (10) is fixed to the inner quarter panel (31), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

10. 10. The arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a structural wheel arch (34), and the support (10) is fixed to the structural wheel arch (34), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

11. A vehicle body (6), in particular for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that said body (6) comprises at least one arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle, in particular an automotive vehicle (1), characterized in that said vehicle comprises a body (6) according to claim 11 or at least one arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images