seat belt device

Abstract

To suppress generation of abnormal noise caused by a first tongue and a second tongue.SOLUTION: A seat belt device 1 includes: an anchor 4 for guiding a seat belt 2; a first tongue 5 mounted on a tip side belt part 2a of the seat belt 2; a second tongue 6 provided on the seat belt 2 so as to be movable along the seat belt 2; and a band 7 extending in a belt width direction from a predetermined position P between the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 in the seat belt 2. The second tongue 6 is mounted on the seat belt 2 so as to be movable along the seat belt 2 up to a position coming into contact with a band 7. The tip side belt part 2a is bent and the second tongue 6 is made to fall down toward the first tongue side, which takes an overlapping attitude in which the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 overlap each other. The band 7 has a band length Lb such that the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 taking the overlapping attitude can be bundled together with the tip side belt part 2a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat belt device provided in a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seat belt device provided in a vehicle. This seat belt device includes a sash guide (hereinafter referred to as an anchor) that guides a seat belt pulled out from a retractor, a first connector (hereinafter referred to as a first tongue) that is attached to the tip of the seat belt and detachably engages with a first fixture fixed to the vehicle body or a rear seat, a second connector (hereinafter referred to as a second tongue) that is provided on the seat belt so as to be movable along the seat belt and detachably engages with a second fixture fixed to the vehicle body or a rear seat, and a band provided on a belt portion between the first tongue and the second tongue. In a state where each tongue is removed from the corresponding fixture (seat belt non-use state), the band is used to fasten the second tongue together with the belt portion between the first tongue and the anchor to the belt portion between the retractor and the anchor. And, as illustrated in Patent Document 1, the second tongue is fastened to the belt portion in a state where it is located at a position in front of the band, that is, at a position away from the anchor side from the anchor side edge of the band.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the seat belt device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the seat belt is not in use, the first tongue is not secured to the belt by a band and therefore shakes due to vibrations. Consequently, the first tongue may come into contact with the vehicle body or the second tongue, potentially generating abnormal noises, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a seat belt device having a structure that can suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by the first tongue and second tongue when the seat belt is not in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The seat belt device according to the present invention includes: an anchor provided on the side wall or roof of the passenger compartment of a vehicle and guiding the seat belt pulled out from a retractor; a first tongue attached to the tip end of the seat belt and detachably engaging with a first fastener fixed to the lower part of the vehicle or the rear seat; a second tongue provided on the seat belt so as to be movable along the seat belt and detachably engaging with a second fastener fixed to the lower part of the vehicle or the rear seat; and a band extending in the belt width direction from a predetermined position between the first tongue and the second tongue on the seat belt. In the seat belt device, the second tongue is attached to the seat belt so as to be movable along the seat belt to a position in contact with the band. When the first tongue is removed from the first fastener and the second tongue is removed from the second fastener, the tip end of the belt is bent toward the anchor and the second tongue is tilted toward the first tongue, so that the first tongue and the second tongue are in an overlapping position where they overlap each other. The band has a length that allows the first tongue and the second tongue, which are in the overlapping position, to be bundled together with the tip-side belt portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a seat belt device having a structure that can suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by the first tongue and the second tongue when the belt is not in use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a vehicle body structure having a seat belt device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a vehicle body structure equipped with a seat belt system. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the side trim (lower side trim) of the vehicle body structure. [Figure 4] This is a close-up view of a part of the seat belt system. [Figure 5] This is a partial perspective view including each tongue of the seat belt device. [Figure 6] This is a partial side view including each tongue of the seat belt device. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing an example of the tongues stacked together. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing an example of the tongues stacked together. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of an assembly consisting of each tongue and part of the seat belt. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a collection of items bundled together with a band. [Figure 11] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the procedure for bundling each tongue together. [Figure 12] This is another conceptual diagram illustrating the procedure for bundling each tongue together. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the assembly suspended in place. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the aggregate stored in a pocket. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the seat belt device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a side view of the vehicle body structure of a vehicle having a seat belt device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, as seen from inside the vehicle, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle body structure. In the figures, arrow Fr indicates the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. Arrows R and L indicate the right and left sides in the vehicle width direction when an occupant is looking forward. Arrow U indicates the top of the vehicle in the vertical direction.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle body structure of this embodiment is applicable to vehicles in which the rear of the passenger compartment (i.e., the rear area of ​​the passenger compartment) is mainly used as a cargo compartment (luggage storage space) V. The passengers of the vehicle can access the passenger compartment through the front side door opening, which is opened and closed by the front side door (not shown), the rear side door opening D1, which is opened and closed by the rear side door (not shown), and the back door opening D2, which is opened and closed by the back door (not shown).

[0012] The vehicle's interior includes, for example, front seats and rear seats S, which are outside the illustrated range. The area of ​​the interior behind the rear seats S (more specifically, the seatback Sa of the rear seats S) can be used as a cargo area V. In other words, a cargo area V is provided behind the rear seats S within the vehicle's interior. The rear seats S are arranged to slide within the interior of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 shows the rear seats S slid to their rearmost end, and Figure 2 shows the rear seats S slid to their frontmost end.

[0013] The body structure of this embodiment has a structure in which the luggage board B is placed horizontally in the luggage compartment V (that is, in a posture extending in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction) and can be supported at a plurality of (multiple stages) height positions vertically. The luggage board B is a flat plate member that is arranged in the luggage compartment V and can partition and separate the luggage compartment V vertically. The luggage board B is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view, for example. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the rear seat S is slid to the rear of the vehicle and the luggage compartment V becomes narrower in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the luggage board B is not used and is temporarily placed vertically, for example. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when the luggage board B is used, the rear seat S is slid to the front of the vehicle.

[0014] The body structure of this embodiment includes a seat belt device 1, a side trim 10 that constitutes a side wall in the vehicle interior of the vehicle, and a body side portion 20 that is a part of a side portion of the vehicle body. The body side portion 20 is a rear portion of the side portion of the vehicle body (a structural portion located in a portion corresponding to the luggage compartment S) and is hereinafter appropriately referred to as the quarter panel 20. Since the side trim 10 is attached to the quarter panel 20 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction, the quarter panel 20 is hidden behind the side trim 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0015] The seat belt device 1 is a device for restraining an occupant sitting on the rear seat S provided in the vehicle interior. In normal use of the seat belt device 1, for example, the rear seat S is positioned at a rear position as shown in FIG. 1. When it is not necessary to use the seat belt device 1 of the rear seat S and the luggage board B is used, the rear seat S is slid to the front of the vehicle and positioned at a front position as shown in FIG. 2. The configuration of the seat belt device 1 will be described in detail later.

[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the side trim 10 (specifically, the lower side trim 10b, which will be described later). In this embodiment, the side trim 10 is the rear portion of the side wall inside the passenger compartment and is an interior material that constitutes the end wall in the vehicle width direction of the cargo compartment V. In other words, the side trim 10 constitutes the side wall inside the cargo compartment V. The side trim 10 is, for example, a resin molded product and is divided into an upper side trim 10a and a lower side trim 10b located below the upper side trim 10a. The side trim 10 is attached to the quarter panel 20 from the inside in the vehicle width direction so as to cover the quarter panel 20.

[0017] In this embodiment, the lower side trim 10b of the side trim 10 that constitutes the side wall of the cargo compartment V is provided with a plurality of support parts (11a, 11b, 11c) for supporting the luggage board B in a transverse position within the cargo compartment V and at multiple (multiple) height positions vertically. In other words, the side trim 10 (lower side trim 10b) has a plurality of support parts (11a, 11b, 11c) formed thereon, which are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle and each support the outer edge B0 of the luggage board B, which is the outer edge in the vehicle width direction of the luggage board B that is arranged transversely in the cargo compartment V. In this embodiment, the support parts are provided in three stages vertically, but there may be one stage or three or more stages of support parts.

[0018] As mentioned above, the quarter panel 20 is the rear portion of the side of the vehicle body. The quarter panel 20 is mainly made of metal sheet material and is formed by press molding or the like. The front edge of the quarter panel 20, together with the front edge of the side trim 10, forms the rear opening edge of the rear side door opening D1. The edge of the rear panel portion of the quarter panel 20, together with the edge of the rear trim of the side trim 10, forms the opening side edge and the opening lower edge of the back door opening D2. In this embodiment, the upper portion of the quarter panel 20 is covered by the upper side trim 10a, and the lower portion of the quarter panel 20 is covered by the lower side trim 10b. The roof portion 30 of the vehicle body is connected to the upper edge of the quarter panel 20. Note that in Figures 1 and 2, as mentioned above, the quarter panel 20 is hidden behind the side trim 10, but in Figure 4, which will be described later, the lower portion of the quarter panel 20 is shown, with the lower side trim 10b removed.

[0019] Next, the seat belt device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of the seat belt device 1 including the retractor 3, which will be described later; Figure 5 is a partially perspective view of the seat belt device 1 including the tongues (5,6), which will be described later; and Figure 6 is a partially side view including the tongues (5,6). Note that in Figure 4, the lower side trim 10b of the side trim 10 has been removed from the quarter panel 20, and the rear seat S has been slid to its rearmost position in the vehicle.

[0020] The seat belt device 1 includes a seat belt 2, a retractor 3, an anchor 4, a first tongue 5, a second tongue 6, and a band 7.

[0021] The seat belt 2 is a long, strip-shaped belt used to restrain an occupant seated in the rear seat S located inside the vehicle's cabin, and is also called a webbing belt.

[0022] The retractor 3 is installed on the vehicle body and is used to retract the seat belt 2. Referring to Figure 4, the retractor 3 has a spool 3a which constitutes the shaft for winding the seat belt 2, a biasing mechanism (not shown) which biases the spool 3a in the winding direction, and a retractor case 3b which houses the spool 3a and the biasing mechanism.

[0023] In this embodiment, the retractor 3 is provided on the quarter panel 20, which is part of the side of the vehicle body. The retractor 3 is fixed in the quarter panel 20 at a position that is intermediate in the vehicle's vertical direction and at the rear end in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The retractor 3 is covered from the inside in the vehicle width direction by the lower side trim 10b of the side trim 10 (see Figures 1 and 2). Specifically, the retractor 3 is located behind the rear end of the rear seat S in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and at a height corresponding to the top of the upright rear seat S in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0024] In this embodiment, a retractor housing section 12 is formed in the lower side trim 10b of the side trim 10 (side wall of the cargo compartment V) to house the retractor 3. The portion of the lower side trim 10b corresponding to the retractor 3 is molded to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction to a size that can accommodate the retractor 3, thereby forming the retractor housing section 12.

[0025] In this embodiment, the retractor 3 (in other words, the retractor housing 12) is located above the multiple support parts (11a, 11b, 11c) and below the anchor 4. That is, in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the retractor 3 is located at a height between the uppermost support part 11a and the anchor 4 among the multiple support parts (11a, 11b, 11c).

[0026] The anchor 4 is provided on the side trim 10 and is for guiding the seat belt 2, which is pulled out from the retractor 3, above the retractor 3. The anchor 4 is also called a seat belt anchor, shoulder anchor, or sash guide. The seat belt 2, pulled out from the retractor 3, is guided and suspended by the anchor 4 through a belt insertion hole 4a provided in the anchor 4. In this embodiment, although not particularly limited, the anchor 4 is fixed to the upper side trim 10a of the side trim 10. Specifically, the anchor 4 is provided at the corner of the upper side trim 10a located above and behind the vehicle. In this embodiment, in a plan view looking toward the side trim 10, the anchor 4 is located directly above the retractor 3, and the position of the anchor 4 in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the position of the retractor 3 in the vehicle longitudinal direction overlap with each other.

[0027] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first tongue 5 is attached to the tip end of the seat belt portion 2a of the seat belt 2 and is detachably engaged with a first fastener 8 fixed to the underside of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first fastener 8 is fixed to the vehicle body (floor portion 40) via a bracket 8a fixed to the edge of the floor portion 40 on the side trim 10 side of the vehicle body. The first fastener 8 is, for example, a push-operated buckle and is positioned roughly corresponding to the lower side of the rear seat S. The first tongue 5 remains engaged with the first fastener 8 when the seat belt device 1 is in use. Note that the first fastener 8 is not limited to the floor portion 40, but may also be fixed to the rear seat S or to the lower part of the side trim 10.

[0028] The front end belt portion 2a of the seat belt 2 to which the first tongue 5 is attached is a portion having a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction including the front end of the seat belt 2. The front end belt portion 2a is formed by sewing together the ends of the seat belt material that make up the seat belt 2 in a state where they are bent back into a loop shape. The portion of the seat belt 2 other than the front end belt portion 2a consists of a single seat belt material continuous with the front end belt portion 2a. In other words, in this embodiment, the front end belt portion 2a has a loop portion 2a1 which is formed in a loop shape and to which the first tongue 5 is attached, and a sewn portion 2a2 which is located closer to the anchor 4 than the loop portion 2a1 and consists of two layers of seat belt material that are sewn together to form a double layer. The loop portion 2a1 is a flattened loop. The two layers of seat belt material that make up the sewn portion 2a2 are each continuous with the seat belt material of the loop portion 2a1.

[0029] The first tongue 5 has a plate portion 5a that engages with the first fastener 8 and a handle portion 5b that covers the base end of the plate portion 5a. The plate portion 5a is made of, for example, a metal plate material, and the handle portion 5b is made of a resin material. The handle portion 5b is formed to be thicker than the plate portion 5a and protrudes in the thickness direction from both sides of the plate portion 5a. A belt insertion hole 5c is formed in the handle portion 5b. The front end belt portion 2a of the seat belt 2 is sewn to form a loop shape when inserted through the belt insertion hole 5c of the first tongue 5. The first tongue 5 is suspended via the loop portion 2a1 of the front end belt portion 2a. When the plate portion 5a is inserted into the first fastener 8, the first tongue 5 engages with the first fastener 8, and when the push portion of the first fastener 8 is pressed by the occupant, the engagement of the first tongue 5 is released.

[0030] The second tongue 6 is provided on the seat belt 2 so as to be movable along the seat belt 2 and is detachably engaged with a second fastener 9 fixed to the rear seat S. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second fastener 9 is provided on the seat portion Sb of the rear seat S. The second fastener 9 is, for example, a push-operated buckle. The second tongue 6 is provided on the belt portion of the seat belt 2 between the anchor 4 and the first tongue 5. The second tongue 6 can be engaged with or disengaged from the second fastener 9 by the occupant during normal seat belt use. The second fastener 9 may be fixed not only to the rear seat S, but also to the underside of the vehicle, specifically to the floor portion 40 or the underside of the side trim 10.

[0031] The second tongue 6 has a plate portion 6a that engages with the second fastener 9 and a handle portion 6b that covers the base end of the plate portion 6a. The plate portion 6a is made of, for example, a metal plate material, and the handle portion 6b is made of a resin material. The handle portion 6b is formed to be thicker than the plate portion 6a and protrudes in the thickness direction from both sides of the plate portion 6a. A belt insertion hole 6c is formed in the handle portion 6b. When the plate portion 6a is inserted into the second fastener 9, the second tongue 6 engages with the second fastener 9, and when the push portion of the second fastener 9 is pressed by the occupant, the engagement of the second tongue 6 is released.

[0032] The band 7 extends in the belt width direction from a predetermined position P between the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 of the seat belt 2. In other words, the band 7 is provided to extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seat belt. The band 7 is used to bundle the tongues (5, 6) etc. when the seat belt is not in use, in a state where the first tongue 5 is detached from the first fastener 8 and the second tongue 6 is detached from the second fastener 9.

[0033] Specifically, the band 7 is formed in a long, strip-like shape and is narrower than the belt width of the seat belt 2. One end 7a of the band 7 is sewn to the seat belt 2 so as to be adjacent to the bent end of the front end belt portion 2a, and is adjacent to the sewn portion 2a2 of the front end belt portion 2a. The other end of the band 7 extends outward in the belt width direction beyond the widthwise edge of the seat belt 2. In other words, in this embodiment, the predetermined position P (in other words, the band attachment position or band sewing position) of the band 7 on the seat belt 2 is set to be adjacent to the front end belt portion 2a of the seat belt 2.

[0034] One surface of the band 7 at one end 7a and the other surface of the band 7 at the other end 7b are provided with connecting elements (7c, 7d) that connect to each other. While not particularly limited, each connecting element (7c, 7d) can be, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0035] Here, the second tongue 6 is attached to the seat belt 2 so as to be movable along the seat belt 2 to a position where it contacts the band 7. For example, neither side of the portion of the seat belt 2 between the band 7 and the anchor 4 has any convex shapes. Therefore, the second tongue 6 is movable over the entire length of the belt portion of the seat belt 2 between the anchor 4 and the band 7. As a result, the second tongue 6 can contact the edge of the band 7 on the anchor 4 side.

[0036] Figures 7 and 8 show an example of the tongues (5,6) stacked together as described later; Figure 7 is a side view and Figure 8 is a perspective view.

[0037] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in the seat belt non-use state (where the first tongue 5 is removed from the first fastener 8 and the second tongue 6 is removed from the second fastener 9), the tip portion 2a of the belt is bent toward the anchor 4 and the second tongue 6 is tilted toward the first tongue 5, so that the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 are in an overlapping position where they overlap each other. In other words, when the seat belt is not in use, the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 can be operated by the occupant to assume the aforementioned overlapping position (where they overlap each other).

[0038] Specifically, in Figures 7 and 8, the front end belt portion 2a is folded before the second tongue 6 is tilted toward the first tongue. Then, in the overlapping position, the first tongue 5 is sandwiched between the seat belt 2 (the unfolded portion of the front end belt portion 2a) and the second tongue 6.

[0039] Band 7 has a band length Lb that allows it to bundle the overlapping first tongue 5 and second tongue 6 together with at least the leading belt portion 2a. The occupant holds each of the overlapping tongues (5,6) and folds Band 7 over the second tongue 6, then wraps it around the entire first tongue 5 and second tongue 6. As a result, the first tongue 5 and second tongue 6 are bundled together with the leading belt portion 2a of the seat belt 2. In other words, Band 7 has the function of bundling and holding each tongue (5,6) together with the seat belt 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, the band 7 prevents the second tongue 6 from moving toward the first tongue 5 by contacting the handle portion 6b of the second tongue 6. The occupant can manipulate each tongue (5,6) to assume the overlapping position at the desired location by bringing the second tongue 6 into contact with the band 7. In other words, the movement of the second tongue 6 is restricted so that it does not move too far away from the first tongue 5 or too close to the first tongue 5. As a result, space is secured for the rotation of the first tongue 5 when the tip end belt portion 2a is folded. Furthermore, the predetermined position P (band attachment position or band stitching position) on the seat belt 2 where the band 7 is provided is set so that, when the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 are in the overlapping position, it overlaps with the handle portion 6b of the second tongue 6 and the tip of the plate portion 5a of the first tongue 5.

[0041] In this embodiment, the front end belt portion 2a of the seat belt 2 has a loop portion 2a1 and a stitched portion 2a2, as described above. That is, the front end belt portion 2a that is bent is divided into a loop portion 2a1 and a stitched portion 2a2. The stitched portion 2a2 has multiple stitches, but the loop portion 2a1 is simply formed in a loop shape. Therefore, the stitched portion 2a2 is less deformable than the loop portion 2a1, and the loop portion 2a1 can be deformed more flexibly than the stitched portion 2a2. For example, when an occupant applies force to the front end belt portion 2a, the loop portion 2a1 is bent, and the stitched portion 2a2 is maintained in a generally flat state. Specifically, the portion of the loop portion 2a1 adjacent to the end of the handle portion 5b of the first tongue 5 (the middle portion of the loop portion 2a1 in the longitudinal direction of the belt) becomes the starting point of the bend (bending induction portion). Then, the first tongue 5 rotates approximately 180 degrees around the starting point, in a direction that points the tip of the plate portion 5a toward the anchor 4 side (second tongue 6 side). In this state, the first tongue 5 takes a position that is approximately parallel to the suture portion 2a2.

[0042] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the first tongue 5 and the tip belt portion 2a are extended in the longitudinal direction of the seat belt, the distance L1 from the anchor-side end of the first tongue 5 to the anchor-side edge of the band 7 is longer than the total length L2 of the first tongue 5. More specifically, the total length L2 of the first tongue 5 is set to be longer than the distance L3 from the anchor-side end of the first tongue 5 to the first tongue-side edge of the band 7, and shorter than the distance L1 from the anchor-side end of the first tongue 5 to the anchor-side edge of the band 7. As a result, in the overlapping position, the metal plate portion 5a of the first tongue 5 is sandwiched between the resin handle portion 6b of the second tongue 6 and the seat belt 2 that has passed through the second tongue 6. At this time, the tip of the metal plate portion 6a of the second tongue 6 is in contact with or can come into contact with the handle portion 5b of the first tongue 5 or the loop portion 2a1 of the tip-side belt portion 2a. Therefore, in the overlapping position, the plate portions 5a and 6a are separated from each other, and contact between the plate portions (5a, 5b) is prevented.

[0043] Next, as an example is shown in Figure 9, in the seat belt device 1, the seat belt 2 is wrapped around the anchor 4 side a predetermined number of times so as to surround the first tongue 5 and second tongue 6 which are in the overlapping position, thereby forming an assembly X consisting of a part of the seat belt 2 including the tip end belt portion 2a, the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6.

[0044] In this embodiment, the band 7 (band length Lb) is extended to a length that can wrap around the aggregate X and bundle it together. As shown in an example in Figure 10, when the band 7 is wrapped around the aggregate X (for example, once), one of the connecting elements (hook-and-loop fasteners) 7c and the other connecting element (hook-and-loop fastener) 7d of the band 7 are connected to each other, and the constraint (holding) of the aggregate X by the band 7 is maintained.

[0045] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the seat belt device 1 (vehicle structure) includes a pocket 50 capable of accommodating an assembly X (see Figures 9 and 10) consisting of a portion of the seat belt 2, including the tip-side belt portion 2a, and the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6. In relation to the anchor 4, the pocket 50 is located in the side wall of the vehicle interior (side trim 10, specifically the upper side trim 10a) at a position that is both forward and downward of the anchor 4. In relation to the retractor 3, the pocket 50 is located at a position that is both forward and upward of the retractor housing portion 12 in the side trim 10. Therefore, the pocket 50 is located forward of the seat belt portion of the seat belt 2 between the retractor 3 and the anchor 4. Although not shown, the pocket 50 may be located in a portion of the side trim 10 that is rearward of the anchor 4, as long as it is within the reach of the assembly X.

[0046] Specifically, the pocket 50 is made of a resin component and is fixed to the side trim 10. The pocket 50 has an assembly insertion opening 51 that opens upward. The pocket 50 is elongated in the vehicle width direction along the side trim 10. The pocket 50 is positioned higher than the uppermost support portion 11a and the upper end of the upright seat back Sa of the rear seat S.

[0047] Next, the procedure for the occupant to store assembly X in pocket 50 when the seat belt is not in use will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 14.

[0048] Figures 11 and 12 are conceptual diagrams illustrating the procedure for bundling each tongue (5, 6). The states in Figure 11 (a) to (d) correspond to the states in Figure 12 (a) to (d). Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the assembly X suspended below the anchor 4, and Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the assembly X stored in the pocket 50. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the first tongue 5 has already been removed from the first fastener 8, and the second tongue 6 has already been removed from the second fastener 9, and the seat belt device 1 is in a seat belt non-use state. Furthermore, when each tongue (5, 6) is removed from its corresponding fastener (8, 9), the seat belt 2 is automatically retracted by the retractor 3. The retractor retraction length is set so that when the seat belt 2 is fully retracted by the retractor 3, a predetermined length of the seat belt 2 on the first tongue 5 side remains hanging down from the anchor 4.

[0049] With the seat belt not in use, the occupant moves the second tongue 6 along the seat belt 2 to a position where it contacts the band 7, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 12(a). Then, the occupant, for example, grasps the first tongue 5 and rotates it toward the second tongue 6. As a result of this rotation, the flexible loop portion 2a1 of the belt portion 2a at the end of the seat belt 2 bends. After that, the occupant folds the second tongue 6 so that it overlaps the first tongue 5. As a result, the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 assume an overlapping position, as shown in Figures 11(b) and 12(b).

[0050] Next, the occupant rotates the entire overlapping first tongue 5 and second tongue 6 toward the anchor 4, using the handle portion 6b of the second tongue 6 as the pivot point, as shown in Figures 11(c) and 12(c). Furthermore, the occupant rotates the entire overlapping first tongue 5 and second tongue 6 toward the anchor 4, using the handle portion 5b of the first tongue 5 as the pivot point, as shown in Figures 11(d) and 12(d). By repeatedly performing this rotation operation, the seat belt 2 is wrapped around the anchor 4 a predetermined number of times so as to surround the overlapping first tongue 5 and second tongue 6. As a result, an assembly X is formed consisting of a part of the seat belt 2 including the tip end belt portion 2a, the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 (see Figure 9).

[0051] Then, with the seat belt 2 wrapped around the first tongue 5 and second tongue 6, which are in the overlapping position, for a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of turns), the assembly X is positioned below and near the pocket 50 (see Figure 13). The occupant holds the assembly X and wraps the band 7 around the assembly X. The occupant then connects one connecting element 7c to the other connecting element 7d of the band 7. As a result, the first tongue 5 and second tongue 6 are bundled together with the portion of the seat belt 2 including the tip belt portion 2a, and the restraint (holding) of the assembly X by the band 7 is maintained (see Figure 10). In this state, the assembly X is suspended near the pocket, restrained by the band 7, as shown in Figure 13. Then, the occupant stores the assembly X inside the pocket 50, as shown in Figure 14.

[0052] As described above, in the seat belt device 1 according to this embodiment, the second tongue 6 is attached to the seat belt 2 so as to be movable along the seat belt 2 to a position where it contacts the band 7, and the band 7 has a band length Lb that can bundle the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6, which are in the overlapping position, together with at least the tip end belt portion 2a. As a result, when the seat belt is not in use, the first tongue 5 is easily bundled together with the second tongue 6 to the tip end belt portion 2a, so that the shaking of the first tongue 5 due to vibrations is suppressed. Of course, the shaking of the second tongue 6 is also suppressed. As a result, the generation of abnormal noise due to contact between the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6, and the generation of abnormal noise due to contact between each tongue (5,6) and a member on the vehicle body side (for example, the side trim 10, etc.) is suppressed. Thus, the seat belt device 1 has a structure that can suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 when the belt is not in use.

[0053] In this embodiment, with the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 in the overlapping position, the plate portion 5a and the plate portion 6a are separated from each other, so the generation of abnormal noise (e.g., metallic contact noise) due to contact between hard parts is effectively suppressed.

[0054] In this embodiment, the band 7 is extended to a length that encircles the assembly X and bundles it together. This effectively prevents each tongue (5,6) from directly contacting the vehicle body component, and as a result, the generation of abnormal noise is more effectively suppressed. In addition, the assembly X, which consists of each tongue (5,6) and a part of the seat belt 2, can be compactly assembled.

[0055] In this embodiment, the band 7 abuts against the handle portion 6b of the second tongue 6, thereby preventing the second tongue 6 from moving toward the first tongue 5. In other words, the band 7 not only has the function of bundling and securing each tongue (5,6), but also has a positioning function that determines the position of the second tongue 6 when it is in the overlapping position. As a result, the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 can be overlapped with each other in the intended precise position, and each tongue (5,6) can be easily positioned so that their handle portions do not come into contact with each other.

[0056] In this embodiment, the loop portion 2a1, which is the first tongue side portion of the tip-side belt portion 2a, can deform more flexibly than the stitched portion 2a2, which is the second tongue side portion of the tip-side belt portion 2a. This allows the occupant to smoothly perform the bending (folding) operation when assuming the overlapping posture. Furthermore, because the bending operation can be performed without force, the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 are overlapped with each other at the intended position, the restraint by the band 7 is more accurate, and the generation of abnormal noise caused by contact between each tongue (5,6) and the vehicle body side member is more effectively suppressed.

[0057] In this embodiment, the distance L1 from the anchor-side end of the first tongue 5 to the anchor-side edge of the band 7 is longer than the total length L2 of the first tongue 5. Therefore, the first tongue 5 can be easily positioned to overlap and be sandwiched between the second tongue 6 and the seat belt 2. This more reliably suppresses the generation of abnormal noise due to contact between the first tongue 5 and surrounding parts.

[0058] In this embodiment, the retractor 3 is positioned above the multiple support parts (11a, 11b, 11c) and below the anchor 4. As a result, the distance between the retractor 3 and the anchor 4 is relatively short, so that when the seat belt is not in use, the seat belt 2 is retracted to the correct position by the retractor 3 without loosening, and the assembly X is positioned at the intended precise position below the anchor 4. Consequently, the assembly X is positioned at the intended precise position in relation to the side trim 10. Therefore, by setting the separation distance between the assembly X and the side trim 10 when suspended below the anchor 4 to a moderate value that allows for some swaying, the generation of abnormal noise due to contact between the assembly X and the side trim 10 is more effectively suppressed. Furthermore, since the retractor 3 and anchor 4 are located above multiple support parts (11a, 11b, 11c), the structure of the seat belt device 1 and the structure supporting the luggage board B in the cargo compartment V are separated vertically within the cargo compartment V, and each structure can be freely arranged without interfering with one another.

[0059] In this embodiment, the seat belt device 1 is located below the anchor 4 on the side wall (side trim 10) inside the vehicle and includes a pocket capable of accommodating the assembly X. As a result, when the seat belt is not in use, the assembly X suspended from the anchor 4 and a portion of the seat belt 2 are easily stored in the pocket 50, and the portion including each tongue (5,6) is compactly stored. Consequently, when the seat belt is not in use, the generation of abnormal noise caused by contact between each tongue (5,6) and the seat belt 2 and the vehicle body components (such as the side trim 10) is significantly suppressed. The seat belt 2 is wrapped around each tongue (5,6) housed in the pocket 50. Therefore, even if the assembly X comes into contact with the inner wall of the pocket 50, the generation of abnormal noise is suppressed. Furthermore, the movement of the assembly X is restricted inside the pocket 50.

[0060] In this embodiment, in the overlapping position, the first tongue 5 is sandwiched between the seat belt 2 and the second tongue 6, but the order of overlap between the first tongue 5 and the second tongue 6 is not limited to this. Although not shown in the illustration, the tip end belt portion 2a may be folded after the second tongue 6 is tilted toward the first tongue. In this case, in the overlapping position, the second tongue 6 is sandwiched between the seat belt 2 (the unfolded portion of the tip end belt portion 2a) and the first tongue 5. More specifically, in the overlapping position, the metal plate portion 6a of the second tongue 6 is sandwiched between the resin handle portion 5b of the first tongue 5 and the tip end belt portion 2a (sewn portion 2a2), or sandwiched by the folded tip end belt portion 2a. At this time, the tip of the metal plate portion 5a of the first tongue 5 is in contact with or can come into contact with the handle portion 6b of the second tongue 6. Therefore, even in this case, in the overlapping position, plate portion 5a and plate portion 6a are separated from each other, and contact between the plate portions (5a, 5b) is prevented.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the anchor 4 is provided on the side trim 10 which serves as the side wall inside the vehicle interior, but it is not limited to this and may be provided on the roof portion 30 of the vehicle body. Also, in this embodiment, the upper portion of the quarter panel 20 is covered by the side trim 10 (upper side trim 10a), but it is not limited to this and may not be covered by the side trim 10 and may be exposed to the vehicle interior (cargo area V). In this case, the anchor 4 and pocket 50 are provided on the upper portion of the quarter panel 20 (the portion not covered by the side trim 10).

[0062] The description of this embodiment is illustrative for explaining the present invention and does not limit the invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1...Seat belt device, 2...seat belt, 2a...belt end portion, 2a1...loop portion, 2a2...sewn portion, 3…Retractor, 4... Anka, 5...First tongue, 5a...Plate section, 5b...Handle section, 5c...Belt insertion hole, 6...Second tongue, 6a...Plate section, 6b...Handle section, 6c...Belt insertion hole, 7...band, 8...first fixture, 9...Second fixture, 10…Side trim (side wall inside the vehicle), 11a, 11b, 11c... Multiple support parts, 12... Retractor housing, 20...Quarter panel, 30...Roof section, 50... pocket, B... Luggage board, Lb...band length, L1…Distance from the anchor-side end of the first tongue to the anchor-side edge of the band. L2…Total length of the first tongue, P...Predetermined position, S... Rear seat, V...Cargo area, X…Aggregation

Claims

1. An anchor located inside the vehicle's passenger compartment that guides the seat belt pulled out from the retractor, A first tongue is attached to the belt portion at the tip of the seat belt, A second tongue is provided on the seat belt so as to be movable along the seat belt, A band extending in the belt width direction from a predetermined position between the first tongue and the second tongue of the seat belt, A seat belt device including, The second tongue is attached to the seat belt so as to be movable along the seat belt to a position in contact with the band. As the aforementioned tip-side belt portion is bent toward the anchor and the second tongue is tilted toward the first tongue, the first tongue and the second tongue assume an overlapping position where they overlap each other. The band has a length that allows the first tongue and the second tongue, which are in the overlapping position, to be bundled together with the tip-side belt portion. The seat belt is wrapped around the anchor side a predetermined number of times so as to surround the first tongue and the second tongue which are in the overlapping position, thereby forming an assembly consisting of a part of the seat belt including the tip end portion, the first tongue and the second tongue. A seat belt device wherein the band extends to a length that can wrap around the assembly and bundle the assembly together.

2. An anchor provided inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, which guides a seat belt pulled out from a retractor, A first tongue is attached to the belt portion at the tip of the seat belt, A second tongue is provided on the seat belt so as to be movable along the seat belt, A band extending in the belt width direction from a predetermined position between the first tongue and the second tongue of the seat belt, A seat belt device including, The second tongue is attached to the seat belt so as to be movable along the seat belt to a position in contact with the band. As the aforementioned tip-side belt portion is bent toward the anchor and the second tongue is tilted toward the first tongue, the first tongue and the second tongue assume an overlapping position where they overlap each other. The band has a length that allows the first tongue and the second tongue, which are in the overlapping position, to be bundled together with the tip-side belt portion. The second tongue has a plate portion and a handle portion that covers the base end of the plate portion. The band abuts against the handle portion of the second tongue, thereby preventing the second tongue from moving toward the first tongue. The aforementioned end-side belt portion has a loop portion formed in a loop shape to which the first tongue is attached, and a sewn portion located closer to the anchor than the loop portion and consisting of two layers of seat belt material that are sewn together. A seat belt device in which, when the first tongue and the tip-side belt portion are extended in the longitudinal direction of the seat belt, the distance from the anchor-side end of the first tongue to the anchor-side edge of the band is longer than the total length of the first tongue.

3. An anchor provided inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, which guides the seat belt pulled out from the retractor, A first tongue is attached to the belt portion at the tip of the seat belt, A second tongue is provided on the seat belt so as to be movable along the seat belt, A band extending in the belt width direction from a predetermined position between the first tongue and the second tongue of the seat belt, A seat belt device including, The second tongue is attached to the seat belt so as to be movable along the seat belt to a position in contact with the band. As the aforementioned tip-side belt portion is bent toward the anchor and the second tongue is tilted toward the first tongue, the first tongue and the second tongue assume an overlapping position where they overlap each other. The band has a length that allows the first tongue and the second tongue, which are in the overlapping position, to be bundled together with the tip-side belt portion. A cargo area is provided behind the rear seats of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The side wall of the interior of the vehicle is formed with a plurality of support parts that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the vehicle and support the outer edge in the width direction of the luggage board which is positioned transversely in the cargo compartment, and a retractor housing part in which the retractor is housed. A seat belt device in which the retractor is located above the plurality of support parts and below the anchor.

4. The seat belt device according to claim 1, comprising a pocket provided in the side wall of the vehicle interior at a position lower than the anchor and capable of accommodating the assembly.

5. The anchor is provided on the side wall or roof of the vehicle interior, The first tongue is removably engaged with a first fastener fixed to the lower part of the vehicle or the rear seat, The second tongue is removably engaged with a second fastener fixed to the lower part of the vehicle or the rear seat, The seat belt device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the first tongue and the second tongue assume the overlapping position when the first tongue is removed from the first fastener and the second tongue is removed from the second fastener.

6. The anchor is provided on the side wall or roof of the vehicle interior, The first tongue is removably engaged with a first fastener fixed to the lower part of the vehicle or the rear seat, The second tongue is removably engaged with a second fastener fixed to the lower part of the vehicle or the rear seat, The first tongue and the second tongue assume the overlapping position when the first tongue is removed from the first fastener and the second tongue is removed from the second fastener. The seat belt device according to claim 2, wherein the plate portion of the second tongue engages with the second fastener.

7. The anchor is provided on the side wall or roof of the vehicle interior. The first tongue is removably engaged with a first fastener fixed to the lower part of the vehicle or the rear seat, The second tongue is removably engaged with a second fastener fixed to the lower part of the vehicle or the rear seat, The seat belt device according to claim 3, wherein the first tongue and the second tongue assume the overlapping position when the first tongue is removed from the first fastener and the second tongue is removed from the second fastener.

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