FR3142417A1 - Support for a vehicle seat belt retractor. - Google Patents

Abstract

Support for a vehicle seat belt retractor. The invention relates to a support (10) for fixing a reel (20) of a vehicle seat belt strap (2), in particular a motor vehicle, the support (10) comprising an opening (15) intended when such a strap (2) passes through the support (10). Abstract figure: fig. 2

Description

Support for a vehicle seat belt retractor. Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a support for a vehicle seat belt strap retractor. The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising such a support. The invention also relates to a box comprising such an arrangement or such a support. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a body or such an arrangement or such a support.

State of the prior art

A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally includes a seat belt device at each seat. Such a device generally comprises a strap and a reel of such a strap. Such a strap is unwound from its reel in order to obtain slack on such a strap to easily block it for the user wishing to attach themselves. Such locking is obtained by means of a looping means generally arranged at the level of the seat. Such a reel includes a means of limiting the unwinding of the strap. Particularly in the event of braking, or even an impact, such a means of limiting the reel blocks the strap which prevents the strap from unwinding freely. This results in the restraint of the passenger attached with such a seat belt device, in particular towards the front of the vehicle, which prevents him from injury and/or from being ejected from the vehicle.

Such a retractor needs to be rigidly fixed in view of its strap locking function giving it the role of an anchoring point for the seat belt strap. Such a reel generally needs to be arranged vertically so that its means of limiting the unwinding of the strap is perfectly operational. In addition, such a reel is bulky while the area in which it must be installed is cramped. Finally, such a reel must be arranged so as to allow the location of the strap, particularly in a position in contact with a passenger, satisfying constraints in terms of ergonomics and safety. Thus, a return is generally arranged near the retractor so as to allow such a strap to extend in a defined area, in particular an area compatible with the different sizes of passengers.

These constraints are particularly complex to satisfy behind a second or rear row of a vehicle that is already heavily congested. In particular, a mounting cup for a rear shock absorber, or even an extension of such a cup, behind such a second row as well as an extreme rear foot coming close to such a rear row leave little space available. This prevents the fixing of such a retractor near such a cup, in particular since it is necessary to leave access for the removal and/or installation of such a rear shock absorber.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention aims to provide support overcoming the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention makes it possible to pre-maintain a reel in position before its definitive fixing, to support a locking/unlocking ring of a seat or bench back, while satisfying the constraints of location of the strap imposed by regulation.

To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a support for fixing a reel of a vehicle seat belt strap, in particular a motor vehicle, the support comprising an opening intended for the passage of such a strap within the support.

The support may comprise a main part for fixing such a reel and a secondary part comprising the opening.

The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising:
- a support as defined previously,
- a reel for a seat belt strap, the reel being fixed on the main part of the support,
- a strap extending from the reel and passing through the opening of the support,
- a part of a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle,
the support being fixed on the body part so that the main part extends in a vertical and transverse or substantially vertical and transverse plane.

The main part of the support may comprise a receiving face of the reel, the receiving face may be oriented towards the rear.

The main part of the support may comprise a fixing face of the reel, the fixing face may be oriented towards the front.

The secondary portion of the support may extend upward and rearward from the primary portion.

The cash part may include the following elements:
- a rear quarter lining, and/or
- a shock absorber mounting cup, and/or
- an extension for the cup, and/or
- a structural wheel arch, and/or
- a rear foot,
the support being able to be fixed on at least one of these elements, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

The arrangement may include a backrest of a seat or a bench, in particular a backrest of a second row, the reel being able to be arranged behind the backrest.

The support may include a ring, in particular a ring passing through the support, the ring being able to extend forward so as to lock or unlock the backrest on the ring.

The invention also relates to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, the body comprising at least one arrangement as defined above, or at least one support as defined above.

The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a body as defined above or an arrangement as defined above or at least one support as defined above.

Presentation of figures

These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of a support made on a non-limiting basis in relation to the attached figures among which:

There is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

There is a partial perspective view of a vehicle body according to one embodiment of the invention.

There is a detailed view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

There is a partial perspective view of the body according to the embodiment of the invention.

There is another partial perspective view of the body according to the embodiment of the invention.

There is a perspective view of a support according to one embodiment of the invention.

detailed description

The direction in which a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called transverse direction Y The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called vertical direction Z. Thus, we use a direct reference XYZ in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the. transverse direction directed to the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction is the direction in which the vehicle usually travels in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the reverse direction.

As illustrated on the , a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle 1, comprises a body 6. The vehicle comprises a first row 7 of seat(s) and/or bench. The vehicle preferably comprises a second row 5. The second row 5 comprises a backrest 8 of a seat or a bench. The vehicle or body 6 comprises an arrangement 3. The vehicle, or body, or arrangement comprises at least one support 10, illustrated in particular in the . The vehicle, or the arrangement, comprises at least one seat belt device, for example at each seat within the vehicle. A seat belt device comprises in particular a reel 20 and a strap 2. Preferably, the reel 20 comprises a blocking means (not illustrated) capable of blocking the unwinding of the strap 2 in the event of force on the strap, for example in the event of braking or vehicle impact.

More precisely, the support 10 is a fixing support for the reel 20 of the seat belt strap 2. As illustrated in particular on the , the support 10 comprises an opening 15. The opening 15 is for example a hole or an orifice. Alternatively, the opening 15 is a notch or slot or notch (embodiment not illustrated). The opening 15 provides a passage for the strap 2 through the support 10. Thus, the strap 2 unwinds from the reel 20, passes through the support 10 within the opening 15, and extends up to a end of the strap fixed at the level of the corresponding seat for example. Advantageously, a return means 9, for example of the return wire type, preferably made of steel, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, is arranged so as to orient the strap 2 in a desired area in terms of ergonomics, comfort and safety. For example, the return means 9 is fixed on a rear leg 36 and/or on a quarter panel lining 31, for example by fixing means of the screw/tapping or screw/nut type. Thus, the strap 2 preferably extends from the unwinder 20, passes through the opening 15, comes into contact with the return means 9, and extends to the end of the strap fixed at the level of the seat corresponding for example.

Preferably, the support 10 comprises a main part 11 for fixing the reel 20. More precisely, the main part 11 comprises a receiving face 13 for receiving the reel 20. Preferably, as illustrated in the , the main part 11 comprises a pre-holding means 16 and the reel 20 comprises a pre-holding means 26 capable of cooperating with the means 16. For example, the pre-holding means 16 is a notch made on the support 10 and the pre-retaining means 26 is a hook extending projecting from the reel 20. More preferably, another pre-retaining means 27 arranged on the reel and another means 17 arranged on the support 10 cooperate, for example also of the notch or hole and hook type. The reel can thus be positioned optimally with respect to the receiving face 13 illustrated on the .

Advantageously, an extra thickness plate 40 is arranged at the receiving face 13 of the reel. The plate 40 is preferably fixed on the receiving face 13, for example by welding, for example by spot welding. The extra thickness plate 40 is for example flat or substantially flat. The plate 40 preferably supports a means for holding the backrest 8 in position, for example of the ring or striker wire 41 type. In other words, preferably the ring 41 is fixed on the plate 40 ensuring in particular a role of reinforcing the wire of waste. An orifice 42 within the main part 11 (and where appropriate within the plate 40) allows the passage of the ring so that it extends forward while being fixed at the level of the face reception 13 oriented towards the rear of the vehicle. For example, the ring 41 generally has the shape of an omega, each foot of the omega being fixed on the receiving face 13 and/or on the plate 40. The ring 41, of the striker type, allows locking or unlocking , the backrest 8 by means of a hook system (not illustrated) so as to authorize or not the pivoting of the backrest 8 around an axis extending substantially transversely at the level of the seat concerned.

Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 6, the support comprises a secondary part 12. The secondary part 12 comprises the opening 15.

The arrangement 3 comprises the support 10, the reel 20, the strap 2 and a body part 4 of the vehicle 1 as illustrated in the . As a reminder, the reel 20 is fixed on the main part 11 of the support 10. Preferably, the support 10 is fixed on the body part 4 so that the main part 11 extends in a vertical and transverse plane, or in a substantially vertical and transverse plane. As seen previously, the main part 11 of the support 10 comprises the receiving face 13 of the reel 20. The receiving face 13 is oriented towards the rear. The main part 11 of the support 10 also comprises a fixing face 18 of the reel 20, as illustrated in the . The face 18 to ensure the fixing of the reel is then oriented towards the front. Preferably, the main part 11 comprises a hole 19 allowing the passage of a fixing means, such as a screw for example, through the support 10 (and the plate 40 if necessary) to cooperate with the reel 20 The reel then comprises for example a thread, or an attached nut, or is sandwiched between the rear of the support 10 and a nut cooperating with the screw passing through the support.

In particular in the case of return 9 arranged above the reel 20, the secondary part 12 of the support 10 extends upwards and towards the rear from the main part 11. As a reminder, the strap 2 passes through the opening 15. The opening 15 is provided within the support 10 so as to leave sufficient clearance around the strap 2 passing through it.

Preferably, as illustrated in the , the body part 4 comprises a rear quarter lining 31, and/or a mounting cup 33 for a shock absorber, and/or an extension 32 for the cup 33 and/or a structural wheel arch 34, and/or a foot rear 36. The support 10 is then fixed on at least one of these elements, for example by welding, for example by spot welding. The extension 32 makes it possible, for example, to support and fix the cup 33 at a greater height.

Preferably, as illustrated in the , the support 10 is fixed by welding points on the rear leg 36 and on the rear quarter lining 31 and on the wheel arch 34. In addition, the support can also be fixed on the cup extension 32 and on the cup 33. Advantageously, the support 10 comprises fallen edges 14, illustrated in particular on the . For example, fallen edges are provided over the entire external perimeter of the support 10. Preferably, the opening 15 also includes fallen edges. If necessary, the fallen edges 14 are used in part to produce the welding points for fixing the support.

Preferably, the support 10 is obtained from sheet metal, preferably from sheet steel. The elements on which the support is welded are then also made of sheet steel, preferably of the same thickness and/or with the same type of steel so as to facilitate and/or optimize the welding fixing step.

Advantageously, the arrangement 3 comprises the backrest 8 of a seat or a bench, for example of the second row. The retractor 20 is then arranged behind the backrest 8.

In summary, the solution, particularly suitable for a rear row of a vehicle, allows a belt strap 2 to pass through the support 10 of its reel 20.

The solution is compatible with a rear foot 36 and/or a strongly inclined trunk ring (for example of the order of 45 degrees) generating in particular a rear quarter lining 31 having a reduced area. Thus, the solution is compatible with a constraint in the longitudinal direction and the extreme rear foot 36 is of the order of 9 cm. In addition, the solution makes it possible to fix the reel in the vertical direction, in particular by extending substantially in a vertical and transverse plane, which ensures optimal operation of the reel strap locking means.

The solution makes it possible to provide sufficient space, particularly in the longitudinal direction, to access above the cup 33, between the seat back 8 and the cup 33. It becomes possible to mount or remove a shock absorber coming at the level of the cup 33. In particular, the space offered is compatible with the use of a screwdriver at this level, in particular above the cup 33. Thus, an intervention on a shock absorber can be carried out easily, without having to resort to when removing the adjacent reel 20.

Indeed, the fact of arranging the reel 20 on the receiving face 13 of the support 10 oriented towards the rear, the receiving face extending substantially in a vertical and transverse plane, prevents the support from taking up space. space in this already congested area. This is made possible in particular thanks to the opening 15 for passing the strap through the support 10. Indeed, the support having a secondary part 12 extending obliquely upwards and backwards relative to the main part 11 increases the rigidity of the support in particular thanks to the fixing points, preferably by welding points between the secondary part 12 and the rear leg 36 and the quarter lining 31. As a reminder, the main part 11 of the support 10 is fixed , preferably by spot welding, also on the rear quarter lining 31 and on the wheel arch 34.

Thanks to the main part 11 extending substantially in a vertical and transverse plane and to the secondary part 12 extending upwards and towards the rear and to their numerous fixing points, the support is particularly rigid while offering a Optimal strap path thanks to opening 15. Note that the dropped edges increase the rigidity of the support while avoiding resonance effects. The support is thus structured, in particular via the fallen edges, is non-planar, so as to compensate for the fragility created by the presence of the opening 15. For example, in the lower part of the main part 11, a large boss 11B is provided on the support 10, as illustrated in particular in Figures 4 and 6. The boss 11B makes it possible to best fit the extension 32 and/or the wheel arch 34 and/or the rear quarter lining 31 so as to improve the rigidity while by limiting the size of the support 10 in this area.

In addition, the locations of the reel 20 and the return 9 offer a strap path satisfying the constraints in terms of safety, in particular of the strap passage cone type taking into account for example the different passenger sizes. Thus, despite a small distance, of the order of 35 mm for example, between the backrest 8 and the return 9, the shape of the support makes it possible to install the reel 20.

The solution makes it possible to integrate the reel into a cluttered location despite its imposing volume and by orienting it optimally to ensure the operation of its blocking means, namely vertically.

To avoid any wear by contact and/or friction of the strap 2, the opening 15 is provided so as to allow significant clearance between the strap and the opening. For example, each strap edge is at least ten mm apart from the opening 15. The presence of fallen edges on all or part of the perimeter of the opening 15 further limits the risk of wear of the strap. strap by abrasion. Note that the opening 15 is sufficiently spacious for the passage of a belt strap buckle and a means of fixing the end of the belt strap at the seat level in order to allow their assembly.

In summary, the reel is positioned against or on the side of the rear face 13 of the bridge or leg type support which connects the rear ring or rear foot to the quarter panel, to the wheel arch, or even to the riser and/or to the shock absorber cup.

The solution also makes it easier to mount the reel thanks to the pre-retaining means 16, 17 provided on the support and the means 26, 27 provided on the reel. More precisely, the reel can be placed temporarily on the receiving face 13 (or against the reinforcing plate 40 of the ring 41) via these pre-retaining means, for example by hooking, before being fixed by screwing from the face facing the front of the vehicle, that is to say the fixing face 18. This fixing step is particularly easy on the production line, the backrest 8 preferably not yet being mounted in the vehicle . This results in a substantial access area for inserting the means of fixing the reel, for example a simple screw, passing through hole 19. Screwing this screw via a screwdriver is then possible, which facilitates this step in terms of ergonomics and makes it particularly fast.

Thus, the reel is installed in compliance with regulations, despite a restrictive body architecture, including in particular an inclined rear window, a rear overhang, in particular a significant rear overhang, and a vehicle length ratio / particularly low habitability of the vehicle. By “rear overhang” we mean the distance between the rear of the vehicle and the axis of the rear wheels.

In addition, the solution is compatible with a standard strap winder in a very constrained environment and the constraints in terms of passive safety are satisfied, in particular via the position of the return wire 9.

Although the solution has been illustrated at the level of a seat belt device arranged at a left rear seat, it can obviously be transposed to a right rear seat. Optionally, the solution can be adapted to a seat belt device for a front seat of a vehicle. In particular, the solution can be adapted to a seat belt device for a front seat of a vehicle having only front seats.

As a side note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of providing support for a seat belt reel compatible with a restricted installation space, while ensuring pre-maintenance in position of the reel before its attachment and supporting a locking/unlocking ring for a seat or bench back, and satisfying the strap location constraints imposed by regulations, and has the advantage of being able to be used on other types of vehicles, namely trucks, buses, coaches and even aircraft.

Claims (11)

Support (10) for fixing a reel (20) of a vehicle seat belt strap (2), in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the support (10) comprises an opening (15) intended for the passage of such a strap (2) within the support (10). Support (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a main part (11) for fixing such a reel (20) and a secondary part (12) comprising the opening (15) . Arrangement (3) comprising:
- a support (10) according to claim 2,
- a reel (20) for a seat belt strap (2), the reel (20) being fixed on the main part (11) of the support (10),
- a strap (2) extending from the reel (20) and passing through the opening (15) of the support (10),
- a body part (4) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1),
characterized in that the support (10) is fixed on the body part (4) so that the main part (11) extends in a vertical and transverse or substantially vertical and transverse plane. Arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the main part (11) of the support (10) comprises a receiving face (13) of the reel (20), the receiving face (13) being oriented towards the rear. Arrangement (3) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the main part (11) of the support (10) comprises a fixing face (18) of the reel (20), the fixing face ( 18) being oriented towards the front. Arrangement (3) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the secondary part (12) of the support (10) extends upwards and backwards from the main part (11). Arrangement (3) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the body part (4) comprises the following elements:
- a rear quarter lining (31), and/or
- a cup (33) for fixing a shock absorber, and/or
- an extension (32) for the cup (33), and/or
- a structural wheel arch (34), and/or
- a rear foot (36),
the support (10) being fixed on at least one of these elements, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding. Arrangement (3) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a backrest (8) of a seat or a bench, in particular a backrest (8) of a second row (5), the retractor (20) being arranged behind the backrest (8). Arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (10) comprises a ring (41), in particular a ring (41) passing through the support (10), the ring (41) extending towards the front so as to lock or unlock the backrest (8) on the ring (41). Vehicle body (6), in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the body (6) comprises at least one arrangement (3) according to one of claims 3 to 9, or at least one support (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2. Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a body (6) according to the preceding claim or an arrangement (3) according to one of claims 3 to 9 or at least one support (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2.