WO1994027843A1

WO1994027843A1 - A device in vehicle safety systems

Info

Publication number: WO1994027843A1
Application number: PCT/SE1993/000471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lennart Lindbald
Original assignee: Lennart Lindbald
Priority date: 1993-05-27
Filing date: 1993-05-27
Publication date: 1994-12-08
Also published as: AU4593193A

Abstract

The invention concerns a device in vehicle safety systems of the kind comprising a harness, one strap part (11) of which is arranaged to be stretched by a continuously yieldable force during normal driving conditions but to be locked as a result of abnormal driving conditions, said strap part extending from a seat (2) rearwards inside the vehicle up to a point of engagement positioned behind the back rest of the vehicle seat on the interior face of the longitudinal wall of the vehicle body portion, said part of the vehicle side wall being provided with a door (13). In accordance with the invention, this point of engagement (12) is positioned on the door and means are provided and so arranged, and preferably interconnected with the door opening system, that they release said strap part, as the door is being opened.

Description

A DEVICE IN VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS

The subject invention concerns a device in vehicle safety systems of the kind comprising a harness one strap part of which is arranged to be stretched by a continuous¬ ly yieldable force during normal driving conditions but to be locked as a result of abnormal driving conditions, said strap part extending from a seat rearwards inside the vehicle up to a point of engagement positioned behind the vehicle seat back on the interior face of the longitudinal side wall of the vehicle body portion, said part of the vehicle side wall being provided with a door.

In vehicle safety systems of the kind indicated above, it is desirable that said point of engagement is positioned comparatively far behind the associated vehicle seat. The reason therefore is that a large distance from said point to the seat provides considerable latitude as regards the possibilities of varying the positions of the seat in the longitudinal direction and the inclination of the seat back without the angle formed by said strap part with respect to the vehicle body portion and to the seat back, respectively, altering to such an extent as to negatively affect the function of said strap part. The strap part could be one portion of the diagonal strap of a three-point engagement harness, the diagonal strap of which via a guide member at the top of the seat back runs further rearwards up to the point of engagement in question. The forwards end of said strap part could also be anchored to the seat back, either by being secured directly thereto or by means of a strap roll-up device, so as to unload the stress on the hinge mechanism articulat¬ ing the seat back rest to the cushion portion thereof, due to the abnormal forces from behind that occur as the vehicle is suddenly decelerated. When this happens, the diagonal strap part, for instance, is rolled up into the belt roll-up device mounted at the top of the seat back rest. When the diagonal strap part extends further up to said point of engagement on the vehicle side wall a roll- up device preferably is arranged in this area. A belt roll-up device could also be provided on the vehicle side wall when the associated strap part is secured directly to the seat back rest.

However, the position of the point of engagement comparatively far back, may, when the said point is positioned on the inner face of a door, constitute an obstacle, if the strap is taut, as it will be for instance after a collision.

The main purpose of the invention is to provide a device allowing the seat positions to be varied without accompanying inconvenient resetting of the strap delinking or attachment points and without prohibiting emergency opening of the door.

This purpose is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the point of engagement of the strap is positioned on the door and in that means are provided and so arranged and preferably interconnected with the door opening system that they release said strap part as the door is being opened.

Preferably, the device arranged to tighten the strap part is formed by a strap roll-up device positioned in the vehicle body portion and including strap and/or vehicle- sensitive locking means which become active in response to abnormal behaviour situations of the vehicle, and a release mechanism which is associated with the door- opening means so as to be affected thereby, and which mechanism is actively connected with the strap locking means of the roll-up device in such a manner that said means are made ineffective upon actuation of the door- opening means.

In other words, the tightening device is released from its locked position, when the door is being opened in an emergency situation. The release could be effected either by manipulating the door handle or by the force generated as the door is swung open. Preferably, the release mechanism is connected to a sensor situated adjacent the door hinge for the purpose of making use of the lever effect created as the door is being opene between said door and its frame, in order to actuate the release mechanism. In this manner the door is used as a lever in order to utilize the force of the door movement to effect release of the locking mechanism.

When the strap and/or the vehicle-behaviour sensitive locking device of the roll-up device comprises a circular tooth rim and locking means in engagement therewith, said tooth rim preferably is the first tooth rim in an engage¬ ment member which, in dependence on whether the door is closed or is being actuated for door-opening purposes, is either locked relatively to the roll-up mechanism body or in a release condition after having been affected by the release mechanism so as to be able to rotate freely about said body. Owing to this arrangement it becomes possible to pull out the strap in cases of emergency, irrespective of the condition of the ordinary locking mechanism. Preferably, the engagement member comprises a second tooth rim in which a pawl actuated by release mechanisms is arranged to releasably engage.

In addition, the release mechanisms preferably comprise a sensor element situated close oe the door hinge to detect the position of the door edge portion relatively to the door frame. In accordance with one aspect of the invention the release mechanism is a body supporting the pawl arranged for engagement with the second tooth rim as well as the sensor element, which is formed by an element cooperating with the frame or door edge part that is movable relatively to the locking mechanism. Preferably, the body forming the release mechanism is adapted to be forced to remain in the blocking position when the door is in a closed condition, but to be released as the door is being opened, owing to the consequential relative movement between the door edge and the door frame, in such a manner that the locking engagement with the second tooth rim ceases and the strap may be unreeled, irrespective of the condition of the strap and/or vehicle-behaviour sensitive locking devices. This means that the strap roll-up device positively is released from its locked position, when the door is being opened.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the release mechanism comprises a pivotable double-arm lever one end of which supports said pawl in engagement with said second tooth rim and the opposite end of which supports the sensor element, the two arms of the lever preferably being mutually pivotable while spring-biased in the direction towards the pawl engagement position. This arrangement eliminates in a comparatively safe manner the risks for partial locking. Also if the pawl, as the door is being closed, were to be in an unfavourable position with respect to the teeth of the associated tooth rim after the closing of the door, the pawl will automatically move to its position of engagement as soon as the strap is tightened. Preferably, guides are provided on the frame or door edge portion that is movable relatively to the roll-up device, said guides arranged to urge the release mechanism while guiding the latter, towards the release position as the door is being opened and in the opposite direction, as the door is being closed. This arrangement further increases the reliability of the emergency release function.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the release mechanism is a cam disc which on the one hand supports the sensor element and on the other forms a cam disc in abutting cooperation with pawls engaging the second tooth path and forcibly affecting the pawls as the door is being opened. Among other things, this arrangement efficiently prevents partial locking. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention the point of engagement is formed by a strap attachment fitting which is movably guided in the direction of travel, locking devices being provided to prevent the strap attachment fitting from moving when the door is closed but to allow movement forwards of the strap attachment fitting, when the door deviates from its closed position.

In addition, the strap attachment fitting preferably is permanently biased rearwards under the action of a spring. This means that during normal driving conditions, the strap attachment fitting is in its maximum rearwards position and prevented, during driving, to move forwards, whereas in emergency door opening situations, for example after a collision, the strap attachment fitting is free to move forwards and thus does not prevent the door from being opened. Preferably, the strap attachment fitting is then mounted on a rod extending forwards in the door and adapted, in the closed condition of the door, to abut against a door frame portion located forwardly of the door so as to then prevent the strap attachment fitting from being moved forwards but to be released as the door is being opened and thus free to be moved forwards together with the strap attachment fitting. This arrangement is simple as to its construction and may be very sturdy, since the door pillar absorbs the load from the strap upon the occurrence of abnormal deceleration movements of the vehicle.

In accordance with a further modification of the invention the point of engagement on the door is a strap attachment fitting supported by a gas and/or hydraulically operated spring, said strap attachment fitting being movable in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle and the gas and/or hydraulically operated spring being so dampened as to strongly counter-act sudden movements forwards while at the same time allowing slow motions. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with three-point engagement safety harness, in which the subject invention is applied, Fig. 2 shows a second example of application of the invention in a vehicle equipped with a three-point engage¬ ment harness,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view corresponding to Figs. 1 and 2 of a vehicle equipped with the device in accordance with the yet another example of application of the invention,

Fig. 4 is a view as seen from within the vehicle, showing one manner of attaching the strap in the vehicle door in accordance with the invention, Fig. 5 is a sectional view as seen from above through a part of the vehicle portion illustrated in Fig. 4,

Figs. 6 and 7 are sectional views through a strap roll-up device mounted in the vehicle body portion, said device being shown in its locked and in its release positions, respectively.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 6 but illustrating a different embodiment of the strap roll-up device and the locking system associated therewith,

Fig. 9 shows the same roll-up device as Fig. 8 but in the release position corresponding to that of Fig. 7,

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a detail incorpo¬ rated in the device according to Figs. 8 and 9,

Figs. 11 and 12 are schematic sectional views approximately corresponding to the sectional views in accordance with Figs. 6, 7 and 8, 9, respectively, showing the device in its locked and in its release positions, respectively,

Fig. 13 shows a modification of the device in accord¬ ance with the invention in a schematical perspective view from the interior of the vehicle body portion, Fig. 14 is a sectional view from above of a part of the vehicle portion illustrated in Fig. 15, ^*

Fig. 15 is a sectional view through a part of the vehicle door shown in Fig. 13, Fig. 16 is an enlarged view as seen from the inside of the same vehicle door,

Fig. 17 is a view corresponding to that of Fig. 13 but showing yet another alternative embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention, Fig. 18 is a sectional view corresponding to that of Fig. 14 and relating to the vehicle part illustrated in Fig. 17,

Fig. 19 is a schematical view similar to Figs. 13 and 17, of a vehicle door similar equipped with a somewhat modified version of the device in accordance with the invention, and

Fig. 20 is a view corresponding to Fig. 19 from the inside of a vehicle door equipped with a device in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a part of a vehicle, generally designated by reference 1, showing a seat generally designated by reference 2, comprising the cushion part 3 of the seat and a back rest part 4. The seat is equipped with a safety harness 5 of a three-point engagement type, the lap strap part 6 of which extends from an attachment point 7 close to the side wall of the vehicle, via a fitting element 8 at the opposite side of the seat and further in the form of a diagonal or chest strap part 9 to a fitting element 10 at the upper part of the back rest of the seat. In accordance with the embodiment shown in this drawing figure the strap runs freely through the fitting element and merges into a strap part 11 which via a delinking fitting element 12 mounted on the inner face of the door 13 rearwardly of the seat travels further up to a strap roll-up device 15 positioned close to the front edge of the vehicle door or on the pillar 14 of the vehicle door. The drawing figure illustrates the driver's seat of the vehicle, the left rear door 13 of the vehicle having been removed, and the front side door. It should be under¬ stood, however, that a corresponding device could be mounted on the right-hand side of the vehicle. It is of course quite possible to apply the device also in vehicles of a bus-like type having several rows of seats, in which case the seats of the rear rows also could be provided with a device in accordance with the invention. Numeral reference 16 indicates the mechanism for adjustment of the inclination of the back rest.

Because the strap 5 extends through the fitting element 10 at the top of the back rest and further up to a point of engagement 12 positioned comparatively far behind the seat on the inner side of the vehicle, the strap will extend uniformly across the chest of a person occupying the seat, irrespective of the longitudinal position in which the seat is set along the rails 17 or similar means on the vehicle floor, and also irrespective of the position of inclination of the back rest 4. Consequently the person in the seat will be comparatively safely harnessed independently of the positions of the cushion part of the seat and of the back rest. Should the person wish to assume a resting position he may fold the back rest backwards very far without impairing the safety belt function. In order to accommodate the belt to persons of different torso lengths the fitting element 10 preferably is arranged to be set in different vertical positions. However, the far rearwardly positioned point of engagement 12 of the strap part 11 on the door 13 could, however, make it difficult to open the rear door, for instance after a collision, if the strap part 11 is still taut. The subject invention preferably includes devices to be described in more detail in the following and designed to release said strap part 11. Said devices could either be of a kind ensuring release of the lock mechanism of the belt roll-up device 15, as the door is being opened, for instance as appears from Figs. 4-12, or else ensuring release of the fitting element forming the point of engagement 12 so that said fitting element becomes free to move forwards, for instance as appears from Figs. 13-18. It is likewise possible to mount the fitting element 12 on a gas and/or hydraulically operated spring, as illustrated in Fig. 19. These devices will be described in closer detail in the following in connection with the description of the associated drawing figures. Fig. 2 illustrates a somewhat modified application of the invention. In this drawing figure components corres¬ ponding to those illustrated in the Fig. 1 have received the same numeral references and to repeat the description thereof has not been considered necessary. The most essential difference compared with the embodiment of Fig. 1 is that the delinking fitting element 10 at the top of the back rest 4 has been replaced by a strap roll-up device 18 for rolling up the diagonal strap of the harness whereas the strap part 11 is directly attached in the back rest 4, preferably by means of an attachment fitting 19. In accordance with this embodiment the strap 11 and the locking mechanism associated therewith prevent the back rest folding mechanism 16 from being exposed to too heavy loads, should passengers or articles in the rear seat behind the seat 2 be thrown forwards as a result of the brakes of the vehicle being applied suddenly. Like the fitting element 10 in Fig. 1 the strap roll-up device 18 or a separate delinking device in connection therewith may be height-adjustable for adjustment to persons of varying torso lengths. Also the application of the invention shown in Fig. 2 allows the seat position lengthwise in the vehicle to be adjusted as also the angle of inclination of the back rest within a very large range in principally the same way as described in connection with Fig. 1. Also the application of the invention illustrated in Fig. 3 has received the same numeral references for equivalent components and not in this case either will these components be described again. The application in accordance with Fig. 3 is similar to that in Fig. 2 inasmuch as the three-point engagement harness comprises its own roll-up mechanism 18 mounted at the top of the back rest whereas the strap part 11 serves only to lock the back rest 4 against folding movements forwards, should be brakes be applied suddenly, for instance under the effect of persons or articles being thrown forwards as a result of such braking. The difference is, however, that the strap part 11 extends from the point of engagement on the inner side of the door formed by the fitting element 12, to the back rest 4, where the strap part 11 runs into a roll-up mechanism 20.

The primary similarity between the applications in Figs 1 and 2 resides therein that the strap 11 runs via the fitting element 12 to the roll-up mechanism 15 positioned at the front edge of the door.

Fig. 4 illustrates from the inner side the rear right-hand side door 13 of the vehicle. Since this door has the same function as the left-hand door illustrated in Figs. 1-3, identical numeral references have been used also in this case. Also, corresponding numeral references have been used for the remaining components, irrespective of whether they are positioned on the right-hand or left- hand side of the vehicle. For instance, the fitting element forming the point of engagement on the vehicle door is designated by reference 12 and the roll-up device by reference 15. The embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is most similar to that of Fig. 1, since strap part 11 merges into the ordinary belt or harness by means of a delinking fitting 10 mounted at the top of the back rest 4. In Fig. 4 the roll-up device 15 is mounted in the vehicle door. Such mounting is shown in closer detail in Fig. 5, according to which the roll-up device 15 is mounted in the interior of the door 13, adjacent the front edge 21 thereof. Like in previous drawing figures, the door pillar is designated by reference 14. In addition, the front door of the vehicle is designated by 22 and the hinge inter¬ connecting the rear door 13 and the door pillar 14 is designated by 23. Numeral reference 24 designates a sensor which projects outwards from the door edge 21 so as to co- operate with the door frame 14 when abutting against the latter, preeferably by means of an abutment member 25. The sensor 24 is connected with a release mechanism in the interior of the roll-up device, said release mechanism arranged to release the roller drum so as to allow with- drawal of strap 11, irrespective of the condition of the ordinary lock mechanism of the roll-up device. As well- known, the ordinary lock mechanism is of a nature causing immobilization or locking of the strap both upon the occurrence of abnormal vehicle movements, such as for instance sudden vehicle deceleration, and upon the occurrence of abnormal vehicle positions, for instance when the vehicle assumes an abnormal position of inclina¬ tion. Such abnormal vehicle situations arise for instance as a consequence of a collision, ditching of the car, and similar situations in which the vehicle may turn over. Since this normal lock function is well known within the technical field concerned, a detailed description herein is regarded as superfluous. For instance, the release mechanism in accordance with the invention could be constructed in the manner appearing from Figs. 6 and 7 to be described in closer detail in the following. It may be assumed that sensor, which is the shape of a finger, corresponds to the finger element designated by reference 26 in Figs. 6 and 7. In Figs. 6 and 7 the roll-up device is designated by reference 15 just like in the previous drawing figures. However, contrary to the embodiments shown in Figs. 4 and 5, this roll-up device is mounted on the door pillar 14 of the vehicle. Like in Fig. 5, the edge of the vehicle door is designated by reference 21. Numeral reference 27 relates to a strap roll-up core incorporated in the roll- up device, which core may be of a conventional nature. At one end wall of the device the roll-up core is surrounded by an annular inertia body 28. Reference 29 designates pawls which from an indentation 30 in the roll-up core project through openings formed in the inertia body 28. Reference 28 designates springs biasing the locking bodies 29 in their position of retraction into the inertia body 28 as illustrated in Fig. 6. Numeral 33 designates an annular tooth rim, the teeth of which are engaged by the locking bodies 29 for cooperation with said tooth rim. In strap roll-up devices of the conventional kind this tooth rim 33 is stationary relatively to the housing 34 of the strap roll-up device. In accordance with the invention, on the other hand, the tooth rim is formed in a separate annular member 35 which is formed with a second, outer tooth rim 36. In accordance with this embodiment, the sensor 26 is devised as a sliding member which is guided for lengthwise movements inside the housing 34 and the end positions of which are determined by a pin 37 forming a stop member in an oblong aperture 38 formed in the sensor 26. The sensor is formed with at least one pawl 39 which in the retracted position of the sensor engages in the teeth rim 36 on the engagement member 35. As appears from Fig. 6, this position corresponds to the closed position of the vehicle door 13. When a strong traction force is exerted on the strap part 11, the strap core 27 turns relatively to the inertia body 28 and on account of the eccentric position of the bottoms of the indentations 30 the locking bodies 29 are urged outwards against the action of the springs 32 into engagement with the tooth rim 33. Upon remaining traction force on the strap part 11 the locking bodies 29 are retained in this locking position. On account of the tension in the strap, the locking bodies 29 tend to cause the engagement member 35 to move in the direction of arrow F, with the result that said member tends to move the sensor 26 to the right as seen in Figs. 6 and 7, i.e. towards the door edge 21. When the door 13 is being opened, it swings to the position illustrated in Fig. 7, which means that the tooth rim 36 of the engagement member 35 is free to displace the sensor 26 to the position it assumed in Fig. 7. The latter part of the outwards projecting movement of the sensor is effected with the assistance of a spring 40 which still engages the tooth rim 36 during the latter part of_\the sensor projecting movement. However, the sensor 26 cannot move to its fully projected position on account of the stopping effect provided by the pin 37. When the door 13 is again being closed, it forces the sensor to the position shown in Fig. 6. The spring 40 is dimensioned to ensure that during this movement it grips the engagement member 35 and brings along the latter to such a position with respect to the pawl 39 that said pawl may move into the path of the toot rim of the engagement member without interfering with the teeth apices thereof. When the door is being closed, on the other hand the pawl 39 is forced to its position of engagement, the strap roll-up device then operating in the same manner as conventional strap roll-up devices having a stationary inner teeth rim 33 in cooperation with the conventional locking bodies 29. In this situation the strap roll-up device has the same locking function as conventional strap roll-up devices, when the vehicle door is closed. On the other hand, when the door is being opened, disconnection or release occurs, independently of the condition of the normal locking system of the strap roll-up device, which system comprises the locking bodies, the inertia body and the inner tooth rim 33. Owing to this release function which becomes effective as the door is being opened, the strap 11 may be unrolled or paid out freely, which means that there is nothing to prevent the door from being opened, despite the location comparatively far back in the vehicle, of the point of engagement of the strap part 11 extending between the back rest and the door. Figs. 8 - 10 illustrate a strap roll-up device 15 which also may be of conventional design bu be supple¬ mented by a release mechanism in accordance with the invention. Again, numeral reference 14 designates the door pillar of the vehicle, reference 13 its door, reference 23 its hinge, reference 21 its edge and reference 11 the part of the strap running into the strap roll-up device. In accordance with this embodiment, numeral reference 41 designates the core of the roll-up device, reference 42 the inertia body surrounding said core, reference 43 the locking means movably arranged in notches formed in said inertia body, reference 44 a pin extending through the core of the strap roll-up device and through the locking means, reference 45 designates an inner tooth rim which may correspond to the tooth rim 33 illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. Like in the preceding embodiment an engagement member 46 is formed with an outer tooth rim 47, in which engages in a pawl-like manner a pawl 48 in the shape of a double-arm lever the axis of rotation of which is designated by reference 49. The double-arm lever is divided into two separate and mutually pivotable parts, one of which is the pawl 48 and the second one, designated by reference 50, forms a sensor part arranged to detect the angular position of the door. The sensor part 50 has a U-shaped cross-section and from its web extend, longi¬ tudinally, in one direction a finger-shaped spring 51 and in the other two lugs 52 through which penetrates an engagement pin 53. In accordance with the embodiment shown a catch 54 on the door 13 cooperates with the engagement pin 53.

A strong traction force exerted on the strap 11 brings the latter to urge the core 41 of the strap roll-up device in the clockwise direction in accordance with Figs. 8 and 9, the transverse pin 44 then tending to move the locking bodies 43 into engagement with the inner tooth rim 45. Since in the situtation illustrated in Fig. 8 the engagement member 46 acts as if the inner tooth rim 45 had been stationary, the strap 11 consequently is locked against further paying out movement. If, on the other hand, emergency opening is desired under these circumstances, the door is swung towards the position illustrated in Fig. 9, wherein the catch brings along the engagement pin 53 extending through the lugs 52 of the sensor 50, and tends to pivot the lever system formed by said sensor and the pawl 48 clockwise as seen in Figs. 8 and 9. Preferably the two means are so matched one to the other that this movement is a forced one. The pawl 48 is then disengaged from the tooth rim 47. In order to facilitate the disengagement the front faces of the teeth preferably incline slightly rearwards to avoid the generation of too strong a self-braking effect between the teeth and the pawl. In this locked position illustrated in Fig. 9 the strap 11 may be freely pulled out and the door be opened further without encountering any resistance. When the door is again to be closed, the catch 54 grips the pin 53, forcing the latter to pivot the double-arm lever system counter-clockwise, urging the pawl 48 against the tooth rim 47. Should the pawl not immediately drop into the tooth rim, the spring 51 will abut against the pawl, maintaining the latter pressed against the tooth rim with the result that the pawl will move into its position of engagement, as soon as a traction force is exerted on the strap 11.

In Figs. 11 and 12, the vehicle door is once again referred to by numeral reference 13, its hinge by reference 23 and the door pillar by reference 14. The roll-up device is designated by reference 15. In the version of the invention illustrated in these drawing figures the roll-up device may be of a kind known per se comprising strap and/or vehicle behaviour sensitive locking means located in the interior of the housing of the device. However, in accordance with this embodiment the core 55 of the roll-up device non-rotationally supports a toothed wheel 56. Obviously, the toothed wheel 56 in principle could be arranged in a manner equivalent to that of the engagement means 35 in Figs. 6, 7 and 46 in Figs. 8,9, i.e. with a conventional locking means between the strap roll-up core 55 and the engagement means 56. Reference 57 designates pivotable pawls which preferably are spring-biased for movement in the pivotal direction indicated in Fig. 11 but which could be forced by a rotatable cam disc 58 to pivot to the position shown in Fig. 12, wherein they are brought into engagement with the tooth rim 59 of the engagement means 56. Numeral 60 designates a guide pin mounted on the door. The guide pin is movable inside a slot 61 formed in the cam disc 58. The direction of the slot 61 is such as to ensure that as the door 13 is being opened the pin 60 forces the cam disc 58 to pivot towards the position in Fig. 12, wherein the cam disc faces 62 in abutment against the locking means 57 force the latter out of their engagement with the tooth rim 59. In this position the strap 11 may be unreeled freely, which means that the door may be opened unimpedely also if the ordinary strap locking system is in a position of engagement. When the door is again closed, the abutment of the cam disc against the locking elements 57 ceases and these may again pivot back to the position of engagement in Fig. 11 under the action of a spring or the like. All embodiments shown in Figs. 4 to 12 could be used in the applications illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

Also in Figs. 13 to 16 the fitting forming the point of engagement of the strap 11 is designated by 12. The fitting element 12 is mounted on a pin 63 which in turn is mounted on a sliding member 64 which is guided for move¬ ment in the lengthwise direction of the door 13 in a guide tube 65 mounted inside the door section. A lengthwise slit 66 is formed in the guide tube 65, in which slit the pin 63 is movable and which serves as a pin end position stop means. The sliding member 64 is spring biased by means of a spring 67 tending to move member 64 rearwards, the rear end 68 of said spring being attached to the door and the front end 69 to the sliding member. The sliding member is likewise connected to an attachment fitting 70 to which is secured one end of a tensile spring 71 whereas the opposite end of said spring is secured to a rod 72 which is articulated at 73 to a pawl 74. The pawl 74 is in 75 articulated to the door. In the position illustrated in Fig. 13, the pawl 74 projects into the path of movement of the sliding member 64, thus preventing the sliding member from moving forwards in the door. Also in Figs. 13 and 14 the door pillar is designated by reference 14 and the front door of the vehicle by 22. The hinge of the door is designated by reference 23. The rod 72 which in accordance with the described embodiment is a flat iron bar is formed at its rear end with a notch 76 adapted to engage a locking catch 77 formed on the door pillar. Under normal driving conditions, i.e. when the door 13 is closed, fitting element 12 is prevented from moving forwards when a pulling force is exerted on the strap 11, since the pawl 74 has swung into the path of movement of the sliding member 64 and therefore forms an obstruction against said forwards movement of said member. When the strap 11 is tightened and one wishes to emergency open the door, the first part of the opening movement of the door results in the notch 76 in the rod 72 engaging the nose 77 to cooperate with the latter so as to pull said rod forwards relatively to the door, thus pivoting the pawl 74 to the position which in Fig. 13 is indicated by dotted lines. In this position, the pawl has moved out of the path of move¬ ment of the sliding member 64 and upon continued traction force on the strap 11 and continued opening of the door the strap attachment and thus the sliding member 64 may be moved forwards against the action of the tensile spring 67. The door opening movement may be effected unimpededly. The swinging movement of the door also results in the notch 76 of the rod 72 being swung outwards sufficiently far to disengage the nose 77, thus allowing the door to be swung freely further. When the load on the strap ceases, the spring 67 pulls the sliding member to the forward position thereof illustrated in Fig. 13. The tensile spring 71, which acts on the rod 72, tends again to pull the latter rearwards and thus to pivot the pawl 74 to the locking position. When the door is moved to its fully closed position the notch 76 again engages the nose 77 on the door frame. Although this embodiment is primarily suited for the application illustrated in Fig. 3 this movable strap attachment system could of course also be used in connection with the applications appearing from Figs. 1 and 2.

As in accordance with the previous embodiments, the rear door is designated in Figs. 17 and 18 by reference 13, the front door by reference 22 and the vehicle door pillar by reference 14. In addition, its hinge is desig¬ nated by reference 23. Like in the previous embodiment, a guide tube 78 is provided in the door and inside the guide tube a sliding member 79 is arranged for guided movements therein, said member 79 having a pin 80 to which the strap fitting, not shown, is attached. Reference 81 designates a slit in the door side, in which the pin 80 is movable and which preferably forms a pin end position abutment means. Numeral reference 81 designates a tensile spring the rear end 82 of which is secured to the door whereas the front spring end 83 is secured to the sliding member 79. In this case the sliding member is formed by a rod projecting for¬ wards through the front edge 21 of the door to abut against the door pillar 14. During normal driving con¬ ditions, a traction force exerted on the pin 80 via the strap to urge the rod 79 against the door pillar, which thus has to absorb any load on the strap as the vehicle is suddenly decelerated. If upon emergency opening of the door the pin 80 is still under load, the door may be freely swung open because in this situation the rod 79 may move forwards and, as the door is opened wider, freely project adjacent the door pillar. Preferably, the rod 79 then abuts against the door pillar 14 close to the outer face thereof. When the load on the pin 80 ceases, the spring 78 again tends to retract the sliding member 79 to the rear position illustrated in Fig.17. Like the embodi¬ ment of Figs. 13 and 14, the embodiment of Figs. 17 and 18 is primarily suited for use in connection with the application illustrated in Fig. 3 but obviously could also be used in connection with the applications in accordance with Figs. 1 and 2.

Also in accordance with Fig. 19 the door is desig- nated by reference 14 and the strap attachment element by reference 12. Numeral reference 84 designates a gas and/or hydraulically operated spring extending from a point 85 at the rear of the door and supporting at its front end the strap attachment element 12. Reference 86 designates a slot formed in the vehicle door and along which the strap attachment element 12 is arranged to move. The hydraulic spring preferably is arranged to constantly tend to maintain the strap attachment element 12 in the rearwards position of displacement. In addition, the spring is adapted to efficiently counter-act sudden quick movements forwards of the attachment element 12 whereas it is yieldable vis-a-vis slow movements. Also this solution is primarily intended for the application in Fig. 3, although it could also be used in connection with the applications of Figs. 1 and 2.

In Fig. 20, the door is designated by reference 13, the door pillar by reference 14 and the back rest by reference 4. The arrangement in Fig. 20 most closely resembles that of Fig. 3 but is reversed compared with that embodiment in the respect that the strap 11 is attached to the back rest 4 and a roll-up device 87 is placed on the door. Numeral 88 designates a sensor extending from the roll-up device 87 to the area of the rear door frame. The roll-up device preferably is constructed in accordance with any one of the versions illustrated in Figs. 6 to 12. Thus, the release mechanism is maintained in its locking position, when the rod 88 detects the presence of the door frame whereas the rod 88 urges the release mechanism to its release position, when the door is being opened, i.e. when the presence of the door frame no longer is detected. The invention is not limited to only the embodiments that have been described in the aforegoing and that are illustrated in the drawings but it could be varied as to its details in many ways within the scope of the appended claims without departure from the basic inventive idea. Also other combinations of the embodiments described than those already referred to are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device in vehicle safety systems of the kind comprising a harness, one strap part of which is arranged to be stretched by a continuously yieldable force during normal driving conditions but to be locked as a result of abnormal driving conditions, said strap part extending from a seat (2) rearwards inside the vehicle up to a point of engagement positioned behind the back rest (4) of the seat on the interior face of the longitudinal wall of the vehicle body portion, said part of the vehicle side wall being provided with a door, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said point of engagment (12) is positioned on the door (13), and in that means are provided and so arranged, and preferably interconnected with the door opening system, that they release said strap part (11) as the door is being opened.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the device arranged to tighten the strap part is formed by a strap roll-up device (15) positioned in the vehicle body portion and including strap and/or vehicle behaviour sensitive locking means which become active in response to abnormal behaviour of the vehicle, and a release mechanism which is associated with the door-opening means so as to be affected thereby and which is actively connected with the strap locking means of the roll-up device in such a manner that said locking means are made ineffective upon actuation of the door- opening means.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the release mechanism is connected to a sensor situated adjacent the door hinge (23) for the purpose of making use of the lever effect created upon pivotal movements of the door, between said door and its frame, in order to actuate the release mechanism.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the strap and/or the vehicle behaviour sensitive locking means of the roll-up device comprises a circular tooth rim and locking means in engagement therewith, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that the tooth rim (33; 45) incorporated in the vehicle-behaviour sensitive locking means is the first tooth rim in an engagement member (35; 46) which, in dependence on whether the vehicle door (13) is closed or is being actuated for door-opening purposes, is either locked relatively to the body of the roll-up device or in a release condition after having been affected by said release mechanism, so as to be able to rotate freely about said body.

5. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the engagement member

(35; 46; 56) comprises a second tooth rim (36; 47; 59), in which a pawl (39; 48; 57) is arranged to releasably engage.

6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 - 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the release mechanisms comprise a sensor element situated close to the door hinge to detect the position of the door edge portion relatively to the door frame.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that the release mechanism is a body

(26; 48) supporting the pawl arranged for engagement with the second tooth rim as well as the sensor element, which is formed by an element cooperating with the frame (14) or door edge part (21) that is movable relatively to the locking mechanism.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the body forming the release mechanism is adapted to be forced to remain in the locking position, when the door is in a closed condition, but to be released as the door is being opened, owing to the consequential relative movement between the door edge and the door frame, in such a manner that the locking engage- ment with the second tooth rim ceases and the strap may be unreeled, irrespective of the condition of the strap and/or vehicle behaviour sensitive locking devices.

9. A device as claimed in claim 7, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that the release mechanism comprises a pivotable double-arm lever (48; 49), one end of which supports said pawl (48) in engagement with said second tooth rim and the opposite end of which supports the sensor element (49).

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the two arms of the lever are mutually pivotable while spring-biased in the direction towards the pawl engagement position.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10, c h a r - a c t e r i z e d in that guides (54; 60) are provided on the frame or door edge part that is movable relatively to the roll-up device, said guides arranged to urge the release mechanism while guiding the latter, towards the release position as the door is being opened and in the opposite direction as the door is being closed.

12. A device as claimed in claims 5 and 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the release mechanism is a cam disc (58) which on the one hand supports the sensor element and on the other forms a cam disc in abutting cooperation with pawls in engagement with the second tooth rim, which cam disc forcibly affects the pawls as the door is being opened.

13. A device as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the point of engagement is formed by a strap attachment fitting (12) which is movably guided in the direction of travel, locking devices (74; 79) being provided to prevent the strap attachment fitting from moving, when the door (13) is closed but to allow movement forwards of the strap attachment fitting, when the door deviates from its closed position.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the strap attachment fitting (12) preferably is permanently biased rearwards under the action of a spring.

15. A device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, c h a r ¬ a c t e r i z e d in that the strap attachment fitting is mounted on a rod (79) extending forwards in the door and adapted, in the closed condition of the door (13), to abut against a door frame portion (14) located forwardly of the door so as to then prevent the strap attachment fitting from being displaced forwards but to be released as the door is being opened and thus free to be displaced forwards together with the strap attachment fitting.

16. A device as claimed in claim 14, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that the strap attachment fitting (12) is arranged on a sliding member (64) which is movable along a path extending in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle, a locking element (74) being arranged to be introduced into the path of movement of said sliding member and being so connected to the door frame part (14) positioned ahead that said locking element is allowed to move into the path of movement of said sliding member when the door is closed but to be moved out of said sliding member path of movement as the door is being opened.

17. A device as claimed in claim 16, c h a r ¬ a c t e r i z e d in that said sliding member (64) is spring-biased for movement in the rearwards direction.

18. A device as claimed in claim 16 or 17, c h a r ¬ a c t e r i z e d in that the locking element (74) is spring-actuated towards a position in engagement with the path of movement of the sliding member.

19. A device as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the point of engagement (12) on the door (13) is a strap attachment fitting supported by a gas and/or hydraulically operated spring (84), said strap attachment fitting (12) being movable in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle and the gas and/or hydraulically operated spring being so dampened as to strongly counter¬ act sudden movements forwards while at the same time allowing slow movements.