WO2009122105A1

WO2009122105A1 - Device for bolt-less locking of a seat belt strap

Info

Publication number: WO2009122105A1
Application number: PCT/FR2009/050461
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paulo Francisco; Dominique Cabrie
Original assignee: Renault S.A.S
Priority date: 2008-03-20
Filing date: 2009-03-19
Publication date: 2009-10-08
Also published as: FR2928886A1; FR2928886B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device for the strap (7) of a safety belt for an automobile seat, with the device including: an upper part (19) and a lower part (20) that are integral to each other through an overlap zone (zone R), a groove (IN/OUT) between said upper and lower parts, for the strap to pass between the free and locked positions, a means (15) of locking the strap, configured so that the strap is held in the locked position, and a means (3) of unlocking the strap. According to the invention, the device also includes essentially: an anti-gapping means (9) likely to exert a force that opposes a gapping force between said upper part and said lower part.

Description

Locking device for a seatbelt webbing without bolt.

The present invention relates to the locking devices of a seat belt strap for a motor vehicle seat, in particular for safety belts without bolt.

More specifically, the invention relates to a device for locking a seat belt strap for a motor vehicle seat, the device comprising:

an upper part and a lower part integral with one another by a covering zone (zone R), a groove between said upper part and said lower part, for the passage of the strap between a free position and a locked position, locking means of the strap, configured to hold the strap in the locked position, and

- Unlocking means of the strap.

A safety belt device without bolt is known to those skilled in the art, particularly by the example given in the document of the prior art FR2861033 filed by the applicant.

The use of a bolt brought constraints on the general appearance of the locking devices, on the user's gestures, as well as on the methods of mounting said locking devices in a vehicle. Indeed, the position of the bolt is determined by a stop on the strap and the position of the strap return. This strongly constrains the locking gesture because the user must manage to grab the bolt.

In addition, the weight of the bolt increases the drag of the strap and thwarts the return action of the strap winder.

The orientation of the bolt constrains the methods of mounting the belt (belt / bolt assembly) to avoid mounting the bolt upside down.

There are certain belt locking devices with bolt, designed to facilitate locking. More specifically, such devices are intended to improve the guidance of the bolt leading to locking, by a bolt in the form of revolution, which leads to a cylindrical bolt, heavier and larger.

The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a device particularly suitable for safety belt straps, free of bolt.

With this objective in view, the device according to the invention, furthermore in accordance with the preamble cited above, is essentially characterized in that it furthermore comprises:

- anti-separation means capable of exerting a force opposing a spacer force between said upper portion and said lower portion.

The spacing force between said upper portion and said lower portion may be exerted by the strap on said upper portion. According to the invention, the anti-separation means are movable between an active configuration and passive configuration.

Advantageously, the anti-spacing means are in active configuration at least when the strap is in the locked position.

In one embodiment, the unlocking means are movable in translation. Alternatively, they are mobile in rotation. In one embodiment, the locking means are movable, and the movement of said locking means is secured to at least the unlocking movement of said unlocking means. In one embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises first return means cooperating with the anti-separation means.

In one embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises second return means cooperating with the unlocking means.

In one embodiment, the anti-separation means comprise an anti-separation finger cooperating with housings provided in said upper part and / or in said lower part. Preferably, the first biasing means are capable of adopting a rest position and an active position, the anti-gap means being in the active configuration at least when the first return means are in the rest position. Thanks to a strap free of any bolt, the user can seize the strap at any point of his choice, depending for example on the vehicle, the seat settings, or the morphology of the user.

Thanks to the invention, the gripping and fastening of the seat belt are facilitated for the user of the motor vehicle.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to obtain a three-point locking configuration, compatible with the usual structural anchorages of the current motor vehicle locking devices. Thanks to the invention, one can avoid the constraints related to the presence of a bolt on the belt of a seat belt: constraints of general appearance, on the gestures of the user as well as on the assembly procedures of the bolt on the strap. Especially the gripping and locking (looping) are easy for the user.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended figures in which: FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of the device according to the invention, FIG. 1B is an exploded view of FIG. 1A in which the cover 2 is removed, in the locking position, or when the device is not in use, FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded perspective view of FIG. an embodiment of the device according to the invention, in the locking position, FIG. 2B illustrates a cross section of the embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, during an operation. FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section of the embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 3A; FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, when 4B illustrates a cross-section of the embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 4A, FIG. 5A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the device according to FIG. invention, in the locking position, or when the device is not used, - Figure 5B illustrates the embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrated in Figure 5A, under one aut 5C illustrates a cross-section of the embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 5B, FIG. 6A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 5B. in a locking operation, FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-section of the embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 6A, FIG. 7A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 5B, during an unlocking operation, and FIG. 7B illustrates a cross section of the embodiment of the device according to FIG. invention shown in Figure 7A.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of the device according to the invention, in this case in the form of a housing comprising a first cover 1 cooperating with a second cover 2 so as to protect the various components of said housing. The two covers are held together by fixing means 6, in this case fastening screws. The device according to the invention may comprise a connecting element 4 which ensures a maintenance of said device relative to a fixed element of the vehicle, for example the seat or the floor. In this case, the connecting element 4 is secured to the device by means of fastening means 8, for example screws, pins, etc. Preferably it ends in the lower part by a curved shape and comprises a fixing hole to ensure a rigid connection with respect to the seat or the floor of the vehicle, any other means of connection: cable, tab sheet, etc.. which may constitute all or part of said connecting element 4.

The belt 7 of the safety belt is illustrated in dashed lines. For more legibility of the figures, the strap 7 is illustrated only in Figure IA. The device according to the invention comprises an upper part 19 and a lower part 20 secured to one another by a covering zone (zone R).

An IN / OUT groove between said upper part and said lower part allows the passage of the strap between a free position, that is to say off device, and a locked position, that is to say maintained in the device , in this case in abutment at the bottom of the groove IN / OUT, when the user of the motor vehicle manually brings the strap 7 into the device 1 of the invention.

The IN / OUT groove is preferably in the form of a slot or "throat" whose thickness is slightly greater than that of the strap 7, and advantageously allows the strap 7 to be guided. It is preferably oriented obliquely as soon as it is opened. to favor the IN input or the belt strap outlet OUT 7 and then extends substantially horizontally to position the strap for locking. Advantageously, the opening of the groove comprises a portion in the form of flare.

For a locking operation, the guiding is carried out initially in a longitudinal orientation to the vehicle and substantially obliquely, then towards a substantially horizontal locking position, which then constitutes an optimum locking position when the strap 7 is in abutment with the bottom of the throat. The guidance is done inversely for an unlocking operation. The first cover 1 and the second cover 2 are substantially symmetrical, that is to say symmetrical except in the areas where the fixing screws 6 are located. the first cover 1 comprises a support zone arranged in hollow for the heads of the screws 6 and the holes for the passage of these same screws, and the second cover 2 comprises the threads in which the said screws 6 are screwed.

Advantageously, because of the forward position of the unlocking button 3 and the substantially symmetrical shape of the covers 1 and 2, the device according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 can be mounted on any seat. : driver or passenger, front or rear of a vehicle.

The device according to the invention also comprises locking means 15 of the strap, configured to maintain the strap in the locked position, in this case a stop 15 (Figures IB, 2, 3A, 4, 5, 6 and I) ₁ and unlocking means 3 of the strap, in this case a button (all figures).

According to the invention, the locking means 15 are movable. In FIGS. 2 to 4, the locking means 15 are integrated with the unlocking means 3.

Alternatively, in FIGS. 5 to 7, the locking means 15 are distinct from the unlocking means 3 and cooperate with them. Thus, whatever the embodiment, the movement of said locking means 15 is integral at least with the unlocking movement of said unlocking means 3.

The device according to the invention also comprises anti-separation means 9, capable of exerting a force opposing a spacer force between said upper part 19 and said lower part 20; the spreading force between said upper part and said lower part being able to be exerted by the strap 7 on said upper part 19, in particular during a sudden and strong deceleration of the vehicle, for example during a sudden braking or 'an accident .

In this case, the anti-spacing means comprise an anti-spacing finger 9, cooperating with at least one housing 11 provided in said upper part and / or in said lower part.

In the illustrative embodiments, the housing 11 is in this case circular and located in the upper part 19. Other configurations are possible, for example in which the housing 11 is located in the lower part 20.

According to the invention, the anti-spacing means 9 are movable between an active configuration and passive configuration.

In the active configuration, the anti-clearance means 9 are able to exert a force opposing a spreading force between said upper part and said lower part, in this case when the finger 9 is in the housing 11 (FIGS. IB, 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 7A, 7B). In passive configuration, the anti-spacing means 9 are not capable of exerting said opposing force, for example during the passage of the strap 7 in said groove during a locking operation (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 6A, 6B) or unlocking (Figures 4A, 4B) and output of the strap 7 of the device according to the invention, as described later. According to the invention, the anti-spacing means 9 are in active configuration at least when the strap 7 is in the locked position.

Preferably, the device according to the invention further comprises first return means 12 cooperating with the anti-separation means 9.

The device according to the invention may also comprise second return means 14 cooperating with the unlocking means 3. In this case, the first return means 12 and the second return means 14 comprise tension springs.

The first return means 12 are able to adopt an active position in which a restoring force is exerted, and a rest position, the anti-spacing means 9 being in active configuration at least when the first return means 12 are in position. rest position.

The device according to the invention comprises two main embodiments.

In one embodiment, the unlocking means 3 are movable in rotation (FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4). In this case, the unlocking means 3 are movable about an axis of rotation: the button 3 pivots about the axis 5 when a user presses the button, which allows to release, unlock, the strap 7.

In another embodiment, the unlocking means 3 are movable in translation (Figures 5, 6 and 7). The operation of the device according to the invention during a locking operation is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B; and Figures 6A and 6B.

During a locking operation, a user manually brings the strap 7 from the outside of the device (free position of the strap) to the locking position in abutment at the bottom of the throat

IN / OUT.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B in which the unlocking means 3 are movable in rotation, during the passage of the strap 7 in the groove, in a first step, the strap tilts about an axis 10, in this case anti-clockwise, the anti-spacing finger 9. Circular housings 11 are provided inside the covers 1 and 2 to allow the clearance of the anti-gap finger 9 with a reduced clearance for its effectiveness .

The tilting of the anti-spreading finger 9 puts in tension tension springs 12 (at the moment of the passage of the belt strap 7) which then adopt an active position and act on the anti-spreading finger 9 in order to bring it back to its position. rest (illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B for example).

In a second step, in this case before the end of the complete tilting of the anti-separation finger 9 (that is to say beyond the groove IN / OUT), the strap 7 presses on the upper face of the strap stops 15, arranged in this case in the upper central part of the unlocking button 3. By this pushing on the stops 15, the unlocking button 3 switches, in this case clockwise towards the low, around axis 5 until the passage in the groove is released to let the belt strap 7 to its locking position, in this case substantially horizontal. Tensile springs 14 then adopt an active position, that is to say are thus put under stress, and oppose the movement of the unlocking button 3 to bring it back to its initial rest position, in this case upwards, when the belt strap 7 has passed. The tension springs 12 and 14 are preferably held by the same axes 13 on which they are axially offset.

A variant in which the unlocking means 3 are movable in translation is illustrated in particular in Figures 6A and 6B.

In this embodiment, the covers 1 and 2 are no longer symmetrical due to the lateral positioning of the unlocking button 3, which in this case has only a possible translational movement, in this case substantially vertical.

By the lateral position of the unlocking button 3, the illustrated device is preferably intended for a driver's seat for a vehicle with a steering on the left as well as the left places and possibly the middle seat (s) or rear seat. For other seats, the device must be symmetrical to the device shown.

Note also that the groove is identical to the device described above. As in the embodiment described above, during the passage of the strap 7 in the groove, at first, it tilts around an axis 10, in this case counterclockwise, the anti-spacing finger 9. Circular housings 11 are provided inside the covers 1 and 2 to allow the movement of the finger anti-gap 9 with reduced play for its effectiveness.

The tilting of the anti-separation finger 9 puts into stress, that is to say in the active position, at the moment of the passage of the belt strap 7, the tensioning springs 12, held by the axes 13, and acting on the anti-separation finger 9 to bring it back to its initial position in active configuration (illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, for example).

In a second step, in this case before the end of the complete tilting of the anti-separation finger 9 (that is to say beyond the groove IN / OUT), the strap 7 presses on the upper face of the strap stops 15, arranged in this case in the upper central part of the unlocking button 3.

The anti-separation finger 9 is offset and independent of the web stop 15.

Unlike the previous embodiment, the strap stop 15 is rotatable, and is articulated in this case around an axis 16 secured to the unlocking button 3. Under the action of the strap 7 the strap stopper 15 rotates, in this case in the opposite direction of the clockwise, to let the strap 7 without acting in the case illustrated on the unlocking button 3. Reminder means, in this case a spring of twist 17, is configured to recall / maintain the strap stop 15 in the rest position (in this case high) and resting on a suitable form of the unlocking button 3, the restoring force exerted opposing the pivoting, in this case downwards, of the strap stop 15. The unlocking button 3 remains, in this case, phase of maneuvering the user, under the action of a leaf spring 14 in the rest position (in this case high) by means of a lug 18 secured to the upper stop of an oblong hole located in the connecting element 4 (FIG. 5A).

Note that the operation and the type of strap stop 15 of this variant can be adapted to the embodiment described above in which the unlocking button 3 is rotatably mounted and then no longer actuated when entering the strap 7.

The device according to the invention in the locking position is illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B; and Figures 5A, 5B and 5C.

As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B in which the unlocking means 3 are rotatable, when the user brings the strap 7 in the locking position, it releases in a first time, the anti-gap finger 9 which amounts to its initial position (active configuration) thanks to the tension springs 12.

In a second step, the strap stops 15, in this case integrated with the unlocking button 3, go up again thanks to the tensioning springs 14 which adopt a rest position thus preventing the output OUT of the strap 7, by closing the groove. In this position, the strap 7 abuts on the one hand at the back of the throat and on the other hand at the side faces of the strap stops 15.

However, in the locking position, the strap 7 can still slide, in this case transversely, to allow the adjustment between the shoulder strand

(bust) and ventral strand, as in current devices.

In other words, in the locking position, the strap 7 retains only one degree of freedom of movement, in this case perpendicular to the groove of the device.

A three-point retaining configuration is thus obtained, compatible with the usual structural anchorages of motor vehicle locking devices.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C in which the unlocking means 3 are movable in translation, when the user brings the belt strap 7 into the locking position, the latter releases, initially, the anti-separation finger 9 which returns to its initial position of rest in active configuration thanks to the tension spring 12.

In a second step, the strap abutment 15 rises thanks to the torsion spring 17 to bear on a suitable form of the release button 3 and prevents the exit of the strap 7, in this longitudinal case, as before by closing the throat. However, as in the embodiment described above, the strap 7 retains the ability to slide transversely in the groove.

The adapted form of the release button 3 and the strap stop 15 is illustrated for example in FIG. 5C or 6B in which each element (release button or strap stop) comprises a prcot or lug that can be abutted by a pin or lug of the corresponding element (strap stop or release button respectively).

Thanks to this configuration, the locking means 15 are movable, and the movement of said locking means 15 is secured to at least the unlocking movement of said unlocking means 3.

The operation of the device according to the invention during an unlocking operation is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B; and Figures 7A and 7B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in which the unlocking means 3 are rotatable, during an unlocking operation, when the user wishes to release the strap 1, he presses the unlocking button 3. This performs then a rotation, in this case in the direction of clockwise, which causes the descent of the strap stops 15 and releases the passage in the groove for the exit of the strap 7 that the user does not more than pushing forward to break free.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B in which the unlocking means 3 are movable in translation, during an unlocking operation, when the user wants to release the strap 7, he presses the unlocking button 3, which then performs a translation , in this case substantially vertically downwards, which causes the abutment of strap stop 15 thus releasing the passage in the groove for the exit of the strap 7 that the user only has to push forward to release.

In either embodiment, in a manner similar to a locking operation, the anti-gap finger 9 pivots under the action of the movement of the strap 7 and then adopts a passive configuration. This rotation of the anti-spreading finger 9 puts in stress the tension spring 12, which then makes it possible to return the anti-separation finger 9 to its initial position (active configuration) when the strap 7 is out of the groove.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, it can be provided for example, in each embodiment, that the device according to the invention further comprises means for automatically outputting the strap 7 from its position of locking, configured to push the strap 7 to the outlet of the groove during an unlocking operation. For this purpose, the automatic output means of the strap 7 may comprise return means (spring or other) stressed during the locking of the strap 7.

In another embodiment, not illustrated, the device according to the invention comprises a strengthening of the covering area R, especially mechanical, for example by using appropriate materials / thicknesses, metal or other, which eliminates the need anti-spacing finger 9, machining (housings) 11 and associated parts (axis 10, first return means 12) while maintaining the respect of the geometry of the groove IN / OUT. The device is then simplified and compacted.

Claims

1. Device for locking a seat belt strap (7) for a motor vehicle seat, the device comprising: an upper part (19) and a lower part (20) integral with one another by a zone of overlap (zone R), a groove (IN / OUT) between said upper part and said lower part, for the passage of the strap between a free position and a locked position, locking means (15) of the strap, configured to maintain the strap in the locked position, and - unlocking means (3) of the strap, characterized in that it further comprises: anti-splitting means (9) capable of exerting a force opposing a spreading force between said upper portion and said lower portion.

2. Locking device according to claim 1, wherein the anti-spacing means (9) are movable between an active configuration and passive configuration.

3. Locking device according to claim 2, wherein the anti-spacing means (9) are active configuration at least when the strap is in the locked position.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means of unlocking (3) are movable in translation or rotation.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the locking means (15) are movable, and wherein the movement of said locking means (15) is secured to at least the unlocking movement of said unlocking means (3).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacing force between said upper portion and said lower portion may be exerted by the strap on said upper portion.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising first biasing means (12) cooperating with the anti-spacing means (9).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising second return means (14) cooperating with the unlocking means (3).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-spacing means (9) comprise an anti-spacing finger cooperating with housings (11) provided in said upper part and / or in said lower part.

10. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first biasing means (12) are capable of adopting a rest position and an active position, the anti-spacing means (9) being in active configuration at least when the first return means (12) are in the rest position.