FR3142416A1 - Reinforcement for a vehicle seat belt retractor support. - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Reinforcement for a vehicle seat belt reel bracket. Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to an arrangement comprising stiffening means for a vehicle seat belt webbing reel support. The invention further relates to a body comprising such an arrangement. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such a body or arrangement.

State of the prior art

A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally comprises a seat belt device at each seat. Such a device generally comprises a strap and a reel for such a strap. Such a strap is unwound from its reel in order to obtain slack on such a strap to easily lock it by the user wishing to buckle up. Such locking is obtained by means of a buckle means generally arranged at the seat. Such a reel generally comprises a means for limiting or blocking the unwinding of the strap. Such a reel is generally arranged vertically so that its means for limiting the unwinding is perfectly operational. Such a reel is arranged so as to allow a location of the strap satisfying constraints in terms of ergonomics and safety. Thus, a return is generally arranged near the reel so as to allow such a strap to extend in a defined area, in particular an area compatible with the different sizes of the passengers.

In particular 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 passenger being restrained with such a seat belt device, in particular towards the front of the vehicle, which prevents them from being injured and/or being ejected from the vehicle. In the event of braking of the vehicle and/or an impact, a significant force therefore pulls the seat belt strap forward due to the activation of the means of limiting the unwinding of the strap. The force on the strap is then taken up by the reel and by the strap return.

Such a reel and such a return therefore need to be rigidly fixed. However, the location of such a return is immutable. In addition, a reel support crossed by the belt strap weakens the fixing of such a reel. These rigidity constraints are particularly complex to satisfy behind a second row or rear row of a vehicle that is already very cluttered. In particular, a mounting cup for a rear shock absorber, behind such a second row as well as an extreme rear foot coming close to such a rear row leave little available space. Finally, the fixing of such a reel in the immediate vicinity of such a cup is complex 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 an arrangement remedying the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention makes it possible to reinforce a rear foot at the level of a return so as to transmit the forces received by such a return to the level of an underbody of such a vehicle, while satisfying the constraints of location of the strap imposed by the regulations.

To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising:
- a bracket for attaching a seat belt strap reel,
- a rear foot,
- a cup for fixing a shock absorber,
- a riser for the cup,
the arrangement comprising a means for stiffening the support and/or the rear foot in the event of stresses on such a seat belt strap.

The arrangement may include a return for such a seat belt strap, the return being able to be fixed at least partially on the rear foot and being able to extend substantially above the support in the vertical direction.

The holder may include an opening for the passage of such a seat belt strap.

The means of stiffening may be a reinforcement fixed to the rear foot and to the riser, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

The stiffening means may be a reinforcement fixed to the rear foot and to the support, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

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

The reinforcement can be fixed to the cup, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

The arrangement may include a retractor for a seat belt strap and the carrier may include a receiving face arranged substantially in a vertical and transverse plane, the receiving face may be rearwardly oriented, the retractor being attachable to or at the receiving face.

The arrangement may include a quarter panel liner, the bracket being attachable to the quarter panel liner, including by welding, including spot welding.

The arrangement may include a structural wheel arch, the bracket being attachable to the structural wheel arch, including by welding, including spot welding.

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

The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a body as defined above or at least one arrangement 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 an arrangement made without limitation 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 perspective 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 a perspective view of a stiffening means according to one embodiment of the invention.

There is another perspective view of the stiffening means according to the 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 the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct XYZ reference frame is used 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 towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

As illustrated in 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 a bench seat. The vehicle preferably comprises a second row 5. The second row 5 comprises a backrest 8 of a seat or a bench seat. The vehicle or the body 6 comprises an arrangement 3. The vehicle, or the body, or the 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 or limiting 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 impact of the vehicle.

More precisely, as illustrated in the , the arrangement 3 comprises the support 10 for fixing the reel 20 (illustrated in dotted lines) of the seat belt strap 2. The arrangement 3 further comprises a rear foot 36 or extreme rear foot or lateral portion of a trunk ring. The arrangement 3 further comprises a cup 33 for fixing a shock absorber (not illustrated). The arrangement 3 further comprises a riser 32 for the cup 33, so as to fix the cup 33 higher. The arrangement 3 further comprises a stiffening means 50 for the support 10 and/or the rear foot 36. The stiffening means 50 makes it possible to reinforce the support 10 and/or the rear foot 36 during stresses on the seat belt strap 2.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the arrangement 3 comprises a return 9 for the strap 2 of the seat belt. The return 9 is fixed for example integrally on the rear foot 36. For example, two screws 69 cooperating with nuts or tappings provided on the rear foot 36 are provided to ensure this fixing. Alternatively, a hook cooperating with a slot or a hole and a screw-nut system, or even one or at least three screw-nut systems are provided to ensure the fixing of the return 9 on the rear foot 36.

As illustrated in the , the return 9 can be partially fixed on the rear foot 36. For example, the body 6, or the arrangement 3, comprises a quarter panel lining 31. In this case, preferably, the return is fixed on the one hand on the rear foot 36 and on the other hand on the quarter panel lining 31 arranged near the rear foot. For example, a screw 69 comes to cooperate at the level of the rear foot 36 and another screw 69 comes to cooperate at the level of the quarter panel lining 31. Preferably, the return 9 extends, or extends substantially, above the support 10 in the vertical direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support 10 of the reel 20 comprises an opening 15. The opening 15, of the orifice or slot type, provides a passage for the strap 2. Thus, the strap 2 extends from the reel 20, passes through the opening 15 of the support 10, passes over the return 9 so as to be guided in desired areas satisfying constraints in terms of safety and/or ergonomics. Preferably, one end of the strap 2 remains fixed within the reel and the other end is fixed at the level of a corresponding seat base.

Advantageously, as illustrated at the level of box 6 partially illustrated on the , the stiffening means 50 is a reinforcement 51.

In an embodiment not illustrated, the reinforcement 51 is fixed to the rear foot 36 and to the riser 32, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding.

In another embodiment not illustrated, the reinforcement 51 is fixed to the rear foot 36 and to the support 10, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding.

In another embodiment not illustrated, the reinforcement 51 is fixed to the rear foot 36, to the riser 32 and to the support 10, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding.

Advantageously, as illustrated in the in particular, the reinforcement 51 is fixed to the rear leg 36, to the riser 32, to the support 10, and to the cup 33, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding. In this case, weld spots 60 are made between the reinforcement 51 and the rear leg 36, between the reinforcement 51 and the support 10, between the reinforcement 51 and the riser 32, and between the reinforcement 51 and the cup 33. For example, only one weld spot is provided between the reinforcement 51 and the cup 33. For example, only one weld spot is provided between the reinforcement 51 and the riser 32. More weld spots may be provided at this level. Although six weld spots are illustrated between the reel support 10 and the reinforcement 51, more or fewer weld spots may be provided. For example, two welding points are provided between the reinforcement 51 and the rear foot 36. A single point or more welding points may be provided at this level.

Note that one or more weld beads can replace a series of weld points, or even all of the weld points.

As illustrated in particular in Figures 5 and 6, the reinforcement 51 comprises a flanged edge 56. The flanged edge 56 facilitates fixing, in particular by welding, with the support 10. Preferably, the reinforcement 51 comprises a hole or orifice 55. Advantageously, the reinforcement 51 comprises flanged edges 54, in particular at the perimeter of the hole 55.

For example, the reinforcement 51 comprises an oblong hole 52. The oblong hole 52 is used, for example, for fixing a quarter panel trim. For example, the reinforcement 51 comprises a circular hole 53. The circular hole 53 is used, for example, in the sheet metal process, for example in terms of positioning and/or centering. The reinforcement 51 may comprise other holes for possible fixings if necessary.

As illustrated in particular on the , the arrangement 3 preferably comprises the reel 20 for the seat belt strap 2. Preferably, the support 10 comprises a receiving face 13 arranged substantially in a vertical and transverse plane, the receiving face 13 being oriented towards the rear. Thus, the reel 20 is fixed on, or at the level of the receiving face 13 oriented towards the rear. The support 10 comprises a face 18, opposite the receiving face 13 of the support 10, the face 18 being oriented towards the front of the vehicle.

For example, as illustrated in the , the support 10 comprises a means for locking the backrest 8 in position, for example of the ring 41 type. An orifice 42 provided within the support 10 allows the passage of the ring 41 so that it extends forward while being fixed at the level of the receiving face 13 oriented towards the rear of the vehicle.

Preferably, arrangement 3 includes a structural wheel arch 34.

Preferably, the support 10 is fixed to the quarter panel lining 31, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding. More preferably, the support 10 is further fixed to the rear pillar 36 and/or to the structural wheel arch 34, preferably by welding, in particular by spot welding. For this, preferably, the support 10 comprises flanged edges 14, on at least a portion, or even on the entire external perimeter of the support 10.

In the event of braking or deceleration of the vehicle, in particular in the event of an impact suffered by the vehicle, in particular in the event of an impact at the front or at the front, while the vehicle is moving forward, the passenger is pulled forward. The restraint of the passenger by the strap 2 blocking in unwinding by the activation of the limitation means implanted in the reel 20 creates a force F on the strap illustrated in the and consequently on the return 9. As a reminder, when the strap limitation means is activated, the strap is blocked in unwinding relative to the reel. In other words, the reel 20 becomes an anchor point for the end of the strap at this level. This force F is partly reflected in a force R extending substantially vertically acting on the reel and/or the end of the strap blocked in the reel due to the location of the return 9 above the reel 20. In particular, this force F is taken up on the point(s) of attachment of the return 9 on the rear pillar and/or on another element of the body 6, such as the quarter panel lining 31 for example.

Thus, the force R tends to move the reel 20 upwards, in particular to bend its support 10 at the opening 15 which creates a fragility in the support. The force F tends to bend the rear foot in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction D in which the rear foot extends.

Thanks to the solution, despite the force F acting on the strap 2 due to the actuation of the means for limiting the unwinding of the strap blocking the strap, the support 10 retains its shape. Indeed, the stiffening means 50, in particular of the reinforcement type 51, stiffens the support 10. Although the support is provided with the opening 15 for the passage of the strap 2, the support does not bend. In addition, the reinforcement 51 holds the rear foot 36, preventing it from sagging under the effect of the force F acting on the return 9 fixed to the rear foot. As a reminder, the reinforcement 51 comprises folded edges 54, 56 giving it great rigidity. The weld points fixing the reinforcement 51 to several elements such as the rear foot 36 and/or the support 10 and/or the riser 32 and/or the cup 33 contribute to the rigidity of the assembly. Where appropriate, the line of welding points makes it possible to block the movements and deformations of the support 10. This line of points creates a connection between the rearmost foot and the cup extension. In particular, the reinforcement 51 fixed on the one hand to the rear foot 36 and on the other hand to the extension and/or to the cup and/or to the support 10 itself fixed to the structural wheel arch 34 makes it possible to connect the rear foot to the underbody. In other words, the reinforcement 51 ensures a transmission of forces from the rear foot to the particularly rigid underbody.

The dropped edges 54 of the reinforcement 51 also make it possible to increase the efficiency in terms of reinforcing the rear foot and/or the support 10. The opening 55 of the reinforcement 51 makes it possible to reduce the mass of the reinforcement while avoiding a flat surface on the reinforcement likely to create resonance.

In summary, the solution involves a structural reinforcement between the extreme rear foot, the belt reel support and the rear shock absorber mounting cup riser.

The solution is compatible with the lack of space between the extreme rear foot (for example inclined by around 45 degrees) and the bench seat or rear row seat as well as the vertical positioning of the belt strap winder. The solution makes it possible to fix the seat belt strap “wire” type return on the rear foot although the latter receives the forces directly in the event of an impact as mentioned above, in particular receives forces normal or substantially normal to the direction in which this rear foot extends.

The solution allows the use of a reel support crossed by the strap and arranged vertically thanks to the rigidity provided by the reinforcement.

As mentioned, arrangement 3 makes it possible to transmit the forces seen by the rear foot to the base and block the movements and deformations of the tablet-type support 10.

In addition, the solution allows for homogeneity of the thickness and composition of the material used, in particular with regard to the support 10, a possible reinforcement for fixing the ring 41 of the backrest 8 on the support 10 (preferably a plate fixed on the receiving face 13 of the support 10) and the reinforcement 51. For example, the material is steel and the thickness is 1.2 mm. Such homogeneity allows savings in terms of purchasing material and/or managing material stock. In addition, the use of similar or even identical material, and of similar or even identical thickness, greatly facilitates the welding process of these parts. This results in particularly reliable and durable welding.

It should be noted that improving the rigidity of this rear area at the level of the shock absorber receiving cup, thus “closed” by reinforcement 51, improves the acoustics. This helps to increase comfort within the vehicle as well as the perceived quality of the vehicle.

The solution makes it possible to reconcile the aesthetics of the vehicle with a steeply inclined rear pillar, to fit into the small footprint available at this level and to satisfy regulations, particularly in terms of passive safety features.

The solution offers a particularly rigid reel and corresponding return attachment. The forces coming from the seat belt strap in the event of heavy braking and/or impact are distributed over different elements of the body in particular. Although the return cannot be placed elsewhere given the location of the strap reel, the return support, namely the rear foot, is rigid. Despite the presence of the rear shock absorber mounting cup behind the second row as well as a rearmost foot coming close to the rear row leaving little available space, the presence of the reel support and the reinforcement 51, access remains for the removal and/or installation of the rear shock absorber.

Furthermore, the solution is compatible with a standard strap winder in a confined environment and the constraints in terms of passive safety are met, in particular thanks to the location of the return wire 9.

Although the solution has been illustrated at the level of a seat belt device arranged at the level of 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 an arrangement for rigidly fixing a seat belt reel support as well as a strap return while satisfying the strap location constraints imposed by the regulations, and has the advantage of being able to be used on other types of vehicles, namely trucks, buses, coaches and even aircraft.

Claims (12)

Arrangement (3) for a vehicle body (6), in particular a motor vehicle (1), comprising:
- a support (10) for fixing a seat belt strap (2) reel (20),
- a rear foot (36),
- a cup (33) for fixing a shock absorber,
- a riser (32) for the cup (33),
characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a means (50) for stiffening the support (10) and/or the rear foot (36) in the event of stresses on such a seat belt strap (2). Arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a return (9) for such a seat belt strap (2), the return (9) being fixed at least partially on the rear foot (36) and extending substantially above the support (10) in the vertical direction. Arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (10) comprises an opening (15) for the passage of such a seat belt strap (2). Arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening means (50) is a reinforcement (51) fixed to the rear foot (36) and to the riser (32), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding. Arrangement (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stiffening means (50) is a reinforcement (51) fixed to the rear foot (36) and to the support (10), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding. Arrangement (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the reinforcement (51) is fixed to the support (10), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding. Arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reinforcement (51) is fixed to the cup (33), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding. Arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a reel (20) for a seat belt strap (2) and in that the support (10) comprises a receiving face (13) arranged substantially in a vertical and transverse plane, the receiving face (13) being oriented towards the rear, the reel (20) being fixed on or at the receiving face (13). Arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a quarter panel lining (31), the support (10) being fixed to the quarter panel lining (31), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding. Arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (3) comprises a structural wheel arch (34), the support (10) being fixed to the structural wheel arch (34), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding. 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 1 to 10. Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a body (6) according to the preceding claim or at least one arrangement (3) according to one of claims 1 to 10.