Seatbelt device with locking retractor

• US 6,332,629 B1
• Filed: 10/21/1999
• Issued: 12/25/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: NSK Autoliv Co., Ltd. (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: NSK Limited
• Inventors: Matsuki, Masuo, Midorikawa, Yukinori, Ono, Katsuyasu
• Primary Examiner(s): ENGLISH, PETER C
• Application Number:
  US09/421,872
• Time in Patent Office: 796 Days
• Field of Search: 280/806, 280/807, 180/268, 242/390.8, 242/390.9, 242/390.1
• US Class Current: 280/806
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0016 Fall in water
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4473 using an electric retraction device combined with a spring B60R2022/444, B60R2022/4466
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/3416 Unlocking devices for retractors B60R22/3405 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/343 with electrically actuated locking means B60R22/3405 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/405 responsive to belt movement and vehicle movement
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/415 with additional means allowing a permanent locking of the retractor during the wearing of the belt
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/44 with means for reducing belt tension during use under normal conditions not included in the retractor B60R22/19; B60R22/3405 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/46 Reels with means to tension the belt in an emergency by forced winding upelectrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements B60R21/01 ; tensioners using reels only guiding the belt during normal use, e.g. splitted reels B60R22/195

Abstract

Provided is a seatbelt device capable of realizing a comfortable seatbelt-wearing environment as well as appropriately securing and protecting a passenger. The seatbelt device is further capable of realizing an immediate escape or rescue of a passenger after a vehicle accident, thereby providing extra safety and a swift escape by protracting the webbing in accordance with the state of the vehicle accident. This seatbelt device is provided with a retractor which uses a motor for retracting and protracting the webbing that secures a passenger to his/her seat, and a controller for rotating the motor and at least retracting the webbing. The controller is capable of altering the protraction mode of the webbing in accordance with the state of the webbing fastened by the passenger.

Claims

1. A seatbelt device comprising:

a retractor which uses a motor for retracting and protracting a webbing that secures a passenger to a seat; and

a controller for rotating said motor in order to at least retract said webbing;

wherein said retractor comprises;

a reel to which said webbing is wrapped around;

a motor for rotating said reel via a power transmitting mechanism;

a rotation detection element for detecting the rotation of said reel;

a locking mechanism for locking the rotation of said reel in emergency situations,

wherein, when said controller does not detect the rotation of said reel after supplying drive signals to said motor, said controller supplies a signal for activating said locking mechanism.

2. A seatbelt device according to claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism includes:

a mechanical locking mechanism for mechanically locking the rotation of said reel; and

a vehicle acceleration sensor for activating said mechanical locking mechanism.

3. A seatbelt device according to claim 2, further comprising an electromagnetic actuator for compulsorily activating said mechanical locking mechanism responsive to said signal.

4. A seatbelt device according to claim 3, wherein said controller does not activate said locking mechanism when said reel is rotating due to the passenger protracting the webbing.

5. A seatbelt device according to claim 3, wherein said electromagnetic actuator comprises:

a mechanical urging element for providing a mechanical urge to said actuator in order to activate said locking mechanism; and

an electromagnetic force generating element for generating electromagnetic force which suppresses said mechanical urge.

6. A seatbelt device according to claim 1, wherein said rotation detection element is a potential meter interlocked with said reel.