Seat belt tension sensor having an integral connector

• US 7,272,979 B2
• Filed: 08/18/2005
• Issued: 09/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CTS Corporation
• Original Assignee: CTS Corporation
• Inventors: Kaijala, Murray
• Primary Examiner(s): Lefkowitz; Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kirkland, III; Freddie
• Application Number:
  US11/206,354
• Publication Number:
  US 20050274203A1
• Time in Patent Office: 768 Days
• Field of Search: 738/623.91, 738/623.93, 738/624.72
• US Class Current: 73/862.391
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01272 Belt tensioners
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0155 sensing belt tension
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01556 Child-seat detection systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/18 Anchoring devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/101 using sensors inserted into the flexible member
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/103 using sensors fixed at one end of the flexible member
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/108 for measuring a reaction force applied on a single support, e.g. a glider

Abstract

A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate that is mounted in the housing. The housing moves relative to the anchor plate. A magnet is affixed to the anchor plate. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the housing and the anchor plate. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted between the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate. An integral connector extends from the housing.

Claims

1. A seat belt tension sensor for attachment with a seat belt comprising:

a) a housing;

b) an anchor plate at least partially mounted in the housing, the anchor plate being adapted to be connected to a vehicle;

c) a sensor mounted in the housing, the sensor being adapted to generate an electrical signal that is indicative of seat belt tension;

d) a connector integral with the housing, the connector extending from the housing, the connector further including;

d1) a bracket connected to the housing and extending away from the housing;

d2) a plate connected to the bracket;

d3) a shroud connected to the plate and extending away from the plate, the shroud extending toward the first end of the anchor plate;

d4) an airgap located between the housing and the shroud; and

e) at least one terminal mounted within the connector, the terminal having a first and second end, the first end extending into the housing and connected to the sensor, the second end extending into the shroud.

2. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 1, wherein the bracket has a webbing.

3. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 1, wherein the connector has a latch tab.

4. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 1, wherein the connector is integrally molded with the housing.

5. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is insert molded with the housing and the connector.

6. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises at least one magnet and at least one magnetic field sensor.

7. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 1, wherein the connector is adapted to mate with a wire harness.

8. A seat belt tension sensor comprising:

a housing;

an anchor plate having a first end and a second end, the second end being located within the housing and the first end extending from the housing;

a sensor mounted in the housing, the sensor being adapted to generate an electrical signal that is indicative of seat belt tension;

a connector mounted to the housing, the connector including;

a support extending from the housing;

a shroud connected to the support;

the shroud and the housing having an airgap there between; and

a plurality of terminals mounted within the shroud and the support, the terminals having a first and second end, the first end extending into the housing and connected to the sensor, the second end extending into the shroud.

9. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 8, wherein the support has a webbing.

10. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 8, wherein a plate is mounted between the support and the shroud.

11. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 8, wherein the shroud has at least one latch tab.

12. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 8, wherein the connector is molded with the housing as one piece.

13. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 8, wherein the terminal is insert molded into the connector.

14. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 8, wherein the sensor comprises at least one magnet and at least one magnetic field sensor.

15. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 8, wherein the shroud is adapted to mate with a wire harness.

16. A seat belt tension sensor for attachment with a seat belt comprising:

a) a housing;

b) an anchor plate having a first end and a second end, the second end at least partially mounted in the housing;

c) a sensor mounted in the housing, the sensor being adapted to generate an electrical signal that is indicative of seat belt tension;

d) a connector having a bracket connected to the housing and extending away from the housing;

e) the connector further having a shroud connected to the bracket and extending away from the bracket, the shroud extending toward the first end of the anchor plate;

f) an airgap located between the housing and the shroud, the shroud spaced from the housing by the airgap; and

g) at least one terminal mounted within the connector, the terminal having a first and second end, the first end extending into the housing and connected to the sensor, the second end extending into the shroud.

17. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 16, wherein the shroud has at least one latch tab.

18. The seat belt tension sensor according to claim 16, wherein the shroud is adapted to mate with a wire harness.