Method of controlling seatbelt retracting device with motor

• US 7,545,613 B2
• Filed: 07/24/2007
• Issued: 06/09/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Japan K.K.
• Original Assignee: Takata Corporation (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Tanaka, Koji, Inuzuka, Koji
• Primary Examiner(s): Leykin; Rita
• Application Number:
  US11/878,363
• Publication Number:
  US 20080265814A1
• Time in Patent Office: 686 Days
• Field of Search: 361/31, 361/23, 318/400.01, 280/807, 280/801.1, 242/420.05
• US Class Current: 361/31
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/444 the additional retraction device being an electric actuator
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4466 the additional retraction device being an electric actuator
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4473 using an electric retraction device combined with a spring B60R2022/444, B60R2022/4466
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4486 for cancelling the belt tension
• 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

Abstract

In controlling a seatbelt retracting device having a mechanism for retracting a seatbelt with a motor, a current flowing to the motor is detected, and a rate of increase in the current is calculated. The motor is stopped when the rate of increase in the electricity exceeds a predetermined rate and when the electricity exceeds a predetermined value, respectively.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a seatbelt retracting device with a motor, comprising:

detecting a value of electricity flowing to a motor for retracting a seatbelt,

calculating a rate of increase in the electricity, and

stopping the motor when both the rate of increase in the electricity exceeds a predetermined rate and the electricity exceeds a predetermined value.

2. A method of controlling a seatbelt retracting device according to claim 1, further comprising supplying electricity to the motor for retracting the seatbelt before detecting the electricity flowing to the motor.

3. A method of controlling a seatbelt retracting device according to claim 1, further comprising delaying the step of stopping the motor for a predetermined period from a time when the motor is activated.

4. A method of controlling a seatbelt retracting device according to claim 1, wherein said electricity is current.

5. A method of controlling a seatbelt retracting device according to claim 1, wherein said motor is connected to the seat belt through a clutch, said motor and clutch being controlled by a control circuit.