Automatic locking retractor with timing clutch mechanism
US5934596A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2022/287
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A safety belt retractor (10) comprised of a spool (28), a belt (40) wound on the spool (28), a ratchet wheel (48), and a torsion bar (44) interconnecting the spool (28) to the ratchet wheel (48) and capable of yielding in response to loading exerted on the belt (40) when the ratchet wheel (48) is locked against rotation. The safety belt retractor (10) also includes a holdout mechanism (18) which is normally operable in an ELR mode to permit operation of an emergency locking mechanism (16) and which can be selectively shifted into an ALR mode for locking the ratchet wheel (48) against rotation to prevent further payout of the belt (40) after a predetermined length of the belt (40) has been withdrawn from the spool (28). A timing assembly (124) functions to determine when the predetermined length of the belt (40) has been withdrawn or retracted for controlling engagement and disengagement of a latch mechanism (110). A timing clutch mechanism (20) interconnects the torsion bar (44) to the timing assembly (124) and is normally operable for driving the timing assembly (124) in response to withdrawal and retraction of the belt (40). The timing clutch mechanism (20) is further operable to…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.