Retractor with ALR mode of operation with vehicle sensor block-out
US7384014B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R22/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A belt retractor having ELR and ALR modes of operation is disclosed. The retractor comprises a sensor pawl movable between a released and a locked position with one or more teeth of a ratchet wheel rotatable with a spool of the retractor; the sensor pawl forming part of both ELR and ALR locking mechanisms. A spring biased first lever is rotatable to a first position and when in the first position urges the sensor pawl toward engagement with the ratchet wheel. The lever is movable to a second position, which permits the sensor pawl to move away from the ratchet wheel teeth thereby preventing the retractor from entering into its ALR mode of operation. The lever, when in its second position, biases the sensor pawl into engagement with a cooperating inertial mass that is part of a vehicle sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt retractor. This bias force operative on the sensor pawl is effective to limit the motion of the inertial mass to lessen or eliminate vibrational movement of the inertial mass relative to the sensor pawl and movement relative to a support basket or support structure that holds the inertial mass thereby lessening acoustic and vibrational noise created by the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.