Inertia Operator Patents (Class 242/383.2)
  • Patent number: 11787363
    Abstract: In a vehicle emergency, a spool of a webbing take-up device is rotated in a pull-out direction such that a main lock is displaced toward a rotation-radial direction outside of the spool and engages with a clutch gear configuring a first rotation body. Rotation of the spool in the pull-out direction is thus restricted. Also in a vehicle emergency, the first rotation body is rotated in a take-up direction of the spool such that the main lock engages with the first rotation body, and rotation force of the first rotation body is transmitted to the spool through the main lock and the spool is rotated in the take-up direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Atsushi Nishino, Takuhiro Saito, Kazuhiro Yamada, Chihiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 10525931
    Abstract: A serrated portion is formed on an outer peripheral portion of a lock base body of a lock base of a webbing take-up device. Furthermore, a flange portion is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lock base body. The flange portion is disposed on a vehicle front side with respect to the serrated portion. Triangular grooves of the serrated portion are closed by the flange portion. When the lock base becomes displaced in a vehicle rearward direction and the flange portion comes into abutting contact with a leg plate of a frame, further displacement of the lock base in the vehicle rearward direction is blocked. Due to this, engagement between the serrated portion and ratchet teeth of a ratchet hole in the leg plate can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Shinji Sato, Kenji Fukuta
  • Patent number: 10315617
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor comprises a rotatable spool on which seat belt webbing is wound. The spool is rotatable in a webbing withdrawal direction and an opposite webbing retraction direction. The seat belt retractor also comprises a pretensioner actuatable to rotate the spool in the webbing retraction direction and a load-limiting system to limit a load applied to a vehicle occupant by the seat belt webbing. The load-limiting system includes a torsion bar mounted such that the torsion bar is twisted when a load in excess of a predetermined load is applied to the spool in the webbing withdrawal direction by the seat belt webbing. The bad-limiting system also includes a stop assembly actuatable to limit rotation of the spool in the webbing withdrawal direction to a predetermined number of rotations while the torsion bar is being twisted. The stop assembly is actuated upon actuation of the pretensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Franz, Chhay S. Siev
  • Patent number: 10246047
    Abstract: To provide a seat belt retractor and a seat belt apparatus in which contact between a locking base and a base frame can be suppressed. A seat belt retractor includes a spool 2 that retracts a webbing restraining an occupant, a base frame 3 that accommodates the spool 2 while allowing the spool 2 to rotate, and a lock mechanism 4 regulating rotation of the spool 2. The lock mechanism 4 includes a locking base 41 disposed at an end portion of the spool 2, an opening 31 that is formed in the base frame 3 and allows the locking base 41 to be inserted therethrough, engagement teeth 32 formed at an inner edge of the opening 31, and a pawl 42 that is disposed radially outwardly movable relative to the locking base 41 and engageable with the engagement teeth 32. The lock mechanism 4 further includes a protect cover 43 that is attached to the locking base 41 and includes a side wall portion 43b disposed along a side surface portion of the locking base 41.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS JAPAN K.K.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Hodatsu
  • Patent number: 10005423
    Abstract: In a webbing retractor device, a compression coil spring is suspended between an engagement frame of a V-gear and an engagement surface of a locking base. As a result of the engagement frame being engaged with from an exposed portion side by the compression coil spring that is being held in a holding groove of the locking base so as to be exposed to the exposed portion side, the compression coil spring is suspended between the V-gear and the locking base. Because of this, the compression coil spring can be easily suspended between the V-gear and the locking base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Kenji Fukuta
  • Patent number: 9884610
    Abstract: A looking mechanism (12) for a bolt retractor (10) including an inertia element (24) which is supported to be rotatable between a home position and a locked position in a bearing (28), the bearing (29) being a conical bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Rink, Verena Scheumann, Brigitte Senber, Markus Dauber, Thomas Kielwein, Boris Siebeck, Alexander Steidle
  • Patent number: 9428146
    Abstract: [Object] To cancel both a function of a vehicle sensor and a function of a webbing sensor at a predetermined condition while having a simple structure and a fewer number of parts. [Solution] When fully retracting a seat belt 4, a cam follower 22b abuts against a first cam portion 20a; accordingly, an actuator holding portion 23b urges an actuator 13b in a non-operable position and a function of a vehicle sensor 13 is canceled. When a large load is applied to the actuator holding portion 23b while in the above canceled state, the load is supported by the first cam portion 20a; accordingly, first and second levers 22 and 23 do not pivot and cancellation of the function of the vehicle sensor 13 is prevented from being canceled. Furthermore, when a lock claw 22c is separated from a ratchet tooth 17b, a ring gear 17 becomes rotatable and a function of a webbing sensor 12 is canceled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Osada
  • Patent number: 9302647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking unit (4) for a seat belt retractor (1), which locking unit (4) is provided at one end of a seat belt spool (3) of the seat belt retractor (1), on which a seat belt (2) is retracted, so that when the seat belt (2) is quickly unrolled a locking arm (14) of a locking lever (13) is locked with an internal gearwheel (Z), as a result of which the seat belt spool (3) is locked, wherein the locking unit (4) has the following elements: the locking lever (13) with a center of rotation (D) arranged spaced apart from the center of the seat belt spool (3), an actuator arm (15) and the locking arm (14); a triggering unit having an inertia weight (17), a counter-pressure spring (18) and a transmission arm, which engages with the actuator arm (15), wherein the triggering unit is formed to rotate the locking lever (13) about the center of rotation (D) and to lock the locking arm (14) by means of the stationary internal gearwheel (Z) that is arranged about the locking lever (13) in the case
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: FASCHING SALZBURG GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Fasching
  • Patent number: 9150192
    Abstract: A coil spring is provided in a compressed state between a coupling wall section provided at a clutch guide and an inner-side locking section. The clutch guide is provided with a support section which supports one axial-direction end section of the coil spring from a side opposite to the clutch cover in an axial direction of the clutch guide. The clutch cover is provided with a leading-end protruding section which is projected with respect to the inner-side locking section so as to be inserted in the other axial-direction end section of the coil spring. The leading-end protruding section is inclined, with respect to a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the clutch cover, toward a support section side, so that the coil spring is curved so as to be convex to the support section side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Wataru Yanagawa, Masaru Ukita, Yoshiaki Maekubo
  • Patent number: 8925850
    Abstract: A webbing retractor includes a retracting shaft; a lock member regulating the rotation of the retracting shaft in the pulled-out direction; a rotating body connected to the retracting shaft; a rotation detecting member that is relatively displaced with respect to the rotating body by inertial force, by which rotation of the rotating body in the pulled-out direction is regulated, and by which the lock member is actuated; and a regulating member having an engaging portion that engages with the rotation detecting member because of the rotation of the rotating body in the retraction direction. The engagement of the engaging portion with the rotation detecting member is released as the engaging portion is displaced toward a radial direction inside of the rotating body by the rotation of the rotating body in the pulled-out direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Atsushi Tatsuma, Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Patent number: 8893999
    Abstract: In an acceleration sensor, a guide portion is formed on a swing push-us member contiguous to a pushing portion and further to a pull-out direction side than the pushing portion. A top-edge portion of the guide portion is sloped to gradually get lower on progression away from the pushing portion in the pull-out direction. When a coupling claw moves in the take-up direction together with the sensor gear, the guide portion contacts the coupling claw from below the leading end of the coupling claw. The guide portion swings the coupling claw upwards as the sensor gear is rotating in the take-up direction, and guides the coupling claw to be on the pushing portion. The swing push-us member can be prevented from unintentionally obstructing the coupling claw when the sensor gear is returning to the initial position, even without provision of structure to restrict the swing push-us member from rising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamada, Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Publication number: 20140197262
    Abstract: The present invention provides a webbing take-up device that can effectively suppress tilt of a rotation body when an actuation member has been actuated. In a webbing take-up device, tilt restricting portions are provided at a V gear. The tilt restricting portions are provided at a radial direction inner side than a place of engagement between a W pawl and ratchet teeth of a sensor holder and project further toward a sensor holder side than an end surface at the sensor holder side, which end surface is at the outer side in the radial direction than the place of engagement. For this reason, tilt of the V gear with respect to its axial direction can be restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Kazuhiro YAMADA, Akira SUMIYASHIKI
  • Patent number: 8752781
    Abstract: A safety belt retractor for motor vehicles having a locking system controllable in a belt webbing-sensitive and/or vehicle-sensitive manner, a locking pawl (12) mounted on the belt shaft (1) which locking pawl can be moved into engagement with a housing-fixed tooth, wherein the locking system can be deactivated at least within a range of a predetermined belt extraction length, wherein a locking element (10) is provided for deactivating the locking system which locking element can be moved depending on the belt extraction length from a first position releasing the locking pawl (12) to a second position fixing the locking pawl (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Guillem Aranda, Volkmar Heine
  • Patent number: 8740126
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device comprising a spool and a locking unit having a locking unit main body having a rotational acceleration detecting unit, wherein the rotational acceleration detecting unit comprises a second rotating body; a rotation transmission member provided at the second rotating body; an inertial mass body having a pressing portion and provided at the second rotating body; a biasing means provided at the second rotating body; and a retaining portion provided at the second rotating body to pinch the rotation transmission member together with the inertial mass body biased by the biasing means, thereby retaining the rotation transmission member in a state in which the rotation transmission member does not engage with the first rotating body, and to release retention of the rotation transmission member when relative rotation is produced between the second rotating body and the inertial mass body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Atsushi Tatsuma, Akira Sumiyashiki, Hitoshi Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 8672252
    Abstract: A self-locking belt retractor in particular for motor vehicles with a vehicle-sensitive and a webbing-sensitive control system for the blocking device of the belt retractor having an operatable toothed lock washer in a cased gearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Doris Kröger, Michael Tohn, Klaus Butenop
  • Publication number: 20140054405
    Abstract: Seat belt web retractors and associated systems and methods are described herein. Web retractors assemblies configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a frame having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a spring-loaded shaft extending between the first and second sidewalls. The web retractor can further include a locking mechanism positioned proximate to the first sidewall of the frame and operably coupled to the shaft. The locking mechanism can include a vehicle inertia sensor and/or a web inertia sensor. A cover can enclose the locking mechanism such that the cover and the first sidewall form a liquid-sealed enclosure around the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: AmSafe Commercial Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Clark, Robert Desmarais, Graham Betteridge, Ken Kohlndorfer, Martin Phillips, Andy Toth, Bruce Flora, Brandon Marriott, Michael Alan Wiseman, Ruth Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20140008479
    Abstract: In a placement face of which a general face is configured with a circular cone shape, restriction faces are formed. When a sensor ball rolls along an axial direction of rotating shafts, the sensor ball accordingly contacts one of the restriction faces or another of the restriction faces. From this state, in order for the sensor ball to roll further along the axial direction of the rotating shafts, the sensor ball has to rise up the one of the restriction faces or the other of the restriction faces that respectively have a larger angle of incline than the general face. By contrast, in order for the sensor ball to roll in directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating shafts as seen in plan view, the sensor ball only has to roll over the general face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Takashi YOSHIDA, Akira SUMIYASHIKI
  • Patent number: 8579223
    Abstract: A self-locking belt retractor for motor vehicles with a vehicle-sensitive and a belt-webbing-sensitive control system for the blocking arrangement of the belt retractor, is characterized in that for the formation of its inertia, an inertial mass is swivellably mounted on a control disk, wherein the inertial mass can be deflected into a blocking position for the control disc. Additionally, a locking lever mounted on the control disc is provided for the cutoff of a vehicle sensor, and by way of a switching process in its cutoff position, the locking lever cuts off the vehicle sensor and secures the inertial mass in a disabling position, the disabling position being different than the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Guillem Aranda
  • Publication number: 20130200196
    Abstract: A cable (6a, 6b) winder (1) of a fall-arrest lifeline including a brake, the winder, which is intended to be attached to a holding point, includes a centrifugal brake in a housing, wherein the centrifugal brake is intended to slow the unwinding of the cable in the event of a fall, the cable winding onto a drum (2) from a first end attached to the shaft of the drum, the second end of the cable coming out of the winder and including an element for coupling to a load. The wound cable is furthermore secured to the drum at a predetermined distance from the first end by a removable securing element (5), the securing element ceasing to hold the cable on the drum when a tensile force greater than a release threshold is applied to the cable in order to release the predetermined cable distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: TRACTEL SAS
    Inventor: Patrick Copin
  • Patent number: 8328166
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a restraint system is described for restraining a standing occupant in a vehicle such as a plane or helicopter. The restraint system includes a webbing strap that winds and unwinds from a spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a trigger assembly that locks a spool from rotation, a manual release assembly for manually releasing the trigger assembly and lock, and an adjustable payout assembly that determines the maximum length that the webbing strap can be pulled out before stopping (i.e., the number of rotations of the spool). The trigger assembly can trigger the lock assembly from one or more sensors. Further, the trigger assembly can be arranged to automatically unlock after a triggering event, manually unlocked after a triggering event or a combination of the two for different sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: MillenWorks
    Inventors: Matthew M. O'Brien, Christopher C. Culbertson, Colin A. Godby, Stephen M. King, Grant R. McCloud, Charles E. Van Druff
  • Patent number: 8251304
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved reel assembly for use in conjunction with an occupant restraint system. The assembly employs a dual locking arrangement whereby an occupant can be restrained during both major and minor incidents. After a major incident, the reel assembly remains locked until the occupant disengages the reel via a push button. After a minor incident, the reel assembly can be conveniently unlocked, without the need for accessing the push button, by applying counter tension to the webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Conax Florida Corporation
    Inventors: John Boyer, Daniel Meggs, Alan Lane
  • Patent number: 8181744
    Abstract: A lifeline system includes a lifeline and a drum assembly around which the lifeline is coiled. The drum assembly is rotatable about a first axis in a first direction during extension of the lifeline and in a second direction, opposite of the first direction, during retraction of the lifeline. The lifeline system further includes a tensioning mechanism in operative connection with the drum assembly to impart a biasing force on the drum assembly to bias the drum assembly to rotate about the first axis in the second direction. The lifeline system further comprises a braking mechanism in operative connection with the drum assembly. The braking mechanism includes a catch that is rotatable relative to the drum assembly about a second axis that is not concentric with the first axis. The second axis is operatively connected to the first axis so that the second axis rotates about the first axis in the same direction as the drum assembly when the drum assembly is rotating about the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Parker, Ross Balquist
  • Publication number: 20110290930
    Abstract: In a webbing retractor, when a V gear has been rotated in a withdrawal direction following a spool and a W pawl has been relatively displaced with respect to the V gear by inertial force, the rotation of the V gear is regulated and a lock plate regulates the rotation of the spool. A first center-of-gravity adjusting hole and a second center-of-gravity adjusting hole are disposed in the W pawl, and the sensitivity of detecting the inertial force is adjusted as a result of a center-of-gravity position of the W pawl being adjusted. The first center-of-gravity adjusting hole and the second center-of-gravity adjusting hole are disposed away from an outer peripheral surface of the W pawl, so the center-of-gravity position of the W pawl becomes adjustable without having to change the outer peripheral shape of the W pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Atsushi TATSUMA, Akira SUMIYASHIKI
  • Publication number: 20110290929
    Abstract: A webbing retractor includes a retracting shaft; a lock member regulating the rotation of the retracting shaft in the pulled-out direction; a rotating body connected to the retracting shaft; a rotation detecting member that is relatively displaced with respect to the rotating body by inertial force, by which rotation of the rotating body in the pulled-out direction is regulated, and by which the lock member is actuated; and a regulating member having an engaging portion that engages with the rotation detecting member because of the rotation of the rotating body in the retraction direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Atsushi TATSUMA, Akira SUMIYASHIKI
  • Publication number: 20110174911
    Abstract: Provided is a webbing winding device having a lock mechanism in which a driven body is less influenced by an inclination of a driving body. A peripheral wall extends from an edge portion of a penetration hole formed at a sensor gear constituting the lock mechanism toward a link member, and a guide hole is formed at a bottom wall formed at the front end of the peripheral wall. An engagement pin of the link member passes through the guide hole from the base end portion rather than the front end portion thereof in the protruding direction. Further, in the front end side of the engagement pin passing through and protruding from the guide hole, the outer peripheral portion is spaced apart from the inner peripheral portion of the peripheral wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hitoshi TAKAMATSU, Akira SUMIYASHIKI
  • Publication number: 20110127363
    Abstract: A webbing take-up device comprising a spool and a locking unit having a locking unit main body having a rotational acceleration detecting unit, wherein the rotational acceleration detecting unit comprises a second rotating body; a rotation transmission member provided at the second rotating body; an inertial mass body having a pressing portion and provided at the second rotating body; a biasing means provided at the second rotating body; and a retaining portion provided at the second rotating body to pinch the rotation transmission member together with the inertial mass body biased by the biasing means, thereby retaining the rotation transmission member in a state in which the rotation transmission member does not engage with the first rotating body, and to release retention of the rotation transmission member when relative rotation is produced between the second rotating body and the inertial mass body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Atsushi TATSUMA, Akira SUMIYASHIKI, Hitoshi TAKAMATSU
  • Patent number: 7942361
    Abstract: A webbing retracting device that may prevent entering of an end-lock state when a spool rotates in the pull out direction on rebound just after completion of taking up of the webbing belt. A restriction weight is provided on a V gear. The restriction weight moves in the pull out direction relative to the V gear by acceleration when the V gear is rotated in the take up direction, and furthermore, the restriction weight pivots about a support pin under centrifugal force due to rotation of the V gear and attains a contact position. In such a state, even if the inertial mass attempts to displace toward the lock activation direction, the restriction weight interferes with the inertial mass and restricts displacement of the inertial mass toward the lock activation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Riki-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shinji Mori
  • Patent number: 7744030
    Abstract: In a webbing retractor, when a V-gear rotates in a take-up direction at an angular velocity of less than a preset upper limit angular velocity VH and a braking pawl moves toward an engaging position, an anchor claw of the braking pawl meshes with an internal tooth of a braking gear, and the braking gear is connected via the braking pawl to the V-gear so as to rotate integrally in the take-up direction. In this way, a coil portion of a torsion coil spring twists in the take-up direction (diameter contracting direction) via anchor pins. Therefore, an inner diameter of the coil portion contracts, and an inner peripheral surface of the coil portion press-contacts an outer peripheral surface of a braking shaft. End locking is prevented from arising when a spool, which rotates in the take-up direction, stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Patent number: 7681824
    Abstract: A webbing retracting device that may prevent entering of an end-lock state when a spool rotates in the pull out direction on rebound just after completion of taking up of the webbing belt. A restriction weight is provided on a V gear. The restriction weight moves in the pull out direction relative to the V gear by acceleration when the V gear is rotated in the take up direction, and furthermore, the restriction weight pivots about a support pin under centrifugal force due to rotation of the V gear and attains a contact position. In such a state, even if the inertial mass attempts to displace toward the lock activation direction, the restriction weight interferes with the inertial mass and restricts displacement of the inertial mass toward the lock activation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shinji Mori
  • Patent number: 7681825
    Abstract: By adjusting phases of a webbing sensor and a locking mechanism when a spool locking section operates, special precision and rigidity are not required of respective members, and operation is stabilized. In a webbing retractor, at a time when a lock pawl meshes with a ratchet tooth of a ratchet member, if the lock pawl meshes with an Nth ratchet tooth and a sensor pawl meshes with an (N?1)st internal tooth, a release pawl is moved from a restraining position to a restraint cancelled position against urging force of a torsion coil spring and due to torque in a clockwise direction which teeth surfaces generate. When a gear ring rotates to a position at which a phase difference with the ratchet member substantially disappears, the release pawl is returned to the restraining position by the urging force of the torsion coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Patent number: 7637536
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor (40) associated with a seat (10) includes a spool (106) about which seat belt webbing (42) is wound. The spool (106) is supported for rotation in a belt withdrawal direction and in an opposite belt retraction direction. A vehicle sensitive sensor (190) is responsive to at least one sensed vehicle condition for preventing rotation of the spool (106) in the belt withdrawal direction. A first mechanism (206) is responsive to a first condition for disabling the vehicle sensitive sensor (190). A second mechanism (294) is responsive to a second, different condition for preventing rotation of the spool (106) in the belt withdrawal direction. The second condition is a condition of the associated seat (10). In one embodiment, a third mechanism (400) is responsive to the first condition for allowing rotation of the spool (106) in the belt withdrawal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Neal H. Delventhal, Scott M. Franz
  • Publication number: 20090261193
    Abstract: A webbing retractor is provided that can structure a WSIR mechanism with a small number of parts. When a second gear, that is pivotally-supported so as to rotate freely at a trigger lever, revolves around a first gear while rotating around a shaft, the trigger lever pulls a lock pawl via a link and causes the lock pawl to mesh with a lock base, and rotation of a spool in a pull-out direction is restricted. With such a structure, a structure corresponding to a ring gear of a planetary gear train is not needed, and a locking mechanism can be structured by a small number of parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Shinji MORI
  • Patent number: 7458534
    Abstract: A pretensioner coupling for a seat belt retractor for a motor vehicle of a type having a belt shaft and a pretensioner drive for winding the belt shaft. The pretensioner coupling having a coupling latch movably arranged between a release position and an engagement position. The coupling latch produces a load-transmitting rotational connection between the belt shaft and the pretensioner drive when in the engagement position and movable out of the engagement position and into the release position to permit relative rotation between the belt shaft and the pretensioner drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Michael Pech, Stefan Höfs
  • Publication number: 20080217457
    Abstract: An inertia sensitive actuator especially adapted for use with a dual spool retractor for a motor vehicle seat belt system. The dual spool retractor includes shoulder belt and lap belt spool assemblies engaging with the shoulder belt and lap belt portions of the seat belt webbing. The dual spool retractor incorporates an inertia sensitive actuator having an excitation mass which is coupled with both of the retractor spool assemblies via linkages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Gunter K. Clute, Jennifer Grove
  • Publication number: 20070228203
    Abstract: A holding mechanism for a vehicular acceleration sensor, comprising: a pair of lever arms operable to move independently of one another; and an inertia weight held between the lever arms, wherein movement of the inertia weight, in use, when under acceleration, causes at least a part of at least one lever arm or both arms to move in a generally linear direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: MARTIN-BAKER AIRCRAFT CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Stephen Anthony Ruff, Alan David Crozier
  • Patent number: 6969023
    Abstract: A locking pawl for a mechanism for blocking a belt retractor of a safety belt comprises a first locking pawl element made of a first material and adapted to block said belt retractor, and a second locking pawl element made of a second material and adapted to control a movement of said locking pawl. The first material is different from the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hermann-Karl Weller
  • Patent number: 6902129
    Abstract: A seat belt device is provided. The seat belt device has a seat belt roller together with a locking device for locking the seat belt roller. The seat belt device furthermore has a guide pin which is moveably supported inside a guide link and is coupled to the locking device. The displacement of the guide pin inside the guide link depends on the direction of movement of the seat belt roller. The coupling of the pin to the locking device provides that locking of the seat belt roller is either brought about or prevented, according to the positioning of the guide pin in the guide link. The seat belt device makes it possible to ensure that seat belt locking is activated only when unreeling, and not when the set belt is being reeled in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Takata-Petri (Ulm) GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Grasser, Robert Fleischmann, Stefan Lambrecht, Jochen Benz
  • Patent number: 6883742
    Abstract: A webbing retractor includes a take-up shaft, an inertia plate provided integrally and coaxially with the take-up shaft, and an inertial force imparting mechanism. When a webbing for restraining a vehicle occupant is suddenly pulled-out, the take-up shaft takes-up the webbing, and the inertia plate causes a rotational delay with respect to the take-up shaft, and rotation of the take-up shaft in a webbing pull-out direction is thereby locked. Further, the inertial force imparting mechanism that suppresses and deters rotation of the inertia plate in a webbing take-up rotation direction by the inertial force imparting mechanism applying inertial force in a webbing pull-out rotation direction to the inertia plate which attempts to rotate in a webbing take-up direction even after rotation of the take-up shaft in the webbing take-up rotation direction has stopped when a vehicle occupant cancels an applied state of the webbing and the entire webbing is taken-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Akira Sumiyashiki, Tomonori Nagata
  • Publication number: 20040149852
    Abstract: A belt spool (12) for a safety belt retractor with a frame has a bearing (18) for a blocking catch (16) which can be moved from an initial position in which the belt spool is freely rotatable, into a blocking position in which it blocks the belt spool. The belt spool further has a support surface (20) for the blocking catch (16). The support surface (20) is provided with a projection (22; 26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Blum, Hermann-Karl Weller
  • Patent number: 6732967
    Abstract: In a webbing retractor, a stopper plate is mounted to a belt insert-through hole of a spool. In this mounted state, a restricting wall of the stopper plate extends further outward in a radial direction of a spool main body than an outer peripheral portion of the spool main body. From between a pair of leg plates of a frame, the restricting wall opposes the leg plates along an axial direction of the spool. Thus, when force displacing the spool in the axial direction of the spool is applied, the leg plates interfere with the restricting wall, and indirectly interfere with the spool so as to restrict displacement of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Publication number: 20040079827
    Abstract: A webbing retractor includes a take-up shaft, an inertia plate provided integrally and coaxially with the take-up shaft, and an inertial force imparting mechanism. When a webbing for restraining a vehicle occupant is suddenly pulled-out, the take-up shaft takes-up the webbing, and the inertia plate causes a rotational delay with respect to the take-up shaft, and rotation of the take-up shaft in a webbing pull-out direction is thereby locked. Further, the inertial force imparting mechanism that suppresses and deters rotation of the inertia plate in a webbing take-up rotation direction by the inertial force imparting mechanism applying inertial force in a webbing pull-out rotation direction to the inertia plate which attempts to rotate in a webbing take-up direction even after rotation of the take-up shaft in the webbing take-up rotation direction has stopped when a vehicle occupant cancels an applied state of the webbing and the entire webbing is taken-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Akira Sumiyashiki, Tomonori Nagata
  • Patent number: 6691943
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a web sensor with an inertia member, a locking pawl and a lock cup. The inertia member is eccentrically pivotally mounted to the lock cup. The locking pawl is integrally formed with the inertia member. The lock cup has a set of radially inwardly pointing teeth for engaging with the locking pawl. The shape and profile of the locking pawl complements the shape of the teeth. The web sensor aids in resisting jamming of the seat belt retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan George Smithson, David Blackadder, Paul Bowman, David Charles Winter
  • Patent number: 6585184
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a mechanism cover and a spring cover which are assembled through a spool and mounted in a frame. The spool has a two-stepped tooth formation which enables operation of a vehicle sensing element without separate rachet parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Samsong Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Hee Park, Chul-Hyun Cho, Wan-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20030111571
    Abstract: A locking pawl for a mechanism for blocking a belt retractor of a safety belt comprises a first locking pawl element made of a first material and adapted to block said belt retractor, and a second locking pawl element made of a second material and adapted to control a movement of said locking pawl. The first material is different from the second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hermann-Karl Weller
  • Patent number: 6530536
    Abstract: A guide pin is provided erect at a lock plate of a webbing retractor. A guide hole is formed in a V gear in correspondence with the guide pin. The guide hole is formed from a first hole portion, a second hole portion and a third hold portion. A state in which the guide pin is positioned in the first hole portion is an initial state. When relative rotation between the V gear and a spool arises, the guide pin moves from the first hole portion and reaches the second hole portion. In this process, the guide pin pushes the V gear so as to rotate reversely, and locking is cancelled. When a pushing force causing a V gear reverse rotation angle to exceed a set value is applied from the guide pin, the guide pin escapes into the third hole portion such that excessive pushing force is cancelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Akira Sumiyashiki, Tomonori Nagata
  • Patent number: 6527214
    Abstract: At a lock plate of a webbing retractor, a pair of pawls and a connecting shaft are molded integrally such that the lock plate is rotated appropriately such that the connecting shaft of the lock plate is inserted into a spool from a cut-out portion and two operational surfaces oppose respective load receiving surfaces, and thereafter, other parts are assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Publication number: 20030038202
    Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicular seat belt comprises a belt reel rotatably mounted in a frame, two locking discs for blocking the belt reel and two energy absorbing elements. The energy absorbing elements are each connected at an axial end to a locking disc and one of which is non-rotatably connected at an axial end to the belt reel. The belt retractor further comprises two locking pawls that are capable of cooperating with the locking discs. At least one of said locking pawls is releasably connected in a starting position to the frame by a connecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Wier
  • Patent number: 6523771
    Abstract: In a webbing retractor, when a pawl engages with an internal tooth, a lock plate is guided, via a V gear, to a position at which engagement with a ratchet tooth is possible, and thereafter, the lock plate self-locks. When the V gear reversely rotates by a predetermined amount in accordance with this self-locking, engagement of the pawl and the internal tooth is cancelled. An engagement surface of the internal tooth corresponds to a locus of swinging of the pawl. Engagement with the pawl is cancelled at a smallest V gear reverse rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Akira Sumiyashiki
  • Patent number: 6371563
    Abstract: An emergency-lock type retractor includes an emergency lock part for stopping the rotation of said drum to restrict the pull-out of said belt when a belt wound around a drum is pulled suddenly at a predetermined speed or higher, and a hand-operated lock part capable of stopping the rotation of said drum by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuru Washizuka
  • Patent number: 6364238
    Abstract: An assembly comprises a belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt and a force limiter. The belt retractor comprises a belt spool, and the force limiter comprises a housing and a driving part able to be coupled with the belt spool. The assembly comprises a locking catch connected with the driving part, a release mechanism for the locking catch, and a stationary locking toothing into which the locking catch can be caused to engage by the release mechanism. The release mechanism is able to be activated by a relative rotation between the driving part and the housing of the force limiter and, towards an end of this relative rotation, can cause to engage the locking catch into the locking toothing whereby the belt spool is locked against a rotation in a belt webbing withdrawal direction relative to the locking toothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hermann-Karl Weller