Tension relieving mechanism for a seat belt retractor and contro

Details Tension relieving mechanism for a seat belt retractor and contro Tension relieving mechanism for a seat belt retractor and contro

1982-02-02

1984-07-24

Peters, Jr., Joseph F.

Land vehicles

Wheeled

Attachment

2421076, B60R 2110

Patent

active

044614934

ABSTRACT:
A seat belt retractor having a tension relieving mechanism has a new and improved control and release means for operating the mechanism to release the tension relieving mechanism from its tensionless mode and allow seat belt retraction. Preferably, the control means includes a circuit means with a bimetallic member which is electrically energized by the electrical system of the vehicle when a door and/or user actuated switch is closed. The device eliminates the need for a heavy, bulky mechanical release linkage between the door and a tension relieving mechanism of a type currently used. The electrical switches can be closed with a minimal amount of force, and the door actuated switch does not add to the force needed to close the door of the vehicle.
The device is used to release a tension relieving mechanism of the type having a clutch spring which frictionally grips a rotatable member connected to the retractor reel shaft. The frictional grip of the clutch spring is released when the clutch spring interacts with an engagement member to expand the spring coils. When the bimetallic member is unheated, the release device holds the clutch spring preventing interaction between the clutch spring and the engagement member, and the immobilized clutch spring, gripping the rotatable member, prevents the reel shaft from turning in a belt retraction direction. However, when the bimetallic member is energized and heated it deforms shifting the release device to allow interaction between the clutch spring and the engagement member resulting in coil expansion, release of the frictional grip and retraction of the seat belt.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3700184 (1972-10-01), Francis
patent: 3917019 (1975-11-01), Pearson et al.
patent: 3973786 (1976-08-01), Rogers, Jr.
patent: 4007948 (1977-02-01), Stephenson et al.
patent: 4261531 (1981-04-01), Naitoh
patent: 4361294 (1982-11-01), Doty

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