Latch sensing seatbelt buckle

Details Latch sensing seatbelt buckle Latch sensing seatbelt buckle

1999-07-16

2001-03-27

Sakran, Victor N. (Department: 3626)

Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.

Separable-fastener or required component thereof

Including member having distinct formations and mating...

C024S303000, C024S603000, C024S645000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06205629

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a seatbelt buckle. In particular, the present invention relates to a seatbelt buckle including a Hall effect device for sensing when the buckle is in a latched condition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A seatbelt system for restraining a vehicle occupant typically includes seatbelt webbing, a lockable element on the webbing, and a seatbelt buckle. The lockable element on the webbing is inserted in the buckle when the webbing has been placed about a vehicle occupant. A latch mechanism in the buckle interlocks with the lockable element to secure the webbing about the occupant. Such a seatbelt system may also include a Hall effect device for indicating whether or not the lockable element is locked in the buckle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus comprises a lockable element and a buckle. The buckle includes a base that defines a passage for receiving and locking the lockable element in the buckle, a housing and a ferromagnetic latch. The latch is moveable from a first position to a second position in which the latch locks the lockable element against movement in the passage. The buckle also includes a switch which includes a ferromagnetic support member that is mountable within the housing. A ferromagnetic flux collecting member, a Hall effect device, and a magnet are fixed to the support member.
The magnet creates a magnetic field that is conducted by the flux collecting member and the latch away from the Hall effect device when the latch is in the first position. The magnetic field is conducted by the flux collecting member and the support member towards the Hall effect device when the latch is moved away from the switch to the second position. The Hall effect device senses a first flux density when the latch is in the first position which causes the Hall effect device to provide a first output signal. The Hall effect device senses a second flux density when the latch is in the second position which causes the Hall effect device to provide a second output signal.


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