Latch sensing seatbelt buckle

Details Latch sensing seatbelt buckle Latch sensing seatbelt buckle

2000-05-25

2002-05-21

Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)

Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.

Separable-fastener or required component thereof

Including member having distinct formations and mating...

C024S642000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06389661

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 seatbelt 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 or tongue on the webbing, and a seatbelt buckle. The tongue is inserted in the buckle when the webbing has been placed about a vehicle occupant. A latch mechanism in the buckle interlocks with the tongue to secure the webbing about the occupant. Such a seatbelt system may also include a Hall effect device for indicating whether or not the tongue is locked in the buckle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus comprises a lockable element and a buckle for receiving and locking the lockable element in the buckle. The buckle comprises a base defining a passage into which the lockable element is insertable and a latch moveable from a first position to a second position in which the latch locks the lockable element against movement in the passage. The latch is made of a ferromagnetic material.
The buckle also includes first and second magnets and a Hall effect device. The Hall effect device provides an output signal, the magnitude of which is dependent upon the magnetic flux density of a magnetic field acting on the Hall effect device. The Hall effect device is disposed between the first and second magnets, which provide respective magnetic fields that oppose each other and act on the Hall effect device.
When the latch is in the second position, the latch is positioned spaced away from the magnets and the Hall effect device and the magnets provide a net magnetic field of a first magnitude that acts on the Hall effect device. When the latch is in the first position, the latch is positioned adjacent to one of said magnets and draws the magnetic field of that magnet away from the Hall effect device. Thus, in the second position, a magnetic field of a second magnitude different from the first magnitude acts on the Hall effect device. This causes the Hall effect device to have a first output when the latch is in the non-locking position, and to have a second, different output when the latch is in the locking position.


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