Winding – tensioning – or guiding – Reeling device – With spring motor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-03
2001-01-23
Jillions, John M. (Department: 3653)
Winding, tensioning, or guiding
Reeling device
With spring motor
C242S382000, C242S383400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176448
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a seat belt retractor and particularly to an arrangement for reducing noise and increasing working tolerances in seat belt retractors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A seat belt retractor has many rotating and pivoting parts such as locking elements, arms that drive the locking elements and pawls that transmit acceleration sensor information to the locking elements. These parts must be able to rotate or pivot freely in their mountings, with minimum friction, for optimum performance and response. However if clearances between components are made too large unsatisfactory noise levels, through rattle, may result and the extra movement may also affect the overall performance of the retractor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a retractor for a seat belt comprising a movable member mounted for pivotal or rotational movement, in relation to another member, over a predetermined arc of a circle, the arc subtending active working section of less than 360°, wherein a wedge shaped portion extends into the gap between the movable part and the other part to reduce the gap when the retractor is at rest.
Preferably a wedge extends from both members. Such an arrangement reduces the slack between the two members without jamming the mechanism.
This arrangement is particularly appropriate between a retractor lockup and its corresponding mechanism bushing. The wedges on each member touch each other in the rest position and thus inhibit movement and reduce noise. However, in the working position of the lock cup and bush, the wedges are spaced apart and do not interfere with the normal working of the members since the clearance is restored.
Such an arrangement allows for larger tolerances to be compensated, than were hitherto normally allowed. Therefore the cost of the retractor is reduced without compromising the performance of the retractor, and noise due to relative movement of components is reduced. More consistent performance is achieved.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4136841 (1979-01-01), Fohl
patent: 4767078 (1988-08-01), Fohl
patent: 5161748 (1992-11-01), Iguchi et al.
patent: 1561639 (1980-01-01), None
Breed Automotive Technology Inc.
Drayer L.
Jillions John M.
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