JP2001138866A - Seat belt device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a seat belt device having an energy absorbing mechanism capable of changing an operation mode of the energy absorbing mechanism so as to improve constraining safety for an occupant when an SRS air bag system for a vehicle is set to be inoperable. SOLUTION: This seat belt device 1 having a seat belt retractor 100 with an energy absorbing mechanism, is equipped with an absorbing mechanism lock means 21 for switching an energy absorbing mechanism 7 between the operable state and the inoperative state by engaging the mechanism 7 with a pre-tensioner mechanism 500, and an absorbing mechanism lock means 23 for switching the operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means 21 for switching between the operative state and the inoperable state by interlocking the lock means 21 with the operation of the SRS air bag system, thereby preventing an occupant from being damaged due to operation of the energy absorbing mechanism 7 during the inoperable state of the SRS air bag system.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a seat belt device for restraining a vehicle occupant or the like to a seat, and more particularly to a seat belt device having an energy absorbing mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a seat belt device for holding an occupant or the like of a vehicle safely in a seat, a retractor for a seat belt which winds a webbing so as to be drawn out generally responds to sudden acceleration, collision or deceleration. An emergency lock retractor is provided which includes emergency lock means for physically locking the drawer of the webbing by inertia sensing means so as to effectively and safely restrain the occupant.

[0003] However, when the impact force due to the collision is extremely large, the webbing tension increases with the passage of time after the collision, so that the occupant's body suddenly decelerates, and the tension applied from the webbing to the occupant is extremely high. growing. Therefore, when the load acting on the webbing between the occupant restraining webbing and the vehicle body becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the webbing is extended by a predetermined amount to absorb an impact generated on the occupant's body. Various types of seat belt devices have been proposed which are provided with a safety device to more surely protect the occupant's body.
This type of energy absorbing mechanism is provided between an anchor fitting attached to a webbing terminal and a vehicle body or between a retractor to which one end of the webbing is locked and a vehicle body.

For example, in a seat belt retractor described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-193741, when a load acting on a webbing becomes a predetermined value or more, a shaft-shaped energy absorbing mechanism is generated by the webbing tensile force. Is plastically deformed, and the webbing is pulled out by the amount corresponding to the rotation of the bobbin in the webbing pull-out direction due to the plastic deformation, the occupant restraining force by the webbing is relaxed, and the impact acting on the occupant from the webbing is reduced.

On the other hand, when the webbing is pulled out by the energy absorbing mechanism, the occupant is accordingly moved in the direction of acceleration of the collision. At that time, in order to prevent the occupant's body from colliding with the vehicle interior wall, etc., in recent vehicles, by bulging between the occupant and the vehicle interior wall, etc. in a vehicle emergency, the occupant's body is received. SRS (Su
pplemental Restoring System
em) Measures for improving occupant safety in cooperation with a seatbelt device equipped with an airbag system have become widespread.

[0006]

However, the SRS airbag system must be inflated at a high speed because it must be inflated to a size having a predetermined buffering performance instantaneously in an emergency. Therefore, when the occupant is a small child or the like, it has been found that the collision itself with the airbag that inflates at a high speed applies a load to the occupant. So, recent SR
It has been proposed that the S airbag system be equipped with an airbag activation setting switch that switches the SRS airbag system between an activated state and an inactivated state. However, if the SRS airbag system is inactive, the occupant protection effect of the SRS airbag system cannot be expected.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when the SRS airbag system for a vehicle is set to a non-operation, the operation mode of the energy absorbing mechanism is changed, and the occupant restraint safety is changed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a seat belt device provided with an energy absorbing mechanism capable of improving the seat belt.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seat belt device, wherein an energy absorbing mechanism provided between an occupant restraining webbing and a vehicle body, and the energy absorbing mechanism is switched between an operating state and a non-operating state. An absorbing mechanism locking means, and an absorbing mechanism lock driving means for switching an operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means, wherein the absorbing mechanism locking driving means is mounted on the vehicle and cooperates with the seat belt device in the event of a vehicle emergency to allow the occupant to operate the vehicle. The energy absorbing mechanism is activated when the SRS airbag system to be protected is activated, and the energy absorbing mechanism is deactivated when the SRS airbag system is inactive. The operation mode of the locking means is switched to a non-operation state or an operation state.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operation of the SRS airbag system is set to the inactive state, the energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt device is automatically set to the inactive state by the absorbing mechanism locking means. Is set. Therefore, when the SRS airbag system for the vehicle is set to the non-operation, and at the time of a vehicle collision, the energy absorbing mechanism is maintained in the non-operation state, so that the occupant restraint safety can be improved. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the seat belt device, a bobbin on which webbing is wound, a winding shaft inserted through the center of the bobbin, and connected at one end to rotate integrally with the bobbin; A retractor base rotatably supporting the bobbin via a take-up shaft, and the other end of the take-up shaft connected to a retractor base in the event of a vehicle emergency, preventing rotation of the take-up shaft in a webbing pull-out direction. A first locking means to be interposed between the first locking means and the bobbin; and a plastic deformation when a load in a webbing pull-out direction acting on the bobbin when the first locking means is actuated becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value. A seat belt retractor provided with an energy absorbing mechanism having an energy absorbing mechanism for allowing rotation of the bobbin in the webbing pull-out direction. An absorbing mechanism locking means for switching the energy absorbing mechanism between an operating state and a non-operating state; and an absorbing mechanism lock driving means for switching the operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means. The absorbing mechanism lock driving means is mounted on a vehicle. When the SRS airbag system that protects the occupant in cooperation with the seat belt device in the event of a vehicle emergency is in the operating state, the energy absorbing mechanism is in the operating state, and when the SRS airbag system is in the non-operating state, The operation mode of the absorption mechanism locking means is switched to a non-operation state or an operation state so that the absorption mechanism is in a non-operation state.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the operation of the SRS airbag system is set to the non-operation state, the energy absorbing mechanism of the seatbelt retractor mounted on the seatbelt device is provided with an absorbing mechanism locking means. Automatically set to the inactive state. Therefore, when the SRS airbag system for the vehicle is set to the non-operation, and at the time of a vehicle collision, the energy absorbing mechanism is maintained in the non-operation state, so that the occupant restraint safety can be improved. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the seat belt device, the bobbin around which the webbing is wound, the bobbin is inserted through the bobbin, and is rotatably supported by the retractor base. An energy absorbing mechanism coupled to the other end side and integrally coupled to the lock member; first locking means for engaging the lock member with the retractor base to prevent rotation in the webbing withdrawal direction; and a vehicle. A pretensioner mechanism for rotating the bobbin in a direction in which the slack of the webbing is removed by connecting a clutch mechanism only at the time of collision; When the energy absorbing mechanism is engaged with the pretensioner mechanism and the pretensioner mechanism is in an operating state. A locking mechanism for switching the operation of the absorbing mechanism lock means, and an absorbing mechanism lock driving means for switching the operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means, wherein the absorbing mechanism lock driving means is mounted on the vehicle and is provided with a seat belt in an emergency of the vehicle. When the SRS airbag system for protecting an occupant in cooperation with the device is in an operating state, the energy absorbing mechanism is in an operating state, and when the SRS airbag system is in a non-operating state, and the pretensioner mechanism is in operation. The operation mode of the absorbing mechanism locking means is switched to a non-operating state or an operating state so that the energy absorbing mechanism is in an inactive state when is operated.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the energy absorbing mechanism of the seatbelt retractor provided in the seatbelt device is when the operation of the SRS airbag system is set to a non-operating state, and When the pretensioner mechanism is activated, the absorbing mechanism lock driving means is operated to automatically set the inoperative state by the absorbing mechanism locking means engaged with the pretensioner mechanism. Therefore, when the vehicle SRS airbag system is set to the non-operation, the energy absorption mechanism is maintained in the non-operation state when the pretensioner mechanism operates, thereby improving the restraint safety of the occupant. Can be done.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the seat belt device, the bobbin on which the webbing is wound is inserted into the bobbin, and is rotatably supported by the retractor base through the bobbin. An energy absorbing mechanism coupled to the lock member at the other end, and first locking means for engaging the lock member with the retractor base to prevent rotation in the webbing withdrawal direction. A seat belt device provided with a seat belt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism, comprising: an absorbing mechanism locking means for switching the energy absorbing mechanism to an operating state or a non-operating state at the time of a vehicle collision; and an operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means. And an absorption mechanism lock driving means for switching, wherein the absorption mechanism locking driving means is mounted on the vehicle and the seat is mounted in an emergency of the vehicle. When the SRS airbag system that protects the occupant in cooperation with the belt device is in an operating state, the energy absorbing mechanism is in an operating state, the SRS airbag system is in an inactive state, and the energy absorbing mechanism is in a vehicle collision. Is inactive.
The present invention is also achieved by providing a seatbelt device including a seatbelt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism, wherein the operation mode of the absorbing mechanism locking means is switched to a non-operating state or an operating state.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt retractor provided in the seat belt device is when the operation of the SRS airbag system is set to a non-operating state, and During a vehicle collision,
The inoperative state is automatically set by the absorbing mechanism locking means. Therefore, when the SRS airbag system for the vehicle is set to the non-operation, and at the time of a vehicle collision, the energy absorbing mechanism is maintained in the non-operation state, so that the occupant restraint safety can be improved. .

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a seat belt device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a seat belt retractor 100 with an energy absorbing mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an essential view of the seat belt retractor 100 with an energy absorbing mechanism shown in FIG. It is a partial exploded perspective view. FIG. 3 is a side view of the retractor showing the operation state of the energy absorbing mechanism in the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a side view of the retractor showing the non-operating state of the energy absorption mechanism of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. It is.

The seat belt retractor 100
A torsion bar 3 which is a column-shaped winding shaft which is rotatably attached to the retractor base 5 and at least one end of which is integrally connected with a locking base 15 which is a disk-shaped locking member; An emergency locking means 300 for preventing the rotation of the locking base 15 in the webbing pull-out direction, a substantially cylindrical bobbin 2 on which the webbing is wound and which is attached to the other end of the torsion bar 3 so as to rotate integrally therewith; A stopper means 400 provided at a position where the base 15 and the bobbin 2 are opposed to each other; It has.

Most of the retractor base 5 has a U-shaped cross section, and a torsion bar 3 combined with the bobbin 2 is rotatably bridged between opposed side plates 5a and 5b. . The one end (the left end in FIG. 1) of the torsion bar 3 into which the side plate 5a is inserted is a known one that constantly biases the torsion bar 3 in the webbing winding direction (the direction of the arrow X1 in FIG. 2). A take-up spring device (not shown) is provided.

At one end of the torsion bar 3, there is provided a bobbin connecting portion 3a which is rotatable integrally with the bobbin 2, and at the other end, a locking base connecting portion which is rotatable integrally with the locking base 5. 3b.
Each of these connecting portions 3a and 3b has a cross-sectional shape formed into a hexagon. The locking base coupling portion 3b of the torsion bar 3 is integrally rotatably coupled to the locking base 15 by being inserted into an insertion hole 15a having a hexagonal cross section of the locking base 15.

In the present invention, various known structures are used as the specific structure of the emergency lock means 300 (first lock means) for restricting the rotation of the locking base 15 in the webbing withdrawal direction in the event of a vehicle emergency. be able to. For example, in the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
A pole 16 having a locking tooth 16a at the tip is rotatably supported on a support shaft 15c of the locking base 15. Further, a shaft through hole 5 opened in the side plate 5b is provided.
On the outer side of d, an internal tooth ratchet 18 having an engagement internal tooth 18a on the inner periphery with which the locking tooth 16a can be engaged is arranged in parallel. The internal tooth ratchet 18 is provided in the shaft through hole 5.
d and a hole 5e formed in the peripheral portion of the inner tooth ratchet 1
The rivet 19 is attached by a rivet 19 that fits into a hole 18b provided on the outer peripheral edge of the rim 8.

The emergency locking means 300 provided in the sensor cover 39 is provided with the pole 1 in the event of a vehicle emergency.
By engaging the locking teeth 16a of the sixth with the engagement internal teeth 18a of the internal ratchet 18, the rotation of the locking base 15 in the webbing pull-out direction is prevented. The bobbin 2 supported by the retractor base 5 via the torsion bar 3 is integrally formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by aluminum die casting or zinc die casting. Is provided with a slit opening 2a that penetrates in the radial direction in order to insert and hold the end portion.

At both ends in the axial direction of the bobbin 2, through-holes through which the torsion bar 3 is inserted are formed. At the end of the bobbin 2 on the side of the pretensioner mechanism 500, a retainer 6 inserted into the shaft through hole 5f of the side plate 5a is mounted. The retainer 6 has a hexagonal hole 6a into which the bobbin coupling portion 3a of the torsion bar 3 is fitted, and a hexagonal flange to be fitted into a fitting concave portion 2b having a hexagonal cross section formed at an end of the bobbin 2. And a sleeve member having a portion 6b. The webbing wound around the bobbin 2 is pulled out in the direction of the arrow (A) in FIG. 3, and when the webbing is pulled out, the bobbin 2 turns in the direction of the arrow (B).

As will be described later, the driving torque of the pretensioner mechanism 500 is transmitted to the retainer 6 via the sleeve 12. Therefore, the hexagonal flange portion 6b of the retainer 6 and the fitting concave portion 2b of the bobbin 2 form a transmission means for directly transmitting the driving torque of the pretensioner mechanism 500 to the bobbin 2 without passing through the torsion bar 3.

The stopper means 400 includes a guide groove 15d, which is a C-shaped groove with a bottom formed in the end surface of the locking base 15 on the bobbin side, and a locking base of the bobbin 2 facing the guide groove 15d. A C-shaped guide groove 8a formed in the lock plate 8 press-fitted and fixed to the side end face, and a lock piece 9 formed in a substantially cocoon shape slidable along the inner wall surfaces of the guide grooves 15d and 8a. And the lock piece 9 has guide grooves 15d and 8a.
The locking base 15 and the bobbin 2 are allowed to rotate relative to each other in a slidable range.

An energy absorbing mechanism 7 mainly composed of the torsion bar 3 is formed between the bobbin 2 and the locking base 15, and the locking base 15 is prevented from being pulled out by the emergency locking means 300 when the webbing is pulled out. When a load greater than a predetermined value (direction of rotating the bobbin 2 in the direction of arrow X2 in FIG. 2) is applied to the torsion bar 3, a rotation torque greater than a predetermined value acts between the coupling portions 3a and 3b of the torsion bar 3, and Since the bobbin 2 can be rotated by the twisting deformation between the coupling portions 3a and 3b, the webbing can be pulled out by a predetermined amount, and the rotation of the locking base 15 in the pullout direction of the webbing of the locking base 15 is prevented by the emergency locking means 300. Nevertheless,
The impact energy acting on the occupant's body is absorbed.

The pretensioner mechanism 500 includes a clutch rotor 42 rotatably disposed around a sleeve 12 fitted in a boss portion 6c of the retainer 6 which passes through a shaft through hole 5f of the side plate 5a. Gas generator 50
Drive means 60 for rotating the clutch rotor 42 by means of the pinion gear 11 constantly meshed with the rack 13 which is pressed and driven by the gas pressure generated by the gas pressure, and a pinion gear for rotating the clutch rotor 42 at an increased speed by the rotation of the pinion gear 11. A speed-up gear transmission 45 disposed between the clutch rotor 11 and the clutch rotor 42 and control means (not shown) for operating the gas generator 50 at the time of a vehicle collision are provided.

In the normal state, the clutch rotor 42 is disengaged from the sleeve 12 between the sleeve 12 and the clutch rotor 42, and the clutch rotor 42 and the sleeve 12 are integrally rotated when the pretensioner mechanism is activated. A mechanism is provided.

Next, the operation of the seat belt retractor 100 with the energy absorbing mechanism will be described. First, in a normal use state, the emergency locking means 300 does not operate, and the retractor 100 can take up the webbing with the urging force of the take-up spring device, and can freely pull out the webbing against the spring force. Has become.

On the other hand, the pretensioner mechanism 500
In the normal use state, the clutch mechanism is disengaged from the bobbin 2, and does not affect the operation of the retractor 100 for retracting the webbing and the operation of the emergency lock unit 300. Next, when a certain degree of deceleration such as a sudden brake occurs in the vehicle, the emergency locking means 300 is activated, and the rotation of the locking base 15 coupled to one end of the torsion bar 3 in the webbing pull-out direction is prevented. You. At this time, the torsion bar 3 in which the locking base connecting portion 3b is connected to the locking base 15 and the bobbin connecting portion 3a is connected to the bobbin 2 does not exert a torsional force exceeding a predetermined value. There is no torsional deformation.

Accordingly, the rotation of the bobbin 2 in the webbing withdrawing direction is also locked, and the webbing is prevented from being extended. However, since the control means (not shown) does not operate the gas generator 50, the bobbin 2 is driven by the driving means 60. Is not driven in the webbing winding direction. on the other hand,
When an extremely large predetermined deceleration occurs at the time of a vehicle collision, a control unit (not shown) detects the deceleration and ignites the gas generator 50. When the ignited gas generator 50 ejects the driving gas, the rack 13 is driven to be pushed in the webbing winding driving direction via a piston (not shown).

When the rack 13 is pressed and driven, and the pinion gear 11 is driven to rotate in the webbing winding direction,
The clutch rotor 42 is rotated at an increased speed by the speed increasing gear transmission 45. Then, the clutch mechanism operates, and the clutch rotor 42 integrally rotates the sleeve 12 in the webbing winding direction. Then, the retainer 6 fitted with the sleeve 12 is attached to the bobbin 2 and the torsion bar 3.
Are integrally rotated in the webbing winding direction, so that the webbing is tightened and the play of the seat belt is eliminated.

At this time, since the torque from the pretensioner mechanism 500 is directly transmitted to the bobbin 3 via the retainer 6, the locking base connecting portion 3a and the bobbin connecting portion 3b
There is no rotation torque greater than a predetermined value acting between them, and the torsion bar 3 is not twisted to cause plastic deformation. Therefore, the pretensioner mechanism 500 can transmit a sufficient webbing pull-in torque to the bobbin 2.

At the end of the driving of the driving means 60 by the expansion pressure of the driving gas, a large tension is generated in the webbing due to the forward movement of the occupant. The above-described emergency locking means 300 is actuated because a turning force in the webbing withdrawing direction is applied. At this time, when a predetermined or more torsional force acts on the torsion bar 3 where the locking base connecting portion 3b is connected to the locking base 15 and the bobbin connecting portion 3a is connected to the bobbin 2, the torsion bar 3 becomes Deforms torsionally. Therefore, when the bobbin 2 rotates in the webbing withdrawing direction, the torsion bar 3 is twisted to extend the webbing while maintaining a constant belt tension, so that the seatbelt retractor 100 effectively stretches the webbing. Can absorb impact energy.

In addition, the retractor 100 of the present embodiment
In addition to the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, an absorbing mechanism locking means 21 for switching the energy absorbing mechanism 7 to an operating state or a non-operating state by engaging with the pretensioner mechanism 500, And an absorbing mechanism lock driving means 23 for switching the operation of the means 21.
Here, the absorbing mechanism locking means 21 includes a locking projection 24 formed in a saw blade shape on the side opposite to the rack teeth 13a of the rack 13 and the side wall 5a of the retractor base 5 of the pretensioner mechanism 500. And a lock lever 25 rotatably supported by the rack gear case 8 mounted on the vehicle.

The lock lever 25 is substantially L-shaped, and is supported by the rack gear case 8 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 26 passing through an intermediate bent portion. As shown in FIG. When the tip corner 25b of the one arm 25a engages with the locking projection 24 by rotating in the counterclockwise direction, the clutch mechanism is connected when the pretensioner mechanism 500 is operating, and therefore, the rack mechanism 13 is used. To prevent the other end of the torsion bar 3 from rotating in the webbing pull-out direction. In the operating state of the pretensioner mechanism 500, both ends of the torsion bar 3 are restricted from rotating in the webbing pull-out direction by the first lock unit and the lock lever 25 constituting the emergency lock unit. The torsion bar 3 is prevented from torsional deformation, and the operation mode as the energy absorbing mechanism 7 is in a non-operating state. On the other hand, when the pretensioner mechanism 500 is not operated, even if the tip corner 25b of the one arm 25a of the lock lever 25 is engaged with the locking projection 24 of the rack 13,
Since the clutch mechanism is shut off, the webbing can be pulled out and taken up.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the tip corner 25b of one arm 25a of the lock lever 25 is disengaged from the locking projection 24 of the rack 13, the torque acting on the bobbin causes the torsion bar 3 to move. Is capable of torsional deformation, and the operation mode as the energy absorbing mechanism 7 is in the operating state. In the case of the present embodiment, the lock lever 25 is always held by the one arm 2 by a spring member 28.
The tip corner 25b of 5a is urged in a direction in which it engages with the locking projection 24 of the rack 13.

The absorbing mechanism lock driving means 23 is an airbag operation setting switch for setting the operation or non-operation of the SRS airbag system which is mounted on the vehicle and protects the occupant in cooperation with the seat belt device 1 in the event of a vehicle emergency. The rotation of the lock lever 25 is controlled by the forward / backward movement of the operating piece 23a engaged with the other arm 25c of the lock lever 25.

More specifically, the absorption mechanism lock driving means 23 is activated when the SRS airbag system is activated, and is deactivated when the SRS airbag system is deactivated. The lock lever 25 is operated in conjunction with an airbag operation setting switch that sets the SRS airbag system to be activated or deactivated.
Is disengaged from the locking projection 24 of the rack 13, or the lock lever 25 is engaged with the locking projection 24,
The lock lever 25 is rotated.

In the seat belt device 1 described above, the energy absorbing mechanism 7 of the retractor 100 controls the operation of the SRS airbag system to be activated or inactive by the airbag activation setting switch so as to work together with the SRS airbag system. When the state is set, the absorbing mechanism lock driving means 23 automatically sets the operating state or the non-operating state when the pretensioner mechanism operates. Therefore, when the SRS airbag system for a vehicle is set to the non-operation, the energy absorbing mechanism 7 is maintained in the non-operation state when the pretensioner mechanism 500 operates, so that the occupant restraint safety is maintained. Can be improved.

In the above embodiment, a plurality of locking projections 24 are formed in a saw blade shape. However, if the stop position of the rack 13 after the operation of the pretensioner mechanism 500 is constant, the locking lever 25 is not used. The number of the locking projections 24 with which the tip corner 25b of the one arm 25a engages may be reduced to one or several, and the number of the locking projections 24 is not limited to the above embodiment. Further, the formation position of the locking projection 24 on the rack 13 and the installation position of the lock lever 25 are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the design can be changed to an appropriate position. Further, the absorbing mechanism locking means 21 is not limited to the engagement between the locking projection 24 and the lock lever 25 described above. For example, engaging holes are provided at predetermined intervals in the rack 13 along its length direction, and a shaft member driven forward and backward by an electric actuator provided as the absorbing mechanism lock driving means 23 is inserted into and removed from the engaging holes. By doing so, a configuration in which the rack 13 is locked or unlocked is also conceivable.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a second embodiment of a seat belt apparatus provided with a seat belt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the energy absorbing mechanism of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a configuration of an absorbing mechanism locking means in the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. It is a retractor side view which shows the non-operation state of an energy absorption mechanism.

In the second embodiment, the support structure of the bobbin and the torsion bar 3 on the retractor base 5, the structure of the emergency locking means, the pretensioner mechanism 50
0, and the configuration of the energy absorbing mechanism 7 are the same as those of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that
An absorbing mechanism locking means 31 for switching the energy absorbing mechanism 7 between an operating state and a non-operating state, and an absorbing mechanism lock driving means 33 for switching the operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means 31.

The absorbing mechanism locking means 31 in the second embodiment provides a wedge-shaped space 34 along the rack 13 of the pretensioner mechanism 500, and a spherical wedge 35
The movement of the rack 13 is restricted depending on whether or not the rack 13 is pushed. The wedge body 35 is rotatably supported by claws 36a provided on a bracket 36 as shown in FIG. The bracket 36 is urged by a rear spring member 37 in a direction in which the wedge body 35 is pushed into the space 34.

The absorbing mechanism lock driving means 33 is an electric actuator capable of moving the bracket 36 into and out of the space 34 against the urging force of the spring member 37. When the SRS airbag system is in the operating state, the energy absorbing mechanism is used. The air for setting the SRS airbag system to be activated or deactivated so that the energy absorption mechanism 7 is also deactivated when the pretensioner mechanism is activated when the SRS airbag system is deactivated when the SRS airbag system is deactivated. The wedge 35 is moved into and out of the space 34 in conjunction with the bag operation setting switch. Specifically, when the SRS airbag system is set to the non-operation state, as shown in FIG. 7, the wedge 35 is bent by the sliding load of the rack 13 and the wedge 35 so that the claw 36 a of the bracket 36 is broken. And is sent to the space 34 after being deformed. Thereby, the energy absorption mechanism 7 is kept in a non-operating state when the pretensioner mechanism is operated by restricting the movement of the rack 13 in the webbing pull-out direction. Further, when the SRS airbag system is set to the operating state, as shown in FIG. 5, by moving the wedge body 35 out of contact with the rack 13 so that the movement of the rack 13 in the webbing pull-out direction is not restricted, The energy absorbing mechanism 7 is kept in the operating state.

The specific form of the wedge 35 is not limited to the sphere shown in the above embodiment. For example, it is also possible to adopt a form like a cylindrical roller.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the SRS airbag system is inactive and when the pretensioner mechanism is operating, the energy absorbing mechanism 7 is inactive. Therefore, the restraint safety of the occupant can be improved.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of a seat belt device provided with a seat belt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 8 shows the energy absorbing mechanism of the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view of the retractor showing the inoperative state of the energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. 8.

In the third embodiment, the support structure of the bobbin and the torsion bar 3 on the retractor base 5, the structure of the emergency locking means, the pretensioner mechanism 50
0, the configuration of the energy absorbing mechanism 7, and the configuration of the absorbing mechanism lock driving means 23 are all the same as those of the first embodiment. The only difference from the first embodiment is an absorption mechanism lock means 41 for switching the energy absorption mechanism 7 between an operating state and a non-operating state.

The absorbing mechanism locking means 41 according to the third embodiment replaces the spring member 28 of the first embodiment with a spring member 43 and is urged by the spring member 43 with the adoption of the spring member 43. The shape of the lock lever 25 is slightly improved. The point that the energy absorbing mechanism 7 is deactivated by engaging the tip corner 25b of one arm 25a of the lock lever 25 with the locking projection 24 formed on the rack 13 is common to the first embodiment. is there.

The spring member 28 in the first embodiment is a so-called compression coil spring. However, the spring member 43 used in the third embodiment is a torsion coil spring, and has legs 43a and 43b whose both ends extend in parallel. One of the legs 43a has a tip end rotatably supported by the rack gear case 8. Also,
The other leg 43 b has its tip rotatably supported at a position near the tip of one arm 25 a of the lock lever 25. The lock lever 25 biased by the spring member 43 has an L-shape similar to that of the first embodiment.
The included angle between the pair of arms 25a and 25c is set to be narrower than in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the absorption mechanism locking means 41 of the third embodiment employs the above-described spring member 43 so that the lock lever 25 can be locked by the locking projection 2 of the rack 13.
4, the urging force of the spring member 43 acts so as to maintain the detached state, and the lock lever 25 engages with the locking projection 24 of the rack 13 as shown in FIG. When in the engaged state, the urging force of the spring member 43 acts so as to maintain the engaged state. That is, in the case of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, for example, in order to hold the position of the lock lever 25 at a position where the energy absorbing mechanism is activated when the pretensioner mechanism is activated, the spring members 28 and 37 are not supported. It is necessary to always apply the urging force by the absorbing mechanism lock driving means 23, 33, but in the case of the third embodiment, the absorbing mechanism lock driving means is temporarily only when the operation position is changed. 23 can be operated, and the driving energy can be saved. Also in the case of the third embodiment, when the SRS airbag system is in the non-operation state, the energy absorbing mechanism 7 is in the non-operation state when the pretensioner mechanism operates, so that the restraint safety of the occupant can be improved.

FIGS. 10 to 13 show a fourth embodiment of a seat belt device provided with a seat belt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the energy absorbing mechanism of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is an operating state of an energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view of an absorbing mechanism locking means,
FIG. 3 is a front view of the absorbing mechanism locking means showing a non-operating state of the energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG.

The seatbelt retractor 58 in the seatbelt device 51 shown in the fourth embodiment has a bobbin 52 around which webbing is wound, and is rotatably mounted on the retractor base 5 through the bobbin 52. It is supported and integrally connected to the bobbin 52 at one end, and a locking base 61 serving as a lock member at the other end.
A torsion bar 3, which is an energy absorbing mechanism integrally connected to the retractor base 5, and first locking means 56 for engaging the locking base 61 with the retractor base 5 to prevent rotation in the webbing pull-out direction. Configuration. However, unlike the first to third embodiments, a pretensioner mechanism that rotationally drives the torsion bar 3 in a direction in which the slack of the webbing applied to the occupant is removed at the time of a vehicle collision is provided. Absent.

The first locking means 56 includes a locking base 61 provided at one end of the torsion bar 3, a pole 62 supported by the locking base 61, and one side wall 5 b of the retractor base 5. It is constituted by the fixed internal ratchet 63 or the like, and functions as so-called emergency locking means. The emergency locking means shown here
Various known devices can be employed, and for example, an emergency lock means disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-119719 can be employed.

In the same manner as in the above-described embodiments, when the torque acting on the bobbin 52 becomes greater than a predetermined value due to the tension acting on the webbing, the energy absorbing mechanism 7 twists the torsion bar 3 to cause plastic deformation. , The bobbin 52 is allowed to rotate in the webbing pull-out direction. Also, the seat belt retractor 58
Also, an absorbing mechanism locking means 71 for switching the energy absorbing mechanism 7 to an operating state or a non-operating state at the time of a vehicle collision.
And an absorbing mechanism lock driving means 73 for switching the operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means 71.

The absorbing mechanism locking means 71 engages a claw 75a at the tip of the lock lever 75 with a locking tooth 76 formed at a predetermined pitch on the outer periphery of the end of the bobbin 52.
The rotation of the bobbin 52 in the webbing pull-out direction is restricted. The absorbing mechanism lock driving means 73 is
The lock lever 75 is driven to rotate in conjunction with an airbag operation setting switch that sets the RS airbag system to be activated or deactivated and a sensor that detects the time of a vehicle collision. Lock teeth 7
12, or as shown in FIG.
This is a rotary electric actuator in which a is detached from the locking teeth 76.

Specifically, the absorbing mechanism lock driving means 73
When the SRS airbag system is in the operating state, the pawl 75a is connected to the locking teeth 7 of the bobbin 52 as shown in FIG.
6, the bobbin 52 is set in a rotatable state, and the energy absorbing mechanism 7 is activated. At this time, the lock lever 75 is constantly urged by a spring member 78 in a direction in which the claw 75a is separated from the locking tooth 76. On the other hand, when the SRS airbag system is inactive and the vehicle collides, as shown in FIG. 13, the claws 75 a are engaged with the locking teeth 76 of the bobbin 52 so that the bobbin 52 can be pulled out in the webbing withdrawal direction. And the energy absorbing mechanism 7 is brought into a non-operating state. At this time, the lock lever 75 moves the spring member 7 in the direction in which the claw 75a meshes with the locking tooth 76.
8 is always energized.

As described above, the switching of the energy absorbing mechanism 7 between the operating state and the non-operating state can also be realized by regulating the rotation of the bobbin 52. Even in this case, the same as in the above-described embodiments. In addition, when the SRS airbag system is in a non-operating state, and at the time of a vehicle collision, the energy absorbing mechanism 7 is in a non-operating state, so that occupant restraint safety can be improved.

It should be noted that the seat belt device having the energy / absorbing mechanism of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the structures of the absorbing mechanism locking means and the absorbing mechanism lock driving means may be appropriately changed or improved. Needless to say, this is possible. In addition, an airbag operation setting switch for setting the operation of the SRS airbag system to an operation state or a non-operation state is automatically detected by detecting various conditions such as a configuration that is manually switched according to a passenger's intention or a passenger's physique by a sensor. Any of the switching configurations may be used. Further, the absorbing mechanism lock driving means is not limited to an electrically driven one, and may be one driven by the force of an explosive.

[0060]

As described above, according to the seatbelt device of the present invention, when the operation of the SRS airbag system is set to the inactive state, the energy absorbing mechanism is automatically activated by the absorbing mechanism locking means. When the pre-tensioner mechanism is activated when the operation of the SRS airbag system is set to the non-operation state or when the operation of the SRS airbag system is set to the non-operation state, the absorption mechanism lock driving means operates to engage with the pre-tensioner mechanism. When the operation of the SRS airbag system is set to the inactive state, and automatically when the vehicle crashes, the absorbing mechanism lock means automatically sets the inactive state. Is set to the non-operation state. Therefore, when the SRS airbag system for the vehicle is set to the non-operation, and at the time of a vehicle collision, the energy absorbing mechanism is maintained in the non-operation state, so that the occupant restraint safety can be improved. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a seat belt retractor 100 with an energy absorbing mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the seat belt retractor 100 with an energy absorbing mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the retractor showing an operation state of the energy absorbing mechanism of the first embodiment of the seat belt device including the seat belt retractor with the energy absorbing mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the retractor showing the non-operation state of the energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the retractor showing an operation state of the energy absorbing mechanism of the second embodiment of the seat belt device including the seat belt retractor with the energy absorbing mechanism according to the present invention.

6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a configuration of an absorbing mechanism locking means in the seat belt retractor shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the retractor showing the non-operation state of the energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a retractor showing an operating state of an energy absorbing mechanism of a third embodiment of a seat belt device including a seat belt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the retractor showing the energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. 8 in a non-operating state.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a retractor showing an operation state of an energy absorbing mechanism of a fourth embodiment of a seat belt device including a seat belt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism according to the present invention.

11 is an exploded perspective view of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG.

12 is a front view of an absorbing mechanism locking unit showing an operation state of an energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the absorbing mechanism locking means showing a non-operating state of the energy absorbing mechanism of the seat belt retractor shown in FIG. 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Seat belt device 3 Torsion bar 5 Retractor base 7 Energy absorption mechanism 11 Pinion gear 13 Rack 21 Absorption mechanism lock means 23 Absorption mechanism lock drive means 24 Locking projection 25 Lock lever 25b Tip corner 26 Shaft 31 Absorption mechanism lock means 33 Absorption Mechanism lock drive means 34 Space 35 Wedge body 36 Bracket 37 Spring member 41 Absorption mechanism lock means 43 Spring member 51 Seat belt device 52 Bobbin 73 Absorption mechanism lock drive means 75 Lock lever 75a Claw 76 Lock teeth 78 Spring member 100 For seat belt Tractor 500 pretensioner mechanism

Claims (4)

[Claims] An energy absorbing mechanism provided between an occupant restraining webbing and a vehicle body, an absorbing mechanism locking means for switching the energy absorbing mechanism between an operating state and a non-operating state, and an operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means. When the SRS airbag system is mounted on a vehicle and operates in cooperation with a seatbelt device to protect an occupant in the event of a vehicle emergency, when the SRS airbag system is in an operating state. When the energy absorbing mechanism is activated and the SRS airbag system is inactive, the operation mode of the absorbing mechanism locking means is switched to an inactive state or an activated state so that the energy absorbing mechanism is inactivated. A seat belt device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. A bobbin on which webbing is wound, a winding shaft inserted through the center of the bobbin and connected at one end to rotate integrally with the bobbin, and the bobbin via the winding shaft. A retractable base rotatably supported, and first locking means for connecting the other end side of the winding shaft and a retractor base in a vehicle emergency to prevent rotation of the winding shaft in a webbing pull-out direction; When the load in the webbing pull-out direction acting on the bobbin during operation of the first lock means interposed between the first locking means and the bobbin becomes a predetermined value or more, the webbing of the bobbin in the webbing pulling-out direction is plastically deformed. What is claimed is: 1. A seatbelt device comprising: a seatbelt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism having an energy absorbing mechanism that allows rotation. Absorbing mechanism locking means for switching between an active state and a non-operating state, and an absorbing mechanism lock driving means for switching the operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means, wherein the absorbing mechanism lock driving means is mounted on a vehicle, and the seat belt device is used in a vehicle emergency. When the SRS airbag system that protects the occupant in cooperation with the above is in the operating state, the energy absorbing mechanism is in the operating state, and when the SRS airbag system is in the non-operating state, the energy absorbing mechanism is in the non-operating state. A seat belt device comprising a seat belt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism, wherein the operation mode of the absorbing mechanism locking means is switched to a non-operating state or an operating state. 3. A bobbin on which webbing is wound, and is rotatably supported by a retractor base through the bobbin. One end is integrally connected to the bobbin, and the other end is locked. An energy absorbing mechanism integrally connected to the member, first locking means for engaging the locking member with the retractor base to prevent rotation in the webbing withdrawal direction, and a clutch mechanism connected only at the time of a vehicle collision. A pretensioner mechanism that rotates the bobbin in a direction in which the slack of the webbing is removed, and a seatbelt device including an energy absorbing mechanism-equipped seatbelt retractor, wherein the energy absorbing mechanism comprises: A suction that engages with the pretensioner mechanism and switches to the inactive state only when the pretensioner mechanism is in the active state. A mechanism locking means, and an absorbing mechanism lock driving means for switching an operation of the absorbing mechanism locking means, wherein the absorbing mechanism locking driving means is mounted on a vehicle and protects an occupant in cooperation with a seat belt device in the event of a vehicle emergency. When the SRS airbag system is activated, the energy absorbing mechanism is activated, and when the SRS airbag system is inactive and the pretensioner mechanism is activated, the energy absorbing mechanism is activated. A seat belt device comprising a seat belt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism, wherein an operation mode of the absorbing mechanism locking means is switched to an inactive state or an operating state so that the mechanism is in an inactive state. 4. A bobbin on which webbing is wound, and is rotatably supported by a retractor base through the bobbin, and is integrally connected to the bobbin at one end and locked at the other end. For a seat belt with an energy absorbing mechanism, comprising: an energy absorbing mechanism integrally connected to a member; and first locking means for engaging the locking member with the retractor base and preventing rotation in a webbing withdrawing direction. A seat belt device including a retractor, comprising: an absorbing mechanism locking unit that switches the energy absorbing mechanism to an operating state or a non-operating state at the time of a vehicle collision; and an absorbing mechanism lock driving unit that switches an operation of the absorbing mechanism locking unit. The absorption mechanism lock driving means is mounted on a vehicle and protects an occupant in cooperation with a seat belt device in the event of a vehicle emergency. The energy absorbing mechanism is activated when the SRS airbag system is operating, the energy absorbing mechanism is inactivated when the SRS airbag system is inactive, and the energy absorbing mechanism is inactivated during a vehicle collision. A seat belt device comprising a seat belt retractor with an energy absorbing mechanism, wherein the operation mode of the absorbing mechanism locking means is switched to a non-operating state or an operating state.