JP2006096139A - Seat belt device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To limit the actuation of a pretensioner mechanism of a seat belt device for a vehicle corresponding with an occupant's seat, and prevent the actuation of an ALR mechanism from being released when a child seat is attached to the occupant's seat, and reduce the cost of manufacturing the seat belt device. <P>SOLUTION: The seat belt device for a vehicle has a means of predicting collision, a webbing, a first pretensioner mechanism, and a control means for controlling the first pretensioner mechanism. The means of predicting collision predicts the collision of the vehicle, and the webbing restraints a passenger seated in a seat. Then the first pretensioner mechanism is actuated at the time of vehicle-collision prediction by the means of predicting collision, and can retract a predetermined amount of the webbing. Then the seat belt device for the vehicle is provided with the ALR mechanism and a means of sensing actuation. The ALR mechanism locks the webbing so that it becomes impossible for the webbing to be withdrawn at the time of fixation of the child seat to the passenger's seat. Then the means of sensing actuation senses the presence or absence of the actuation of the ALR mechanism. The control means limits the actuation of the first pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the ALR mechanism at the time of sensing of the actuation of the ALR mechanism by the means of sensing actuation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle seat belt device, and more particularly to a device that restricts the operation of a pretensioner mechanism corresponding to an ALR mechanism when an ALR mechanism for fixing a child seat is operating.

  Conventionally, in a vehicle seat belt device provided with a pretensioner mechanism, a collision prediction sensor composed of a millimeter wave radar is used to detect the danger of a collision based on the relative speed and distance from an obstacle such as a vehicle traveling ahead. When the performance is predicted, the pretensioner mechanism is actuated to wind up the webbing by a predetermined amount so as to obtain a predetermined tension, thereby improving the restraint of the occupant. Then, if it is determined that the risk of collision has been avoided, if the pretensioner mechanism is driven by an electric motor, the pretensioner mechanism is reversed so that the webbing is pulled out and returned to the tension before winding. To do. Thereby, the sense of restraint due to excessive tightening of the webbing is eased.

  By the way, when an infant is seated in a passenger seat of a vehicle, a child seat is mounted on the passenger seat and the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat by webbing. If the seat belt device is equipped with an ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor) mechanism that locks the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out, after the child seat is installed in the passenger seat, the webbing can be pulled out after being pulled out to the maximum. By restraining the child seat and operating the ALR mechanism to lock the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out, the child seat can be easily fixed to the occupant seat without a fixing bracket. The ALR mechanism is released by winding a predetermined amount of webbing from the locked position.

  When the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat by the ALR mechanism, the collision prediction sensor predicts the danger of a collision with an obstacle ahead and the pretensioner mechanism of the passenger seat is activated. There is a risk that the webbing of an amount necessary for the release will be wound, and the operation of the ALR mechanism may be released. Then, the webbing can be pulled out. When the ALR mechanism is released, the webbing is likely to loosen due to vibration during travel, and the child seat may be detached from the passenger seat. Therefore, a technology that can safely prevent loosening of the webbing when equipped with a child seat is desired. ing.

Seatbelt devices that limit the operation of the pretensioner mechanism when a child seat is mounted on the passenger seat are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, an occupant detection sensor and a transmission / reception antenna are provided on the seat cushion side of the passenger seat, wireless communication is performed between the transmission / reception antenna and a transponder provided in the child seat, and the direction of the child seat, There is disclosed a vehicle occupant restraint system that determines whether or not an occupant is seated on a child seat and controls the operation of a pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the occupant seat based on the determination result.
JP 10-2111867 A

However, according to the configuration of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to provide an occupant detection sensor and a transmission / reception antenna in the passenger seat and a transponder in the child seat, there is a problem that the configuration of the apparatus becomes complicated and the production cost increases. is there.
It is an object of the present invention to prevent the ALR mechanism from being released by restricting the operation of the pretensioner mechanism when the child seat is mounted in the vehicle seat belt device, thereby further improving the safety of the child seat. For example, the seat belt device can be simply configured to reduce manufacturing costs.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seatbelt device comprising: a collision prediction means for predicting a vehicle collision; a webbing for restraining an occupant seated on the seat; In a vehicle seat belt apparatus including a first pretensioner mechanism that can be wound and a control unit that controls the first pretensioner mechanism, the seat belt apparatus provided for a passenger seat other than the driver's seat of the vehicle. And an ALR mechanism that locks the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out when the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat, and includes an operation detection means for detecting whether or not the ALR mechanism is operated. When it is detected that the mechanism is operating, the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the ALR mechanism is limited. To.

When the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat other than the driver seat by the ALR mechanism, it is detected by the operation detecting means that the ALR mechanism is operating.
Here, when the risk of collision is predicted based on the relative speed and distance from an obstacle such as a vehicle ahead by the collision prediction means, the first corresponding to the ALR mechanism detected to be operating. Since the operation of the one pretensioner mechanism is limited and the webbing of the amount necessary for releasing the operation of the ALR mechanism is not taken up, the operation of the ALR mechanism is not released.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle seat belt apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the first pretensioner mechanism is driven by an electric motor.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle seatbelt device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control means detects that the ALR mechanism is activated by the operation detecting means, and the ALR mechanism is activated. This is characterized in that the webbing winding amount by the first pretensioner mechanism is reduced as compared with the case where this is not detected.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle seat belt device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control means detects the first pretensioner mechanism when the operation detecting means detects that the ALR mechanism is operating. It is not operated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat belt device comprising: a collision prediction means for predicting a vehicle collision; a webbing for restraining an occupant seated on the seat; A seat belt device for a vehicle comprising a first pretensioner mechanism having a windable electric motor and a control means for controlling the first pretensioner mechanism, for a passenger seat other than the driver seat of the vehicle The provided seat belt device is provided with an ALR mechanism that locks the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out when the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat, and the child seat is provided at the passenger seat and detects whether or not the child seat is mounted on the passenger seat. Detecting means, and the control means detects when the child seat is detected by the child seat detecting means. And limits the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the ALR mechanism of the passenger seat.

When a child seat is mounted on a passenger seat other than the driver seat, it is detected by the child seat detection means that the child seat is mounted.
Here, it corresponds to the ALR mechanism in which it is detected that the child seat is attached when the risk of collision is predicted based on the relative speed or distance from an obstacle such as a vehicle ahead by the collision prediction means. Since the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism is limited and the amount of webbing necessary for releasing the operation of the ALR mechanism is not taken up, the operation of the ALR mechanism is not released.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle seat belt apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the child seat detecting means has a weight sensor incorporated in a seat cushion, and a load detected by the weight sensor is within a predetermined load range. Further, it is detected that the child seat is attached.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat belt device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the collision detection means for detecting a collision of the vehicle and the webbing is activated when the collision detection means detects the collision of the vehicle. A second pretensioner mechanism that can be removed, and the control means further includes a second pretensioner mechanism when a collision of the vehicle is detected by the collision detection means and when the first pretensioner mechanism is operated. It is operated.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle seat belt apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the second pretensioner mechanism is driven by an inflator.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the seat belt device provided for the passenger seat other than the driver seat of the vehicle is provided with the ALR mechanism that locks the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out when the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat. An operation detecting means for detecting whether or not the mechanism is operating, and the control means operates the first pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the ALR mechanism when the operation detecting means detects that the ALR mechanism is operating. Therefore, if the risk of collision is predicted based on the relative speed or distance from an obstacle such as a vehicle ahead by the collision prediction means, it is detected that the ALR mechanism is operating. Since the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism is limited and the amount of webbing necessary to cancel the operation of the ALR mechanism is not taken up, the operation of the ALR mechanism is released. There.

  As a result, the webbing that secures the child seat remains locked so that it cannot be pulled out, so that the webbing does not loosen due to vibration during travel, etc., and the child seat can be prevented from leaving the passenger seat, and the safety of the child seat Can be further improved.

  Further, when limiting the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism, it is only necessary to detect whether or not the ALR mechanism is operating. For example, it is easily detected by adopting a micro switch as the operation detecting means. Can do. This eliminates the need for a complex sensor for detecting child seat mounting, and eliminates the need for additional components such as a transmission / reception antenna and a transponder on the passenger seat and child seat. Can be reduced.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the first pretensioner mechanism is driven by the electric motor, the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism can be surely limited. In addition, using an inexpensive electric motor with a simple structure is advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the control means detects the first pretensioner when the operation detecting means detects that the ALR mechanism is operating compared to when the ALR mechanism is not detected. Since the webbing winding amount by the mechanism is reduced, if it is determined that there is a risk of collision, the child seat can be further fixed by winding the webbing, and safety can be improved. Moreover, since the winding amount is small, the safety of the child seat can be further improved without releasing the operation of the ALR mechanism.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the control means does not operate the first pretensioner mechanism when it is detected by the operation detection means that the ALR mechanism is operating, so the operation of the ALR mechanism is released. The safety of the child seat can be improved without any problems.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the seat belt device provided for the passenger seat other than the driver seat of the vehicle is provided with the ALR mechanism that locks the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out when the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat. A child seat detecting means provided on the seat and detecting whether or not a child seat is mounted on the passenger seat is provided, and the control means is a first corresponding to the ALR mechanism of the passenger seat when the child seat is detected by the child seat detecting means. Since the operation of the pretensioner mechanism is restricted, if the danger of a collision is predicted based on the relative speed or distance from an obstacle such as a vehicle ahead by the collision prediction means, the child seat may be attached. The first pretensioner mechanism that has been detected is limited in operation, and the amount required to release the operation of the ALR mechanism is limited. Since the take-up of Ebingu is not performed, the operation of the ALR mechanism is not released.

  As a result, the webbing that secures the child seat remains locked so that it cannot be pulled out, so that the webbing does not loosen due to vibration during travel, etc., and the child seat can be prevented from leaving the passenger seat, and the safety of the child seat Can be further improved.

  In order to limit the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism, it is only necessary to provide child seat detection means on the occupant seat to detect whether or not the child seat is mounted. It is not necessary to further provide such parts as the apparatus, the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the child seat detecting means has a weight sensor incorporated in the seat cushion, and detects that the child seat is attached when the load detected by the weight sensor is within a predetermined load range. Therefore, it can be reliably determined whether or not the child seat is attached, and when the child seat is attached, the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism of the passenger seat can be surely restricted.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the collision detection means for detecting the collision of the vehicle and the second pretensioner mechanism which is activated when the collision detection means detects the collision of the vehicle and can take up the webbing are provided. When the vehicle collision is detected by the means, when the first pretensioner mechanism is operated, the second pretensioner mechanism is further operated, so that the second pretensioner seat is attached to the passenger seat on which the child seat is mounted. Do not operate the tensioner mechanism. Therefore, even when the vehicle collides with an obstacle, the safety of the infant seated on the child seat is further increased without releasing the operation of the ALR mechanism for the passenger seat on which the child seat is mounted. Can be improved.

  According to the invention of claim 8, since the second pretensioner mechanism is driven by the inflator, the operation of the second pretensioner mechanism at the time of a vehicle collision can be surely limited.

  The vehicle seat belt device according to the present invention includes a collision prediction means for predicting a vehicle collision, a webbing for restraining an occupant seated on the seat, and a webbing wound by a predetermined amount by operating at the time of vehicle collision prediction by the collision prediction means. In a vehicle seat belt apparatus including a removable first pretensioner mechanism and a control means for controlling the first pretensioner mechanism, the seat belt apparatus provided for a passenger seat other than the driver seat of the vehicle, An ALR mechanism that locks the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out when the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat is provided, and includes an operation detection means that detects whether the ALR mechanism is activated, and the control means includes an ALR mechanism by the operation detection means. When it is detected that the is operating, the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the ALR mechanism is limited. It is intended to.

  The vehicle seatbelt device also includes a collision prediction means for predicting a vehicle collision, a webbing for restraining an occupant seated on the seat, and a webbing wound by a predetermined amount by operating when the collision prediction means predicts the vehicle. A seat belt device for a vehicle comprising a first pretensioner mechanism having a possible electric motor and a control means for controlling the first pretensioner mechanism, provided for a passenger seat other than the driver's seat of the vehicle The seat belt device is provided with an ALR mechanism that locks the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out when the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat, and the child seat detecting means is provided at the passenger seat and detects whether or not the child seat is attached to the passenger seat. And when the child seat is detected by the child seat detecting means, the control means It is characterized in that to limit the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the ALR mechanism seat.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a passenger seat belt device having an ALR mechanism mounted on an automobile.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a car C is provided with a driver seat 1 and a passenger seat 2, and a driver seat belt device 3 and a passenger seat belt device 4 are provided to correspond to them. Yes.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the child seat 5 is mounted on the passenger seat 2 and fixed by the webbing 7. Since the configurations of the driver seat belt device 3 and the passenger seat belt device 4 are substantially the same, only the passenger seat belt device 4 will be described here.
The seat belt device 4 is seated on a seat, a collision prediction sensor 8 (corresponding to a collision prediction means) for predicting a vehicle collision, a collision detection sensor 9 (corresponding to a collision detection means) for detecting a vehicle collision. A collision prediction sensor that is integrally provided on the rear surface of the retractor 11 and a retractor 11 that includes a webbing 7 that restrains an occupant, a guide drum (not shown) that is attached to a center pillar (not shown) and winds the webbing 7. The first pretensioner mechanism 13 capable of winding a predetermined amount of the webbing 7 by operating when the vehicle collision is predicted by 8 and the front surface of the retractor 11 are integrally provided and operated when the vehicle collision is detected by the collision detection sensor 9. The second pretensioner mechanism 15 is capable of winding the webbing 7. Here, the collision prediction sensor 8 is configured by, for example, a millimeter wave radar, and the collision detection sensor 9 is configured by, for example, an acceleration sensor.

The retractor 11 is provided with a spring spring (not shown) that winds the webbing 7. When the webbing 7 is mounted during riding, the webbing 7 is pulled out against the spring force of the spring spring.
Further, the retractor 11 is provided with a take-up amount detection sensor 18 for detecting the take-up amount of the webbing 7, and further, when the child seat 5 is fixed to the passenger seat 2, the webbing 7 is locked so that it cannot be pulled out. A mechanism 16 is provided.

  The first pretensioner mechanism 13 drives the electric motor 20 when the collision prediction sensor 8 detects the risk of collision based on the relative speed and distance from an obstacle such as a vehicle ahead, When it is determined that the predetermined amount of webbing 7 has been wound up so as to obtain a predetermined tension and the risk of collision is avoided, the electric motor 20 is driven to pull out the webbing 7 to the tension before winding. return.

  When the collision detection sensor 9 detects a vehicle collision, the second pretensioner mechanism 15 operates the inflator 22 to apply a predetermined amount of the webbing 7 to a predetermined tension so that the first pretensioner mechanism 15 Winding up at a speed equal to or higher than the winding speed of

Next, the ALR mechanism 16 provided in the retractor 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. The ALR mechanism 16 includes a pinion 24 attached to the guide drum, a gear 25 meshing with the pinion 24, a control cam 26, a locking clutch 27, and an ALR lever 28 rotatably supported by a pivot pin 28a. , An ALR spring 29 for applying a spring force to the ALR lever 28, an ALR operation detection sensor 30 (corresponding to an operation detection means) provided on the left side of the ALR lever 28, and the like.
The control cam 26 is formed with a stepped portion 26a over the entire circumference near the inner periphery thereof, and is provided with two ribs 26c and 26d and a cam 26e. The locking clutch 27 is formed with a plurality of ratchet teeth 27a over the entire outer periphery. The ALR lever 28 is supported by the end of the lever base 28b and includes three arm portions 28c to 28e.

  The ALR operation detection sensor 30 detects whether or not the ALR mechanism 16 is operating, and the ALR operation detection sensor 30 is constituted by, for example, a micro switch. The gear 25 integrally has a small-diameter pinion 25a. The pinion 25a meshes with gear teeth 26b formed on the inner peripheral portion of the control cam 26, and the guide drum rotates as the webbing 7 is pulled out and wound. Is transmitted to the control cam 26 through the pinion 24 and the gear 25, and the control cam 26 rotates.

Next, the operation of the ALR mechanism 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the webbing 7 is pulled out, the pinion 24 rotates counterclockwise together with the guide drum, and accordingly, the gear 25 that meshes with the pinion 24 rotates clockwise and meshes with the pinion 25a provided integrally with the gear 25. The control cam 26 to be rotated similarly rotates clockwise. As the webbing 7 is pulled out, the first rib 26c of the control cam 26 comes into contact with the first arm portion 28c of the ALR lever 28, and the cam 26e of the control cam 26 further contacts the second arm portion 28d of the ALR lever 28. Touch.

  When the webbing 7 is fully pulled out, the ALR lever 28 similarly rotates counterclockwise with the rotation of the control cam 26, the ALR lever 28 is guided to the locked position, and the engagement of the third arm portion 28e of the ALR lever 28 is increased. The pawl portion 28f is held in a state where it is not engaged with the ratchet teeth 27a of the locking clutch 27 (see FIG. 3). Here, when the webbing 7 is further wound about 80 mm, the control cam 26 rotates counterclockwise, the contact between the first rib 26c, cam 26e and the arm portions 28c, 28d is released, and the ALR spring 29 The engaging claw portion 28f of the ALR lever 28 is rotated to a position where the engaging claw portion 28f of the ALR lever 28 is engaged with the ratchet teeth 27a of the locking clutch 27 by the spring force, and the ALR lever 28 becomes the locked position (see FIG. 4). As a result, the ALR mechanism 16 operates and the webbing 7 cannot be pulled out. At this time, the leaf spring 30a of the ALR operation detection sensor 30 comes into contact with the contact portion 30b and becomes ON, and it is detected that the ALR mechanism 16 is operating.

Next, release of the operation of the ALR mechanism 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the webbing 7 is wound up, the pinion 24 rotates clockwise together with the guide drum, and accordingly, the gear 25 meshing with the pinion 24 rotates counterclockwise, and the pinion provided integrally with the gear 25 Similarly, the control cam 26 meshing with 25a also rotates counterclockwise.

  When a predetermined amount of webbing 7 that releases the operation of the ALR mechanism 16 is wound, the second rib 26d of the control cam 26 comes into contact with the second arm portion 28d of the ALR lever 28, and the ALR is rotated as the control cam 26 rotates. Similarly, the lever 28 rotates clockwise, and the engagement claw portion 28f of the ALR lever 28 is disengaged from the locking clutch 27 to the ratchet teeth 27a (see FIG. 5), and the ALR lever 28 is guided to the unlocked position. The ALR lever 28 is held in the normal position by the spring force of the ALR spring 29 (see FIG. 6). As a result, the operation of the ALR mechanism 16 is released, and the webbing 7 can be taken up and pulled out. At this time, the leaf spring 30a of the ALR operation detection sensor 30 is separated from the contact portion 30b and is turned off, and it is detected that the ALR mechanism 16 is not operated.

  Next, the control system of the seat belt devices 3 and 4 of the automobile C will be described with reference to FIG. The control device 40 of the seat belt devices 3 and 4 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43 (backed up by a secondary battery), an input interface 44 (input I / F), an output interface 45 (output I / F), etc. These are connected by a bus such as a data bus, and the input I / F 44 includes a collision prediction sensor 8, an ALR operation detection sensor 30, a collision detection sensor 9, a driver seat winding amount detection sensor 17, and a passenger seat winding amount. A detection sensor 18 is connected.

  The output I / F 45 is connected to the driver seat electric motor 19, the passenger seat electric motor 20, the driver seat inflator 21, and the passenger seat inflator 22. The output I / F 45 includes drive circuits that drive the electric motors 19 and 20 and the inflators 21 and 22.

  The ROM 42 of the control device 40 has a first pretensioner mechanism 12 for the driver's seat, a second pretensioner mechanism 14, and a front passenger seat based on signals input from the sensors 8, 9, 17, 18, 30. A control program for controlling the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism 13 and the second pretensioner mechanism 15 is stored. The control device 40 corresponds to the control means.

  Next, based on the flowchart of FIG. 8, the control of the first pretensioner mechanisms 12 and 13 performed when the ALR operation detection sensor 30 detects that the ALR mechanism 16 is operating, and the collision detection sensor 9. The control of the second pretensioner mechanisms 14 and 15 performed when a vehicle collision is detected will be described. In the figure, Si (i = 1, 2, 3...) Indicates each step.

  When this process is started with the ignition switch turned on, the collision prediction sensor 8 detects whether there is an obstacle in front of the vehicle (S1). If it is detected that there is an obstacle (S1) Yes), the relative speed and distance to the obstacle are calculated, and based on the calculation result, it is detected whether there is a risk of collision, that is, whether the webbings 6, 7 need to be wound. (S2). When it is detected that the webbings 6 and 7 need to be wound (S2; Yes), it is detected by the ALR operation detection sensor 30 whether or not the ALR mechanism 16 of the passenger seat 2 is operating (S3).

  Here, when the ALR mechanism 16 of the passenger seat 2 is not operated (S3; No), that is, when the ALR mechanism 16 is not operated because the child seat 5 is not attached to the passenger seat 2, Currents for winding and driving the webbings 6 and 7 are supplied to the electric motors 19 and 20 of the first pretensioner mechanisms 12 and 13 of the driver seat 1 and the passenger seat 2, respectively (S4). The winding amount of the webbings 6 and 7 is detected by 18 and a current is supplied until the webbings 6 and 7 are wound up by a predetermined amount (S5; No). When the webbings 6 and 7 are wound up by a predetermined amount (S5; Yes), it is next detected by the collision detection sensor 9 whether or not the vehicle has collided with an obstacle (S6). When a vehicle collision is detected (S6; Yes), ignition current is supplied to the inflators 21 and 22 of the second pretensioner mechanisms 14 and 15 (S7), and webbing is performed on the driver seat 1 and the passenger seat 2. 6 and 7 are wound.

  If no collision has been detected (S6; No), whether or not the danger of the collision has been avoided, that is, the presence or absence of an obstacle is detected by the collision prediction sensor 8, and if there is an obstacle, the obstacle is detected. The relative speed and distance to the object are calculated, and based on the calculation result, it is detected whether there is a risk of collision (S8). When it is detected that the danger of a collision can be avoided (S8; Yes), a current for pulling out and driving the webbings 6 and 7 is supplied to the electric motors 19 and 20 of the first pretensioner mechanisms 12 and 13, respectively. (S9). If it is not detected that the risk of collision has been avoided (S8; No), it is detected again whether the vehicle has collided with an obstacle (S6). Electric current is supplied until the webbing 6, 7 is pulled out by a predetermined amount (S10; No), and when the webbing 6, 7 is pulled out by a predetermined amount (S10; Yes), the electric motors 19, 20 of the first pretensioner mechanisms 12, 13 respectively. Is stopped (S11), and the process returns.

  On the other hand, when the ALR mechanism 16 of the passenger seat 2 is operating (S3; Yes), that is, the child seat 5 is mounted on the passenger seat 2 and the ALR mechanism 16 is operated to fix the child seat 5 to the passenger seat 2. In the case where the webbing 6 is wound up, only the electric motor 19 of the first pretensioner mechanism 12 of the driver's seat 1 is driven to wind the webbing 6 (S12). An amount of current is detected and a current is supplied until the webbing 6 is wound up by a predetermined amount (S13; No). When the webbing 6 is pulled in a predetermined amount (S13; Yes), it is next detected by the collision detection sensor 9 whether or not the vehicle has collided with an obstacle (S14). When a vehicle collision is detected (S14; Yes), an ignition current is supplied only to the inflator 21 of the second pretensioner mechanism 14 of the driver's seat 1 (S15), and the webbing 6 is wound around the driver's seat 1. Taking is done.

  If no collision is detected (S14; No), whether or not the danger of the collision has been avoided, that is, the presence or absence of a front obstacle is detected by the collision prediction sensor 8, and if there is an obstacle. The relative speed and distance with the obstacle are calculated, and based on the calculation result, it is detected whether there is a risk of collision (S16). When it is detected that the risk of collision can be avoided (S16; Yes), only the electric motor 19 of the first pretensioner mechanism 12 of the driver's seat 1 is supplied with an electric current for pulling out and driving the webbing 6 (S17). If it is not detected that the risk of collision has been avoided (S16; No), it is detected again whether the vehicle has collided with an obstacle (S14). The current is supplied until the webbing 6 is pulled out by a predetermined amount (S18; No). When the webbing 6 is pulled out by a predetermined amount (S18; Yes), the current supply of the electric motor 19 of the first pretensioner mechanism 12 of the driver's seat 1 is stopped. (S19) and return.

Next, functions and effects of the vehicle seat belt apparatus described above will be described.
When the ALR mechanism 16 is operated and the child seat 5 is fixed to the passenger seat 2, it is detected by the ALR operation detection sensor 30 that the ALR mechanism 16 is operating.
When the collision prediction sensor 8 predicts an obstacle such as a vehicle ahead and the danger of a collision while the automobile C is traveling, the second of the passenger seat 2 in which the ALR mechanism 16 is detected to be operating is detected. Since the operation of the 1 pretensioner mechanism 13 is limited and the webbing 7 is not wound, the ALR mechanism 16 is not released. As a result, since the webbing 7 that fixes the child seat 5 is locked so as not to be pulled out, the webbing 7 can be prevented from loosening due to vibration during traveling, and the child seat 5 can be prevented from being detached from the seat. Safety can be further improved.

  Further, when the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism 13 is limited, it is only necessary to detect whether or not the ALR mechanism 16 is operating. Therefore, by adopting a microswitch or the like as the ALR operation detection sensor 30, it is easy. Can be detected. This eliminates the need for a complex sensor for detecting the child seat 5 being mounted, and further eliminates the need to provide additional components such as a transmitting / receiving antenna and a transponder on the seat and child seat 5, thereby simplifying the structure of the device and manufacturing the device. Cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, when a collision of the vehicle is detected by the collision detection sensor 9, the inflator 22 of the second pretensioner mechanism 15 is not operated for the passenger seat 2 in which the ALR mechanism 16 is operated, so that there is a vehicle collision. Even in this case, the operation of the ALR mechanism 16 is not released.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the above embodiment, and only different components will be described.
In the seat belt device 4A of the automobile C, a weight sensor that detects whether or not the child seat 5 is mounted on the seat cushion 2a side of the passenger seat 2 instead of the ALR operation detection sensor 30 that detects whether the ALR mechanism 16 is activated or not. 50 (corresponding to the child seat 5 detection means) is provided and connected to the input I / F 44 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

  As shown in FIG. 11, S23 is substituted for S3, and when the load detected by the weight sensor 50 is within a predetermined load range (for example, a load of about 20 kg), it is detected that the child seat 5 is mounted. The first pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the ALR mechanism 16 of the passenger seat 2 even when the collision prediction sensor 8 predicts the danger of a collision or when the collision detection sensor 9 detects a vehicle collision. 13 and the second pretensioner mechanism 15 are not operated. Thereby, since the winding of the webbing 7 of an amount necessary for releasing the operation of the ALR mechanism 16 is not performed, the operation of the ALR mechanism 16 is not released. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the above-described embodiment.

Next, a modified example in which the above embodiment is partially modified will be described.
1) In the embodiment, when it is detected that the ALR mechanism is operated by the ALR operation detection sensor, or when the child seat is detected by the weight sensor, the seat belt device is supported. The first pre-tensioner mechanism and the second pre-tensioner mechanism are not operated. However, the first pre-tensioner mechanism and the second pre-tensioner mechanism are not operated, but the first pre-tensioner mechanism and the second pre-tensioner mechanism are not operated. The webbing winding amount by the tensioner mechanism and the second pretensioner mechanism may be reduced. In that case, a predetermined amount of webbing for releasing the ALR operation is not taken up.

  2) In the embodiment, the ALR mechanism is provided in the seat belt device of the passenger seat, but when the vehicle has four or more passenger seats, a passenger seat other than the driver seat such as a rear seat is provided. For example, a seat belt device may be provided, and the retractor may be provided with an ALR mechanism. Similarly, the weight sensor may be provided in a passenger seat other than the driver's seat such as a rear seat. 3) In addition, those skilled in the art can implement the present invention by adding various modifications to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention includes such various modifications.

  The present invention relates to a collision prediction sensor, a webbing, a first pretensioner mechanism that operates when a vehicle collision is predicted by the collision prediction sensor and can take up a predetermined amount of webbing, and a control device that controls the first pretensioner mechanism. And can be applied to a vehicle seat belt apparatus including the above.

1 is a schematic plan view of an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic side view of the principal part inside a motor vehicle. It is a front view of an ALR mechanism (ALR lever is the total amount output position). It is a front view of an ALR mechanism (ALR lever is a locked position). It is a front view of an ALR mechanism (an ALR lever is a release position). It is a front view of an ALR mechanism (ALR lever is a normal position). It is a block diagram which shows the control system of a seatbelt apparatus. It is a flowchart of pretensioner mechanism operation control. FIG. 3 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 of the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

C Car 1 Driver's seat 2 Passenger's seat 2a Seat cushion 3, 4 Seat belt device 5 Child seat 6, 7 Webbing 8 Collision prediction sensor 9 Collision detection sensor 12, 13 First pretensioner mechanism 14, 15 Second pretensioner mechanism 16 ALR mechanism 19 Electric motor for driver's seat 20 Electric motor for passenger's seat 21 Inflator for driver's seat 22 Inflator for passenger's seat 30 ALR operation detection sensor 40 Control device 50 Weight sensor (child seat detection means)

Claims (8)

A collision prediction means for predicting a collision of the vehicle, a webbing for restraining an occupant seated on the seat, a first pretensioner mechanism capable of winding a webbing by a predetermined amount by operating when the vehicle predicts a collision by the collision prediction means; In a vehicle seat belt apparatus comprising a control means for controlling the first pretensioner mechanism,
An ALR mechanism that locks the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out when the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat in the seat belt device provided for the passenger seat other than the driver seat of the vehicle,
An operation detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the operation of the ALR mechanism,
When the operation detecting means detects that the ALR mechanism is operating, the control means limits the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the ALR mechanism, and the vehicle seat belt device .   The vehicle seat belt device according to claim 1, wherein the first pretensioner mechanism is driven by an electric motor.   When the operation detecting means detects that the ALR mechanism is operating, the control means reduces the webbing winding amount by the first pretensioner mechanism compared to the case where the ALR mechanism is not detected. The vehicle seat belt device according to claim 1, wherein the seat belt device is small.   3. The vehicle seat belt device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not operate the first pretensioner mechanism when the operation detecting unit detects that the ALR mechanism is operating. 4. . A first pre-comprising a collision predicting means for predicting a vehicle collision, a webbing for restraining an occupant seated on a seat, and an electric motor that operates when the vehicle predicts a collision by the collision predicting means and can take up a predetermined amount of the webbing. A vehicle seat belt apparatus comprising a tensioner mechanism and a control means for controlling the first pretensioner mechanism,
The seat belt device provided for a passenger seat other than the driver's seat of the vehicle is provided with an ALR mechanism that locks the webbing so that it cannot be pulled out when the child seat is fixed to the passenger seat.
A child seat detecting means provided on the passenger seat for detecting whether or not a child seat is mounted on the passenger seat;
When the child seat is detected by the child seat detecting means, the control means restricts the operation of the first pretensioner mechanism corresponding to the ALR mechanism of the passenger seat.   6. The child seat detection means includes a weight sensor incorporated in a seat cushion, and detects that the child seat is mounted when a load detected by the weight sensor is within a predetermined load range. The vehicle seat belt apparatus according to claim. A collision detecting means for detecting a collision of the vehicle, and a second pretensioner mechanism that operates when the collision detection of the vehicle is detected by the collision detecting means and can wind up the webbing,
The control means further activates a second pretensioner mechanism when a collision of the vehicle is detected by the collision detection means and when the first pretensioner mechanism is activated. A seatbelt device for a vehicle according to any one of the above.   The vehicle seat belt device according to claim 7, wherein the second pretensioner mechanism is driven by an inflator.