Vehicle sensor and seatbelt retractor

Abstract

A vehicle sensor, seatbelt retractor, and seatbelt device are provided to reduce noise during normal driving of a vehicle. The vehicle sensor (5) comprises: a spherical mass (51); a housing (52) having a lower plate (52a) supporting the mass (51) for revolution; and an actuator (53) disposed on the upper part of the mass (51) and configured to engage with the teeth (61f) of a locking gear (61) when the mass (51) moves in a predetermined direction by inertial force. The housing (52) is configured such that the portion other than the lower plate (52a) does not contact the mass (51) when the mass (51) revolves on the lower plate (52a), and the actuator (53) is configured such that the portion other than the upper plate (53a) does not contact the mass (51) when the mass (51) revolves on the lower plate (52a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle sensors and seatbelt retractors, and more particularly to vehicle sensors configured in vehicle seats and seatbelt retractors incorporating such vehicle sensors. Background Technology

[0002] In automobiles and other vehicles, seat belt devices are generally installed to restrain occupants to the seat and the backrest located behind the occupant. These seat belt devices include webbing to restrain the occupant and a seat belt retractor to wind up the webbing.

[0003] In addition, most seat belt retractors include a spool for winding up the webbing, a base frame for rotatably housing the spool, a spring unit that applies winding force to the spool, a vehicle sensor that detects sudden deceleration of the vehicle, a locking mechanism that operates through the vehicle sensor and engages the spool with the base frame, and a pretensioner that releases the slack of the webbing in emergencies such as during a vehicle collision.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mounting structure for a vehicle sensor for a seatbelt retractor, comprising: a vehicle sensor for a seatbelt retractor, wherein if a sensor weight housed in a sensor bracket made of synthetic resin moves within the sensor bracket by inertia, a sensor rod made of synthetic resin rotatably supported on the sensor bracket rotates in the direction lifted by the sensor weight, and the pawl of the sensor rod bites into the teeth of a gear mounted on a webbing take-up roller, thereby restricting the rotation of the gear in the webbing pull-out direction; and a housing made of synthetic resin, on which the webbing take-up roller is rotatably supported, and on which the vehicle sensor for the seatbelt retractor is mounted.

[0005] Furthermore, according to the mounting structure described in Patent Document 1, the elastic sheet (elastic deformation part) formed in the housing collides with the part of the sensor rod that is close to the rotation center. The impact of the sensor rod during the collision is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the elastic sheet, and the part of the sensor rod that is far from the rotation axis does not collide with the rod stop. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the noise in the vehicle cabin when the vehicle sensor is working.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-250617 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is stated that when the vehicle is in normal driving (normal time), the sensor weight (mass) remains in a resting position and does not work. If the acceleration acting on the sensor weight (mass) due to a collision of the vehicle or the like becomes a predetermined value or higher, the sensor weight (mass) moves from the resting position.

[0011] However, even during normal vehicle operation, the sensor weight (mass) may sometimes move from its resting position due to vibration or other reasons, and the sensor rod may sometimes bounce due to the irregular movement of the sensor weight (mass).

[0012] As described in Patent Document 1, when the sensor weight (mass) moves from its resting position, and a gap is provided between the tip of the sensor rod and the webbing take-up roller, the up-and-down movement of the sensor rod causes repeated contact between the tip of the sensor rod and the webbing take-up roller, generating a contact sound (noise). This contact sound (noise) has become a more significant problem due to the widespread use of electric vehicles powered by electricity.

[0013] The present invention was conceived in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a vehicle sensor and seat belt retractor that can reduce noise during normal driving of a vehicle.

[0014] Methods for solving problems

[0015] According to the present invention, a vehicle sensor is provided, comprising: a spherical mass; a housing having a lower plate surface supporting the mass for revolving; and an actuator disposed on the upper part of the mass, configured to engage with teeth formed in a component of a seatbelt retractor when the mass moves in a predetermined direction by inertial force, wherein the vehicle sensor is characterized in that the actuator remains in contact with the component of the seatbelt retractor while the mass revolves within the lower plate surface.

[0016] Alternatively, the outer casing may be configured such that the portion of the mass body outside the lower disk surface does not contact the mass body when the mass body revolves on the lower disk surface.

[0017] The actuator may include: a main body having an upper plate surface having a shape corresponding to the lower plate surface; a claw formed on the upper part of the main body; and a rotation shaft supported rotatably on a support formed on the housing, wherein the actuator is configured such that the portion other than the upper plate surface does not contact the mass body when the mass body revolves on the lower plate surface.

[0018] Alternatively, the support may have a first recess formed such that it does not contact the mass body when the mass body revolves on the lower disk surface.

[0019] Alternatively, the rotating shaft may have a second recess formed such that it does not contact the mass body when the mass body revolves on the lower disk surface.

[0020] It may include a cover member that secures the outer shell to the seatbelt retractor, the cover member being configured such that it does not contact the mass body when the mass body revolves on the lower plate surface.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a vehicle sensor is provided, comprising: a spherical mass; a housing having a lower plate surface supporting the mass for revolving; and an actuator disposed on the upper part of the mass, configured to engage with teeth formed in a component of a seatbelt retractor when the mass moves in a predetermined direction by inertial force. The vehicle sensor is characterized in that the housing is configured such that portions other than the lower plate surface do not contact the mass when the mass revolves on the lower plate surface, and the actuator has an upper plate surface having a shape corresponding to the lower plate surface, and the actuator is configured such that portions other than the upper plate surface do not contact the mass when the mass revolves on the lower plate surface.

[0022] It can be configured such that, while the mass body revolves within the lower disk surface, the actuator remains in contact with the components of the seatbelt retractor.

[0023] In addition, according to the present invention, a seat belt retractor is provided, characterized in that it includes a vehicle sensor having any of the above-described structures.

[0024] In addition, according to the present invention, a seat belt device is provided, characterized in that it includes a vehicle sensor having any of the above-described structures.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] The vehicle sensor, seat belt retractor, and seat belt device of the present invention, as described above, are configured such that the actuator remains in contact with the components of the seat belt retractor while the mass body revolves within the lower disk surface. Therefore, the up-and-down movement of the actuator during the revolution of the mass body can be suppressed, and the noise (contact sound between the actuator and the seat belt retractor) during normal vehicle operation can be reduced.

[0027] Furthermore, the vehicle sensor, seat belt retractor, and seat belt device according to the present invention are configured such that the portion other than the lower plate surface does not contact the outer casing when the mass body revolves on the lower plate surface. Therefore, the revolving motion of the mass body can be stabilized, the up-and-down movement of the actuator during the revolving motion of the mass body can be suppressed, and the noise (contact sound between the actuator and the seat belt retractor) during normal vehicle operation can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a component unfolded view showing an embodiment of the seatbelt retractor according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagrams shown illustrate the vehicle sensors. (A) shows a unfolded view of the components, and (B) shows a perspective view of the back side of the actuator.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the operation of the vehicle's sensors. (A) shows the vehicle in a stopped state, and (B) shows the vehicle in a moving state.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the assembly state of the vehicle sensors. (A) shows this embodiment, and (B) shows a comparative example (conventional example).

[0032] Figure 5 This is an overall structural diagram illustrating a seat belt device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using... Figures 1-5 To illustrate. Here, Figure 1 This is a component unfolded view showing an embodiment of the seatbelt retractor according to the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrating the vehicle sensor shows (A) a unfolded view of the component and (B) a perspective view showing the rear side of the actuator. It should be noted that in this specification, "front" means in front of the vehicle's direction of travel, and "rear" means behind the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a seatbelt retractor 1 comprising a reel 2 for winding webbing, a base frame 3 for rotatably housing the reel 2, a spring unit 4 for applying winding force to the reel 2, a vehicle sensor 5 for detecting sudden deceleration of the vehicle, a locking mechanism 6 that operates via the vehicle sensor 5 and engages the reel 2 with the base frame 3, and a cover 7 for housing the locking mechanism 6 and the vehicle sensor 5. It should be noted that... Figure 1 For ease of explanation, the diagram of the webbing has been omitted.

[0035] Additionally, the seatbelt retractor 1 may also have a pretensioner (not shown) to remove slack from the webbing in emergencies such as during a vehicle collision. The pretensioner may be located, for example, inside the base 3 adjacent to the locking mechanism 6. It should be noted that the pretensioner may also be located outside the base 3 adjacent to the locking mechanism 6, or inside the spring unit 4.

[0036] The spool 2 is a roller (roller) for winding the webbing. For example, one end is rotatably supported on the spring unit 4, and the other end is connected to a component of the locking mechanism 6 (locking base 64). The locking base 64 is rotatably supported on the cover 7 via a cover 65 (bearing).

[0037] The base frame 3 is, for example, a frame structure with a generally square U-shaped cross-section, and a pair of wall members constituting the side are formed at both ends of the wall members constituting the back side. Openings for inserting the ends of the spool 2 are formed in the pair of wall members constituting the side side, and engaging teeth 31 are formed on the inner circumferential surface. Additionally, a connecting plate constituting the front side may be connected to the top of the pair of wall members constituting the side side.

[0038] The spring unit 4 may contain, for example, a coil spring that applies force to the winding shaft 2 in the winding direction. The spring unit 4 may be located, for example, on the outer side of the base 3 opposite to the locking mechanism 6. It should be noted that the spring unit 4 is not limited to a spring-loaded type, but may also be electrically operated.

[0039] The locking mechanism 6 is a mechanism that restricts the pulling out of the webbing in emergencies such as vehicle collisions. The locking mechanism 6 includes, for example, a locking gear 61 rotatably mounted coaxially with respect to the spool 2, a pawl 62 engaged with the base frame 3, a flywheel 63 mounted on the locking gear 61 and whose pawl 62 moves due to the relative rotation of the spool 2 and the locking gear 61, and a locking base 64 positioned between the spool 2 and the locking gear 61. It should be noted that the locking mechanism 6 is not limited to the structure shown in the figure.

[0040] The locking base 64 is a generally disc-shaped component attached to the end of the spool 2. The locking base 64 is inserted into the opening of the base frame 3, and is configured such that its outer periphery faces the engaging teeth 31. The locking base 64 has a thickness sufficient to accommodate the pawl 62, and a receiving portion 64a is formed on a part of its outer periphery to form a space for accommodating the pawl 62. Additionally, the locking base 64 has a shaft portion 64b that forms the rotation axis of the spool 2.

[0041] The pawl 62 has a first end 62a rotatably disposed on a protrusion formed in the locking base 64 and a second end 62b configured to rotate about the first end 62a. The second end 62b has a pin 62c that passes through a guide groove 61d formed in the locking gear 61 and an engaging pawl 62d that engages with the engaging teeth 31 of the base frame 3.

[0042] In the pawl 62, if the locking gear 61 rotates relative to the spool 2 (locking base 64), the pin 62c moves along the guide groove 61d, and the second end 62b is pushed radially outward from the side of the locking base 64. The engaging pawl 62d engages with the engaging teeth 31 of the base 3. Through this engagement, the rotation of the spool 2 is locked, and the pulling out of the webbing is restricted. It should be noted that the second end 62b of the pawl 62 is prevented from protruding radially outward from the side of the locking base 64 by the pawl spring 62e applying a force radially inward.

[0043] The locking gear 61 includes, for example, a disc portion 61a arranged facing the locking base 64, an outer peripheral wall 61b erected outward along the outer edge of the disc portion 61a, and a central portion 61c inserted through the shaft portion 64b of the locking base 64. A flywheel 63 is arranged in the space formed by the disc portion 61a and the outer peripheral wall 61b.

[0044] The disc portion 61a has a guide groove 61d for guiding the pin 62c of the pawl 62, and a rotary shaft 61e for supporting the flywheel 63 in a rotatable manner. The outer peripheral wall 61b has a toothed portion 61f that can engage with the vehicle sensor 5.

[0045] The flywheel 63 has a shape that is bent or folded to allow it to be inserted into the space surrounded by the disc portion 61a, outer peripheral wall 61b, and center portion 61c of the locking gear 61. Furthermore, a hook-shaped spring 63a is disposed in the locking gear 61, applying force to the flywheel 63 in the direction opposite to the relative rotation direction. When the webbing is pulled out faster than usual, the flywheel 63 oscillates and engages with the internal teeth formed in the protective cover 7.

[0046] If the rotation of the locking gear 61 is restricted due to the operation of the flywheel 63 or the vehicle sensor 5, a relative rotation occurs between the locking base 64 and the locking gear 61, and with this relative rotation, the pawl 62 protrudes radially outward from the side of the locking base 64.

[0047] The cover 7 is a cover member having a first receiving portion 71 and a second receiving portion 72. The first receiving portion 71 has a recess for receiving the locking gear 61 that constitutes the locking mechanism 6, and the second receiving portion 72 has a recess for receiving the vehicle sensor 5. The cover 7 is fixed to the base frame 3. An opening 32 for engaging the vehicle sensor 5 may also be formed on the end face of the base frame 3.

[0048] The vehicle sensor 5 includes a spherical mass 51, a housing 52 supporting the mass 51 as a lower plate 52a capable of revolution, an actuator 53 disposed on the upper part of the mass 51 and configured to engage with the teeth 61f formed in the component (locking gear 61) of the seat belt retractor 1 when the mass 51 moves in a predetermined direction by inertial force, and a cover member 54 fixing the housing 52 to the seat belt retractor 1.

[0049] Mass 51 is a metal sphere with a specified weight. In addition, mass 51 has the property of rotating on its own axis and revolving around a central point on the lower surface 52a of the outer casing 52 if it is subjected to a specified load due to vibrations or the like during normal vehicle operation.

[0050] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown in (A), the housing 52 includes a pedestal portion 52b on which a lower plate surface 52a is formed on the upper surface, a pair of pillars 52c formed on the pedestal portion 52b and supporting the actuator 53 so as to be rotatable, a front protrusion 52d disposed on the front side of the pedestal portion 52b and engaging with the cover member 54, and a rear protrusion 52e disposed on the rear side of the pedestal portion 52b and engaging with the cover member 54.

[0051] The lower plate surface 52a has, for example, a curved surface with a spherical or conical shape. The curved surface of the lower plate surface 52a is formed such that when a load, such as a vehicle vibration, is applied to the mass body 51, the mass body 51 revolves around the surface. Furthermore, a central hole 52f is formed at the center of the lower plate surface 52a to set the initial position of the mass body 51. It should be noted that, in this specification, "revolution" means that the mass body 51 rotates around the central hole 52f.

[0052] The pedestal portion 52b has a generally flat plate shape, and a lower plate surface 52a is formed on its upper surface. The support column 52c is erected vertically at the rear corner of the pedestal portion 52b. In addition, the support column 52c has a bearing portion 52g that supports the rotation shaft 53d of the actuator 53 so that it can rotate.

[0053] A front protrusion 52d is disposed on the front surface of the base portion 52b. The front protrusion 52d, for example, has a generally flat plate shape that is elongated laterally and extends to a position higher than the surface of the base portion 52b. The front protrusion 52d may also have claws or the like that capable of engaging with the cover member 54. It should be noted that the shape of the front protrusion 52d is not limited to the structure shown in the figure.

[0054] The rear protrusion 52e is arranged between a pair of support columns 52c. Furthermore, the rear protrusion 52e has a generally flat shape that extends laterally, and is formed to protrude rearward from the rear of the pedestal portion 52b and the support columns 52c. The rear protrusion 52e may also have claws or the like that capable of engaging with the cover member 54. It should be noted that the shape of the rear protrusion 52e is not limited to the structure shown in the figure.

[0055] The outer casing 52 is configured such that the portion of the mass body 51 other than the lower disk surface 52a does not contact the mass body 51 when the mass body 51 revolves on the lower disk surface 52a. If the mass body 51 contacts an obstacle during its revolution, the orbit of the mass body 51 is obstructed, and the mass body 51 undergoes irregular motion, inducing the up-and-down movement of the actuator 53, which is the cause of the contact noise between the actuator 53 and the component (locking gear 61) of the seat belt retractor 1.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, the outer shell 52 is configured such that the mass 51 does not come into contact with any other part (e.g., the support column 52c, the front protrusion 52d, the rear protrusion 52e, etc.) other than the lower disk surface 52a during the revolution of the mass body 51.

[0057] For example, the support column 52c has a first recess 52h formed such that it does not contact the mass 51 when the mass 51 revolves on the lower disk surface 52a. The first recess 52h is a cutout formed in a part of the support column 52c in such a way that the orbit of the mass 51 during the normal travel of the vehicle is estimated or calculated, and the mass 51 does not contact the support column 52c when it revolves along the orbit. It should be noted that the shape of the first recess 52h is not limited to the structure shown in the figure.

[0058] Furthermore, the pedestal portion 52b is configured not to have any protrusions or columnar objects that come into contact with the mass body 51 when the mass body 51 revolves along the aforementioned orbit. For example, the pedestal portion 52b is configured not to have any protrusions or columnar objects other than the front protrusion 52d in front of the lower plate surface 52a.

[0059] Furthermore, the front protrusion 52d is configured such that the mass 51 does not contact the front protrusion 52d when it revolves along the aforementioned orbit. It should be noted that the shape of the front protrusion 52d is not limited to the structure shown in the figure; the height of the front protrusion 52d may be made lower, or it may be made to protrude further forward.

[0060] Furthermore, the rear protrusion 52e is positioned so that the mass 51 does not come into contact with the rear protrusion 52e when the mass 51 revolves along the aforementioned orbit. The rear protrusion 52e is typically positioned on the rear side of the support column 52c, thus minimizing the possibility of contact with the mass 51. However, depending on the circumstances, it may also be formed with a cutout similar to the support column 52c to avoid contact with the mass 51.

[0061] For example, such as Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 As shown in (B), the actuator 53 includes: a main body 53b having an upper plate surface 53a having a shape corresponding to the lower plate surface 52a; a claw portion 53c formed on the upper part of the main body 53b; and a rotation shaft 53d supported on a support column 52c formed on the housing 52 in a rotatable manner.

[0062] The upper disk surface 53a, like the lower disk surface 52a, has a curved surface, for example, a spherical shape, a conical shape, etc. The curved surface of the upper disk surface 53a is formed so that the actuator 53 does not move up and down when the mass body 51 revolves along the aforementioned orbit on the lower disk surface 52a.

[0063] The main body 53b has, for example, a generally circular plate shape with an upper disk surface 53a. A claw portion 53c is disposed on the upper surface of the front side of the main body 53b. The claw portion 53c is configured to engage with the teeth 61f formed on the outer periphery of the locking gear 61 when the locking gear 61 rotates relative to the scroll 2. It should be noted that the shape of the claw portion 53c is not limited to the structure shown in the figure.

[0064] Additionally, a rotating shaft 53d is disposed behind the main body 53b, and the main body 53b and the rotating shaft 53d are connected by a connecting part 53e. The rotating shaft 53d has a generally cylindrical shape with an axis in the transverse direction. Both ends of the rotating shaft 53d are inserted into the bearing parts 52g of the support column 52c and supported so as to be able to rotate.

[0065] As described above, if mass 51 comes into contact with an obstacle during its revolution, the orbit of mass 51 is obstructed, and mass 51 moves irregularly, inducing the up-and-down movement of actuator 53, which is the cause of the contact sound between actuator 53 and the component (locking gear 61) of seat belt retractor 1.

[0066] Therefore, the actuator 53 in this embodiment is configured such that the portion other than the upper disk surface 53a does not contact the mass body 51 when the mass body 51 revolves on the lower disk surface 52a. Specifically, the rotation shaft 53d has a second recess 53f formed so that it does not contact the mass body 51 when the mass body 51 revolves on the lower disk surface 52a.

[0067] The second recess 53f is a cutout formed in a portion of the rotation axis 53d, which is a presumed or calculated orbit of the mass 51 during normal vehicle operation, and is positioned such that the mass 51 does not contact the rotation axis 53d while revolving along this orbit. It should be noted that the shape of the second recess 53f is not limited to the structure shown in the figure.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown in (A), the cover member 54 includes a sidewall portion 54a that fits into the opening 32 of the base frame 3, a front support portion 54d that engages with the front protrusion 52d of the outer shell 52, and a rear support portion 54e that engages with the rear protrusion 52e of the outer shell 52. The sidewall portion 54a includes a protrusion 54b that inserts into the opening 32 and a flange portion 54c that contacts the end face of the base frame 3 to form a stop.

[0069] During the revolution of the mass 51, there is a possibility that the mass 51 may come into contact with the side wall portion 54a of the cover member 54. Therefore, the side wall portion 54a is shaped such that it does not come into contact with the mass 51 when it revolves on the lower disk surface 52a.

[0070] The vehicle sensor 5 is fixed to the base frame 3 via the cover member 54, and the opposite side is housed in the second receiving portion 72 of the cover 7. It should be noted that the second receiving portion 72 of the cover 7 is also configured so that it does not contact the mass body 51 when the mass body 51 revolves on the lower plate surface 52a.

[0071] Here, Figure 3 This is a side view showing the operation of the vehicle's sensors. (A) shows the vehicle in a stopped state, and (B) shows the vehicle in a moving state. Figure 3 (A) is the state in which the mass 51 is positioned in the central hole 52f when the vehicle is stopped, i.e., when the vehicle sensor 5 is not working, and the center of the mass 51 is located on the center line L of the central hole 52f. In this initial state, the tip of the claw 53c of the actuator 53 is formed with a predetermined gap in such a way that it does not contact the teeth 61f when the locking gear 61 rotates.

[0072] Figure 3 (B) shows the normal vehicle driving state, i.e., the state in which the vehicle sensor 5 is working. At this time, the mass body 51 rotates on its own axis and revolves around the center line L on the lower plate surface 52a. The vehicle sensor 5 according to this embodiment is configured such that the actuator 53 remains in contact with the component (locking gear 61) of the seat belt retractor 1 while the mass body 51 is revolving within the lower plate surface 52a.

[0073] As described above, the vehicle sensor 5 according to this embodiment is configured not to obstruct the revolution of the mass body 51, thus suppressing the up-and-down movement of the actuator 53 during normal vehicle operation. Therefore, in the normal vehicle operation state where the mass body 51 is revolutionizing, the top of the claw portion 53c of the actuator 53 can be made to contact the bottom of the teeth 61g (the portion between the teeth 61f) of the locking gear 61 without any gap.

[0074] With this structure, the claw 53c will not approach or leave the locking gear 61, thus reducing noise during normal vehicle operation (the contact sound between the actuator 53 and the seatbelt retractor 1). It should be noted that when the mass 51 begins its revolution, it is also conceivable that it will contact the teeth 61f of the locking gear 61, and the degree of difference can be absorbed by the deflection of the components of the vehicle sensor 5.

[0075] Here, Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the assembly state of the vehicle sensors. (A) shows this embodiment, and (B) shows a comparative example (conventional example). Figure 4 (A) shows vehicle sensor 5, which is assembled Figure 2 (A) is obtained by the mass body 51, the outer shell 52, the actuator 53 and the cover component 54 shown.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown in (B), in the conventional vehicle sensor 5', the base portion 52b' of the housing 52' and the portion of the support 52c' surrounded by the dashed line may come into contact during the revolution of the mass 51'. In addition, although not shown, the rotation shaft 53d' of the actuator 53' may also come into contact during the revolution of the mass 51'.

[0077] Furthermore, if the smooth revolution of the mass 51' is obstructed, the mass 51' will move irregularly on the lower plate surface 52a', thus increasing the vertical movement of the actuator 53'. In addition, in conventional vehicle sensors 5', for example as described in Patent Document 1, a predetermined gap is set so that the claw 53c' of the actuator 53' does not contact the seat belt retractor component (locking gear) during the revolution of the mass 51'.

[0078] Therefore, in the vehicle sensor 5' of this comparative example (conventional example), when the up-and-down movement of the actuator 53' becomes larger than the specified gap, the tip of the claw 53c' will repeatedly contact the seat belt retractor component (locking gear) and generate a contact sound (noise).

[0079] In contrast, Figure 4(A) The vehicle sensor 5 of this embodiment is configured to not obstruct the revolution of the mass body 51 during normal vehicle operation. Therefore, during normal vehicle operation, the mass body 51 revolves stably between the lower disk surface 52a and the upper disk surface 53a, thereby suppressing the up-and-down movement generated by the actuator 53 and reducing the noise (contact sound between the actuator 53 and the locking gear 61) during normal vehicle operation.

[0080] The vehicle sensor 5 is configured such that when the mass body 51 experiences an acceleration of a predetermined value or more due to a collision with the vehicle, the mass body 51 moves in a predetermined direction (e.g., forward in the case of a frontal collision) within the lower disk surface 52a by inertial force, generating a load in the direction that lifts the actuator 53 upward. When the locking gear 61 rotates relative to the sensor, the pawl 53c engages with the teeth 61f of the locking gear 61 to restrict the relative rotation of the locking gear 61.

[0081] Next, regarding a seatbelt device according to an embodiment of the present invention, while referring to... Figure 5 To explain. Here, Figure 5 This is an overall structural diagram illustrating a seatbelt device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that... Figure 5 For ease of explanation, components other than seat belt devices are shown with a single-dot dashed line.

[0082] Figure 5 The seat belt device 100 shown in this embodiment includes a webbing W for restraining the occupant, a seat belt retractor 1 for winding the webbing W, a guide anchor 101 disposed on the vehicle side for guiding the webbing W, a belt anchor 102 for fixing the webbing W to the vehicle side, a buckle 103 disposed on the side of the seat S where the occupant sits, and a tongue 104 disposed on the webbing W. The seat belt retractor 1, for example, has... Figure 1 The structure shown.

[0083] The following is a brief description of the components other than the seatbelt retractor 1. The seat S, for example, includes a seat portion S1 for occupant seating, a backrest S2 located behind the occupant, and a headrest portion S3 supporting the occupant's head. The seatbelt retractor 1 is, for example, built into the B-pillar P of the vehicle body.

[0084] In addition, buckle 103 is generally disposed on the side of seat S1, and anchor 102 is generally disposed on the lower surface of seat S1. Guide anchor 101 is generally disposed on B-pillar P. Furthermore, one end of webbing W is connected to anchor 102, and the other end is connected to seat belt retractor 1 via guide anchor 101.

[0085] Therefore, when the tongue 104 is engaged with the buckle 103, the webbing W is pulled out of the seatbelt retractor 1 while sliding in the insertion hole of the guide anchor 101. Furthermore, when the occupant is wearing a seatbelt and then unbuckles it upon exiting the vehicle, the webbing W is wound up to apply a certain load by the action of the spring unit 4 of the seatbelt retractor 1.

[0086] The seat belt device 100 described in this embodiment includes the seat belt retractor 1, which reduces the noise caused by the vehicle sensor 5 (the contact sound of the actuator 53 and the locking gear 61) during normal vehicle operation.

[0087] Furthermore, although the seat belt device 100 described above is for use in a seat S located in the front seats of a vehicle, the seat belt device 100 can also be used in a seat S located in the rear seats. Additionally, the seat belt device 100 can also be used in seat belt devices used in vehicles other than vehicles.

[0088] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0089] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0090] 1. Seatbelt retractor

[0091] 2 scrolls

[0092] 3. Base frame

[0093] 4 Spring Units

[0094] 5 Vehicle sensors

[0095] 6. Locking mechanism

[0096] 7. Protective shield

[0097] 31 Engaging teeth

[0098] 32 Opening

[0099] 51 mass body

[0100] 52. Outer shell

[0101] 52a Lower plate

[0102] 52b pedestal part

[0103] 52c pillar

[0104] 52d Anterior protrusion

[0105] 52e Rear protrusion

[0106] 52f Central Hole

[0107] 52g bearing section

[0108] 52h first recess

[0109] 53 Actuator

[0110] 53a Upper plate

[0111] 53b Main body

[0112] 53c Claw

[0113] 53d Rotation axis

[0114] 53e Joint

[0115] 53f second recess

[0116] 54 Cover components

[0117] 54a Side wall portion

[0118] 54b convex part

[0119] 54c Flange

[0120] 54d Front Support

[0121] 54e Front Support

[0122] 61 Locking Gear

[0123] 61a Disc section

[0124] 61b Outer peripheral wall

[0125] 61c central part

[0126] 61d guide slot

[0127] 61e Rotary Axle

[0128] 61f tooth section

[0129] 61g at the base of the tooth

[0130] 62. Razor Claw

[0131] 62a First end

[0132] 62b Second end

[0133] 62c pin

[0134] 62d locking claw

[0135] 62e Pawl Spring

[0136] 63 Flywheel

[0137] 63a Hook Spring

[0138] 64 Locking base

[0139] 64a Containment Department

[0140] 64b Shaft

[0141] 65 lids

[0142] 71 First Containment Department

[0143] 72 Second Containment Department

[0144] 100 Seatbelt Device

[0145] 101 Guide Anchor

[0146] 102 with anchoring components

[0147] 103 Buckle

[0148] 104 Tongue slices.

Claims

1. A vehicle sensor comprising: a spherical mass; a housing having a lower plate surface having a central hole for setting an initial position of the mass; and an actuator disposed on the upper part of the mass, configured to engage with teeth formed in a component of a seatbelt retractor when the mass is moved in a predetermined direction by inertial force, the vehicle sensor being characterized in that... The lower plate surface has a curved surface formed to allow the mass to rotate about the central hole. The actuator has an upper disk surface that has a curved surface that contacts the upper part of the mass body. The upper disk surface is formed such that the actuator does not move up and down when the mass body rotates around the central hole within the lower disk surface. The vehicle sensor is configured such that, while the mass body rotates within the lower disk surface about the central hole, the actuator remains in contact with a component of the seatbelt retractor.

2. The vehicle sensor according to claim 1, The housing is configured such that, after the mass body is estimated or calculated to rotate around the central hole within the lower plate surface on a track for normal vehicle operation, the portion outside the lower plate surface does not contact the mass body as it rotates along the estimated or calculated rotation track.

3. The vehicle sensor according to claim 1, The actuator includes: a main body having an upper plate surface having a shape corresponding to the lower plate surface; a claw portion formed on the upper part of the main body; and a rotation shaft rotatably supported on a support formed in the housing. The actuator is configured such that, after estimating or calculating the trajectory of the mass body rotating around the central hole in the lower plate surface during normal vehicle operation, the portion other than the upper plate surface does not contact the mass body when the mass body rotates along the estimated or calculated rotation trajectory.

4. The vehicle sensor according to claim 3, The support has a first recess formed such that it does not contact the mass body when the mass body rotates along the estimated or calculated rotational trajectory.

5. The vehicle sensor according to claim 3, The rotation axis has a second recess formed so that it does not contact the mass body when the mass body rotates along the estimated or calculated rotational trajectory.

6. The vehicle sensor according to claim 3, The device includes a cover member for securing the outer shell to the seatbelt retractor, the cover member being configured such that it does not contact the mass body as the mass body rotates along the estimated or calculated rotational trajectory.

7. A seatbelt retractor, characterized in that, The vehicle sensor is provided with any one of claims 1 to 6.

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