Safety belt retractor assembly and safety belt arrangement for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety belt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism and an inhibition device, the inhibition device comprising a reduction mechanism having an input element and an output element, wherein the inhibition device further comprises a trigger disc, which can be driven by the output element and is rotatably supported, a follower, which comprises a first section, which can interact with the trigger disc, and a second section, which can engage with a locking element of the locking mechanism, and a return spring, which acts on the follower, wherein the trigger disc and the follower are configured such that the safety belt retractor assembly is in an automatic locking retraction mode and in an emergency locking retraction mode, wherein the safety belt retractor assembly further comprises a switching detection device, which is configured for detecting a switching between the automatic locking retraction mode and the emergency locking retraction mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of motor vehicle safety technology, and more specifically, to a seat belt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle and a seat belt device including such a seat belt retractor assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Car seatbelt retractors are typically one of three types: ELR, ALR, and integrated ALR and ELR.

[0003] The self-locking retractor (ALR) is a retractor that allows the webbing to be pulled out freely to the desired length and automatically adjusts the webbing length according to the wearer's body shape when the buckle is fastened. When the ALR self-locking mechanism is in locking mode, it prevents the webbing from being pulled out further unless the wearer intentionally unlocks it. When the wearer releases the buckle and the webbing is fully retracted, the ALR self-locking mechanism cancels the locking mode, and the seatbelt returns to its freely pullable state.

[0004] An emergency locking retractor (ELR) is a retractor that does not restrict the freedom of movement of the seatbelt wearer under normal driving conditions. This type of retractor has a length adjustment element that can automatically adjust the length of the webbing according to the wearer's body shape, and has a locking mechanism that, in an emergency, is triggered by vehicle deceleration (single-sensitivity) or vehicle deceleration, webbing acceleration, or other collision-sensitive devices to prevent the webbing from being pulled out.

[0005] Both ALR and ELR retractors can restrain occupants in the event of a vehicle collision or rollover, thereby protecting occupant safety.

[0006] Retractors integrating ALR and ELR modes can switch between the two modes based on the occupant's selection. For example, they switch to ALR mode when the webbing is fully or nearly fully extended, and switch to ELR mode when the webbing is fully retracted or retracted to a set length. While ELR mode improves occupant comfort when wearing the seatbelt, the locking mechanism is only triggered to prevent the webbing from pulling out when vehicle acceleration or deceleration, vehicle tilt angle, or webbing pull-out acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold. However, ALR mode is more suitable for infant or child occupants, allowing child seats or other devices to be more securely secured to the vehicle seat via the webbing, ensuring the child restraint system's protective effect. Therefore, retractors integrating ALR and ELR modes are not only suitable for child restraint systems but also provide comfort and convenience for normal occupants while effectively restraining and protecting them.

[0007] Currently, there is a lack of a detection device for windings that integrate ALR and ELR modes to detect the switching between ALR and ELR modes. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a seat belt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle and a seat belt device including such a seat belt retractor assembly, wherein the seat belt retractor assembly can reliably detect the switching between an automatic locking retractor mode (ALR mode) and an emergency locking retractor mode (ELR mode).

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a seat belt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle is provided, comprising:

[0010] support;

[0011] A tape reel, which is rotatably supported in a bracket;

[0012] A locking mechanism having a locking element, the locking mechanism being configured to lock the tape spool in the unwinding direction in an active state and release the tape spool in a deactivated state;

[0013] A suppression device, comprising a reduction mechanism having an input element and an output element, the input element being anti-rotationally connected to a tape reel, the output element being configured to output the reduced motion; and

[0014] A mechanical side cover that externally covers the inhibition device and locking mechanism;

[0015] Its features are,

[0016] The suppression device further includes a trigger disk, a follower, and a return spring acting on the follower. The trigger disk can be driven by an output element and is rotatably supported. The follower includes a first section that can interact with the trigger disk and a second section that can engage with a locking element of the locking mechanism.

[0017] The trigger disk and the driven member are configured such that,

[0018] At the maximum unwinding position of the tape reel, the first section is engaged in the trigger disc under the restoring force of the return spring, and the second section of the driven member engages with the locking element of the locking mechanism, thereby activating the locking mechanism and putting the seatbelt retractor assembly into automatic locking rewind mode.

[0019] After the reel has rotated a predetermined rewind stroke in the rewind direction or after the reel has rotated a predetermined pull-out stroke in the unwind direction and before the reel reaches a predetermined maximum unwind position, the first section resists the restoring force of the return spring and does not engage with the trigger disc but rests against the working surface of the trigger disc. The second section of the driven member disengages from the locking element of the locking mechanism, thus placing the seatbelt retractor assembly in an emergency locking rewind mode.

[0020] The seatbelt retractor assembly also includes a switching detection device configured to detect switching between an automatic locking retractor mode and an emergency locking retractor mode.

[0021] In the seatbelt retractor assembly according to the present invention, for example, compared with the prior art, reliable detection of the switch between automatic locking retractor mode and emergency locking retractor mode can be achieved by providing a switching detection device. This allows a reliable electrical signal indicative of the current mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly to be sent to the electronic control unit of other restraint systems.

[0022] In some embodiments, the switching detection device may include a proximity sensor and a detected element, the detected element being fixed to a movable component of the suppression device, the detected element and the proximity sensor being arranged relative to each other such that...

[0023] When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in automatic locking retract mode, the object being detected is within the detection range of the proximity sensor, and the proximity sensor outputs a first detection signal.

[0024] When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in emergency locking retract mode, the detected object moves out of the detection range of the proximity sensor and the proximity sensor outputs a second detection signal.

[0025] By placing the test component on a movable part of the suppression device, unwanted interference, such as from the test component causing problems with other components in the seatbelt retractor assembly, can be prevented. For example, when the test component is constructed as a permanent magnet, if the permanent magnet is too close to the metal sensing ball of the vehicle sensing component located on the outer periphery of the mechanical side cover, the metal sensing ball may be magnetized and attracted by the permanent magnet, thereby increasing or malfunctioning the acceleration and tilt angle trigger thresholds of the vehicle sensing component, affecting the restraint protection performance of the occupants and failing to meet legal and regulatory requirements. Currently, by placing the test component on a movable part of the suppression device, the above situation can be avoided.

[0026] In some embodiments, the object to be tested can be arranged on a trigger disc. The pull-out and rewind movements of the seatbelt webbing can cause the trigger disc to rotate at a certain reduction ratio. By arranging the object to be tested on a trigger disc driven by the output element of the reduction mechanism, the switching between automatic locking rewind mode and emergency locking rewind mode can be detected very reliably even when the trigger disc is rotating at a low speed.

[0027] In some embodiments, the object being tested can be configured as a permanent magnet.

[0028] In some implementations, the proximity sensor may be disposed internally or externally on a mechanical side cover.

[0029] In some implementations, the proximity sensor may be configured as a Hall effect device.

[0030] In some implementations, when the seatbelt retractor assembly is in automatic locking retract mode, the proximity sensor can face the object being detected, while when the seatbelt retractor assembly is in emergency locking retract mode, the object being detected can move away from the proximity sensor.

[0031] In some embodiments, the switching detection device may include a contact switch configured to detect switching between an automatic locking rewind mode and an emergency locking rewind mode by contacting and disengaging with a movable component of the suppression device.

[0032] The contact switch and the movable component are arranged opposite each other such that,

[0033] When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in automatic locking retract mode, the contact switch contacts the movable component and is turned on, and the contact switch outputs a first detection signal.

[0034] When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in emergency locking retract mode, the contact switch disengages from the movable component and outputs a second detection signal.

[0035] In some embodiments, the contact switch may be internally arranged on a mechanical side cover.

[0036] In some implementations, the contact switch may be configured as a micro switch.

[0037] In some embodiments, the contact switch may be configured to contact and activate the trigger disc when the seatbelt retractor assembly is in automatic locking retract mode, and to disengage from the trigger disc when the seatbelt retractor assembly is in emergency locking retract mode.

[0038] In some embodiments, the switching detection device may further include wiring harnesses and connectors. The detection signal generated by the switching detection device can be transmitted via these harnesses and connectors to the electronic control units of other restraint systems in the vehicle as input signals for controller logic. Typically, the vehicle restraint system may include other restraint protection mechanisms, such as airbags and seatbelt adaptive force limiters. The switching status information between automatic locking retraction mode and emergency locking retraction mode can serve as input for whether to trigger other restraint system devices. For example, typically for a child seat installation position, the input signal generated by the switching detection device can suppress the triggering of the front airbag to prevent injury to the child sitting in the child seat.

[0039] In some embodiments, the wiring harness may extend through an opening in the outer cover located outside the mechanical side cover to the outside of the outer cover.

[0040] In some implementations, the wiring harness may be at least partially fixed to the outer cover.

[0041] In some embodiments, the trigger disk may include a recess, wherein,

[0042] When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in automatic locking retract mode, the first section is engaged in the recess;

[0043] When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in emergency locking retract mode, the first section disengages from the recess.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first section may extend radially inward from the body of the follower in an flexural manner in the installed state.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second section may protrude perpendicularly to the plane formed by the body of the follower and the first section.

[0046] In some embodiments, the reduction mechanism may be configured as a low-tooth-difference planetary gear reduction mechanism, which includes an eccentric wheel as an input element, planetary gears as output elements, and a stationary gear ring disposed inside the mechanical side cover. The planetary gears are eccentrically supported by the eccentric wheel relative to the rotation axis of the tape winding shaft, and the planetary gears are capable of meshing with the gear ring.

[0047] In some embodiments, the reduction ratio of the low-tooth-difference planetary gear reduction mechanism can be between 20:1 and 35:1.

[0048] In some embodiments, the gear ring and the mechanical side cover can be connected in a rotation-resistant manner.

[0049] In some embodiments, the output element may have a guide post, the trigger disk may have a through opening, the guide post may extend into the through opening and be free to move between the two ends of the through opening.

[0050] In some embodiments, the through opening may be configured in a fan shape.

[0051] In some embodiments, the suppression device may further include a positioning wheel arranged between the output element and the trigger disk, wherein the positioning wheel has a through hole, and the guide post can extend through the through hole of the positioning wheel into the through opening of the trigger disk.

[0052] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a locking disc, the locking disc having a stopping power that causes the tape reel to lock in the unwinding direction, wherein the locking disc has an outer toothed ring on its outer periphery as a locking element.

[0053] In some embodiments, the mechanical side cover may be fixed to the bracket.

[0054] In some embodiments, the seatbelt retractor assembly may be located at the front passenger seat, and the first detection signal may be input as a control signal to the electronic control unit of other restraint systems and cause the electronic control unit to suppress the triggering of the front airbag corresponding to the front passenger seat.

[0055] In the context of this invention, "two components being anti-rotationally connected" means that they cannot rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis, and that they may or may not be able to move relative to each other along the rotation axis. "Two components being anti-rotationally connected" may include, but is not limited to: two components being integrally formed; a gear being mounted on a shaft having a non-circular cross-section and being movable on the shaft; and two components being fixedly connected. Here, "two components being anti-rotationally connected" should include situations where, due to manufacturing errors or unintentional clearances, the two components can rotate slightly relative to each other.

[0056] In the context of this invention, "two components are rotatably connected" means that they can rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis.

[0057] According to a second aspect of the invention, a seat belt device for a motor vehicle is provided, the seat belt device comprising a webbing and a seat belt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to a first aspect of the invention, wherein the retractor assembly has a retractor shaft that is a retractor shaft of the webbing.

[0058] It should be noted that the technical features mentioned above and those to be mentioned below can be combined arbitrarily, as long as they are not contradictory. All technically feasible combinations of features are those explicitly included in this application. Attached Figure Description

[0059] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The schematic drawings are briefly described below:

[0060] Figure 1 This is a side view of a seatbelt retractor assembly with a switching detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 Exploded view of the seat belt retractor assembly;

[0062] Figure 3 According to Figure 1 Exploded view of the mechanical side cover and restraint device of the seat belt retractor assembly;

[0063] Figure 4a This is a partial schematic diagram of the suppression device of the seat belt retractor assembly in automatic locking retraction mode and the switching detection device with a proximity sensor constructed as a Hall effect device.

[0064] Figure 4b This is a partial schematic diagram of the suppression device of the seat belt retractor assembly in emergency locking retraction mode and the switching detection device with a proximity sensor constructed as a Hall effect device.

[0065] Figure 5a This is a partial schematic diagram of the suppression device of the seatbelt retractor assembly in automatic locking retraction mode, wherein the Hall chip of the Hall effect device is shown by dashed lines; and

[0066] Figure 5b This is a partial schematic diagram of the suppression device of the seat belt retractor assembly in emergency locking retraction mode, in which the Hall chip of the Hall effect device is shown by dashed lines. Detailed Implementation

[0067] First refer to Figures 1 to 3 This invention describes a seatbelt retractor assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] exist Figure 1 The image shows a side view of a seatbelt retractor assembly 10 with a switching detection device according to one embodiment of the invention, and shows the unwinding direction P and the rewinding direction R of the webbing 20. When the webbing 20 rewinds along the rewinding direction R, it wraps around the reel 12. Figure 1From the viewing angle, the outer cover 40 of the seat belt retractor assembly 10 can be seen. This outer cover 40 is positioned as follows: Figure 2 Outside of the mechanical side cover 520 shown. In addition, in Figure 1 Also visible is a portion of the wiring harness 34 for switching detection devices extending from the outer cover 40, and a connector 32, wherein a portion of the wiring harness 34 can be used as... Figure 1 The fixed connection shown is on the outside of the outer cover 40.

[0069] The following uses Figure 2 and Figure 3 The text describes the arrangement of components within the outer cover 40 of the seatbelt retractor assembly 10.

[0070] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the seat belt retractor assembly 10 for motor vehicles includes a bracket 11, a retractor shaft 12 rotatably supported in the bracket 11, and a mechanical side cover 520 fixedly connected to the bracket 11.

[0071] Furthermore, the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 also includes a locking mechanism 60. The locking mechanism 60 is configured to lock the reel 12 in the unwinding direction P in an active state and release the reel 12 in a deactivated state. For this purpose, the locking mechanism 60 includes a locking disc 61, the stopping energy of which causes the reel 12 to lock in the unwinding direction P, wherein the locking disc 61 has an outer toothed ring 62 on its outer periphery as a locking element.

[0072] Furthermore, the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 also includes a restraining device 50. The restraining device 50 includes a reduction mechanism. This reduction mechanism can be configured as a low-tooth-difference planetary gear reduction mechanism. The low-tooth-difference planetary gear reduction mechanism includes an eccentric wheel 502 as an input element, a planetary gear 504 as an output element, and a stationary gear ring 526 disposed inside the mechanical side cover 520. The eccentric wheel 502, as the input element, is anti-rotationally connected to the reel shaft 12, wherein as the webbing 20 is pulled out or rewound, the eccentric wheel 502 connected to the reel shaft 12 rotates in the corresponding direction. The planetary gear 504 is eccentrically supported by the eccentric wheel 502 relative to the axis of rotation of the reel shaft 12. The gear ring 526 is anti-rotationally connected to the mechanical side cover 520. The planetary gear 504 can mesh with the gear ring 526 and is configured to output reduced motion. The reduction ratio of the low-tooth-difference planetary gear reduction mechanism can be between 20:1 and 35:1, preferably 27:1. That is, if the eccentric wheel 502, which is the input element, rotates 2700 degrees clockwise under the drive of the webbing 20 rewinding motion, then after the reduction mechanism reduces speed and reverses direction, the planetary gear 504, which is the output element, will rotate 100 degrees counterclockwise.

[0073] In addition to the aforementioned deceleration mechanism, the suppression device 50 also includes a positioning wheel 506, a trigger disc 508, a follower 512, and a return spring 514 acting on the follower 512. The positioning wheel 506 is arranged between the planetary gear 504 (which serves as an output element) and the trigger disc 508. The positioning wheel 506 can be connected to the planetary gear 504. The planetary gear 504, serving as an output element, has a guide post 516. A through hole 518 is provided in the positioning wheel 506 to allow the guide post 516 to pass through it. The trigger disc 508 has a fan-shaped through opening 534. The guide post 516 can pass through the through hole 518 of the positioning wheel 506 and extend into the through opening 534 of the trigger disc 508, moving freely between the two ends of the through opening 534. This allows it to further move in one direction against the corresponding ends, driving the trigger disc 508 and causing it to rotate at the same speed as the planetary gear 504. The follower 512 includes a first section that interacts with the trigger disc 508 and a second section that engages with the locking element of the locking mechanism 60. The follower 512 may be configured as, for example, a trigger pawl. The follower 512 may have a pawl 530 as the first section and a locking lever 528 as the second section. The pawl 530 as the first section can extend radially inward from the body of the follower 512 in an in-mounted state. The locking lever 528 as the second section can protrude perpendicularly to the plane formed by the body of the follower 512 and the pawl 530. When the locking lever 528 of the follower 512 as the second section engages with the external gear ring 62 of the locking mechanism 60 as the locking element, the locking mechanism 60 is activated and locks the tape reel 12 in the unwinding direction P. The trigger disc 508 and the follower 512 are configured such that, at the maximum unwinding position of the belt reel 12, the first segment of the pawl 530 engages with the trigger disc 508 under the restoring force of the return spring 514, particularly with the recess 536 of the trigger disc 508. Furthermore, the second segment of the follower 512, the locking lever 528, engages with the external gear ring 62 of the locking mechanism 60, which is the locking element, thereby activating the locking mechanism 60 and placing the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 in an automatic locking rewind mode. After the belt reel 12 has rotated a predetermined rewind stroke along the rewind direction R... Alternatively, after the tape reel 12 has rotated a predetermined pull-out stroke in the unwinding direction P and before the predetermined maximum unwinding position of the tape reel 12, the pawl 530, as the first section, resists the restoring force of the return spring 514 and does not engage with the trigger disc 508, especially disengage from the recess 536 of the trigger disc 508, and abuts against the working surface of the trigger disc 508. Furthermore, the locking lever 528, as the second section, of the follower 512 disengages from the outer toothed ring 62, as the locking element of the locking mechanism 60, thereby placing the seat belt retractor assembly 10 in the emergency locking retracting mode.

[0074] To protect the suppression device 50 and the locking mechanism 60 from external influences, the mechanical side cover 520 covers the suppression device 50 and the locking mechanism 60 from the outside. Furthermore, the mechanical side cover 520 at least partially surrounds the suppression device 50 and the locking mechanism 60.

[0075] To detect the switching between the automatic locking retractor mode and the emergency locking retractor mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly 10, the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 also includes a switching detection device. The switching detection device is configured to detect the switching between the automatic locking retractor mode and the emergency locking retractor mode. The switching detection device can employ a non-contact or contact method.

[0076] In some embodiments, when the switching detection device employs a non-contact approach, the switching detection device may include a proximity sensor and a detected element 510. The detected element 510 is fixed to a movable component of the suppression device 50. Preferably, the detected element 510 is arranged on a trigger disk 508, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown. In other embodiments not shown, the detected element 510 may also be arranged on other movable components in the suppression device 50. For example, the detected element 510 may be arranged on the driven element 512, preferably on the first section of the driven element 512, and particularly on the free end of the first section of the driven element 512. The proximity sensor is arranged internally or externally on the mechanical side cover 520. The proximity sensor and the detected element 510 may employ electromagnetic principles. For this purpose, the detected element 510 may be constructed as a permanent magnet. The proximity sensor may be constructed as a Hall effect device 36. The Hall effect device 36 internally includes a Hall chip 38 integrated on a printed circuit board (see...). Figures 4a to 5b The Hall chip 38 can output a corresponding current modulation signal by detecting changes in the surrounding magnetic flux. The detected element 510 and the proximity sensor can be arranged relative to each other such that when the seat belt retractor assembly 10 is in the automatic locking retract mode, the detected element 510 is within the detection range of the proximity sensor and the proximity sensor outputs a first detection signal; when the seat belt retractor assembly 10 is in the emergency locking retract mode, the detected element 510 moves out of the detection range of the proximity sensor and the proximity sensor outputs a second detection signal. When the seat belt retractor assembly 10 is in the automatic locking retract mode, the proximity sensor faces the detected element 510, and when the seat belt retractor assembly 10 is in the emergency locking retract mode, the detected element 510 moves away from the proximity sensor.

[0077] In another embodiment, not shown, when the switching detection device employs a contact-based approach, the switching detection device may include a contact switch. The contact switch is configured to detect switching between an automatic locking retraction mode and an emergency locking retraction mode by contacting and disengaging with a movable component of the suppression device 50. The contact switch is internally disposed on the mechanical side cover 520. The contact switch can achieve switching detection by contacting and disengaging with a trigger disc 508 or a follower 512. The contact switch may be configured to contact and activate the trigger disc 508 when the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 is in the automatic locking retraction mode, and to disengage from the trigger disc 508 when the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 is in the emergency locking retraction mode. The contact switch may be configured as a microswitch. Of course, other types of contact switches are also conceivable. Here, contact between the contact switch and the movable component is understood as the contact force generated by the contact exceeding a contact force threshold of the contact switch, thereby activating the contact switch. The contact switch and the movable part are arranged opposite each other such that when the seat belt retractor assembly 10 is in the automatic locking retracting mode, the contact switch contacts the movable part and outputs a first detection signal; when the seat belt retractor assembly 10 is in the emergency locking retracting mode, the contact switch disengages from the movable part and outputs a second detection signal.

[0078] To transmit the detection signals generated by the switching detection device, such as the first and second detection signals, for further processing, the switching detection device also includes the wiring harness 34 and connector 32 as described above. The Hall effect device 36, wiring harness 34, and connector 32 can constitute a Hall effect device assembly 30. Of course, the wiring harness 34 and connector 32 can also be used for other types of proximity sensors. Similarly, the wiring harness 34 and connector 32 can also be used for contact switches. The detection signals generated by the switching detection device can be transmitted via the wiring harness 34 and connector 32 to the electronic control unit of other restraint systems in the vehicle as input signals for controller logic.

[0079] The following uses Figures 4a to 5b The working principle of the switching detection device will be described in more detail.

[0080] Figure 4aThis diagram shows that when the webbing 20 is fully or almost fully pulled out, i.e., at the maximum unwinding position of the reel 12, the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 is in automatic locking rewind mode. The follower 512, under the torque of the return spring 514, rotates in the opposite direction of direction B. The pawl 530 on the follower 512 inserts into the recess 536 of the trigger disc 508, which is configured as a restraining groove, and the locking lever 528 on the follower 512 engages with the outer gear ring 62 of the locking mechanism 60. If an occupant attempts to pull out the webbing 20 at this time, the main locking mechanism of the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 enters a locked state because the locking mechanism 60 is engaged, preventing the webbing 20 from being pulled out further. Figure 4a In the automatic locking rewind mode shown, the Hall chip 38, configured as a Hall effect device 36, in the switching detection device faces the detected object 510, which is configured as a permanent magnet (not shown in the figure). Here and in the following figures, the Hall chip 38 is shown by a dashed box.

[0081] Figure 4b The diagram shows that after the reel spool 12 has rotated a predetermined rewind stroke in the rewind direction R or after the reel spool 12 has rotated a predetermined pull-out stroke in the unwind direction P, and before the predetermined maximum unwind position of the reel spool 12, for example, when the webbing 20 is fully rewound or rewound to a set length, the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 is at the automatic lock release point, i.e., in the emergency lock rewind mode. The guide post 516 on the planetary gear 504 extends through the through hole 518 of the positioning wheel 506 into the fan-shaped through opening 534 on the trigger disc 508, which is configured as a limiting groove. During rewinding, the webbing 20 wraps around the reel spool 12, thereby driving the eccentric wheel 502 to rotate. Through the aforementioned low-tooth-difference planetary gear reduction mechanism, the guide post 516 on the planetary gear 504 rotates freely in direction A within the fan-shaped through opening 534, but does not drive the trigger disc 508 to rotate. As the rewind amount of the webbing 20 increases, the guide post 516 contacts the limiting surface at the end of the fan-shaped through-hole 534 and drives the trigger disc 508 to rotate together in direction A. When the webbing 20 is fully rewound or rewound to a set length, the trigger disc 508 overcomes the torque applied to the driven member 512 by the return spring 514, causing the driven member 512 to rotate in direction B, driving the pawl 530 to disengage from the recess 536 of the trigger disc 508, and subsequently abut against the working surface of the circular outer contour surface of the trigger disc 508. At this time, the locking lever 528 on the driven member 512 disengages from the outer toothed ring 62 of the locking mechanism 60, and the seat belt retractor assembly 10 enters the emergency locking rewind mode, allowing the occupant to freely pull out and rewind the webbing 20. The corresponding locking mechanism is only triggered when the vehicle acceleration or deceleration, the vehicle tilt angle, or the webbing pull-out acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold to prevent the webbing 20 from being pulled out. Figure 4bIn the emergency lock-up rewind mode shown, the trigger disk 508 of the detected object 510, which is a permanent magnet (not shown in the figure), rotates at a certain angle along the A direction, thereby moving the detected object 510 away from the Hall chip 38 of the Hall effect device 36.

[0082] Figure 5a and Figure 5b The relative positions of the Hall chip 38 and the detected component 510 fixedly connected to the trigger disk 508 are shown when the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 is in automatic locking mode and automatic locking release point (i.e., emergency locking retract mode). Figure 5a and Figure 5b The relative positions of the Hall chip 38 and the tested component 510 can be seen more clearly in the middle. When the seat belt retractor assembly 10 is as follows... Figure 5a When in automatic locking mode, the Hall chip 38 faces the detected component 510, at which point the detectable magnetic flux is at its maximum, and the corresponding current modulation signal is, for example, 14mA. As the webbing 20 continuously rewinds, the detected component 510 rotates along direction A with the trigger disc 508. When the seatbelt retractor assembly 10... Figure 5b When the device is in the automatic lock-out point (i.e., emergency lock-up winding mode), the detected component 510 is far away from the Hall chip 38. At this time, the detectable magnetic flux is minimal, and the corresponding current modulation signal is, for example, 6mA.

[0083] In summary, this invention provides a seatbelt retractor assembly 10 that integrates an automatic locking mode and an emergency locking retraction mode. This assembly uses a switching detection device to detect the switching between the automatic locking retraction mode and the emergency locking retraction mode, thereby determining the operating mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly 10 and generating a corresponding electrical detection signal. This electrical detection signal can be input to the electronic control unit controlling other restraint systems of the vehicle. For example, when a child seat is installed in the front passenger seat, the electrical detection signal can cause the electronic control unit to suppress the deployment of the front airbag corresponding to the front passenger seat, thus protecting the child in the child seat from injury.

[0084] Finally, it should be noted that the specific embodiments described are merely for understanding the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on the specific embodiments, and these modifications do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: support; A tape reel, which is rotatably supported in a bracket; A locking mechanism having a locking element, the locking mechanism being configured to lock the tape spool in the unwinding direction in an active state and release the tape spool in a deactivated state; A suppression device, the suppression device including a deceleration mechanism having an input element and an output element, the input element being anti-rotationally connected to a tape reel shaft, and the output element being configured to output the decelerated motion; and A mechanical side cover that externally covers the inhibition device and locking mechanism; Its features are, The suppression device further includes a trigger disk, a follower, and a return spring acting on the follower. The trigger disk can be driven by an output element and is rotatably supported. The follower includes a first section that can interact with the trigger disk and a second section that can engage with a locking element of the locking mechanism. The trigger disk and the driven member are configured such that, At the maximum unwinding position of the tape reel, the first section is engaged in the trigger disc under the restoring force of the return spring, and the second section of the driven member engages with the locking element of the locking mechanism, thereby activating the locking mechanism and putting the seatbelt retractor assembly into automatic locking rewind mode. After the reel has rotated a predetermined rewind stroke in the rewind direction or after the reel has rotated a predetermined pull-out stroke in the unwind direction and before the reel reaches a predetermined maximum unwind position, the first section resists the restoring force of the return spring and does not engage with the trigger disc but rests against the working surface of the trigger disc. The second section of the driven member disengages from the locking element of the locking mechanism, thus placing the seatbelt retractor assembly in an emergency locking rewind mode. The seatbelt retractor assembly also includes a switching detection device configured to detect switching between an automatic locking retractor mode and an emergency locking retractor mode. The switching detection device includes a proximity sensor and a detected element, the detected element being fixed to a movable component of the suppression device, and the detected element and the proximity sensor being arranged opposite each other such that... When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in automatic locking retract mode, the object being detected is within the detection range of the proximity sensor, and the proximity sensor outputs a first detection signal. When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in emergency locking retract mode, the detected component moves out of the proximity sensor's detection range, and the proximity sensor outputs a second detection signal. The proximity sensor is internally arranged on the mechanical side cover, and the detected element is arranged on the trigger disc, thereby enabling reliable detection of the switch between automatic locking rewind mode and emergency locking rewind mode when the trigger disc rotates at a low speed.

2. The seat belt retractor assembly for motor vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tested component is constructed as a permanent magnet.

3. The seat belt retractor assembly for motor vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The proximity sensor is constructed as a Hall effect device.

4. The seat belt retractor assembly for motor vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in automatic locking retract mode, the proximity sensor faces the object being detected; when the seatbelt retractor assembly is in emergency locking retract mode, the object being detected moves away from the proximity sensor.

5. The seat belt retractor assembly for motor vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching detection device also includes a wiring harness and a connector. The detection signal generated by the switching detection device can be transmitted via the wiring harness and connector to the electronic control unit of other restraint systems of the vehicle as an input signal for the controller logic.

6. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The wiring harness extends through an opening in the outer cover, which is located outside the mechanical side cover, to the outside of the outer cover.

7. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The wiring harness is at least partially fixed to the outer cover.

8. The seat belt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger disk includes a recess, wherein, When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in automatic locking retract mode, the first section is engaged in the recess; When the seatbelt retractor assembly is in emergency locking retract mode, the first section disengages from the recess.

9. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first section extends radially inward from the body of the driven member in the installed state.

10. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second section protrudes perpendicularly to the plane formed by the body of the follower and the first section.

11. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reduction mechanism is constructed as a planetary gear reduction mechanism with a small tooth difference. The planetary gear reduction mechanism with a small tooth difference includes an eccentric wheel as an input element, planetary gears as output elements, and a stationary gear ring disposed inside the mechanical side cover. The planetary gears are eccentrically supported by the eccentric wheel relative to the rotation axis of the tape winding shaft, and the planetary gears can mesh with the gear ring.

12. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that, The reduction ratio of the planetary gear reduction mechanism with small tooth difference is between 20:1 and 35:

1.

13. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that, The gear ring is connected to the mechanical side cover in a rotation-resistant manner.

14. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output element has a guide post, the trigger disk has a through opening, the guide post can extend into the through opening and can move freely between the two ends of the through opening.

15. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that, The through-hole is configured in a fan shape.

16. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that, The suppression device shown also includes a positioning wheel, which is arranged between the output element and the trigger disk. A through hole is provided in the positioning wheel, and the guide post can extend through the through hole of the positioning wheel into the through opening of the trigger disk.

17. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a locking disc, the locking disc having a stopping power that causes the tape reel to lock in the unwinding direction, wherein the locking disc has an outer toothed ring on its outer periphery as a locking element.

18. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical side cover is fixed to the bracket.

19. The seatbelt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seatbelt retractor assembly is located at the front passenger seat. The first detection signal can be used as a control signal input to the electronic control unit of other restraint systems and cause the electronic control unit to suppress the triggering of the front airbag corresponding to the front passenger seat.

20. A seat belt device for a motor vehicle, the seat belt device comprising webbing, characterized in that, The seat belt device includes a seat belt retractor assembly for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the retractor shaft of the seat belt retractor assembly is the retractor shaft of the webbing.

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