Buckle assembly

Abstract

A buckle assembly (10) comprises a force-limiting module (20). The force-limiting module (20) comprises: a mandrel (21), which has a hollow structure and is rotatably supported at two axial ends; a torsion bar (22), which is positioned in a hollow inner cavity of the mandrel so as to be arranged coaxially with the mandrel, wherein only part of the torsion bar is connected to the mandrel in a co-rotatable manner; and a winding member (23) having one end connected to a buckle and the other end connected to the mandrel, wherein when a force applied to the buckle is greater than a force threshold defined by the force-limiting module, the torsion bar rotates together with the mandrel at only said part thereof to undergo torsional deformation, while the part of the winding member wound around the mandrel moves away from the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel as the mandrel rotates, so as to gradually unwind. The mandrel comprises a first end (2111) and a second end (2121) which are opposite in an axial direction, wherein the first end is torsionally connected to part of the torsion bar and is supported in an opening (2411) on a first side (24A) of a housing (24). A friction-reducing structure is disposed between the housing and at least one of the first end and the second end. By means of the provision of the friction-reducing structure, the buckle assembly has relatively high strength and relatively low wear.

Description

Locking assembly Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to safety devices for vehicles, and more specifically, to seat belt buckle assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] As a common safety device, seat belts restrain occupants during a vehicle collision to prevent them from secondary impacts with the steering wheel and dashboard, or to prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle and sustaining injuries or death. Seat belts used in vehicles are also known as seat belts and are a type of occupant restraint device. These seat belts are recognized as the cheapest and most effective safety device, and are mandatory in many countries.

[0003] Seat belts, secured by webbing pulled from a retractor, restrain occupants in their seats and protect them in the event of a collision. As a type of seat belt, in the event of a collision, when a horizontal acceleration exceeding a specified value occurs, an acceleration sensor detects this acceleration and activates the seat belt's locking mechanism, preventing it from being pulled out.

[0004] However, after a collision, if it is determined that the passenger is safe, for example, if the airbags have deployed, the seat belts will loosen appropriately to reduce the force on the passenger's chest, thereby improving passenger comfort while ensuring passenger safety.

[0005] The buckles intended to provide this function for seat belts are expected to have high strength and low wear. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a locking assembly that has high strength and low wear.

[0007] This invention provides a locking assembly, which includes...

[0008] The buckle, which engages with the latch to secure the seatbelt to the seat;

[0009] in,

[0010] The latch assembly also includes a force limiting module connected to the latch and used to limit a force threshold.

[0011] The force limiting module includes:

[0012] The mandrel has a hollow structure and is rotatably supported at both ends;

[0013] A torsion bar, positioned within the hollow cavity of the mandrel to be coaxially arranged with the mandrel, and only a portion of the torsion bar being rotatably connected to the mandrel, and

[0014] A winding member, one end of which is connected to the latch and the other end to the mandrel, and when the force on the latch exceeds the force threshold defined by the force limiting module, the torsion bar rotates with the mandrel at only a portion of its length, undergoing torsional deformation. Simultaneously, the portion of the winding member wound around the mandrel gradually unwinds as the mandrel rotates, moving away from the outer circumference of the mandrel. This allows the latch to move, increasing the distance between it and the force limiting module.

[0015] The mandrel includes a first end and a second end that are axially opposed, the first end being torsionally connected to a portion of the torsion bar and supported in an opening on a first side of the housing; and,

[0016] It also includes a friction-reducing structure disposed between at least one of the first end and the second end and the housing.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the friction-reducing structure includes a first friction-reducing structure disposed between the first end and the housing. The first friction-reducing structure includes an outer peripheral profile surface of the first end and an inner peripheral profile surface of the opening. Furthermore, the outer peripheral profile surface and the inner peripheral profile surface only partially contact each other in the circumferential direction of the mandrel.

[0018] And / or,

[0019] The second end of the mandrel is supported on the inner sidewall of the housing, and the friction-reducing structure includes a first friction-reducing structure disposed between the second end and the housing. The first friction-reducing structure includes an outer peripheral contour surface of the second end and an inner peripheral contour surface of the inner sidewall, and the outer peripheral contour surface and the inner peripheral contour surface only partially contact each other in the circumferential direction of the mandrel.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral contour surface of the first end is constructed as a cylindrical surface, and the inner peripheral contour surface of the opening includes a plurality of arc segments spliced ​​together with different curvatures, and the arc segment with the largest curvature among the plurality of arc segments is adapted to the outer peripheral contour surface of the first end of the mandrel.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the friction-reducing structure includes a second friction-reducing structure disposed between the second end and the housing, wherein the second end of the spindle is positioned inside the housing and its end face abuts against a second side in the housing opposite to the first side, and the second friction-reducing structure is disposed on the end face of the second end and / or the second side to space the second end and the second side apart.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one end of the torsion bar is torsionally connected to the first end of the mandrel, and the other end of the torsion bar is rotatably supported on the second side of the housing; and,

[0023] The second side includes a through-hole type fitting portion that engages with the end of the torsion bar, and includes a flange located on the inner side of the housing.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second friction-reducing structure includes friction-reducing ribs disposed on the end face of the second end, and the plurality of friction-reducing ribs are arranged around the mating portion.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mandrel includes a first segment and a second segment distributed in an axial direction, the first segment having a smaller radial dimension than the second segment and being supported in the opening on the first side, and the end face of the stepped portion between the second segment and the first segment abutting against the first side.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. One of the first housing portion and the second housing portion is provided with a claw extending axially along the mandrel, and the other is provided with a slot portion extending through in the thickness direction. The claw extends into the slot portion and has a bent portion that is wider than the width of the slot portion.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first housing portion is configured as a plate, and the second housing portion is configured as a cover, a plurality of said claws are disposed at the ends of the circumferential sidewalls of the second housing portion, and a plurality of said slot portions corresponding to the plurality of said claws are disposed on the first housing portion.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are further provided with corresponding through holes, and the fastener passes through the through holes to fix the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mandrel includes a channel portion located inside its outer peripheral surface, the channel portion being disposed on the second segment, and including a first opening portion and a second opening portion extending from the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel to the inner peripheral surface.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a guide member is further provided at the first opening, which protrudes radially from the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel, and a stop member is provided at the second opening, which is connected to the end of the winding member. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The features, advantages, and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same symbols denote the same elements, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 schematically shows a locking assembly in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the latch assembly in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 schematically shows some components of the latch assembly in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 schematically shows a component of a locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 schematically illustrates another component in the locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 6(a)-6(c) schematically illustrate another component in the locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following describes specific embodiments of the locking assembly according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings below are provided to exemplify the principles of the invention. The invention is not limited to the described preferred embodiments; the various embodiments described can be used individually or in any combination. The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0039] Furthermore, spatially related terms (such as "up," "down," "left," and "right") are used to describe the relative positional relationship between elements shown in the accompanying drawings and other elements. Therefore, spatially related terms can be applied to directions different from those shown in the accompanying drawings. Clearly, while all these spatially related terms refer to the directions shown in the accompanying drawings for ease of explanation, those skilled in the art will understand that directions different from those shown in the accompanying drawings can be used.

[0040] Figure 1 schematically shows a locking assembly in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the latch assembly in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the present invention provides a locking assembly 1, which includes a locking buckle 10 and a force limiting module 20. The locking buckle 10 is used to cooperate with a locking tongue (not shown) to secure the seat belt to the seat. Normally, the locking tongue can be inserted into the locking buckle 10 from the open end of the locking buckle 10 and thereby locked in the locking buckle 10. The seat belt connected to the locking tongue is also thereby secured to the locking buckle 10. Force limiting module 20 is connected to buckle 10 and is used to limit the force threshold. It should be noted that the term "force threshold" in this document is used to evaluate the force on buckle 10 and determine whether buckle 10 moves under the action of the force. When buckle 10 is not subjected to force or the force is less than the force threshold limited by force limiting module 20, buckle 10 is in a certain position relative to force limiting module 20, as shown in Figure 1. However, when buckle 10 is subjected to a larger force than the force threshold, buckle 10 is in another position relative to force limiting module 20. In this other position, the distance between buckle 10 and force limiting module 20 is increased compared to Figure 1. In other words, in this other position, the restraint of the seat belt on the passenger is reduced due to the displacement of buckle 10, and the force exerted by the seat belt on the passenger's chest is reduced, thereby avoiding the seat belt being too tight and injuring the passenger and improving passenger comfort.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the force-limiting module 20 of the locking assembly 1 of the present invention includes a spindle 21, a torsion bar 22, and a winding member 23. The above-mentioned components in this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0044] The mandrel 21 has a hollow structure, and the torsion bar 22 is positioned in the hollow cavity of the mandrel 21 and arranged coaxially with the mandrel 21. A winding member 23 is partially wound around the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel 21 and connected to the latch 10. For this purpose, the winding member 23 is configured to have a lower portion with a generally concentrically arranged annular ring, as shown in FIG. 2, and an upper portion with an inverted U-shape. The lower portion of the annular ring is used to wind around the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel 21, and the upper portion is used to fix it to the latch 10. It can be understood that, in the case shown in FIG. 1, when the force on the latch 10 exceeds a force threshold, since the winding member 23 is fixed to the latch 10 at its upper portion, the portion of the winding member 23 wound around the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel 21 is pulled and gradually unwound from the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel 21 under the action of this force. Simultaneously, the mandrel 21 rotates as the wound portion unwound under the action of friction between its outer circumferential surface and the wound portion of the winding member 23.

[0045] Returning to Figure 1, the locking assembly 1 may further include a housing 24, which houses the spindle 21 and the torsion bar 22, as well as a portion of the winding member 23. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a fixing hole 2414 (see Figure 3) may be provided on the lower side of the housing 24. This fixing hole 2414, combined with a fixing bolt, allows the force limiting module 20 to be fixed to a predetermined position on the vehicle seat, for example, the seat cushion. A second side 24B of the housing 24 is used to fix one end of the torsion bar 22. For example, this end of the torsion bar 22 is configured to have an external spline portion, and the second side 24B of the housing 24 is provided with an internal spline portion that mates with the external spline portion. It is understood that the housing 24 is configured not to rotate with the spindle 21, and thus, the end of the torsion bar 22 that is splinedly connected to the housing 24 is also configured not to rotate with the spindle 21.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, in the orientation of the locking assembly 1, the second end 2121 of the spindle 21 (see Figure 6(b)) is rotatably supported on the second side 24B of the housing 24, and the first end 2111 of the spindle 21 is rotatably supported on the first side 24A of the housing 24. Furthermore, the other end of the torsion bar 22 (the right end in Figure 1) is also configured to have an external spline portion, and an internal spline portion that mates with the external spline portion is provided on the inner surface of the first end 2111 of the spindle 21. The torsion bar 22 is connected to the spindle 21 at this other end via a spline connection so that it can rotate together with the spindle 21 at this other end.

[0047] Of course, this is merely an example. As an alternative example where the right end of the torsion bar can rotate together with the mandrel, or as an additional configuration besides this arrangement, the torsion bar can also be rotatably connected to the mandrel at any position between its two ends. It is understood that if the force on the latch 10 causes the wound portion of the winding member 23 to be pulled and gradually unwound away from the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel 21, the mandrel 21 will rotate as the wound portion unwound under the action of friction between its outer circumferential surface and the wound portion of the winding member 23. Moreover, when the mandrel 21 rotates, one end of the torsion bar 22 will also rotate with the mandrel 21, while the other end of the torsion bar 22 is fixed, thus causing torsional deformation of the torsion bar 22. In other words, the force on the latch 10 needs to be at least sufficient to cause torsional deformation of the torsion bar 22; that is, the force limiting module 20 sets its force threshold at least through the torsion bar 22.

[0048] Figure 3 schematically shows some components of the latch assembly in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 schematically shows one component of the latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 schematically shows another component of the latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6(a)-6(b) schematically show yet another component of the latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with Figures 3-5 and Figures 6(a)-6(c).

[0049] As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the housing 24 includes a first housing portion 241 and a second housing portion 242. Figure 3 shows the first housing portion 241 and the second housing portion 242 in an assembled state, which together define a receiving space for accommodating the mandrel 21 and the torsion bar 22.

[0050] In one example, the first housing portion 241 is constructed as a plate; and the second housing portion 242 is constructed as a cover, as shown in FIG5. The second housing portion 242 has an end sidewall and a circumferential sidewall, the circumferential sidewall extending along the edge in the circumferential direction of the end sidewall. Therefore, the second housing portion 242 is generally a barrel shape with one open end. It should be noted that an opening for the winding member 23 to pass through is provided on the circumferential sidewall of the second housing portion 242. In addition, a plurality of claws 2422 are provided at the ends of the circumferential sidewalls of the second housing portion 242. Correspondingly, the first housing portion 241 is provided with a plurality of slots 2412, which extend along the entire thickness direction of the first housing portion 241 and thus serve as through slots. The plurality of slots 2412 correspond to the plurality of claws 2422. In other words, the shapes and numbers of the multiple slots 2412 correspond one-to-one with the multiple claws 2422, but the length and width of the slots 2412 are slightly larger than the length and width of the claws 2422, so that the claws 2422 can smoothly pass through the corresponding slots 2412. It can be clearly observed that the multiple claws 2422 are spaced apart at the ends of the circumferential sidewalls of the second housing portion 242, and the circumferential dimensions of the multiple claws 2422 are different from each other, so correspondingly, the lengths of the multiple slots 2412 are also different from each other. When the first housing portion 241 and the second housing portion 242 need to be assembled together, the plurality of claws 2422 of the second housing portion 242 are passed through the corresponding slot portions 2412. Then, the end of each claw 2422 is bent so that after passing through the corresponding slot portion 2412, the claw 2422 has a bent portion 2422A (see Figure 3). Thus, the width of the U-shaped claw 2422 at the bent portion 2422A, that is, its radial dimension, is greater than the width of the slot portion 2412, preventing the claw 2422 from exiting the slot portion 2412 back and causing the first housing portion 241 and the second housing portion 242 to separate. Therefore, this helps to improve the connection strength between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Of course, this is merely an example, and the connection method between the first housing portion and the second housing portion is not limited to this. For example, the first housing portion may be provided with the aforementioned claws, and the second housing portion may be provided with slot portions corresponding to the claws.

[0051] In addition to the aforementioned connection method where the claws and slots engage, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are also provided with corresponding through holes 2413. In one example, two through holes 2413 are provided, and the two through holes 2413 are of different sizes. After the rivet passes through the corresponding through hole 2413, the first housing portion 241 and the second housing portion 242 are riveted together. Of course, the fasteners used to fix the first housing portion 241 and the second housing portion 242 through the through holes 2413 are not limited to rivets; for example, they can also be bolts or other forms of fasteners.

[0052] As shown in Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c), the mandrel 21 is a cylindrical component and includes a first end 2111 and a second end 2121 that are axially opposite each other. The first end 2111 is provided with an inner spline portion 21C, which engages with an outer spline portion provided on a torsion bar 22. The outer spline portion is provided, for example, at the end of the torsion bar 22. Thus, the mandrel 21 is torsionally connected to a portion of the torsion bar 22 at the first end 2111 and is supported in the opening 2411 of the first housing portion 241. The second end 2121 of the mandrel 21 is supported on the inner wall 2423 of the second housing portion 242.

[0053] Considering that the spindle 21 rotates relative to the housing 24, in order to reduce the friction between the spindle 21 and the housing 24, and thereby reduce the adverse effect of the friction on the strength of the force limiting module, in the locking assembly of the present invention, the force limiting module 20 further includes a friction-reducing structure for reducing the friction between the spindle 21 and the housing 24. This friction-reducing structure is disposed between the first end 2111 of the spindle 21 and the housing 24, and / or between the second end 2121 of the spindle 21 and the housing 24. This will be described in detail below.

[0054] The friction-reducing structure may include a first friction-reducing structure disposed between a first end 2111 of the spindle 21 and a first housing portion 241, and including an outer peripheral contour surface 211A of the first end 2111 and an inner peripheral contour surface 2411A of the opening 2411 of the first housing portion 241. The spindle 21 is supported at its outer peripheral contour surface 211A on the inner peripheral contour surface 2411A of the opening 2411, and when the spindle 21 rotates under the action of the winding member 23, since the first housing portion 241 does not rotate, the spindle 21 and the first housing portion 241 rotate relative to each other. In this case, friction occurs at the outer peripheral contour surface 211A of the spindle 21 and the inner peripheral contour surface 2411A of the first housing portion 241. In the force-limiting module 20 of the present invention, the outer peripheral contour surface 211A of the spindle 21 and the inner peripheral contour surface 2411A of the opening 2411 only partially contact each other in the circumferential direction of the spindle 21. Therefore, as an example, the outer peripheral contour surface 211A of the first end 2111 is constructed as a cylindrical surface, and the inner peripheral contour surface 2411A of the opening 2411 includes multiple arcuate segments with different curvatures, which are joined together to form a complete but irregular ring. Thus, in the force-limiting module of the present invention, the arcuate segment with the largest curvature among the multiple arcuate segments is adapted to the outer peripheral contour surface of the first end 211A of the mandrel 21; in other words, the arcuate segment with the largest curvature contacts the outer peripheral contour surface 211A of the mandrel 21, while the arcuate segments with other curvatures are essentially not in contact with the outer peripheral contour surface 211A of the mandrel 21. It can be understood that this non-full circumferential contact between the outer peripheral contour surface 211A of the mandrel 21 and the inner peripheral contour surface 2411A of the opening 2411 reduces the contact area between the mandrel 21 and the opening 2411, thereby reducing friction on their circumferential sides. Furthermore, the mandrel 21 has a segmented structure in its axial direction. Specifically, the mandrel 21 includes a first segment 211 and a second segment 212 distributed in the axial direction. The first segment 211 has a smaller radial dimension than the second segment 212 and is supported in the opening 2411 of the first housing portion 241. Thus, the circumferential side of the segment with the smaller radial dimension contacts the opening 2411 of the first housing portion 241, which further reduces the contact area between the mandrel 21 and the opening 2411. At the same time, a stepped portion 213 is provided between the second segment 212 and the first segment 211. The stepped portion 213 acts as an axial limiting member of the mandrel 21 and abuts against the first housing portion 241. Specifically, the end face of the stepped portion 213 abuts against the first housing portion 241. It is understood that the step portion 213 has a roughly annular shape, so the contact between the step portion 213 and the first housing portion 241 at the end face is small, which reduces the friction between the spindle 21 and the first housing portion 241 at the end face.

[0055] Furthermore, a first friction-reducing structure is further disposed between the second end 2121 of the mandrel 21 and the second housing portion 242. In this case, similarly, the first friction-reducing structure includes the outer peripheral profile surface 212A of the second end 2121 and the inner peripheral profile surface 2423A of the inner sidewall 2423 of the second housing portion 242. The second segment 212 of the mandrel 21 is supported at its outer peripheral profile surface 212A on the inner peripheral profile surface 2423A of the inner sidewall 2423. When the mandrel 21 rotates under the action of the winding member 23, since the second housing portion 242 does not rotate, the mandrel 21 and the second housing portion 242 rotate relative to each other. In this case, friction occurs at the outer peripheral profile surface 212A of the mandrel 21 and the inner peripheral profile surface 2423A of the second housing portion 242. In the force limiting module 20 of the present invention, the outer peripheral contour surface 212A of the second end 2121 of the mandrel 21 and the inner peripheral contour surface 2423A of the inner sidewall 2423 only partially contact each other in the circumferential direction of the mandrel 21. Therefore, the outer peripheral contour surface 212A of the second end 2121 is constructed as a cylindrical surface, and the inner peripheral contour surface 2423A includes multiple arcuate segments with different curvatures, which are joined together to form a complete but irregular ring. Thus, in the force limiting module of the present invention, the arcuate segment with the largest curvature among the multiple arcuate segments is adapted to the outer peripheral contour surface 212A of the mandrel 21; in other words, the arcuate segment with the largest curvature contacts the outer peripheral contour surface 212A of the mandrel 21, while the arcuate segments with other curvatures are essentially not in contact with the outer peripheral contour surface 212A of the mandrel 21. It is understandable that this non-full circumferential contact between the outer circumferential contour surface 212A and the inner circumferential contour surface 2423A of the spindle 21 reduces the contact area between the spindle 21 and the inner sidewall 2423 of the second housing portion 242, thereby reducing the friction between the two on the circumferential side.

[0056] Of course, the first friction-reducing structure is not limited to the above example. It can be any structure where the circumferential contact between the mandrel and the housing is not a full circumferential contact. For example, the outer circumferential profile of the mandrel can be an irregular annular surface, and correspondingly, the profile of the section of the housing that contacts the mandrel can be a cylindrical surface.

[0057] Furthermore, the friction-reducing structure may also include a second friction-reducing structure, which is disposed between the second end 2121 of the spindle 21 and the second housing portion 242. The second end 2121 of the spindle 21 is positioned inside the second housing portion 242, and its end face abuts against the second side of the second housing portion 242. When the spindle 21 rotates under the action of the winding member 23, since the second housing portion 242 does not rotate, the spindle 21 and the second housing portion 242 rotate relative to each other. In this case, friction occurs at the end face of the second end 2121 of the spindle 21 and at the end of the second housing portion 242. In the force-limiting module 20 of the present invention, the outer peripheral contour surface 212A of the second end 2121 of the spindle 21 and the inner peripheral contour surface 2423A of the inner sidewall 2423 only partially contact each other in the circumferential direction of the spindle 21. Therefore, the second friction-reducing structure is provided on the end face of the second end 2121 of the mandrel 21 to separate the second end 2121 of the mandrel 21 and the second housing portion 242. In one example, the second friction-reducing structure includes friction-reducing ribs 214 provided on the end face of the second end 2121, and a plurality of friction-reducing ribs 214 are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a ring. Of course, the second friction-reducing structure can also be provided on the second side of the second housing portion 242 (i.e., 24B in FIG. 1). It can be understood that the end face of the second segment 212 of the mandrel 21 only contacts the end of the second housing portion 242 at the friction-reducing ribs 214; therefore, the contact area is small, which reduces the frictional force between the mandrel 21 and the second housing portion 242 on the end face.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, a mating portion 2421 resembling an internal spline is provided on the end side of the second housing portion 242. This internal spline mates with the external spline at the end of the torsion bar 22, thereby fixing the second housing portion 242 and the torsion bar 22 together. Additionally, a flange 2421A is provided inside the second housing portion 242. This flange 2421A increases the axial thickness of the internal spline portion 2421 on the mandrel 21 without increasing the overall thickness of the end side of the second housing portion 242. This design enhances the connection strength between the second housing portion and the mandrel.

[0059] To connect with the winding member 23, as shown in FIG6(a), the mandrel 21 includes a channel portion located inside its outer peripheral surface, and this channel portion is disposed on the second segment 212 for accommodating a portion of the winding member 23. Specifically, the channel portion includes a first opening 21A and a second opening 21B, which extend from the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel 21 to the inner peripheral surface. Referring to FIG2, the end of the winding member 23 enters the interior of the mandrel 21 through the first opening 21A and exits through the second opening 21B. At this time, a stop 26 is fixed to the end of the winding member 23 to prevent it from retracting back into the interior of the mandrel 21, thereby connecting the winding member 23 to the mandrel 21. As an example, the stop 26 is configured to be fixed to the end of the winding member 23 in the form of an expanded end. Since the size of the expanded end is larger than the size of the second opening 21B, it cannot pass through the second opening 21B back into the interior of the mandrel 21. In addition, a guide 25 is provided, which is located at the edge of the first opening 21A and protrudes radially from the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel 21 to guide the winding member 23 to extend from the mandrel 21 toward the latch along the direction defined by the guide 25.

[0060] As mentioned above, although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A locking assembly (1), comprising: A buckle (10) is used to engage with a latch to secure the seatbelt to the seat; Its features are, The latch assembly (1) further includes a force limiting module (20) connected to the latch (10) and used to limit a force threshold. The force limiting module (20) includes: The mandrel (21) has a hollow structure and is rotatably supported at both ends; A torsion bar (22) is positioned within the hollow cavity of the mandrel (21) and arranged coaxially with the mandrel (21), and only a portion of the torsion bar (22) is connected to the mandrel (21) in a manner that allows it to rotate together with the mandrel. A winding member (23) is connected at one end to the latch (10) and at the other end to the mandrel (21). When the force on the latch (10) exceeds the force threshold defined by the force limiting module (20), the torsion bar (22) rotates with the mandrel (21) at only a portion of its length, causing torsional deformation. Simultaneously, the portion of the winding member (23) wound around the mandrel (21) gradually unfolds as the mandrel (21) rotates, moving away from the outer circumference of the mandrel (21). This allows the latch (10) to move, increasing the distance between it and the force limiting module (20). The mandrel (21) includes a first end (2111) and a second end (2121) opposite each other in the axial direction. The first end (2111) is torsionally connected to a portion of the torsion bar (22) and is supported in an opening (2411) on a first side (24A) of the housing (24); and, It also includes a friction-reducing structure disposed between at least one of the first end (2111) and the second end (2121) and the housing (24).

2. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The friction-reducing structure includes a first friction-reducing structure disposed between the first end (2111) and the housing (24). The first friction-reducing structure includes an outer peripheral contour surface (211A) of the first end (2111) and an inner peripheral contour surface (2411A) of the opening (2411). The outer peripheral contour surface (211A) and the inner peripheral contour surface (2411A) only partially contact each other in the circumferential direction of the mandrel (21). And / or, The second end (2121) of the mandrel (21) is supported on the inner wall (2423) of the housing (24), and the friction reduction structure includes a first friction reduction structure disposed between the second end (2121) and the housing (24). The first friction reduction structure includes the outer peripheral contour surface (212A) of the second end (2121) and the inner peripheral contour surface (2423A) of the inner wall (2423). The outer peripheral contour surface (212A) and the inner peripheral contour surface (2423A) only partially contact each other in the circumferential direction of the mandrel (21).

3. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The outer peripheral contour surface (211A) of the first end (2111) is constructed as a cylindrical surface, and the inner peripheral contour surface (2411A) of the opening (2411) includes a plurality of arc segments spliced ​​together with different curvatures, and the arc segment with the largest curvature among the plurality of arc segments is adapted to the outer peripheral contour surface of the first end (2111) of the mandrel (21).

4. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The friction-reducing structure includes a second friction-reducing structure disposed between the second end (2121) and the housing (24). The second end (2121) of the spindle (21) is positioned inside the housing (24), and its end face abuts against a second side (24B) in the housing (24) opposite to the first side (24A). The second friction-reducing structure is disposed on the end face of the second end (2121) and / or the second side (24B) to space the second end (2121) and the second side (24B).

5. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein, One end of the torsion bar (22) is torsionally connected to the first end (2111) of the spindle (21), and the other end of the torsion bar (22) is rotatably supported on the second side (24B) of the housing (24); as well as ， The second side (24B) includes a through-hole type fitting part (2421) that engages with the end of the torsion bar (22), and includes a flange (2421A) located on the inner side of the housing (24).

6. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The second friction-reducing structure includes friction-reducing ribs (214) disposed on the end face of the second end (2121), and the plurality of friction-reducing ribs (214) are arranged around the mating part (2421).

7. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The mandrel (21) includes a first segment (211) and a second segment (212) distributed in the axial direction. The first segment (211) has a smaller radial dimension than the second segment (212) and is supported in the opening (2411) on the first side (24A). The end face of the step portion (213) between the second segment (212) and the first segment (211) abuts against the first side (24A).

8. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (24) includes a first housing portion (241) and a second housing portion (242). One of the first housing portion (241) and the second housing portion (242) is provided with a claw (2422) extending axially along the mandrel (21), and the other is provided with a slot portion (2412) extending through in the thickness direction. The claw (2422) extends into the slot portion (2412) and has a bent portion (2422A) that is wider than the width of the slot portion (2412).

9. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The first housing portion (241) is constructed as a plate, and the second housing portion (242) is constructed as a cover. A plurality of said claws (2422) are provided at the ends of the circumferential sidewalls of the second housing portion (242), and a plurality of said slot portions (2412) corresponding to the plurality of said claws (2422) are provided on the first housing portion (241).

10. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The first housing portion (241) and the second housing portion (242) are also provided with corresponding through holes (2413), and the fastener passes through the through holes (2413) to fix the first housing portion (241) and the second housing portion (242).

11. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The mandrel (21) includes a channel portion located inside its outer peripheral surface, the channel portion being disposed on the second section (212), and including a first opening portion (21A) and a second opening portion (21B) extending from the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel (21) to the inner peripheral surface.

12. The locking assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The first opening (21A) is also provided with a guide (25) that protrudes radially from the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel (21), and the second opening (21B) is provided with a stop (26) connected to the end of the winding member (23).

Images