Energy Absorbing Seat Belt Retractor

摘要

An energy absorbing seat belt retractor used with a seat belt assembly of a motor vehicle. The seat belt retractor includes a reel for winding and unwinding the seat belt and an elongated shaft, with the reel attached to the shaft. In one example, a movable disc is connected to and moves longitudinally along the shaft. At least one of the reel or movable disc includes a friction layer providing a friction surface such that when the movable disc is driven axially toward the real there is frictional engagement between the reel and movable disc that absorbs impact energy on the occupant and limits the load applied to the seat belt.

主权项

1. A seat belt assembly comprising:
a housing; a shaft rotatably supported in said housing; a reel connected to said shaft; a disc connected to said shaft; a clutch, said clutch connecting said disc to said housing; and one of said reel and said disc having a friction surface, said friction surface disposed between said reel and said disc.