Seat belt retractor with integrally formed frame

Abstract

A seat belt retractor ( 20 ) characterized by low mass and low operating noise, resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion comprising: an integrally formed, quadrilaterally shaped main body portion ( 24 ). In the preferred embodiment of the invention the frame is injection molded using 50% or greater long glass fiber plastic or die cast or injection molded metal. A spring housing wall and wall of a mechanism cover are also integrally formed in the sides of the retractor. Positioned within the spring housing wall is a spring coil guide, as well as an integrally formed anchor, which is used to hold the outer end of a rewind spring. The mechanism side of the frame further includes an integrally formed post or pin to pivotally support a locking pawl.

1 . A seat belt retractor ( 20 ) characterized by low operating noise, dust, corrosion and moisture resistance comprising: 
 an integrally formed frame having a quadrilaterally shaped main body ( 24 ) and at least one mounting member ( 60 ).    
     
     
         2 - 3 . (canceled)  
     
     
         4 . The retractor as defined in  claim 1  wherein the main body ( 24 ) includes integrally formed secondary features including: an integrally formed spring wall ( 140 ) for forming a spring cavity for receipt of a rewind spring ( 130 ).  
     
     
         5 . The retractor as defined in  claim 4  wherein the integrally formed secondary features further include an integrally formed mechanism housing wall ( 170 ).  
     
     
         6 . (canceled)  
     
     
         7 . The retractor as defined in  claim 4  wherein the secondary features include a pin integrally formed on a side of the frame, the pin adapted to rotationally support a lock pawl.  
     
     
         8 . The retractor as defined in  claim 7  wherein the pin is provided with a means for flexing in response to reaction forces generated through the lock pawl.  
     
     
         9 . The retractor as defined in  claim 8  wherein the frame includes a distributing structure to distribute pin reaction forces without the sides of the frame.  
     
     
         10 . The retractor as defined in  claim 9  wherein the distributing structure includes a strut ( 252 ) that links opposing frame sides and includes extending portions positioned below the lock pawl to receive the lock pawl as the pin deforms.  
     
     
         11 . The retractor as defined in  claim 1  wherein the lower mounting member ( 30 ) includes one of a hook and a cavity adapted to receive a mating member ( 98 ; 100 ) of a mounting surface.  
     
     
         12 . The retractor as defined in  claim 11  further including an upper mounting member adapted to be attached to another portion of the mounting surface.  
     
     
         13 . The retractor as defined in  claim 1  wherein the main body portion includes integrally formed sides and wherein the each side only includes one opening.  
     
     
         14 - 15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         16 . The retractor as defined in  claim 5  including a first and a second mechanism housing wall separated by a space ( 171 ) from the first mechanism housing wall.  
     
     
         17 . The retractor as defined in  claim 16  including acoustic insulation between the first and second mechanism housing walls.  
     
     
         18 - 26 . (canceled)  
     
     
         27 . A seat belt retractor ( 20 ) characterized by low operating noise, and increased dust, corrosion and moisture resistance comprising: 
 a one-piece frame having a quadrilaterally shaped main body ( 24 ) and at least one mounting member ( 60 ) and including a first and a second mechanism housing wall separated by a space ( 171 ) from the first mechanism housing wall; and    including acoustic insulation between the first and second mechanism housing walls.    
     
     
         28 . A seat belt retractor ( 20 ) characterized by low operating noise, and increased dust, corrosion and moisture resistance comprising: 
 a one-piece frame having a quadrilaterally shaped main body ( 24 ) and at least one mounting member ( 60 ) and including a first and a second mechanism housing wall separated by a space ( 171 ) from the first mechanism housing wall.