Pawl actuator for dual reel retractor

Abstract

A single inertia sensing pendulum is employed to operate a transfer link which in turn provides sequential or simultaneous actuation of first and second pawls associated respectively with the ratchet plates carried by first and second reels. A mounting end of the transfer link is mounted by a trunnion arrangement which permits both pivotal movement about the mounting end and rolling movement about the longitudinal axis of the transfer link. An operating end of the transfer link has first and second abutment portions spaced each side of the longitudinal axis for respective engagement with the first and second pawls. The inertia sensoring pendulum engages the transfer link intermediate the mounting end and the operating end and pivotally raises the transfer link in response to vehicle deceleration. The transfer link may roll simultaneous with pivoting movement to sequentially engage the first pawl with a tooth of the first reel ratchet plate while the second pawl is blocked by a tip-to-tip blocking alignment between the second reel ratchet plate and the second pawl. A subsequent slight unwinding rotation of the second reel then unblocks the second pawl to permit a counter rolling movement of the transfer link by the pendulum to engage the second pawl with the second reel ratchet plate. If the ratchet plates are rotating in phase with one another, the transfer link may pivot without rolling movement to simultaneously engage both locking pawls.