Retractor with a clamping mechanism

Abstract

In a retractor with a clamping mechanism, when a tension exceeding a predetermined value acting on a webbing in a vehicle emergency, a guide member moves in the webbing draw-out direction while plastically deforming a holding device, with the movement of a clamp member in the webbing draw-out direction. After the removal of the guide member, the guide member moves in the webbing draw-out direction while plastically deforming the holding device for preventing its movement. At the same time, the webbing is tightened on the winding shaft. Further, in an initial stage of holding the webbing by the clamping mechanism, the clamp member holds the webbing with all of clamp teeth formed on the clamp member, thereby preventing the draw-out of the webbing. When a tension acting on the webbing after the webbing is held exceeds a predetermined value, plastic deformation of the guide member for guiding the clamp member starts. The clamp member which holds the webbing moves along the webbing. Through the movement of these member, kinetic energy transferred from the occupant to the webbing is absorbed to thereby hold back an increase of the tensile force acting on the webbing.