Tightening device for seat belt component

Abstract

The invention relates to a tightening device for a safety belt component, comprising: a gas generator (1) for generating a pressurized gas; a piston (2) which can be driven by the pressurized gas; a tensioning cable (3) which is connected to the piston (2) and which can be connected to the safety belt component (4) to be subjected to a tightening movement; a tightening tube (5) for receiving and guiding the piston (2); and a receiver (6) containing the gas generator (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tightening device for a seat belt component, which includes: a gas generator, which is used to generate pressurized gas; a piston, which can be driven by the pressurized gas; a tensioning cable, which is connected to the piston and can be connected to the seat belt component to be tightened; a tightening tube, which is used to receive and guide the piston; and a receiver, which accommodates the gas generator.

[0002] Such a tightening device is known, for example, from DE 10 2020 103 157 A1, in which a receptacle for a gas generator and a cable deflection outside the area exposed to the pressurized gas are formed as a single piece in the guide block. A tightening tube is arranged on the guide block, into which the pressurized gas generated by the gas generator enters when the tightening device is triggered, so that a piston arranged in the tightening tube is driven by the pressurized gas. On the side facing away from the tightening tube, the cable deflection formed as one piece in the guide block is shaped so that the tensioning cable can be led out of the guide block in a straight line (if necessary offset in parallel) in the direction of movement of the piston, or alternatively can also be deflected by 90° or more. In order to change the offset of the tensioning cable relative to the direction of movement of the piston or to change the deflection angle by such a design of the guide block, the deflection block must be completely redesigned.

[0003] Another tightening device is known from DE 10 2004 023 588 A1, in which the tensioning cable is attached to a seat belt component designed as a buckle by forming a loop. An expander is arranged to space the two strands of the cable forming the loop apart. The expander has a wedge, which enters the funnel-shaped inlet region of the deflection block at the end of the tightening process, wherein damping occurs by plastic deformation of the wedge. The damping associated with the deformation of the expansion element can reduce the forces acting on other components of the tightening device or on their connection to the motor vehicle. In this case, the extent to which the kinetic energy is absorbed by the expansion element can only be adjusted via the properties of the expansion element.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages described with respect to the prior art and in particular to provide a tightening device which can be more easily adapted to different requirements.

[0005] In order to achieve this object, it is particularly proposed that the tensioning device has a frame, which is arranged on the side facing away from the tensioning tube and through which the tensioning cable passes after it protrudes from the space of the seat belt component that can be acted upon by the pressurized gas. For example, the frame can be made of a metal plate, which in particular has been formed into a shape with a U-shaped cross section. The frame is particularly used to accommodate additional components of the tensioning device. In particular, components for cable deflection or cable guidance outside the space exposed to the pressurized gas are attached to the frame. Therefore, for different applications of the tensioning device, the frame can be designed in the same way, while the components for deflecting the tensioning cable can be adapted to different applications (for example, deflection by 90° or straight passage).

[0006] The receiver for the gas generator is arranged such that the pressurized gas generated by the gas generator enters the constriction tube and drives the piston there. Preferably, the receiver is arranged in the constriction tube.

[0007] Furthermore, a cable guide may be provided, through which the tensioning cable leaves the tightening tube. The cable guide is arranged in a suitable sealing manner in the tightening tube and preferably also provides a seal along the tensioning cable.

[0008] Preferably, both the receptacle for the gas generator and the cable guide are arranged completely in the constriction tube.

[0009] In order to fix the frame on the tightening tube, it can be provided that the frame can have an engagement section which is arranged in the tightening tube in the installed state. In this case, it can be provided in particular that the engagement section interacts with the cable guide in the installed state and additionally fixes the cable guide in the tightening tube. Thus, the cable guide and the engagement section of the frame are preferably fixed simultaneously by pressing the tightening tube.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the receiver and the cable guide for the gas generator are formed in one piece, wherein the receiver and the cable guide are arranged completely in the tightening tube.

[0011] Preferably, the tightening tube has a section of circular cross section, in which the piston is arranged and along which the piston is driven by the application of pressure. The tightening tube also has an area whose cross section deviates from the circular cross section. This area preferably has an elliptical cross section. The receiver and the cable guide are particularly arranged in the area of ​​the tightening tube whose cross section deviates from the circular cross section. The receiver for the gas generator is arranged and designed so that the pressurized gas generated by the gas generator is directly introduced into the tightening tube and can therefore directly reach the piston. In particular, the pressurized gas is introduced into the area of ​​the tightening tube where its cross-sectional design changes. Therefore, the pressurized gas is not introduced into the space defined by the cable deflection portion and is guided from there to the piston. This allows the pressurized gas to cool slightly before it comes into direct contact with the tensioning cable arranged in the tightening tube.

[0012] The object stated at the outset is achieved in particular by a tightening device having the features of independent claim 1. Further solutions and advantageous developments of the tightening device are given in the above and below description and in the dependent claims, wherein individual features of the advantageous developments can be combined with one another where technically expedient.

[0013] This object is achieved in particular by a tensioning device with the features mentioned at the outset, in which a tensioning cable extends through the frame on the side facing away from the tensioning tube, and a deformation element is formed on the end area of ​​the tensioning cable associated with the seat belt part, which deformation element enters the frame at the end of the tensioning process, and the frame is designed so that the frame is deformed by the entry of the deformation element into the frame.

[0014] In other words, the basic idea of ​​the invention provides that a deformation element is formed on the tensioning cable, which deformation element is accelerated together with the seat belt part during the tightening process. At least a part of the deformation element enters the frame at the end of the tightening process, wherein the frame is designed due to its geometry, material properties, arrangement, etc., such that the frame is deformed elastically and / or plastically, preferably at least plastically, due to the entry of the deformation element into the frame. Due to the deformation of the frame, the kinetic energy of the seat belt part is absorbed at the end of the tightening process, so that the forces acting on other components of the tightening device or on the attachment of the tightening device to the vehicle are significantly reduced. Since the kinetic energy is absorbed via the frame of the tightening device and therefore not (at least not only) via the deformation element, there is a greater energy absorption, or the technical possibilities for influencing the energy absorption are increased.

[0015] The seat belt component accelerated by the tensioning device may be, for example, a belt buckle or an end fitting for fastening the seat belt.

[0016] In order to enable the deformation element to enter the frame as defined, it can be provided that the deformation element has a circumferential design that tapers in the direction of the frame along the tensioning cable. For example, the deformation element can have a circular outer circumference, wherein the deformation element tapers in the direction of the frame. Thus, the deformation element can have the smallest outer diameter at its end facing the frame. It can also be provided that the outer circumference of the deformation element initially widens in the direction of the frame before it tapers. Thus, the deformation element is convex at least in sections.

[0017] In principle, it is possible to form the deformation element in one piece with the belt component or a component of the belt component.

[0018] However, preferably, the seat belt part is connected to the tensioning cable and the deformation element is attached to the tensioning cable and / or the seat belt part as a separate component. Thus, the seat belt part can be connected to the tensioning cable in a known manner and the deformation element is attached to the tensioning cable as an additional component.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the safety belt component is actively and / or non-actively connected to the end of the tensioning cable. In this case, the safety belt component is only attached to only one strand of the tensioning cable. Therefore, the tensioning cable is not designed in a loop shape for attaching the safety belt component.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the deformation element is attached as an overmolding to the tensioning cable and / or the seat belt component. In this context, it is preferred that the deformation element completely surrounds the tensioning cable. In particular, the overmolding surrounds only the tensioning cable (only one strand of the tensioning cable). Thus, the tensioning cable is surrounded by the overmolding in one section. In particular, in this case, it can be provided that the overmolding is directly connected to the attachment of the seat belt component to the tensioning cable.

[0021] In this context, it is particularly provided that the seat belt component is attached to an end of the tensioning cable via an attachment section and that the attachment section is connected to the tensioning cable by plastic deformation. In this case, the overmolding can be directly connected to the attachment section of the seat belt component, wherein the overmolding additionally seals the attachment section relative to the tensioning cable.

[0022] As an alternative to the overmolding, it can be provided that the deformation element is pressed, screwed and / or fastened in another way onto the tensioning cable and, if applicable, onto the attachment section of the belt component.

[0023] It can also be provided that the deformation element surrounds the attachment section of the belt component in sections. The deformation element accordingly forms a kind of grommet which surrounds the attachment section of the belt component or also the sleeve on the cable. This makes the transition from the tensioning cable to the belt component more rigid, whereby it becomes more difficult for the belt component to bend relative to the deformation element at the end of the tightening process. This can be provided in particular if the tensioning cable passes more or less straight through the frame.

[0024] The deformation element is produced in particular from plastic, aluminum or steel.

[0025] In order to be able to easily achieve an elastic and / or plastic deformation of the frame when the deformation element enters, it is preferably provided that the cross section of the frame is U-shaped. In this context, it is particularly provided that the frame is formed by a metal sheet that has been formed into a shape with a U-shaped cross-sectional design. In this case, it is particularly provided that the deformation element enters between the legs of the U-shaped cross-sectional design from the side opposite to the bottom of the U-shaped cross-sectional design. Alternatively, it can be provided that the deformation element enters between the legs of the U-shaped cross-sectional design parallel to the bottom of the U-shaped cross-sectional design. This depends in particular on whether the cable is deflected by 90° or whether the tensioning cable is guided through the tensioning device in a straight line or offset relative to a straight line.

[0026] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the frame has an entry design for the deformation element, which can be formed, for example, by the frame widening in the direction of the deformation element. For example, the end of the frame formed from sheet metal and having a U-shaped cross section facing the deformation element can be angled so that the deformation element, in particular a deformation element that tapers conically in the direction of the frame, is guided when entering the frame.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that an end cap is placed on the frame, which end cap is particularly composed of a metal sheet. Such an end cap is particularly attached parallel to the bottom of the U-shaped frame, wherein it can be provided in particular that the end cap surrounds the metal sheet not only on the inside but also on the outside. Such an end cap also deforms when the deformation element enters the frame, so that a further component is present, with which the degree of energy absorption can be adjusted. The end cap is particularly made of plastic.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the tightening device comprises a sheath, wherein the sheath surrounds the tensioning cable in the region arranged between the frame and the seat belt component. Thus, the sheath can support itself on one side of the frame and guide the tensioning cable to the seat belt component. Furthermore, the tensioning cable is correspondingly protected from external influences. The sheath can also at least partially surround the seat belt component. Thus, the sheath can also be used to align the seat belt component in the non-use state. In particular, the sheath also surrounds the deformation element in the initial state. The sheath can be designed in particular such that it is destroyed during the tightening process, wherein in particular the deformation element ensures that the sheath is destroyed during the tightening movement, for which purpose the outer circumference of the deformation element can be larger than the smallest inner circumference of the sheath in the region to which the tensioning cable extends in the initial state.

[0029] In order to fasten the frame to the tightening tube, it can be provided that the frame, which is formed in particular from a metal sheet, has an engagement section which is arranged in the tightening tube in the installed state, wherein it is preferably provided that the engagement section of the frame is fixed to the tightening tube by pressing the tightening tube. For this purpose, it can be provided in particular that the engagement section of the frame has a recess into which the material of the tightening tube is pressed when pressing. In this context, it can also be provided that other components of the tightening device are fixed in the tightening tube when the tightening tube is pressed. For example, a cable guide arranged in the tightening tube and / or a receiver for a gas generator arranged in the tightening tube can be fixed by pressing the tightening tube.

[0030] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the deflection element is arranged in a frame, and the tensioning cable rests on the deflection element during the tightening process, wherein the frame and the deformation element are designed so that the deformation element penetrates into the frame at the end of the no-load tightening process, at least reaching the deflection element, wherein the deformation element is preferably pulled at least partially along the deflection element and into the frame at the end of the no-load tightening process.

[0031] The deflection element can be mounted in the frame, in particular by means of a bushing, wherein the tensioning cable rests directly on the deflection element. The deflection element is preferably a separate component, which is respectively separate from the cable guide through which the tensioning cable is guided out of the tightening tube. Thus, the deflection element can be adapted to a specific application of the tightening device without having to change other components of the tightening device.

[0032] In order to deflect the tensioning cable, the deflection element has a deflection surface which is at least sectionally circular in cross section and against which the tensioning cable rests. The deflection element is particularly formed with a deflection surface which has a circular cross section of at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, and particularly preferably at least 180° on its outer circumferential surface. The deflection element is particularly arranged so that the tensioning cable rests on the deflection surface with its inner section in the region deformed by the deflection surface.

[0033] For storage in the frame, the deflection element has an in particular circular receptacle through which the bushing is guided. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the circular receptacle is arranged eccentrically with respect to the circular deflection surface of the deflection element, whereby the deflection element can be adapted more simply to different applications (linear passage of a tensioning cable or deflection of a tensioning cable). Different deflection elements can be used, depending on whether the tensioning cable is deflected by 90° or whether the tensioning cable is guided through the deflection element in a straight line or offset with respect to the direction of movement of the piston. In particular, the receptacle is arranged offset eccentrically with respect to the circular deflection surface.

[0034] The invention proposes that the frame and the deformation element are coordinated with one another so that during an unloaded tightening process without the involvement / use of a seat belt component, the deformation element penetrates into the frame at least as far as the deflection element and is preferably at least partially rolled into the frame along the deflection element. At the end of the tightening process, the interaction of the deformation element with the deflection element dissipates the remaining kinetic energy, wherein further deformation of the frame may also occur.

[0035] The present invention and the technical environment are explained exemplarily below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Schematically, in the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 : is a perspective view of the tightening device,

[0037] Figure 2 : This is an exploded view of the tightening device.

[0038] Figure 3 : is a cross-sectional view through the tightening device,

[0039] Figure 4 : is a perspective view of the end cap,

[0040] Figure 5 : is a perspective view of the deflection element,

[0041] Figure 6 : is a cross-sectional view through another embodiment of a tightening device having a straight cable channel,

[0042] Figure 7 :It is used according to Figure 6 Several designs of deformation elements of embodiments of the tightening device,

[0043] Figure 8 :It is along the basis Figures 1 to 3 A cross-sectional view of a tensioning cable between the frame of the tensioning device and the seat belt component passing through the tensioning device, and

[0044] Fig. 9 :It is used according to Figures 1 to 3 Several designs of the deformation element of the tightening device embodiment.

[0045] Figures 1 to 3 The tightening device shown in the figure comprises a tightening tube 5, in which the piston rod 2 is arranged in the installed state. The piston 2 is firmly connected to a tensioning cable 3 inserted into the tightening tube 5, which is connected to a safety component 4 on its other side for tightening movement.

[0046] The tightening device also comprises a component in which the cable guide 12 and the receptacle 6 for the gas generator 1 are formed. In the installed state, the component is arranged in the section of the tightening tube 5 having an oval cross section.

[0047] The tightening device further comprises a frame 7 which, in the mounted state, is arranged with an engagement section located within the tightening tube 5 .

[0048] The deflection element 9 is mounted in the frame 7 by means of bushings 10 which in the mounted state pass through the receptacles 9 . 2 of the deflection element 9 and are arranged on both sides of the deflection element 9 in corresponding openings of the frame 7 , which is U-shaped in cross section.

[0049] The tightening device also comprises an end cap 8 which is attached to the frame 7 from the side facing away from the tightening tube 5 .

[0050] If especially by Figure 4 It can be seen that the end cap 8 has several sections which are arranged in the frame 7 in the installed state.

[0051] Accordingly, the end cap 8 has a guide section 8 . 1 which is arranged in the frame in the installed state and is channel-shaped and has a curvature in the direction of the tensioning cable.

[0052] The end cap 8 also has an inner sealing section 8.2 which is arranged on the inner side of the frame 7 in the mounted state and abuts against the frame 7. At the same time, the outer sealing section 8.3 abuts against the outer side of the frame 7. By combining the inner sealing section 8.2 and the outer sealing section 8.3, the frame 7 is sealed on the side facing away from the tightening tube 5, so that the pressurized gas escaping from the cable guide 12 cannot escape from the front side of the frame 7, but is deflected.

[0053] Furthermore, the side surfaces of the groove-shaped guide section 8.1 are designed so that when the end cap 8 is inserted, they are pressed on both sides by the frame 7 onto the tensioning cable 3, thereby securing the tensioning cable 3 against accidental movement. Thus, the end cap 8 forms a securing section 8.4. However, the force imposed on the tensioning cable 3 by the securing section 8.4 is not so great that the tightening process is not hindered.

[0054] from Figure 5 It can be seen that the deflection element 9 has an outer surface, referred to as the deflection surface 9.1, which is Figure 3 The cross-section shown has a circular shape. The receptacle 9.2 for the bushing 10 is arranged eccentrically with respect to the deflection surface 9.1 and in particular offset towards the deflection surface 9.1.

[0055] The tightening device further comprises a plug element 11 via which a cable can be connected to the gas generator 1 . The outer contour of the plug element 11 is adapted to the outer contour of the deflection element 9.

[0056] Furthermore, the tightening device comprises a sheath 14 in which the tensioning cable 3 in the initial position extends from the frame 7 to the belt part 4. The belt part 4 has an attachment section 4.1 which is attached to the end of the tensioning cable 3 and is fixed there by pressing. Following the attachment section 4.1 is a deformation element 13 as a separate component which tapers from the attachment section 4.1 in the direction of the frame 7 (see in particular Figure 8 ). The deformation element 13 completely envelops the tensioning cable 3 and is applied as an overmolding. Figure 8 It can also be seen that the frame 7 , which is U-shaped in cross section, is angled outward at its upper end, so that an inlet design is formed for the deformation element 13 .

[0057] To start the tightening process, the gas generator 1 is ignited, whereby pressurized gas enters the section of the tightening tube 5 with a circular cross section and drives the piston 2 along the tightening tube 5. The driven piston 2 sets the belt part 4 into a tightening movement, wherein the tensioning cable 3 is deflected by the deflection element 9 and the guide section 8.1 of the end cap 8.

[0058] Although in Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the tensioning cable 3 is deflected by approximately 90°, but the tensioning device can also be adapted by exchanging a few parts so that the tensioning cable 3 leaves the frame 7 in a linear extension in the direction of movement of the piston 2 .

[0059] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment of , only the end cap 8 is replaced, wherein the guide section 8.1 will be designed as an opening through which the tensioning cable 3 protrudes. In order to achieve an optionally different deflection and / or alignment of the tensioning cable 3, the deflection element 9 can also be designed differently.

[0060] Figure 7 Shown is the Figure 6 The different designs of the deformation element 13 of the tightening device embodiment. Fig. 9 In the figure, the Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 8 Different designs of the deformation element 13 of the embodiment of the tightening device of FIG. It can be seen that the deformation element 13 tapers on its side facing the frame 7. In this regard, it can also be provided that the outer circumference is designed to be segmented concave, so that the outer circumference first widens towards the frame end and then tapers again. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the outer shape of the deformation element 13 has steps.

[0061] exist Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 8 In the embodiment of the invention, during the tightening process, the deformation element 13 and the belt part 4 designed as an end fitting are pulled through the housing 14, which destroys the housing. At the end of the tightening process, the deformation element 13 enters the frame 7, wherein the frame 7 is deformed elastically and plastically due to the conical expansion shape of the deformation element 13. The deformation of the frame 7 dissipates kinetic energy, so that the forces acting on the remaining parts and the fastening of the tightening device to the vehicle are reduced.

[0062] Therefore, the proposed tightening device can only be adapted for other applications by replacing individual components.

[0063] Reference numerals list

[0064] 1 Gas generator

[0065] 2 Piston

[0066] 3 Tension cables

[0067] 4 Seat belt components

[0068] 4.1 Attaching Sections

[0069] 5 Tighten the tube

[0070] 6 Receiver

[0071] 7 Framework

[0072] 8 End cap

[0073] 8.1 Boot Segment

[0074] 8.2 Inner sealing section

[0075] 8.3 External sealing section

[0076] 8.4 Fastening section

[0077] 9 Deflection element

[0078] 9.1 Deflection surfaces

[0079] 9.2 Bushing receiving area

[0080] 10 Bushing

[0081] 11 Plug element

[0082] 12 Cable guide

[0083] 13 Deformation element

[0084] 14 Sheath

Claims

1. A tightening device for a seat belt component, the tightening device comprising: - a gas generator (1) for generating pressurized gas, - a piston (2) which can be driven by the pressurized gas, a tensioning cable (3) connected to the piston (2) and to the belt part (4) to be subjected to the tightening movement, - a tensioner tube (5) for receiving and guiding the piston (2), and - a receiver (6) which accommodates the gas generator (1), It is characterized in that The tensioning cable (3) extends through the frame (7) on the side facing away from the tightening tube (5), and a deformation element (13) is formed on the end area of ​​the tensioning cable (3) associated with the safety belt part (4), the deformation element (13) entering the frame (7) at the end of the tightening process, and the frame (7) is designed so that the frame (7) is deformed due to the deformation element (7) entering the frame (7).

2. The tightening device according to claim 1, wherein the deformation element (13) has an outer circumference which tapers gradually along the tensioning cable (3) in the direction of the frame (7).

3. The tightening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seat belt component (4) is connected to the tensioning cable (3) and the deformation element (13) is attached as a separate component to the tensioning cable (3) and / or to the seat belt component (4).

4. The tightening device according to claim 3, wherein the belt component (4) is connected to one end of the tensioning cable (3) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, in particular by plastic deformation of the belt component (4).

5. The tightening device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the deformation element (13) is attached as an overmoulding to the tensioning cable (3) and / or the belt component (4).

6. The tightening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (7) has an entry design for the deformation element (13) which widens in particular towards the belt part (4).

7. Tightening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (7) is U-shaped in cross section.

8. Tightening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an end cap (8) is mounted on the frame (7).

9. A tightening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tightening device comprises a sheath (14), wherein the sheath (14) surrounds the tensioning cable (3) in the area between the frame (7) and the seat belt part (4) and at least partially surrounds the seat belt part (4).

10. The tightening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (7) has an engaging portion which is arranged inside the tensioner tube (5) in the installed state, wherein the engaging portion of the frame (7) is fixed to the tensioner tube (5) by pressing the tensioner tube (5).

11. A tightening device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a deflection element (9) is arranged in the frame (7), the tensioning cable (3) rests on the deflection element during the tightening process, wherein the frame (7) and the deformation element (13) are designed so that the deformation element (13) penetrates into the frame (7) at least to the deflection element (9) at the end of the no-load tightening process, wherein the deformation element (13) is preferably at least partially pulled along the deflection element (9) and enters the frame (7) at the end of the no-load tightening process.

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