Decoupling mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a decoupling mechanism (120) for two parts (124, 126) that are releasably connected to each other. The decoupling mechanism (120) comprises at least a decoupling module (128) with a locking element (130) which releasably connects the two parts (124, 126) to each other and which has a locking handle (132), characterized in that the decoupling module (128) comprises a locking housing (134) with a guide space (136) in which the locking element (130) is movably mounted and in the connected state (200) of the two parts (124, 126), the locking handle (132) is locked by the locking housing (134). A locking element (130) which is preloaded by an energy accumulator (138) in order to lock the two parts (124, 126) to each other, the guide space (136) having an opening (144) for a shank end (142) of the locking element (130) in the housing bottom (140); the handle end (142) protrudes at least partially from the locking housing (134) through the opening in the connected state (200) in order to lock the two components (124, 126) to each other; and wherein the locking housing (134) has a receiving space (146) for the drive unit (148), which receiving space is coupled to the guide space (136), or the drive unit (148) is movably coupled directly or indirectly to the locking element (130) in order to apply pressure to the locking element (130) when the drive unit (148) is triggered or actuated, and wherein the locking housing (134) has a receiving space (146) for the drive unit (148), which receiving space is coupled to the guide space (136). In this way, the locking element (130) is moved in an accelerated manner into the guide space (136) and the two parts (124, 126) are decoupled from each other.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a decoupling mechanism for two releasably connected components and to a vehicle seat having such a decoupling mechanism. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Fastening devices for releasably fastening elements to components fixed to a vehicle are known from DE 10 2009 033 721 B4 and DE 10 2011 014 869 A1.

[0003] OBJECT

[0004] It is an object of the invention to improve a decoupling mechanism of the type mentioned at the outset, which is in particular also able to decouple in a loaded state, and to provide a corresponding vehicle seat having such an improved decoupling mechanism.

[0005] SOLUTION

[0006] According to the invention, the first object mentioned above is achieved by a decoupling mechanism having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the second object mentioned above is achieved by a vehicle seat having the features of claim 10.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] The decoupling mechanism according to the invention for two releasably connected components, for example for decoupling a partial module from a whole module or for decoupling a component from a component fixed to a vehicle, comprises at least one decoupling module having a locking element, which releasably connects the two components to one another and has a locking handle. The decoupling module can comprise a locking housing having an inner guide space in which the locking element is movably mounted and which, in the connected state of the two components, is preloaded by an accumulator in order to lock the two components to one another, wherein the guide space has an opening for the handle end of the locking element in the housing bottom, through which the handle end at least partially protrudes from the locking housing in the connected state of the two components in order to lock the two components to one another, and wherein the locking housing has a receiving space for a drive unit, for example a pusher unit or a gas generation unit, which is coupled to the guide space or which is directly or indirectly movably coupled to the locking element in order to exert a pressure on the locking element when the drive unit, in particular the pusher unit or the gas generation unit, is triggered or actuated, so that the locking element moves into the guide space in an accelerated manner and decouples or separates the two components from one another.

[0009] For example, the guide space of the drive unit, which is designed as a gas generating unit, can be fluidically coupled to the receiving space of the gas generating unit. Thus, the locking element can be pressurized with gas and a particularly quick decoupling of the two components can be achieved. The locking element, also referred to as pusher element, can be supported, for example, so as to slide in the guide space. This allows a quick and safe execution of the decoupling of the two components.

[0010] The locking element can be designed, for example, as a locking bolt, a locking pin, a locking split pin or a locking piston. Furthermore, the locking element can be chamfered, for example, at the free shank end. This allows the locking element to be easily inserted into its locking position on the component.

[0011] The locking element can have a collar, in particular a ring collar, a ring disk or the like. The collar can have, for example, an outer circumference which is complementary to the inner circumference of the guide space. In particular, the outer collar, in particular the outer side thereof, representing the outer circumference, is provided with a sliding layer or is formed from a sliding material, in particular a corresponding low-friction material.

[0012] For example, the collar can have a greater diameter than the locking shank. The collar can be arranged such that, when the drive unit, in particular the pusher unit or the gas generating unit, is actuated or triggered, the collar can be pressurized such that the locking element can be moved into the locking module in an accelerated manner. In this case, the shank end is pulled out of its locking position in the two components and the two components are decoupled, released or separated from one another.

[0013] The energy store can be designed, for example, as a spiral spring. The energy store has a predetermined contact force which presses against the collar in the locking position, also referred to as rest position or initial position or locking position, of the locking element and holds the locking element in its locking position in which the two components are connected to one another by means of the locking element. The energy store can be supported or fastened, for example, at one end to the collar and at the other end to the housing cover opposite the opening.

[0014] The gas generating unit can be designed as a pyrotechnic gas generator, in particular a pyrotechnic propellant or a pyrotechnic drive. The pusher unit can be designed as a tangentially connected lifting ring, a direct pressure connection, an axially releasing lever, a radially pressable wedge or a tangentially connected movement thread.

[0015] The locking housing can comprise at least one connection interface on the outer side of the housing base for connecting the decoupling module to one of the components in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. The first connection point can be designed, for example, as a connection bush, in particular as a plug-in bush or a threaded bush. The second connection point can be designed as a connection clamp, a connection clip or a connection hook.

[0016] According to the application, the object is also achieved by a vehicle seat having the above-mentioned decoupling mechanism for decoupling two releasably connected components, for example for decoupling a vehicle seat which is releasably fixed to a vehicle body.

[0017] In summary, in other words, the application provides coupling and decoupling in a form-fitting manner via a bolt. The bolt can be extracted by actuation, so that it can release the connection between the subsystem and the overall system (also referred to as opening or unlocking). The actuation can be effected via a drive unit, in particular a pusher unit or a gas generator (also referred to as a thermoelectric element), which can be controlled very quickly and allows a high pressure (tension) to be built up in a short time.

[0018] The application allows the subsystem to be decoupled quickly, for example in the event of an accident. Furthermore, the application makes it possible to quickly establish at least an alternative kinematics of the seat structure, and thus of the vehicle seat, in order to be able to control the position of the occupant. The decoupling mechanism can in particular be designed in a modular manner and be suitable for various applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The application is explained in more detail below with reference to advantageous embodiments shown in the drawings. The application is not restricted, however, to these embodiments. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle seat having a longitudinal adjustment device according to the prior art,

[0021] Figure 2 is a sectional view of a decoupling mechanism according to the application in a first exemplary embodiment, in which the decoupling module is in a locked position or initial position,

[0022] Figure 3 is a sectional view of a decoupling mechanism according to the application in a second exemplary embodiment, in which the decoupling module is in a decoupled position, Figure 2

[0023] Figure 4 is a sectional view of a decoupling mechanism according to the application when the gas generation unit is triggered or actuated, Figure 2

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the decoupling module,

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic view of the decoupling module of a second exemplary embodiment,

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic view of the decoupling module of a third exemplary embodiment,

[0027] Figure 8 ​​is a schematic view of a decoupling module of a fourth exemplary embodiment,

[0028] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a decoupling module of a fifth exemplary embodiment, and

[0029] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a decoupling module of a sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0030] In all figures, corresponding components have the same reference signs.

[0031] In the following, a vehicle seat 100 according to the prior art, which is schematically shown in Figure 1 In the case of the vehicle seat 100 installed in a vehicle, the longitudinal direction x extends essentially horizontally and preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which corresponds to the usual direction of travel of the vehicle. The transverse direction y, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x, is likewise oriented horizontally in the vehicle and extends parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle. The vertical direction z extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicular to the transverse direction y. In the case of the vehicle seat 100 installed in a vehicle, the vertical direction z preferably extends parallel to the vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0032] Positional and directional indications used, such as front, rear, top and bottom, refer to the perspective direction of an occupant seated in the normal seating position in the vehicle seat 100, wherein the vehicle seat 100 is installed in a vehicle in a use position suitable for passenger transport, the backrest 104 is upright and oriented in the usual manner in the direction of travel. However, the vehicle seat 100 can also be installed or moved in a different orientation, for example perpendicular to the direction of travel. Unless stated otherwise, the vehicle seat 100 is constructed in mirror-symmetrical fashion with respect to a plane extending perpendicular to the transverse direction y.

[0033] The backrest 104 can be arranged pivotably on the seat portion 102 of the vehicle seat 100. To this end, the vehicle seat 100 can optionally comprise an accessory 106, in particular an adjustment accessory, a swivel accessory, a stop accessory or a tilt accessory.

[0034] Positional and directional indications used, such as radial, axial and circumferential, refer to the rotational axis 108 of the accessory 106. Radial means perpendicular to the rotational axis 108. Axial means in the direction of or parallel to the rotational axis 108.

[0035] The vehicle seat 100 can optionally comprise a longitudinal adjustment device 110. This longitudinal adjustment device 110 comprises for example a rail arrangement 112 with a first rail element 114 and a second rail element 116. The first rail element 114 is adjustable relative to the second rail element 116 in a longitudinal direction x. The first rail element 114 is fastened to the seat part 102. The second rail element 116 is fastened to a structural element of the vehicle, for example to a vehicle floor.

[0036] For the sake of clarity, in the following description the first rail element 114 is referred to as top rail 114. This top rail 114, also referred to as sliding rail or carriage, is assigned to the vehicle seat 100 and is configured to support said vehicle seat 100. The second rail element 116 is referred to as bottom rail 116 in the following.

[0037] This bottom rail 116 can be releasably connected to a support 122, in particular a longitudinal member or a vehicle body floor of the vehicle, for example by means of a decoupling mechanism 120 described in detail below.

[0038] Figure 2 is a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a decoupling mechanism 120 according to the application for two releasably connected components 124, 126, for example for decoupling a part module from a whole module or for decoupling a component from a component fixed to a vehicle, for example for decoupling a bottom rail 116 from a support 122 (as Figure 1 is shown).

[0039] The decoupling mechanism 120 comprises at least a decoupling module 128 with a locking element 130 which releasably connects the two components 124 and 126 to each other and has a locking handle 132.

[0040] The decoupling module 128 can comprise a locking housing 134 with an inner guide space 136 for the locking element 130. The locking housing 134 can be designed as a single-piece or a multi-piece design. For example, the locking housing 134 can comprise a hollow cylindrical base body 135 with the inner guide space 136. The upper open end of the hollow cylindrical base body 135 can be covered or closed with a housing cover 137. The housing cover 137 can be firmly connected to the hollow cylindrical base body 135, for example by welding or gluing.

[0041] The locking element 130 is movably supported in the guide space 136. In a connected state 200 of the two components 124, 126, also referred to as locked position or locked state or rest position, initial position, as Figure 2 is shown, the locking element 130 is preloaded by an energy accumulator 138 in order to lock the two components 124, 126 to each other. The energy accumulator 138 is designed for example as a helical spring.

[0042] In the bottom 140 of the housing, the guide space 136 has, for example, an opening 144 for a handle 142 of the locking element 130, through which the handle 142 protrudes at least partially from the locking housing 134 and locks the two components 124, 126 together in the connected state 200. The locking element 130 is placed in a locked position 202, in which it is held by the accumulator 138.

[0043] The locking housing 134 has a receiving space 146 for the drive unit 148 (e.g., gas generating unit 148.1). The drive unit 148 is described below using the example of the gas generating unit 148.1. Figures 6 to 10 The alternative driver is described in the document.

[0044] The receiving space 146 is fluidly coupled to the guiding space 136 so that when the gas generating unit 148.1 is triggered or actuated, gas 150 ( Figure 4 As shown, the locking element 130 is guided into the guide space 136, causing the locking element 130 to move into the guide space 136 in an accelerated manner, and decoupling or separating the two components 124, 126 from each other, as shown. Figure 3 As shown. The locking element 130 moves away from the components 124 and 126 along the direction of the housing cover 137 into the guide space 136.

[0045] Additionally, the locking element 130 may be chamfered, for example, at the free end 142. This allows the locking element 130 to be easily inserted into the locking socket 139 in the components 124, 126 in its locked position 202.

[0046] Because of the fluid coupling between the guide space 146 and the receiving space 146 of the gas generating unit 148.1, the locking element 130 can be pressurized using gas 150 and cause a particularly rapid decoupling of the two components 124, 126.

[0047] The locking element 130 (also referred to as the pusher element) may be supported, for example, to slide in the guide space 136. The locking element 130 may be designed, for example, as a locking bolt, locking pin, locking cotter pin, or locking piston.

[0048] The locking element 130 may, for example, have a retaining ring 152, specifically an annular retaining ring, an annular disc, etc. The retaining ring 152 may, for example, have an outer circumference that is complementary to the inner circumference of the guide space 136. Specifically, the outer edge representing the outer circumference of the retaining ring 152 is provided with a sliding material or is formed of a low-friction material.

[0049] The collar 152 can have a larger diameter than the locking handle 132, for example. The collar 152 can in particular be arranged such that, when the gas generation unit 148.1 is actuated or triggered, it can be pressurized by the gas 150 flowing into the guide space 136, so that the locking element 130 can be moved into the locking module in an accelerated manner.

[0050] The accumulator 138 can be designed as a coil spring, for example. The accumulator 138 has a predetermined contact force according to the arrow 208, which presses against the collar 152 in the connected state 200 of the components 124, 126 and holds the locking element 130 in its locking position 202, in which the two components 124, 126 are locked and connected to one another.

[0051] The accumulator 138 can be supported or fastened at one end to the collar 152 and at the other end to the housing cover 137 opposite the opening 144, for example.

[0052] The gas generation unit 148.1 can be designed as a pyrotechnic gas generator, in particular as a pyrotechnic propellant or a pyrotechnic drive.

[0053] The locking housing 134 can comprise at least one connection interface 154 on the outside of the housing bottom 140 for connecting the decoupling module 128 to one of the components 124, 126 in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. The first connection point 154.1 can be designed as a connection bush, in particular as a plug-in bushing or a threaded bushing, for example. The second connection point 154.2 can be designed as a connection clamp, a connection clip or a connection hook.

[0054] Figure 3 The decoupling module 128 is shown with the locking element 130 in the non-locking position 204. When the gas generation unit 148.1 is triggered or actuated, the locking element 130 is moved, in particular pulled, into the decoupling module 128, in particular from its locking position 202 in the two components 124, 126 (shown in the middle) Figure 2 to the non-locking position 204, also referred to as the decoupling position, so that the two components 124, 126 are decoupled from one another. Depending on the type of the locking position 202, the locking element 130 can only be moved out of one of the two components 124, 126 or out of both components 124, 126 in the non-locking position 204.

[0055] The locking element 130 is moved into the guide space 136 in the direction of the arrow 210 with a force that is greater than and opposite to the force of the accumulator 138 until it rests against the housing cover 137.

[0056] Figure 4When the gas generating unit 148.1 is triggered or actuated, according to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the decoupling mechanism 120. Gas 150 is released from the gas generating unit 148.1 into the receiving space 146, and flows from the receiving space 146 into the guiding space 136 until it contacts the retaining ring 152 of the locking element 130 in the direction of arrow 212. Therefore, the locking element 130 is pressed and moves in the direction of the housing cover 137 according to arrow 214.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of the decoupling module 128. The locking housing 134 can be designed as a single piece and includes a receiving space 146 for the gas generating unit 148.1 and a guiding space 136 for the locking element 130, as shown. Figure 2 As shown.

[0058] The locking housing 134 is shaped like a spray bottle. However, the locking housing 134 can also have any other suitable shape. Figure 5 In the middle, the first connection interface 154.1 is formed as a hollow cylindrical connection body on a hollow cylindrical base 135 for receiving and supporting the locking element 130.

[0059] The handle end 142 protrudes from the opening 144 on the bottom 140 of the housing.

[0060] In all the described embodiments, the locking element 130 may be implemented as a bolt, pin, or cotter pin.

[0061] Figures 6 to 10 Various alternative embodiments of the drive unit 148 are shown, which specifically allow the locking element 130 to be coupled with the above-referenced... Figures 2 to 4 From lock position 202 in a similar manner to the example described ( Figure 2 (As shown) Rapidly accelerate to the unlocked position 204 ( Figure 3 As shown in the figure.

[0062] In the following example, the decoupling or release of the locking mechanisms of the two components 124, 126 occurs similarly by moving the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128, as described above in the example using the gas generating unit 148.1.

[0063] Figure 6 The pressure connector 148.2 is shown as an alternative driver.

[0064] Instead of the gas-generating unit 148.1, a pressure connection 148.2, in particular a direct compressed-air connection, can be provided, which, when triggered or activated, directly acts on the collar 152 via the coupling of the receiving space 146 and the guide space 136 in order to move the locking element 130 into the guide space 136.

[0065] Instead of the gas-generating unit 148.1, a direct pressure connection 148.2, in particular a compressed-air connection, can be provided, which, when triggered or activated, directly acts on the collar 152 via the coupling of the receiving space 146 and the guide space 136 in order to move the locking element 130 into the guide space 136.

[0066] Figure 7 A lifting ring 148.3, in particular a tangentially connected lifting ring, is shown as an alternative drive, which, when triggered or activated, directly moves the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128, in particular pulls it into said decoupling module, in an accelerated manner.

[0067] Figure 8 A movement screw 148.4, in particular a tangentially connected movement screw, is shown as an alternative drive, which, when triggered or activated, directly moves the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128, in particular pulls it into said decoupling module, in an accelerated manner.

[0068] Figure 9 A wedge 148.5, which can in particular be pressed radially, is shown as an alternative drive, which, when triggered or activated, acts on the locking element 130, in particular directly on the collar 152, thereby moving the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128, in particular pulling it into said decoupling module, in an accelerated manner.

[0069] Figure 10 A release lever 148.6, in particular an axial release lever, is shown as an alternative drive, which, when triggered or activated, acts on the locking element 130, in particular directly on the collar 152, thereby moving the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128, in particular pulling it into said decoupling module, in an accelerated manner.

[0070] List of reference signs

[0071] 100 vehicle seat

[0072] 102 seat part

[0073] 104 backrest

[0074] 106 fitting

[0075] 108 rotation axis

[0076] 110 longitudinal adjustment device

[0077] 112 rail arrangement

[0078] 114 first rail element (top rail)

[0079] 116 second rail element (bottom rail)

[0080] 120 decoupling mechanism

[0081] 122 support

[0082] 124 component

[0083] 126 component

[0084] 128 decoupling module

[0085] 130 locking element

[0086] 132 locking handle

[0087] 134 locking housing

[0088] 135 hollow cylindrical base body

[0089] 136 guide space

[0090] 137 housing cover

[0091] 138 energy store

[0092] 139 locking socket

[0093] 140 housing bottom

[0094] 142 handle end

[0095] 144 opening

[0096] 146 receiving space

[0097] 148 drive unit

[0098] 148.1 gas generation unit

[0099] 148.2 pressure connection

[0100] 148.3 lifting ring

[0101] 148.4 movement thread

[0102] 148.5 wedge

[0103] 148.6 release lever

[0104] 150 gas

[0105] 152 collar

[0106] 154 connection interface

[0107] 154.1 first connection interface

[0108] 154.2 second connection interface

[0109] 200 connected state

[0110] 202 locked position

[0111] 204 unlocked position

[0112] 208 arrow

[0113] 210 arrow

[0114] 212 arrow

[0115] 214 arrow

[0116] x longitudinal direction

[0117] y transverse direction

[0118] z vertical direction

Claims

1. A decoupling mechanism (120) for two components (124, 126) that are releasably connected to one another, the decoupling mechanism comprising at least - a decoupling module (128) having a locking element (130) that releasably connects the two components (124, 126) to one another and has a locking shank (132), characterized in that the decoupling module (128) comprising a locking housing (134) having a guide space (136) in which the locking element (130) is movably mounted, and in a connected state (200) of the two components (124, 126), the locking element is preloaded by an energy accumulator (138) in order to lock the two components (124, 126) to one another, wherein in a housing bottom (140), the guide space (136) has an opening (144) for a shank end (142) of the locking element (130), which shank end (142) at least partially protrudes from the locking housing (134) through the opening in the connected state (200) in order to lock the two components (124, 126) to one another, and wherein the locking housing (134) has a receiving space (146) for a drive unit (148), which receiving space is coupled to the guide space (136), or the drive unit (148) is directly or indirectly movably coupled to the locking element (130) in order to exert a pressure on the locking element (130) when the drive unit (148) is triggered or actuated, so that the locking element (130) moves into the guide space (136) in an accelerated manner and decouples the two components (124, 126) from one another.

2. The decoupling mechanism (120) according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (130) is designed as a locking bolt, a locking pin, a locking split pin or a locking piston.

3. The decoupling mechanism (120) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (130) has a collar (152) having an outer circumference that is complementary to the inner circumference of the guide space (136).

4. The decoupling mechanism (120) according to claim 3, wherein the collar (152) has a greater diameter than the locking shank (132).

5. The decoupling mechanism (120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy accumulator (138) is designed as a coil spring.

6. The decoupling mechanism (120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy accumulator (138) is supported or fastened at one end to the collar (152) and at the other end to a housing cover (137) opposite the opening (144).

7. The decoupling mechanism (120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (148) is designed as a gas generation unit (148.1).

8. The decoupling mechanism (120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking housing (134) comprises at least one connection interface (154) on the outside of the housing base (140) for connecting the decoupling module (128) to one of the components (124, 126) in a form- and / or force-fit manner.

9. The decoupling mechanism (120) according to claim 8, wherein a first connection point (154.1) is designed as a connection bushing and a second connection point (154.2) is designed as a connection clamp or a connection clip or a connection hook.

10. A vehicle seat (100) having a decoupling mechanism (120) according to any of the preceding claims.

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