BELT PRETENSIONER, VEHICLE SEAT WITH BELT PRETENSIONER AND MOTOR VEHICLE WITH VEHICLE SEAT

Abstract

Belt tensioner (1), wherein the belt tensioner (1) comprises: - a torsion bar (2) having a first end portion (2a) which is in a first position when the torsion bar (2) is prestressed and in a second position when the torsion bar (2) is relaxed; - a belt end fitting (4) which is attached to a free end of the first end section (2a); and - a pre-tensioning device (6) which is designed to hold the torsion bar (2) in the pre-tensioned state and to transfer it into the relaxed state in the event of a crash load, and to move the belt end fitting (4) for belt tensioning by a transition of the first end section (2a) from the first position to the second position in such a way that a safety belt (5) connected or connectable to the belt end fitting (4) is thereby tightened, characterized in that a) the pre-tensioning device (6) is arranged on a second end portion (2b) of the torsion bar (2) and / or is in contact with the second end portion (2b), and / or b) the belt tensioner (1) further comprises: - a holding device (8) designed to hold the first end portion (2a) in the second position in the relaxed state of the torsion bar (2); and / or - a stop (7) designed to hold the first end portion (2a) in the first position in the prestressed state of the torsion bar (2).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a belt pretensioner, a vehicle seat comprising the belt pretensioner, and / or a motor vehicle comprising the vehicle seat and / or the belt pretensioner.

[0002] Today's seatbelt systems in motor vehicles each feature a belt pretensioner that suddenly tightens the seatbelt in the event of a crash load, i.e., a vehicle collision, and fits snugly against the body of a passenger strapped into a vehicle seat. This connects the body to the vehicle seat with as little play as possible, allowing the passenger to be decelerated in the event of a crash load and allowing safety features, such as airbags, to be used to provide the best possible protection for the passenger.

[0003] Common belt tensioners are designed as retractors or linear tensioners, which are wide in either the longitudinal or transverse direction. These belt tensioners are often wide in width, which can lead to installation space constraints and, for example, the cover of the belt tensioner is usually not visually appealing.

[0004] Document DE 102 58 479 A1 describes a belt buckle tensioner for a safety belt system in a vehicle, with a rotatable spindle which is connected to a belt buckle via a pull cable, and a drive for rotating the spindle, whereby the pull cable is wound up on the spindle and the belt buckle is moved in the tensioning direction, and wherein the drive is integrated in the spindle.

[0005] Document DE 203 19 071 U1 describes a belt tensioner device with a coupling point for coupling to a belt strap, a pre-crash drive and a pyrotechnic drive, both drives displacing the coupling point when activated.

[0006] Document DE 33 04 008 A1 describes a tensioning device for vehicle seat belts, comprising a tensioning element pre-tensioned by a spring to act on the seat belt, forming a belt loop that eliminates slack when the belt is fastened. This tensioning element is held in this pre-tensioned position by a release device that can be actuated in the event of a restraint. The tensioning element consists of a torsion bar spring, one end of which is firmly clamped to the vehicle frame and the other end, shaped like a crank arm, is designed for direct engagement with the seat belt between two deflection points that support the belt.

[0007] Against the background of this prior art, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a device which is each suitable for enriching the prior art.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The subordinate claims and the dependent claims each contain optional developments of the disclosure.

[0009] The task is then solved by a belt tensioner.

[0010] The belt tensioner comprises a torsion bar having a first end portion which is in a first position in the prestressed state of the torsion bar and in a second position in a relaxed state of the torsion bar.

[0011] The belt tensioner comprises a belt end fitting which is attached to a free end of the first end section, optionally rotatable (e.g. via a swivel joint).

[0012] The belt tensioner comprises a pre-tensioning device which is designed to keep the torsion bar (e.g. in an installation situation in a motor vehicle) in the pre-tensioned state and to transfer it to the relaxed state in a crash load case (e.g. of the motor vehicle).

[0013] The pretensioning device can be designed to move the belt end fitting for belt tensioning (e.g. a safety belt connected or connectable to the belt end fitting) by a transition of the first end portion from the first position to the second position in such a way that a safety belt connected or connectable to the belt end fitting is thereby tightened.

[0014] The belt end fitting can be moved (and / or movable) downwards, for example, to tighten the belt by a transition of the first end section from the first position to the second position (in the vertical direction).

[0015] The belt tensioner described above offers a number of advantages. Among other things, the belt tensioning is achieved via a thin lever mechanism, namely the torsion bar, which, for example, frees up installation space in the width compared to conventional belt tensioners. This allows for additional installation space, for example, in the transverse direction of the vehicle when installed. Due to its compact dimensions, the fastening also offers a wide range of options regarding the design of a cover for at least part of the belt tensioner, for example, in the area of ​​the first end section and the belt end fitting.

[0016] Possible further developments of the display device described above are explained in detail below.

[0017] The pretensioning device is arranged at a second end portion of the torsion bar and / or is in contact with the second end portion. Advantageously, the pretensioning device is not arranged in the region of the belt end fitting, so that the fastening of the belt end fitting exclusively by the first end portion of the torsion bar is as small as possible, and in particular, narrow in width.

[0018] The prestressing device may be configured to hold the second end portion in a third position to hold the torsion bar in the prestressed state.

[0019] The preloading device can be configured to release (and / or detach) the second end portion to transfer the torsion bar to the relaxed state. The second end portion can be in a fourth position in the relaxed state of the torsion bar.

[0020] The preloading device may comprise a bolt for holding the second end portion and / or the torsion bar in the preloaded state.

[0021] The preloading device may comprise a bridge igniter, an electromagnet, an actuator and / or a crash pendulum, optionally for moving the bolt to release (and / or release) the second end portion and / or to transfer the torsion bar to the relaxed state (and / or to release the preloaded state).

[0022] The belt tensioner comprises a holding device, optionally a resilient pawl, which is designed to hold the first end portion in the relaxed state of the torsion bar in the second position, e.g. by latching the first end portion on or in the holding device.

[0023] Alternatively, or additionally, the belt tensioner comprises a stop configured to hold the first end portion in the first position when the torsion bar is preloaded. The stop may be configured such that the first end portion bears against the stop when the torsion bar is preloaded. The stop may have a vertical contact surface for the first end portion.

[0024] The belt tensioner can comprise a pivot joint for rotatably fastening the belt end fitting. The pivot joint can be arranged and / or formed at a free end of the first end section. The pivot joint can have an articulated arm to which the belt end fitting can be fastened, e.g., at a distance from a pivot point of the pivot joint and / or the free end of the first end section.

[0025] The torsion bar may have a central portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The central portion (and / or a longitudinal direction of the central portion) may be oriented perpendicular to the first end portion and the second end portion (and / or to the longitudinal directions of the first end portion and the second end portion).

[0026] The first end section and the second end section may have the same length. The middle section may have a length that is at least a factor of 2, optionally at least a factor of 4, greater than a length of the first end section and a length of the second end section.

[0027] The transition of the first end portion from the first position to the second position may comprise folding and / or rotating the first end portion (from the first position to the second position) about an axis parallel (and / or along) the central portion and / or in a first plane.

[0028] A transition of the second end portion from the third position to the fourth position may comprise folding and / or rotating the second end portion (from the third position to the fourth position) about an axis parallel (and / or along) the central portion and / or in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0029] The above description can be summarized in other words and in a possible more concrete embodiment of the disclosure as described below, whereby the following description is not to be interpreted as limiting the disclosure.

[0030] To gain more space in terms of width, a seat belt can be tensioned using a thin lever mechanism. The tensioning can be triggered, for example, by a differently located actuator.

[0031] For example, a torsion bar can be pre-tensioned and locked by a bolt, with the bolt being released in the event of a crash using pyrotechnics, an electromagnet, a crash pendulum, or something similar. A pivot joint can rotate around the torsion bar's axis of rotation. A torsion bar axis can create a type of toggle lever with a tensioning path. A spring-loaded latch can prevent the torsion bar from returning to its original position. The "knee joint" can also be activated without a torsion bar, for example, via a pull.

[0032] Furthermore, a vehicle seat comprising the belt pretensioner described above is provided.

[0033] The vehicle seat may further comprise a first seat rail and a second seat rail running parallel to the first seat rail for longitudinal displacement of the vehicle seat.

[0034] The vehicle seat may further comprise a first rod guide element formed on the first seat rail and a second rod guide element formed on the second seat rail. The torsion bar may be guided in the first rod guide element and the second rod guide element.

[0035] The first end portion (and / or a longitudinal direction of the first end portion) may be oriented in a substantially vertical direction in the first position. The first end portion (and / or the longitudinal direction of the first end portion) may be oriented in a substantially horizontal direction in the second position.

[0036] The substantially horizontal direction may mean that the longitudinal direction of the first end section and / or the longitudinal direction of the second end section is inclined by a maximum of 10°, optionally parallel, to a longitudinal direction of the first seat rail (and / or second seat rail).

[0037] The substantially vertical direction may mean that the longitudinal direction of the first end section and / or the longitudinal direction of the second end section is inclined by at least 70°, optionally perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction (and optionally to a transverse direction) of the first seat rail (and / or second seat rail).

[0038] The second end portion (and / or a longitudinal direction of the second end portion) may be oriented in a substantially horizontal direction in the third position. The second end portion (and / or the longitudinal direction of the second end portion) may be oriented in a substantially vertical direction in the fourth position.

[0039] The first end portion of the torsion bar can be arranged on an outer region of the first bar guide element (and / or on an outer side of the first bar guide element facing away from the second bar guide element). The first end portion of the torsion bar can extend away from the first seat rail in the first position and / or extend along the first seat rail in the second position.

[0040] The second end portion of the torsion bar can be arranged on an outer region of the second bar guide element (and / or on an outer side of the second bar guide element facing away from the first bar guide element).

[0041] The second end portion of the torsion bar may extend along the second seat rail in the third position and / or extend away from the second seat rail in the fourth position.

[0042] The pre-tensioning device can be arranged, optionally attached, to the second seat rail.

[0043] The stop can be formed on the first rod guide element.

[0044] The first rod guide element and the second rod guide element can each have a passage through which the torsion bar can be guided.

[0045] It is also conceivable for the belt tensioner to be arranged on or in a (different) area of ​​the vehicle seat. The first end section and the second end section can, for example, be arranged on two opposite side parts of the vehicle seat.

[0046] The first rod guide element and the second rod guide element can be plate-shaped, at least in sections. The first rod guide element can protrude upwards (in the vertical direction) from the first seat rail. The second rod guide element can protrude upwards from the second seat rail. The first rod guide element and the second rod guide element can be aligned in the same direction and / or arranged opposite one another.

[0047] The vehicle seat may include a frame (and / or chassis) arranged and / or mounted on the first seat rail and the second seat rail. The frame may connect the first seat rail and the second seat rail to each other.

[0048] The vehicle seat may comprise a seat part arranged and / or mounted on the frame. The vehicle seat may further comprise a backrest.

[0049] What has been described above with reference to the belt tensioner also applies analogously to the vehicle seat and vice versa.

[0050] Furthermore, a motor vehicle is provided which comprises the vehicle seat and / or the belt tensioner described above.

[0051] The motor vehicle may be a passenger car, in particular an automobile, or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck

[0052] The vehicle seat can be arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle.

[0053] The first seat rail and the second seat rail (and / or a longitudinal direction of the first seat rail and the second seat rail) can be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

[0054] The motor vehicle and / or the vehicle seat can comprise a first floor rail for longitudinally adjustable reception of the first seat rail and a second floor rail for longitudinally adjustable reception of the second seat rail. The first floor rail and the second floor rail can be arranged or can be arranged on an interior floor of the motor vehicle.

[0055] The motor vehicle, the vehicle seat, and / or the belt tensioner may further comprise a safety belt, one end of which is connected or connectable to the belt end fitting. The safety belt may have a buckle tongue, and the vehicle seat may further comprise a belt buckle into which the buckle tongue can be inserted and latched for buckling up a passenger.

[0056] The motor vehicle may further comprise a control device which may be configured to detect a crash load case and to cause the pre-tensioning device to transfer the torsion bar into the relaxed state when a crash load case has been detected.

[0057] What has been described above with reference to the belt tensioner and vehicle seat also applies analogously to the motor vehicle and vice versa.

[0058] Below is an optional embodiment with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described. Fig. 1 shows schematically a section of a vehicle seat according to the disclosure; Fig. 2 shows schematically a rod guide element with a stop according to the disclosure; and Fig. 3 schematically shows a change of the torsion bar according to the disclosure by a tensioning path by releasing a pre-tension of the torsion bar.

[0059] In Fig. 1 shows only a schematic section of the vehicle seat 10 according to an embodiment, wherein the vehicle seat 10 comprises the belt tensioner 1.

[0060] The belt tensioner 1 comprises a torsion bar 2, a belt end fitting 4 and a pretensioning device 6.

[0061] The torsion bar 2 has a first end portion 2a which is in a first position when the torsion bar 2 is prestressed and in a second position when the torsion bar 2 is relaxed.

[0062] The first end portion 2a may be oriented in a substantially vertical direction in the first position and / or in a substantially horizontal direction in the second position.

[0063] The belt end fitting 4 is attached to a free end of the first end section 2a, e.g., rotatably via a pivot joint 3. Furthermore, the belt end fitting 4 can be connected to a safety belt 5.

[0064] The pretensioning device 6 is designed to hold the torsion bar 2 in the pretensioned state and to transfer it to the relaxed state in a crash load case, and to move the belt end fitting 4 for belt tensioning by a transition of the first end section 2a from the first position to the second position in such a way that a safety belt 5 connected or connectable to the belt end fitting 4 is thereby tightened.

[0065] The belt end fitting 4 is moved downwards from the first position to the second position to tighten the belt by a transition of the first end section 2a.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, the prestressing device 6 is arranged on a second end portion 2b of the torsion bar 2. In the prestressed state of the torsion bar 2, the second end portion 2b can be in a third position, in which the second end portion 2b is oriented, for example, in a substantially horizontal direction, and in the relaxed state of the torsion bar 2, in a fourth position, in which the second end portion 2b is oriented, for example, in a substantially vertical direction.

[0067] The pre-tensioning device 6 can be designed to hold the torsion bar 2 in the pre-tensioned state, to hold the second end portion 2b in the third position, and / or to transfer the torsion bar 2 into the relaxed state, to release the second end portion 2b.

[0068] The pre-tensioning device 6 may comprise a bolt for holding the second end portion 2b and / or the torsion bar 2 in the pre-tensioned state. The pre-tensioning device 6 may comprise a bridge igniter, an electromagnet, an actuator, and / or a crash pendulum for moving the bolt to release the second end portion 2b and / or transfer the torsion bar 2 to the relaxed state.

[0069] In the embodiment, the belt tensioner 1 further comprises a holding device 8, e.g., a resilient latch 8, which is designed to hold the first end portion 2a in the second position in the relaxed state of the torsion bar 2, and a stop 7, which is designed to hold the first end portion 2a in the first position in the prestressed state of the torsion bar 2.

[0070] The vehicle seat 1 further comprises a first seat rail 11-1 and a second seat rail 11-2 running parallel to the first seat rail for the longitudinal displacement of the vehicle seat 1.

[0071] A first floor rail 12-1 can be arranged for longitudinally adjustable reception of the first seat rail 11-1 and a second floor rail 12-2 can be arranged for longitudinally adjustable reception of the second seat rail 11-2, e.g. on an interior floor of a motor vehicle.

[0072] The vehicle seat 1 further comprises a first rod guide element 13-1 and a second rod guide element, wherein the first rod guide element 13-1, in addition to Fig. 1, enlarged in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0073] The first rod guide element 13-1 is formed on the first seat rail 11-1, and the second rod guide element 13-2 is formed on the second seat rail 11-2. In the embodiment shown, the first rod guide element 13-1 and the second rod guide element 13-2 are plate-shaped, at least in sections, and each protrude upward from the first seat rail 11-1 and the second seat rail 11-2, respectively. The two rod guide elements 13-1 and 13-2 further each have a passage 14-1 and 14-2, respectively, through which the torsion bar 2 is guided.

[0074] The torsion bar 2 is guided in the first bar guide element 13-1 and the second bar guide element 13-2, wherein the first end section 2a of the torsion bar 2 is arranged on an outer region of the first bar guide element 13-1 and extends away from the first seat rail 11-1 in the first position shown, ie in the prestressed state of the torsion bar 2.

[0075] The second end section 2b of the torsion bar 2 is arranged on an outer region of the second bar guide element 13-2 and extends in the third position shown, i.e., in the prestressed state of the torsion bar 2, along the second seat rail 11-2. A central section 2c of the torsion bar 2 runs perpendicular (or transverse) to a longitudinal direction of the two seat rails 11-1, 11-2 between the first bar guide element 13-1 and the second bar guide element 13-2. The central section 2c merges into the first section 2a via a bend 2d.

[0076] In the embodiment shown, the stop 7 is formed on the first rod guide element 13-1. The holding device 8 is arranged on the first seat rail 11-1 and protrudes upwardly therefrom.

[0077] The vehicle seat 10 may further comprise a frame arranged or mounted on the first seat rail 11-1 and the second seat rail 11-2, and a seat part arranged or mounted on the frame. The vehicle seat 10 may further comprise a backrest, which is also arranged on the frame, for example.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows schematically and purely by way of example a change of the torsion bar 2 by a tensioning path by releasing the preload of the torsion bar 2.

[0079] A and B denote points of the torsion bar 2, e.g., end points of the first end section 2a, in the prestressed state of the torsion bar 2. The line BA thus indicates, by way of example, the first end section 2a in the prestressed state, wherein the first end section 2a is oriented substantially vertically in the first position.

[0080] The point A can, for example, be located in the area of ​​the bend 2d, whereby the point A can be stationary and thus remains unchanged in the prestressed and relaxed state of the torsion bar 2.

[0081] Point B can designate the free end of the first end section 2a, at which the pivot joint 3 or a pivot point of the articulated arm 3 is arranged for the rotatable attachment of the belt end fitting 4. The belt end fitting 4 can, for example, be attached to an articulated arm of the pivot joint 3 at a distance from the pivot point.

[0082] If the preload of the torsion bar 2 is released, i.e., the torsion bar 2 is transferred to the relaxed state by means of the preload device 6, the first end section 2a folds over. In other words, the first end section 2a rotates about A, causing the point B to shift to B'. The first end section 2a thus transitions into the second position, indicated by the distance B'A, wherein the first end section 2a is oriented, for example, substantially horizontally in the second position and engages on or in the holding device 8.

[0083] Similar to a toggle lever, point C is moved downward by a tensioning distance S by folding the first end section 2a, thus shifting from point C to C'. This leads to a belt tensioning, e.g., sudden, of a safety belt 5 connected or connectable to the belt end fitting 4.

[0084] The articulated arm of the swivel joint 3, to which the belt end fitting 4 is attached, can be dimensioned such that the point C and thus the belt end fitting 4, as in Fig. 3, is moved exclusively downwards. It is also conceivable for the articulated arm to be shorter or omitted entirely, so that points B and C are aligned (and thus also points B' and C'). Thus, the belt end fitting can be moved downwards and simultaneously to the side by folding over the first end section 2a. List of reference symbols 1 belt tensioner 2 torsion bars 2a first end section of the torsion bar 2b second end section of the torsion bar 2c middle section of the torsion bar 2d bending of the torsion bar 3 swivel joint 3a Articulated arm of the swivel joint 4 Belt end fitting 5 Seat belt 6 Pre-tensioning device 7 stop 8 Holding device, latch 10 vehicle seat 11-1 first seat rail 11-2 second seat rail 12-1 first floor rail 12-2 second floor rail 13-1 first rod guide element 13-2 second rod guide element 14-1 Passage of the first rod guide element 14-2 Passage of the second rod guide element S Strafweg A point of the torsion bar B Point of the torsion bar (before releasing the preload) B' point of the torsion bar (after releasing the preload) C Point of the belt end fitting (before releasing the pre-tension) C' point of the belt end fitting (after releasing the pre-tension)

Claims

[1] Belt tensioner (1), the belt tensioner (1) comprising: - a torsion bar (2) having a first end portion (2a) which is in a first position when the torsion bar (2) is prestressed and in a second position when the torsion bar (2) is relaxed; - a belt end fitting (4) which is attached to a free end of the first end section (2a); and - a pre-tensioning device (6) which is designed to hold the torsion bar (2) in the pre-tensioned state and to transfer it to the relaxed state in the event of a crash load, and to move the belt end fitting (4) for belt tensioning by a transition of the first end section (2a) from the first position to the second position in such a way that a safety belt (5) connected or connectable to the belt end fitting (4) is thereby tightened, characterized by , that a) the pre-tensioning device (6) is arranged on a second end portion (2b) of the torsion bar (2) and / or is in contact with the second end portion (2b), and / or b) the belt tensioner (1) further comprises: - a holding device (8) designed to hold the first end portion (2a) in the second position in the relaxed state of the torsion bar (2); and / or - a stop (7) designed to hold the first end portion (2a) in the first position in the prestressed state of the torsion bar (2). [2] Belt tensioner (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the pre-tensioning device (6) is designed: - to hold the torsion bar (2) in the prestressed state, to hold the second end portion (2b) in a third position; and / or - to release the second end section (2b) to transfer the torsion bar (2) into the relaxed state, wherein the second end section (2b) is in a fourth position in the relaxed state of the torsion bar (2). [3] Belt tensioner (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the pre-tensioning device (6) comprises: - a bolt for holding the second end portion (2b) and / or the torsion bar (2) in the prestressed state; and / or - a bridge igniter, an electromagnet, an actuator and / or a crash pendulum for moving the bolt to release the second end portion (2b) and / or to transfer the torsion bar (2) into the relaxed state. [4] Vehicle seat (10), characterized by that the vehicle seat (10) comprises the belt tensioner (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [5] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that the vehicle seat also includes: - a first seat rail (11-1) and a second seat rail (11-2) running parallel to the first seat rail for longitudinal displacement of the vehicle seat (10); - a first rod guide element (13-1) formed on the first seat rail (11-1); and - a second rod guide element (13-2) formed on the second seat rail (11-2), wherein the torsion bar (2) is guided in the first rod guide element (13-1) and the second rod guide element (13-2). [6] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the first end portion (2a) is oriented in a vertical direction in the first position and / or in a horizontal direction in the second position. [7] Vehicle seat (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized bythat the second end portion (2b) is oriented in a horizontal direction in the third position and / or in a vertical direction in the fourth position. [8] Motor vehicle, characterized by that the motor vehicle comprises the vehicle seat (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7 and / or the belt tensioner (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3.

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