Belt buckle for a safety belt system, method for operating a belt buckle and safety belt system

Abstract

The invention relates to a belt buckle (2) for a safety belt system (1), comprising a belt buckle housing (5) and a latching element (6) arranged in the belt buckle housing (5), which latching element has a latching device (7) for latching interaction with a latching counter-device (8) of a belt buckle (4) of the safety belt system (1), wherein the latching element (6) can be arranged in a latching position and a release position and can be displaced from the latching position towards the release position by means of an operating element (9) of the belt buckle (2) against a restoring force caused by a restoring element. A locking element (14) is provided which, in a locking position, engages the latching element (6) and holds it in the latching position, and, in an unlocking position, is arranged at a distance from the latching element (6) and releases it for displacement towards the release position.The invention further relates to a method for operating a belt buckle (2) for a safety belt system (1) and to a safety belt system (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a belt buckle for a safety belt system, with a belt buckle housing and a latching element arranged in the belt buckle housing, which latching element has a latching device for latching interaction with a latching counter-device of a belt buckle of the safety belt system, wherein the latching element can be arranged in a latching position and a release position and can be displaced by means of an operating element of the belt buckle from the direction of the latching position towards the release position against a restoring force caused by a restoring element, with a locking element which, in a locking position, engages the latching element and holds it in the latching position and, in an unlocking position, is arranged at a distance from the latching element and releases it for displacement towards the release position.The invention further relates to a method for operating a belt buckle for a safety belt system and to a safety belt system.

[0002] For example, DE 103 34 755 B3 is known from the prior art. This discloses a belt buckle for a safety belt with a push button arranged on the side of the buckle housing opposite the insertion opening for the buckle tongue. A locking part is secured in a locking position by a securing element displaceable in the buckle housing between a release position for the locking part and a securing position. An ejector spring, supported between an ejector and the securing element and tensioned by the inserted buckle tongue, preloads the securing element into its securing position. During the unlocking stroke, the push button acts on the securing element and displaces it into its release position against the action of the ejector spring.

[0003] Also known from the prior art is DE 198 18 540 A1. This describes a safety belt system with a safety belt and a buckle, wherein an end piece of the safety belt can be inserted into the buckle during fastening and releasably locked in the buckle. It is provided that the release of the locking mechanism can be blocked by a locking device. An additional locking mechanism, particularly in the form of a child safety lock, is to be implemented, which reliably prevents unintentional or, in the case of a child safety lock, unwanted release of the connection between the safety belt and the buckle.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 100 30 851 C1 discloses a child safety system for a motor vehicle, comprising a safety belt system with a safety belt and a belt buckle, wherein an end piece of the safety belt can be inserted into the belt buckle and releasably locked therein, and the release of the lock can be blocked by a locking device. To actuate the locking device, an electromechanically acting actuator that can be activated / deactivated by an electrical control signal is provided in the belt buckle.

[0005] Finally, DE 10 2019 006 246 A1 discloses a seat belt buckle with an integrated electromagnetic locking device for vehicles, which can be manually activated by the driver to prevent children or people with disabilities from accidentally unbuckling their seat belts while driving. An electromagnetic bolt is switched in the opposite direction to the push button on the buckle housing, preventing the seat belt from being unbuckled by pressing the push button, as long as the circuit to the electromagnetic bolt is not interrupted.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to propose a belt buckle for a safety belt system which has advantages over known belt buckles, in particular preventing unwanted or unintentional opening of the belt buckle and / or enabling reliable opening of the belt buckle in an emergency.

[0007] This is achieved according to the invention with a belt buckle for a safety belt system having the features of claim 1. It is provided that the locking element can be displaced between the locking position and the unlocking position by means of an electrically controlled actuator.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments with useful further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments explained in the description are not limiting; rather, any variations of the features disclosed in the description, the claims, and the figures are feasible.

[0009] The belt buckle is a component of the safety belt system, but can of course also be separate from it. In addition to the buckle, the safety belt system includes a safety belt and a belt buckle attached to the safety belt. The belt buckle can also be referred to as a buckle tongue or at least comprise one. Furthermore, the safety belt system can include a belt winder or retractor, which is provided and designed to wind and tension the belt webbing. The safety belt system is preferably designed for use in a motor vehicle and is therefore preferably configured as a three-point safety belt system.However, the belt buckle can of course also be used with other seat belt systems, for example a two-point seat belt system, a four-point seat belt system, a five-point seat belt system or a six-point seat belt system.

[0010] The belt buckle has a locking device, which is provided and designed for locking interaction with the locking counter-device of the belt buckle. The locking element can be arranged in the locking position and the release position, or can be displaced between the locking position and the release position. In the locking position, the locking device of the locking element interacts with the locking counter-device of the belt buckle to secure the belt buckle relative to the belt buckle. In the release position, however, the locking device releases the locking counter-device, allowing the belt buckle to be displaced accordingly relative to the belt buckle.

[0011] In particular, the belt buckle has a belt buckle receptacle or tongue receptacle located in the belt buckle housing. When the belt buckle is inserted into the belt buckle receptacle, the locking device is pushed by the belt buckle from the locking position toward the release position against the restoring force caused by the restoring element, so that the belt buckle can be inserted into the belt buckle receptacle. Once the belt buckle has reached a locking position, the restoring force displaces the locking element toward the locking position, in particular into the locking position, so that the locking device interacts in a locking manner with the locking counter-device and secures the belt buckle in the belt buckle receptacle.

[0012] The locking device and the counter-locking device can, in principle, be designed in any way. For example, the locking device can be configured as a locking projection and the counter-locking device as a locking receptacle, or vice versa. In the locked position, the locking projection engages positively with the locking receptacle, thus securing the belt buckle relative to the buckle. In the released position, however, the locking projection is located outside the locking receptacle, thus allowing the belt buckle to be moved relative to the buckle.

[0013] The belt buckle has an operating element for releasing the belt buckle. When the operating element is actuated, the latching element is moved against the restoring force from the latched position towards the released position, in particular into the released position, so that the belt buckle is subsequently released. To prevent the belt buckle from accidentally becoming detached from the belt buckle, the belt buckle has a locking element. The locking element can be arranged in at least two positions: the locked position and the unlocked position. In the locked position, it engages the latching element and is therefore directly connected to it. In particular, the locking element rests against the latching element in the locked position.

[0014] In the locking position, the control element engages the locking element in such a way that the latter is held in the locking position. In this respect, moving the locking element from the locking position to the release position is not possible or only possible by applying a greater force. In the latter case, a greater operating force must be applied to the operating element when the locking element is in the locking position than when the locking element is in the unlocking position in order to move the locking element from the locking position towards the release position, in particular into the release position. Preferably, it is provided that when the operating force is applied, the locking element is urged towards the locking element and ultimately the locking element urges the locking element towards the unlocking position or exerts a force directed towards the unlocking position on the locking element.

[0015] If, however, the locking element is in the unlocked position, the locking element is arranged at a distance from the locking element, which is accordingly released for displacement toward the release position. Due to the direct engagement of the locking element with the locking element in its locked position, the locking element is reliably secured in the locked position. In addition, however, belt buckle designs are possible that reliably enable the belt buckle to be opened in an emergency by actuating the control element accordingly. This is achieved, in particular, by locking the locking element directly, rather than the control element.

[0016] A further development of the invention provides that the locking element is a pivotally mounted locking lever. The locking lever is pivotally or rotatably mounted about a pivot axis. The locking position and the release position can therefore also be referred to as the locking rotation angle position and the release rotation angle position. The pivot axis of the locking lever lies, for example, entirely in an imaginary plane arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal center axis of the belt buckle receptacle. Such a design of the belt buckle is structurally simple to implement.

[0017] A further development of the invention provides that the locking element is designed such that it prevents compression of the return element in the locked position, in particular by exerting a locking force directed in the same direction as the return force. By preventing the locking element from moving toward the release position, the compression of the return element is also prevented. The locking element and the return element thus act on the locking element in the same direction.

[0018] The force exerted by the locking element on the latching element can also be referred to as the locking force. This force has at least one force component that is directed in the same direction as the restoring force exerted by the restoring element on the latching element. For example, the locking force and the restoring force are aligned parallel to each other. However, it can also be provided that force vectors of the locking force and the restoring force intersect in an imaginary straight line, which is preferably aligned parallel to the pivot axis of the latching lever. The described design of the belt buckle enables the aforementioned advantages to be achieved in a structurally simple manner.

[0019] A further development of the invention provides that the locking element can be arranged bistable in the locking position and the unlocking position and / or monostable in the unlocking position. It can be provided that the locking element is stable in both the locking position and the unlocking position, so that the locking element must be actively displaced between the locking position and the unlocking position or vice versa, in particular with the aid of the actuator. This means that the locking element displaced into the locking position with the aid of the actuator remains stable in this position until the actuator displaces the locking element out of the locking position, in particular into the unlocking position. The same applies analogously to the unlocking position. The locking element is therefore arranged or mounted in a bistable manner in the belt buckle housing.

[0020] Alternatively, the locking element is monostable in the unlocked position. This means that the locking element must be actively held in the locked position, in particular by means of the actuator. If this is not the case, for example if the actuator is deactivated, the locking element moves automatically from the unlocked position, in particular into the unlocked position. This ensures reliable unlocking of the belt buckle in an emergency. According to the invention, the locking element is moved by means of the actuator, which is in the form of an electric actuator, for example. The actuator is a component of the belt buckle and is arranged in particular in the belt buckle housing. The described design of the belt buckle serves to achieve a particularly high level of safety.

[0021] A further development of the invention provides that the latching element is at a greater distance from the locking element in the latching position than in the release position, and / or that the locking element is at a greater distance from the latching element in the unlocking position than in the locking position. The distance between the latching element and the locking element depends on the positions of both elements, i.e. on both the position of the latching element and the position of the locking element. By moving the latching element from the latching position to the release position, the latching element is moved towards the locking element. Additionally or alternatively, the locking element is moved towards the latching element by moving it from the unlocking position to the locking position. Once again, the advantages already mentioned are achieved by means of a structurally simple design of the belt buckle.

[0022] The invention provides that the actuator is an electrically controlled actuator, in particular a mechatronic actuator or an electromagnet. A mechatronic actuator is understood to mean, in particular, an electric motor. The electromagnet is designed, for example, in such a way that it urges the locking element toward the unlocked position, i.e., exerts a correspondingly directed force on the locking element. This ensures reliable control of the locking element.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that the locking element is subjected to a spring force directed toward the unlocking position, and the actuator is designed to hold the locking element in the locking position only when energized. The locking element is subjected to a spring force, whereby the spring force urges the locking element toward the unlocking position, in particular into the unlocked position. Therefore, if the actuator is not operated to hold the locking element in the locking position, the locking element is automatically moved toward the unlocking position, so that it no longer fixes the locking element in the locking position.

[0024] This is preferably combined with an actuator design in which the actuator holds the locking element in the locked position only as long as it is supplied with electrical current. If the actuator's power supply is interrupted, it no longer holds the locking element in the locked position, and the spring force causes the locking element to move toward the unlocked position. Accordingly, a monostable arrangement of the locking element is present in the unlocked position. This ensures reliable unlocking of the belt buckle in an emergency, so that the belt buckle can subsequently be opened simply by operating the operating element.

[0025] A further development of the invention provides that a release force can be exerted on the locking element by means of the operating element, which force urges it towards the release position, and the locking element is provided and designed to release the locking element when a threshold value is exceeded by the release force for displacement from the direction of the locking position towards the release position. The operating force exerted on the operating element is thus converted into the release force exerted on the locking element. The release force is directed towards displacing the locking element from the direction of the locking position towards the release position. In other words, the release force urges the locking element towards the release position.

[0026] The locking element is designed such that it allows the detent element to be moved toward the release position if the release force exceeds the threshold value. This ensures reliable opening of the belt buckle at all times, even if the locking element is still in the locked position. In particular, the belt buckle is designed such that the detent element can be moved out of the detent position by means of a first release force when the locking element is in the unlocking position, and by means of a second release force when the locking element is in the locking position. The first release force is smaller than the second release force; for example, it is at most 50%, at most 25%, or at most 10% of the second release force.

[0027] Since the release force depends on the operating force, the belt buckle can be released by moving the locking element from the locking position toward the release position, using a first operating force when the locking element is in the unlocked position, and a second operating force when the locking element is in the locked position. The first operating force is smaller than the second operating force; in particular, it is at most 50%, at most 25%, or at most 10% of the second operating force. The described design of the belt buckle allows the belt buckle to be opened at any time, regardless of the position of the locking element.

[0028] The invention further relates to a method for operating a belt buckle for a safety belt system, in particular a belt buckle according to the embodiments in the context of this description, wherein the belt buckle has a belt buckle housing and a latching element arranged in the belt buckle housing, which latching element has a latching device for latching interaction with a latching counter-device of a belt buckle of the safety belt system, and wherein the latching element can be arranged in a latching position and a release position and can be displaced by means of an operating element of the belt buckle from the direction of the latching position towards the release position against a restoring force caused by a restoring element.It is provided that a locking element is temporarily arranged in a locking position and temporarily in an unlocking position, wherein the locking element engages the locking element in the locking position and holds it in the locking position, and is arranged at a distance from the locking element in the unlocking position and releases it for displacement toward the release position. It is further provided that the locking element is displaced between the locking position and the unlocking position by means of an electrically driven actuator.

[0029] The advantages of such a procedure or such a design of the belt buckle have already been pointed out. Both the belt buckle and the method for its operation can be further developed according to the explanations in this description, so reference is made to these in this regard.

[0030] The invention also relates to a safety belt system with a belt buckle, in particular a belt buckle according to the present description, and a belt buckle fastened to a belt webbing, wherein the belt buckle has a belt buckle housing and a latching element arranged in the belt buckle housing, which latching element has a latching device for latching interaction with a latching counter-device of the belt buckle, and wherein the latching element can be arranged in a latching position and a release position and can be displaced by means of an operating element of the belt buckle from the direction of the latching position towards the release position against a restoring force caused by a restoring element.In this case, a locking element is provided that, in a locking position, engages the locking element and holds it in the locking position. In an unlocking position, it is arranged at a distance from the locking element and releases it for displacement toward the release position. It is further provided that the locking element can be displaced between the locking position and the unlocking position by means of an electrically controlled actuator.

[0031] With regard to the advantages and possible advantageous further training, reference is again made to the explanations in this description.

[0032] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing, without limiting the invention. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a portion of a safety belt system with a belt buckle, a belt strap and a belt buckle attached to the belt strap.

[0033] The Fig. 1 schematically shows a safety belt system 1, particularly for use in a motor vehicle. The safety belt system 1 has a belt buckle 2, a belt webbing 3, which can also be referred to as a safety belt, and a belt buckle 4. The belt buckle 2 is provided and designed to temporarily hold the belt buckle 4, i.e., to temporarily fix the belt buckle 4 with respect to the belt buckle 2. It has a belt buckle housing 5, which is designed, for example, as a double-shell, and a locking element 6 arranged in the belt buckle housing 5. The locking element 6 is, for example, a pivotably mounted locking lever.

[0034] The locking element 6 has a locking device 7, which is provided and designed for locking interaction with a locking counter-device 8 of the belt buckle 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking device 7 is provided as a locking projection and the counter-device 8 as a locking recess. The locking element 6 is displaceable by means of an operating element 9, which in turn is mounted displaceably in the direction of the double arrow 10 in the belt buckle housing 5.

[0035] The locking element 6, which is designed as a locking lever, is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 11. When the operating element 9 is actuated to open the belt buckle 2, a release force is exerted on the locking element 6, which urges the locking element 6 from its locked position towards its released position. The release force counteracts a restoring force caused by a restoring element 12. The restoring element 12 is preferably a spring element, in particular a helical spring, preferably a helical compression spring. The restoring force acts on the locking element 6 in such a way that it is urged from the released position towards the locked position, in particular into the locked position, as long as the operating element 9 is not actuated to open the belt buckle 2.

[0036] To prevent unintentional opening of the belt buckle 2 and, accordingly, unintentional release of the belt buckle 4, the belt buckle 2 has a locking device 13 comprising a locking element 14. The locking element 14 is preferably displaceable by means of an actuator 15. With the aid of the actuator 15, the locking element 14 can be arranged in a locking position and an unlocking position, with the locking position being shown here.

[0037] In the locked position, the locking element 14 engages the locking element 6, in particular, it rests directly against it. The locking element 14 thereby prevents the locking element 6 from being displaced from its locked position, in particular toward the release position, so that the belt buckle 4 is reliably held. In the unlocked position, however, the locking element 14 releases the locking element 6 for displacement out of the locked position, in particular into the release position. Accordingly, the belt buckle 2 can be easily opened.

[0038] The belt buckle 2 is designed such that it can also be opened if the locking element 14 is in the locked position, namely by applying a greater operating force to the operating element 9. Thus, if the locking element is arranged in the unlocked position, a comparatively small first operating force is sufficient to move the latching element 6 from the latching position into the release position, so that the belt buckle 2 is opened. If, on the other hand, the locking element is arranged in its locked position and, in particular, held in this position by means of the actuator 15, a greater second operating force must be exerted on the operating element 9 in order to open the belt buckle 2. By means of such a design of the belt buckle 2, a reliable release of the belt buckle 4 is always ensured, even in an emergency. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 seat belt system 2 belt buckle 3 webbing 4 belt buckle 5 belt buckle housing 6 locking element 7 locking device 8 locking counter device 9 Control element 10 Double arrow 11 Swivel axis 12 Reset element 13 Locking device 14 Locking element 15 Actuator

Claims

[1] Belt buckle (2) for a safety belt system (1), comprising a belt buckle housing (5) and a latching element (6) arranged in the belt buckle housing (5), which latching element has a latching device (7) for latching interaction with a latching counter-device (8) of a belt buckle (4) of the safety belt system (1), wherein the latching element (6) can be arranged in a latching position and a release position and can be displaced by means of an operating element (9) of the belt buckle (2) from the latching position towards the release position against a restoring force caused by a restoring element (12), comprising a locking element (14) which, in a locking position, engages the latching element (6) and holds it in the latching position, and, in an unlocking position, is arranged at a distance from the latching element (6) and releases it for displacement towards the release position, characterized bythat the locking element (14) can be displaced between the locking position and the unlocking position by means of an electrically controlled actuator (15). [2] Belt buckle according to claim 1, characterized by that the locking element (6) is a pivotably mounted locking lever. [3] Belt buckle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (14) is designed such that it prevents compression of the return element (12) in the locking position. [4] Belt buckle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (14) can be arranged bistable in the locking position and the unlocking position and / or is monostable in the unlocking position. [5] Belt buckle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking element (6) in the locking position has a greater distance from the locking element (14) than in the release position, and / or that the locking element (14) in the unlocking position has a greater distance from the locking element (6) than in the locking position. [6] Belt buckle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (14) is subjected to a spring force directed in the direction of the unlocking position and the actuator (15) is designed to hold the locking element (14) in the locking position only when energized. [7] Belt buckle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat by means of the operating element (9) a release force can be exerted on the locking element (6), which urges it in the direction of the release position, and the locking element (14) is provided and designed to release the locking element (6) when a threshold value is exceeded by the release force for displacement from the direction of the locking position in the direction of the release position. [8] A method for operating a belt buckle (2) for a safety belt system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the belt buckle (2) has a belt buckle housing (5) and a latching element (6) arranged in the belt buckle housing (5), which latching element has a latching device (7) for latching interaction with a latching counter-device (8) of a belt buckle (4) of the safety belt system (1), and wherein the latching element (6) can be arranged in a latching position and a release position and can be displaced by means of an operating element (9) of the belt buckle (2) from the latching position towards the release position against a restoring force caused by a restoring element (12), wherein a locking element (14) is arranged temporarily in a locking position and temporarily in an unlocking position,wherein the locking element (14) in the locking position engages the locking element (6) and holds it in the locking position and is arranged at a distance from the locking element (6) in the unlocking position and releases it for displacement in the direction of the release position, , characterized by that the locking element (14) is displaced between the locking position and the unlocking position by means of an electrically controlled actuator (15). [9] Safety belt system (1) with a belt buckle (2) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, and a belt buckle (4) fastened to a belt webbing (3), wherein the belt buckle (2) has a belt buckle housing (5) and a locking element (6) arranged in the belt buckle housing (5), which locking element has a locking device (7) for locking interaction with a locking counter-device (8) of the belt buckle (4), and wherein the locking element (6) can be arranged in a locking position and a release position and can be displaced by means of an operating element (9) of the belt buckle (2) against a restoring force caused by a restoring element (12) from the direction of the locking position towards the release position, with a locking element (14),which, in a locking position, engages the locking element (6) and holds it in the locking position, and in an unlocking position is arranged at a distance from the locking element (6) and releases it for displacement in the direction of the release position, , characterized by that the locking element (14) can be displaced between the locking position and the unlocking position by means of an electrically controlled actuator (15).

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