Plug-in tongue and method for manufacturing a plug-in tongue

Abstract

A tongue (10) for a safety belt, comprising an insertion section (12) that can be inserted into a belt buckle, and a deflection section (14) for a webbing (16), wherein the deflection section (14) has a webbing channel (20) and a clamping element (22) for the webbing (16), and the clamping element (22) is displaceable between an initial position in which the webbing (16) is freely movable and a locking position in which the clamping element (22) is displaced against a wall (36) of the webbing channel (20) such that the webbing (16) is clamped between the clamping element (22) and the wall (36) of the webbing channel (20), wherein the clamping element (22) has a clamping surface (24) which, in the locking position, clamps the webbing (16) against the wall (36) of the webbing channel (20). wherein the clamping element (22) is guided along an arc-shaped guide track (40) which runs perpendicular to the wall (36) in the area of ​​the locking position, so that the clamping element (22) is moved perpendicularly with the clamping surface (24) against the wall (36) in the locking position, and wherein the clamping surface (24) is arranged parallel to the wall (36) in the locking position and rests flat against it, characterized in that that the clamping element (22) is guided in a guide channel (46), that the clamping surface (24) is angled relative to the guide channel (46), so that a wider clamping surface (24) is created which is wider than the section of the clamping element (22) guided in the guide channel (46), and that the section of the clamping element (22) guided in the guide channel (46) has a circular arc cross-section, wherein a deflection surface (26) for the webbing (16) is provided at a first end and the clamping surface (24) at an opposite end.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tongue for a safety belt, with an insertion section which can be inserted into a belt buckle, and a deflection section for a belt webbing, wherein the deflection section has a belt webbing channel and a clamping element for the belt webbing, and wherein the clamping element is displaceable between an initial position in which the belt webbing is freely movable, and a blocking position in which the clamping element is displaced against a wall of the belt webbing channel such that the belt webbing is clamped between the clamping element and the wall of the belt webbing channel, wherein the clamping element has a clamping surface which clamps the belt webbing against the wall of the belt webbing channel in the blocking position.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for producing such a tongue.

[0003] In three-point seat belts, tongues form a deflection point between a first section of the seat belt, which restrains the occupant's pelvis when restrained, and a second section, which protects the occupant's upper body from forward displacement. The tongue and the deflection section are threaded onto the seat belt webbing in such a way that the tongue can be freely moved along the webbing. This allows the length of both sections of the seat belt to be adjusted to the vehicle occupant during buckling. Furthermore, by moving the webbing through the tongue, the webbing can be aligned so that it sits evenly on the vehicle occupant.

[0004] When restrained, the upper body may shift forward when the seat belt is locked. Because the belt webbing is guided in a sliding manner in the tongue, the webbing can be shifted in such a way that the section closest to the upper body is lengthened and the section closest to the pelvis is shortened, which could cause the seat belt to cut into the pelvic area.

[0005] To prevent this, tongues, for example, have clamping elements that, when the seat belt is locked, can be moved from an initial position, where the belt webbing is freely movable, to a blocking position, where the clamping element clamps the belt webbing to the tongue, preventing any belt webbing from shifting between the first and second sections of the seat belt. This protects the pelvic area from being cut into by the seat belt, and the upper body from being shifted too far forward.

[0006] In conventional tongues, the webbing channel, through which the clamping element moves in the blocking position, runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tongue. When restrained, the webbing is pressed against the clamping element by the tensile force acting on the webbing. If the webbing shifts relative to the tongue, for example, due to increased tension on the upper body, the increased friction between the clamping element and the webbing pulls the clamping element into the webbing channel until the clamping element blocks the webbing. Therefore, with these tongues, the clamping element is only moved when the webbing moves in the tongue.

[0007] The generic WO 2013 / 099 590 A1 describes a tongue for a safety belt, comprising an insertion section that can be inserted into a belt buckle and a deflection section for a belt strap. The deflection section has a belt strap channel and a clamping element for the belt strap. The clamping element is displaceable between an initial position, in which the belt strap is freely movable, and a blocking position, in which the clamping element is displaced against a wall of the belt strap channel such that the belt strap is clamped between the clamping element and the wall of the belt strap channel.For this purpose, the clamping element has a clamping surface which, in the blocking position, clamps the belt against the wall of the belt channel, wherein the clamping element is guided along an arcuate guide track which runs perpendicular to the wall in the region of the blocking position, so that the clamping element is moved perpendicularly with the clamping surface against the wall in the blocking position, and wherein the clamping surface is arranged parallel to the wall in the blocking position and lies flat against it.

[0008] Furthermore, WO 2012 / 105762 A2 discloses a plug-in tongue in which a clamping element is guided in a guide channel by means of guide ends. The clamping surface of the clamping element is angled relative to the guide channel.

[0009] Furthermore, prior art includes tongues that have a clamping element that is arranged at an acute angle to the webbing channel or to the longitudinal direction of the tongue. These can be inserted into the webbing channel independently of the movement of the webbing, for example, by the tensile force of the webbing acting on the clamping element.

[0010] However, both designs have the disadvantage that the clamping element is pulled into the webbing channel by the tensile force acting on the webbing and becomes wedged there. The clamping element can therefore become jammed in the webbing channel. Releasing the lock is often only possible by pulling the webbing in the opposite direction, thus moving the clamping element from the locked position back to its original position.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a tongue for a safety belt that enables quick and reliable release of the clamping of the belt webbing after the restraint event has ended and prevents the clamping element from tilting. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a method for producing such a tongue.

[0012] This problem is solved, on the one hand, in a generic tongue with the characterising features of patent claim 1 and, on the other hand, with the features of patent claim 5.

[0013] According to the invention, the clamping element is guided in an arcuate guide channel which, in the region of the blocking position, runs essentially perpendicular to the wall, so that the clamping element is guided essentially perpendicularly with the clamping surface against the wall in the blocking position. Furthermore, according to the invention, the effective height of the clamping surface, measured in the longitudinal direction of the belt, is greater than the height of the guide track. This ensures a large clamping surface on the one hand, and a reduced mass of the clamping element on the other. For this purpose, according to the invention, the region of the clamping surface is angled relative to the guide channel or the clamping section with the clamping surface is thickened relative to the part of the clamping element located in the guide channel.

[0014] The clamping surface is moved against the wall of the webbing channel so that it is parallel to the wall and lies flat against it. This creates a large effective surface with which the webbing is clamped in the webbing channel, allowing a greater clamping force to be provided. Furthermore, the clamping element, which is moved essentially perpendicular to the wall, has the advantage that the clamping element can be released again independently of any tensile force acting on the webbing. The clamping element is not pulled into the webbing channel by the webbing and therefore cannot jam in the webbing channel. This makes it easier to release the webbing as soon as the tension on the webbing decreases. In particular, the clamping element can also be released when there is still a tensile force acting on the webbing.A larger, flat clamping surface acting on the webbing also has the advantage of significantly reducing stress on the webbing. This prevents point or line contact. In particular, point or line-like loads that act between two webbing threads with an excessively high pressing force can be avoided. The clamping surface acting on the webbing can also be provided with a profile or surface texture to improve the clamping effect.

[0015] The clamping element is preferably manufactured as a die-cast component from an aluminum or zinc alloy. This allows for easy creation of profiles or structures on the clamping surface.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the invention, the clamping element is circularly arcuate in cross-section, with a deflection surface for the webbing provided at a first end and the clamping surface at an opposite end. The webbing thus rests against the end of the clamping element opposite the clamping surface and is deflected by it. As soon as a tensile force acts on the webbing, the clamping element is pulled from its starting position into the blocking position by the deflected webbing. This results in rapid blocking of the webbing, but no friction is required between the webbing and the clamping element to move the clamping element into the blocking position.

[0017] The curved design of the clamping element with its angled clamping surface also has the advantage of allowing for a very low overall height (perpendicular to the insertion direction) of the tongue. This allows the lever arm between the insertion plane in the belt buckle and the force transmission through the lap belt section to be kept very small.

[0018] Regardless of the shape of the clamping element, a guide is preferably provided along which the clamping element can be moved. This guide ensures that the clamping element is moved essentially perpendicularly with the clamping surface against the wall. However, it is not necessary for the clamping surface to be arranged essentially parallel to the wall or moved perpendicular to it during the entire movement from the starting position to the blocking position. In particular, the guide can be curved so that the clamping element is also pivoted when it is moved along the guide.

[0019] The clamping element can be completely housed in the guide. However, it is also possible for the clamping element to be guided in the guide only by projections. This allows the guide to be narrower, thus reducing the overall height of the plug-in tongue.

[0020] The clamping element can be fixed in its starting position on the deflection section, regardless of its mounting. If a defined force on the webbing is exceeded, predetermined breaking points, for example, can be released, allowing the clamping element to be moved into the blocking position. If such predetermined breaking points are present, however, the webbing can only be released or blocked once. To achieve reversible blocking of the webbing, the clamping element is preferably mounted so that it can move freely along the guide track, and a spring element is provided that urges the clamping element into its starting position. If a defined tensile force on the webbing is exceeded, the clamping element is moved from its starting position to the blocking position against the spring force.If the force on the webbing decreases after the restraint event has ended, the spring element can push the clamping element back to its original position, allowing normal operation of the tongue. The spring also prevents the clamping element from rattling, as the spring element presses it against a stop on the deflection section and / or an overmolding without play.

[0021] The spring element can advantageously be a leaf spring, which allows for any arrangement of the spring element on the deflection section. The use of a leaf spring, in particular, allows for significantly higher spring forces compared to coil or profile springs. These higher forces for engagement have the particular advantage that the clamping element does not engage during normal operation, i.e., when the occupant moves during normal driving, thus significantly improving comfort.

[0022] Independently of the previously mentioned embodiments, the deflection section can have an overmolding, particularly made of plastic, that encloses the deflection section at least in sections. For example, the clamping element can be cast into the overmolding in its initial state, so that it is completely fixed within the overmolding. When a trigger force, i.e., a defined tensile force on the belt, is exceeded, the clamping element is released from the overmolding and can move into the blocking position.

[0023] The clamping element is advantageously wider than the webbing channel. This can be achieved, for example, by creating undercuts in the overmolding, so that there is no gap between the clamping bar and the overmolding. This prevents the webbing from becoming jammed between the clamping bar and the overmolding.

[0024] To achieve the object, a method for producing a plug-in tongue according to the invention is further provided, which has the following features: - Providing a deflection section, - Positioning the clamping element on the deflection section, and - Partial overmolding of the deflection section and the clamping element, whereby the clamping element is fixed to the deflection section.

[0025] Further advantages and features are evident from the following description in conjunction with the attached drawings. These show: - Fig. 1 a perspective view of a tongue according to the invention, - Fig. 2 a sectional view through the tongue of Fig. 1, - Fig. 3 a perspective partial sectional view through the tongue of Fig. 1, - Fig. 4 the tongue out Fig. 2 with the clamping element in a blocking position, - Fig. 5a to 5d a sectional view of the tongue from Fig. 1 in the area of ​​the clamping element during the movement from the starting position to the blocking position, - Fig. 6a to 6c various process steps for producing the tongue from the Fig. 1 to 4, - Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a tongue according to the invention, - Fig. 8 a sectional view of the tongue from Fig. 7 with the clamping element in the starting position, - Fig. 9 a partial sectional view of the tongue from Fig. 8, - Fig. 10 a sectional view of the tongue from Fig. 8 with the clamping element in the blocking position, - Fig. 11a to 11e various process steps for producing the tongue from the Fig. 7 to 10, - Fig. 12 a third embodiment of a tongue according to the invention, - Fig. 13 a fourth embodiment of a tongue according to the invention, - Fig. 14 a partial sectional view of the tongue of Fig. 13, and - Fig. 15 another partial sectional view of the tongue from Fig. 13.

[0026] In the Fig. 1 to 4, a tongue 10 for a safety belt in a vehicle is shown. The tongue 10 has an insertion section 12, which can be inserted into a belt buckle and locked therein, as well as a deflection section 14, which can be threaded onto a belt strap 16 and deflect the belt strap 16 (see Fig. 5a to 5d). The deflection section 14 has a plastic overmolding 18 that completely encloses the deflection section 14.

[0027] As particularly in Fig. 2, a webbing channel 20 through which the webbing 16 is guided is provided on the deflection section 14, as well as a clamping element 22, the function of which is explained below. The clamping element 22 is arcuate in cross-section, in this embodiment circular in shape, and has a clamping surface 24 facing the webbing channel 20 and a deflection surface 26 arranged at the opposite end. Projections 28 are provided laterally on the clamping element 22, with which projections the clamping element 22 is guided laterally in a guide 30 provided on the deflection section 14. The guide 30 can be formed by the overmolding 18 and / or by the deflection section 14.

[0028] The basic function of the clamping element 22 is explained below using the Fig. 5a to 5d explained.

[0029] In a Fig. In the initial position shown in Figure 5a, the belt strap 16 is guided through the belt strap channel 20 and can be moved in the longitudinal direction L through the belt strap channel 20.

[0030] When the safety belt is fastened, the belt strap 16 then runs in a U-shape through the deflection section 14, whereby the belt strap 16 is divided into a first section 32 and a second section 34 ( Fig. 5b). The first section 32, for example, is guided around the pelvic area of ​​a vehicle occupant, while the second section 34 extends from the plug-in tongue 10 around the upper body of the vehicle occupant.

[0031] In the Fig. In the fastened state shown in Figure 5b, the belt webbing 16 can be moved freely through the deflection section 14, allowing, in conjunction with a belt retractor, a length adjustment of the two sections 32, 34. The belt webbing 16 can thus be adjusted so that both sections 32, 34 rest against the vehicle occupant. This reliably prevents the vehicle occupant from shifting forward if the seat belt is locked.

[0032] In the event of a restraint, the belt retractor is blocked. If the vehicle occupant subsequently moves forward, a tensile force Z acts on each of the two sections 32 and 34 (see Fig. 5c). The tensile forces Z pull the webbing 16 toward the clamping element 22. The clamping element 22 is then displaced by the webbing 16 along the guides 30 and moved into the webbing channel 20.

[0033] The clamping element 22 is pushed into the belt channel 20 until it rests against an opposite wall 36 and the belt is clamped between the wall 36 and the clamping surface 24 of the clamping element 22.

[0034] In this blocking position of the clamping element 22, the belt strap 16 is fixed to the tongue 10 ( Fig. 5d). Shortening of the first section 32 and thus constriction of the first section 32 placed around the pelvis due to a forward displacement of the upper body and the resulting lengthening of the second section 34 is thus reliably excluded.

[0035] Since with increasing tensile force Z on the belt strap 16 the force with which the clamping element 22 is pressed against the wall 36 also increases, a reliable fixation of the belt strap 16 is ensured even with high tensile forces Z on the belt strap 16.

[0036] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the clamping element 22 is guided displaceably on an arcuate guide track 40. The clamping surface 24 is arranged in such a way that it can be Fig. 4 is moved substantially perpendicularly against the wall 36 of the belt channel 20 and in the blocking position rests against the wall 36 substantially parallel to the latter.

[0037] This increases the contact area between the webbing 16 and the clamping surface 24 so that a higher holding force can be provided for the webbing 16.

[0038] Due to the curved shape of the clamping element 22, the tensile force Z acting essentially in the direction of the belt strap 16 is deflected in such a way that the clamping element is pressed essentially perpendicularly against the wall 36.

[0039] Since the clamping element 22 is guided with the clamping surface 24 essentially perpendicular to the wall 36, the clamping element 22 is not pressed into the webbing channel 20. Furthermore, the clamping element 22 cannot be pulled into the webbing channel 20 by the webbing 16. Jamming or wedging of the clamping element 22 in the webbing channel 20 is therefore not possible.

[0040] After the restraint event has ended and the tensile force Z on the webbing 16 and the deflection surface 26 of the clamping element 22 has decreased, the clamping element 22 can simply be moved from the blocking position back to its original position. It is not necessary for the webbing to be moved in the webbing channel 20 for this purpose.

[0041] In particular, it is also possible to return the clamping element 22 to its original position if a tensile force Z continues to act on the second section 34, since the clamping element 22 is not held in the blocking position by the webbing 16. It is only necessary that no force acts on the deflection surface 26.

[0042] This allows the clamping element to be moved back from the blocking position to its original position easily and with the same force, regardless of the tensile force Z acting during the restraint process. In particular, there is no need to release a jammed or wedged clamping element 22.

[0043] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the clamping element 22 is cast into the overmolding 18 of the deflection section 14 and is thereby held in the initial position. When a defined tensile force Z is exceeded, this fixation is released and the clamping element 22 can be moved into the blocking position ( Fig. 4) be postponed.

[0044] A method for producing this tongue 10 is described in the Fig. 6a to 6c. After providing the base body from the insertion section 12 and the deflection section 14 ( Fig. 6a), the clamping element 22 is positioned on the deflection section 14 in the starting position ( Fig. 6b). The deflection section 14 is then overmolded, keeping the belt channel 20 free ( Fig. 6c). Preferably, in the initial position, the clamping surface 24 of the clamping element is part of the webbing channel 20.

[0045] A second embodiment of a plug-in tongue according to the invention is shown in the Fig. 7 to 10 shown.

[0046] The structure of this tongue 10 essentially corresponds to that shown in the Fig. 1 to 4. Unlike in this embodiment, however, the clamping element 22 is freely movable in the guide 30 and is not cast into the overmolding. In addition, a spring element 38 is provided, which here is formed by a leaf spring and has two resilient webs 39. This spring element 38 is partially cast into the overmolding 18 and is supported on the deflection section 14. The spring element 38 engages in two openings 48 on the clamping element 22 and acts on it in the starting position (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 9). Furthermore, a retaining web 42 is provided to fix the clamping element 22 to the deflection section 14.

[0047] If a tensile force Z acts on the webbing 16, the clamping element 22 is moved into the blocking position against the spring force of the spring element 38. As soon as the tensile force Z on the webbing 16 decreases, the spring element 38 pulls the clamping element 22 back to its original position. This allows for reversible use of the tongue 10.

[0048] A method for producing this tongue 10 is described in the Fig. 11a to 11e shown.

[0049] After providing the base body ( Fig. 11a) the spring element 38 is inserted into a receptacle 44 ( Fig. 11b) and the deflection section is then overmolded ( Fig. 11c), whereby the webbing channel 20 and a guide channel 46 for the clamping element 22 are kept free. Furthermore, a channel for the retaining web 42 is kept free.

[0050] The clamping element 22 is then inserted into the guide channel 46. The guide channel 46 is designed such that the clamping element 22 can be inserted even with a wide clamping surface 24 and thus has play in the guide channel 46 in this state. This play is necessary to push the clamping element 22 past the spring element 38 into the guide channel 46. Finally, the retaining web 42 is pushed in laterally, whereby the clamping element 22 with the openings 48 is pushed onto the webs 39 of the spring element 38 and the guide channel 46 is narrowed such that the clamping element 22 is guided without play.

[0051] The Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 12 differs from that shown in the Fig. 7 to 10 only in that the spring element 38 is a torsion spring or a bow spring.

[0052] In the Fig. 13 to 15, a third embodiment of a plug-in tongue 10 according to the invention is shown. This essentially corresponds to the Fig. 1 to 4 shown plug-in tongue 10. However, the clamping surface end of the clamping element 22 is in cross-section (see Fig. 13) is hook-shaped, so that a wider clamping surface 24 is created.

[0053] Independently of this embodiment, the clamping element 22 can also be fixed in the starting position or biased to the starting position by other means. For example, it is possible to provide bolts or other elements with a predetermined breaking point. Instead of the spring elements 38, rubber elements or other resilient elements can also be used, for example, which bias the clamping element 22 in the starting position or move it back to the starting position after the restraint event has ended.

Claims

[1] A tongue (10) for a safety belt, comprising an insertion section (12) which can be inserted into a belt buckle, and a deflection section (14) for a belt strap (16), wherein the deflection section (14) has a belt strap channel (20) and a clamping element (22) for the belt strap (16), and the clamping element (22) is displaceable between an initial position in which the belt strap (16) is freely movable, and a blocking position in which the clamping element (22) is displaced against a wall (36) of the belt strap channel (20) such that the belt strap (16) is clamped between the clamping element (22) and the wall (36) of the belt strap channel (20), wherein the clamping element (22) has a clamping surface (24) which, in the blocking position, clamps the belt strap (16) against the wall (36) of the belt strap channel (20), wherein the clamping element (22) is guided along an arcuate guide track (40) which runs perpendicular to the wall (36) in the region of the blocking position, so that the clamping element (22) is moved perpendicularly with the clamping surface (24) against the wall (36) in the blocking position, and wherein the clamping surface (24) is arranged parallel to the wall (36) in the blocking position and lies flat against it, characterized by , that the clamping element (22) is guided in a guide channel (46), that the clamping surface (24) is angled relative to the guide channel (46) so that a wider clamping surface (24) is created which is wider than the section of the clamping element (22) guided in the guide channel (46), and that the section of the clamping element (22) guided in the guide channel (46) is circular in cross-section, wherein a deflection surface (26) for the belt strap (16) is provided at a first end and the clamping surface (24) is provided at an opposite end. [2] Plug-in tongue (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a spring element (38) is provided which urges the clamping element (22) into the starting position. [3] Plug-in tongue (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that the spring element (38) is a leaf spring. [4] Plug-in tongue (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the deflection section (14) has an overmolding (18) which encloses the deflection section (14) at least in sections, and that the clamping element (22) is cast into the overmolding (18) in the starting position. [5] Method for producing a tongue (10) according to one of the preceding claims with the following features: - providing a deflection section (14), - positioning the clamping element (22) on the deflection section (14), and - partially overmolding the deflection section (14) and the clamping element (22), wherein the clamping element (22) is fixed to the deflection section (14).

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