Fitting, in particular monofitting, securing system and vehicle

Abstract

Fitting (1), in particular monofitting, for the detachable fixing of an object, in particular a wheelchair, or a person in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a basic body (10), a connecting section for connecting the fitting (1) to a securing system for securing the object or person, in particular a wheelchair to a vehicle structure (2), a coupling section (40) for detachable coupling of the fitting (1) to the vehicle structure (2), a locking device (50) for establishing a temporary positive-locking coupling of the coupling section (40) with the vehicle structure (2), which has a locked and unlocked state and at least one plunger (14) movably arranged on the base body (10), and an indicator device (12) which has an indicator surface (22) for visually indicating the state of the locking device (50), characterized in that the indicator device (12) is designed and configured such that the indicator surface (22) is visible to a user in the unlocked state of the locking device (50) and the fitting (1) and is essentially invisible to a user in a locked state of the locking device (50) and the fitting (1) relative to the vehicle structure (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fitting, in particular a monofitting, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] These fittings are used as part of a restraint system designed to secure people or wheelchairs, particularly people in wheelchairs, in a motor vehicle during transport. The fitting is either part of the restraint system or can be connected to one. Each fitting features a coupling section for detachable connection to the floor (or another section of the vehicle structure).Such fittings are typically so-called quadruple fittings or mono fittings, which are detachably anchored to the structure of a vehicle, in particular the floor in the passenger compartment, by being manually moved by a user from an unlocked to a locked state. For this purpose, the fitting has a locking device to create a temporary positive connection between the coupling section and the vehicle structure, with part of the locking device being a movable plunger. The securing system also includes devices for wheelchair attachment, which feature retractors, loops, hooks, or carabiners. Such fittings are offered, for example, by the manufacturer AMF-Bruns under the brand name PROTEKTOR - System.

[0003] In the prior art, indicator devices are known which have indicator surfaces or lines or the like for the visual indication of the state of the locking device, to show whether the locking device is in the locked or unlocked state. From US 7,637,705, visual indicators are known in particular that form geometric shapes, for example, lines, grooves, circles, or semicircles, wherein the geometric shapes can be made clearly visible with colors. If a movable plunger, which is part of the locking device, is arranged such that the locking device is in the locked position and thus the fitting is securely locked to the vehicle structure, the geometric shape, line, or the like is clearly and completely visible to a user.For example, if a line is interrupted, with parts of it offset, the user can see that the fitting is not yet securely locked to the vehicle structure. Once the line is straight again, or a circle or semicircle is closed, and thus the respective geometric shape is complete, it is clear to the user that the fitting is now locked. The user must therefore pay close attention to whether the geometric shape is complete and visible, and thus whether the fitting is locked. This can sometimes be difficult for a user because it is not always clear when the geometric shape in use is complete or not.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a fitting, in particular a monofitting, and a securing system with which, in particular, a wheelchair with or without a person can be detachably fixed in a motor vehicle and which is designed in such a way that a user can clearly and unambiguously recognize whether the fitting is securely coupled to the vehicle structure, and whether the locking device with a movable plunger is in the locked or unlocked state.

[0005] The invention solves the problem with a fitting, in particular a monofitting, of the type mentioned at the outset, in that the indicator device is designed and configured such that the indicator surface is visible to a user in the unlocked state of the locking device and the fitting and is essentially not visible or invisible to a user in a locked state of the locking device and the fitting relative to the vehicle structure (claim 1).

[0006] The indicator device according to the invention is designed such that an indicator surface is visible when the locking device, and thus the fitting, is not locked. If the indicator surface is visible, the user knows with certainty that the fitting is not yet correctly and fully detachably coupled to the vehicle, in particular to a vehicle floor. Visibility can be achieved, for example, by using a color on the plunger, such as a signal color red, which is clearly visible from normal operating positions.The fitting according to the invention is further designed such that when the locking device and thus the fitting is in a fully correctly locked state and is therefore securely fixed to the vehicle structure, the indicator surface is no longer visible to the user; in this state, the non-visibility of the indicator surface provides the user with a simple and unambiguous signal that the fitting is correctly coupled to the vehicle structure and that transport can be carried out using the securing system, optionally also if other fittings and fastening means are correctly attached.

[0007] The invention thus enables a simple indication for the user: If an indicator surface of the indicator device is still visible, the fitting is not correctly coupled. If no indicator surface is visible, the fitting is correctly coupled and locked. This indication is independent of the actual completion of a shape. The invention has advantages over known indicator devices where specific geometric shapes must be recognized, such as complete straight lines, circles, semicircles, or the like, as distinct from incomplete geometric figures. This is disadvantageous in operation because it requires the user to know specific geometric shapes that indicate the locked or not fully locked state. The invention makes this determination easier for the user through the simple presence (not locked) or absence (locked) of the indicator surface through visibility.Non-visibility of the indicator surface or multiple indicator surfaces.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the indicator surface is arranged on the outside of the punch and is visible in the unlocked state (of the locking device). In the locked state (of the locking device), it is concealed by an indicator section of the base body and thus not visible from the outside. In this way, visibility or invisibility in the locked state is achieved with simple technical means: a simple indicator surface arranged on the outside of the punch and an indicator section that conceals it in the locked state.

[0009] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, which is technically very effective and simple, it is proposed that the indicator surface be designed as an essentially annular or cylindrical indicator ring surface. Such an essentially annular or cylindrical surface is clearly visible and thus indicates to the user from all sides that the fitting is not yet in the locked position, but rather in the unlocked position. This embodiment is further developed by forming the indicator ring surface on the outer surface of the plunger.

[0010] According to a further preferred embodiment, the indicator surface is arranged on a plunger that is movable linearly relative to the base body between a locking position and an unlocking position, and the indicator section of the base body at least partially encloses the outer surface of the plunger; the movable plunger can be easily mounted and guided on the base body and can also be referred to as a plunger.

[0011] According to a relatively simple design, it is proposed that the indicator section of the base body be shaped like an essentially ring-shaped projection which, in the locked state, covers the indicator surface. If the indicator surface is an indicator ring, the projection is similarly ring-shaped.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the indicator surface is marked by a colored coating and / or a projection and / or a recess; in particular, a colored coating in a preferably waterproof signal color such as red or orange is especially advantageous.

[0013] Another preferred embodiment provides that the movable plunger is coupled to a handle in its distal section, so that manual operation can be achieved by simple means; wherein preferably the handle is coupled to the plunger in a simple manner by means of at least one pin.

[0014] According to a further development, it is proposed that the plunger is pre-tensioned into its locking position, in which the fitting is locked to the vehicle structure, by means of at least one spring, in particular a coil spring, so that locking is even easier for a user by the spring moving the plunger into the complicated position.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling section of the base body has a cavity that is open at least laterally, a wall section that limits this cavity, and a projection that can be positively locked to the vehicle structure, in particular a disc, in the locking position of the fitting and preferably has a substantially U-shape.

[0016] This allows for a robust and long-lasting reliable locking and unlocking mechanism using simple means. A further development provides that the plunger can be inserted into a recess in the disc to lock the fitting, thus achieving additional fixation in the locked position. To unlock, the plunger can then preferably be pulled against the spring force using the handle, and the fitting can be moved into its fully unlocked position by sliding it.

[0017] According to a further development, it is proposed that the connecting section for attaching the fitting to a securing system has a tab projecting obliquely from the base body, which preferably has a recess for coupling with a securing system. Thus, according to an advantageous further development, a retractable strap, retractor, loops, hooks, or carabiners can be coupled to the fitting using this tab, for example, to securely connect the wheelchair and its occupant to the vehicle structure and reliably secure the transported person.

[0018] The problem is solved equally with a securing system (claim 13) and a vehicle (claim 14) with such a securing system and / or fitting according to the invention, and the advantages described above are achieved.

[0019] The invention is illustrated below by way of example using a preferred embodiment of a fitting, a securing system, and a motor vehicle. The figures show: Fig. 1: A restraint system and mono-fitting arranged on a vehicle structure of a motor vehicle, together with a belt retractor, in perspective view; Fig. 2: the fitting with retractor in a perspective view in a fully unlocked state; Fig. 3: the fitting in a semi-locked position; Fig. 4: the fitting in the fully locked position; Fig. 5: the fitting along with part of the vehicle structure in a side view; Fig. 6: the fitting in a state that is not yet fully locked; Fig. 7: the fitting in the locked state in side view; Fig. 8: the fitting in a partial sectional view in the unlocked state, Fig. 9: move the fitting towards the locked position, Fig. 10: the fitting in the locked state and Fig. 11: A perspective view of the fitting from below.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 3 for passenger transport, a securing system 5, and a fitting 1, designed as a monofitting 1 for the releasable fixing of a (not shown) wheelchair for transporting a person in the vehicle 1. The exemplary securing system 5 can comprise the fitting 1, a belt winding device 4 with a belt 7 and a hook 9 attached here to the end of the belt 7, which is connected to a part of the wheelchair in order to securely fix it in the vehicle during transport, possibly together with other securing systems 5, when locked.

[0021] The fitting 1 is preferably made of steel and has a base body 10. A connecting section 30 for connecting the fitting 1 to the securing system 5 for securing the wheelchair to the vehicle structure 2 is formed on the base body 10. The connecting section 5 has, or is designed as, a tab 32 projecting obliquely from the base body 10, which preferably has a recess 34 for coupling with a securing system 5. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, a screw 36 is passed through the recess 34 and secured with a nut 38, so that the belt winding device 4 is detachably connected to the fitting 1.

[0022] Fitting 1 has a coupling section 40 for detachably connecting the fitting 1 to the vehicle structure 2, the coupling section 40 being formed in a lower part of the base body 10. Fitting 1 can be detachably coupled to the vehicle structure 2, specifically at the floor of the passenger compartment, to which at least one disk, called disk 6, is attached, having a projection 39 in a known manner. Fitting 1 can be detachably positively coupled to disk 6.

[0023] As especially the Fig. As shown in Figures 8-11, the coupling section 40 of the base body 10 has a cavity 42 that is open laterally at least on one side, into which the disk 6, in particular its projection 39, can be partially inserted. The cavity 42 is bounded by an inner surface of the base body 10 (shown at the bottom in the figures) and by a wall section 44 and a projection 46 that bounds the coupling section 40 of the base body 10 (see in particular Figure 8-11). Fig. 11. The coupling section 40 is detachably locked to the vehicle structure 2 in the locking position of the fitting 1 by means of the cavity 42, into which parts of the disk 6 can be inserted. The cavity, or rather the surrounding bounding walls, defined by a part of the inner surface of the base body 10, the wall section 44 and the projection 46, essentially has a U-shape, as can be seen from the perspective view from below. Fig. 11 is recognizable. Through the laterally open side, the disk 6 can penetrate into the cavity and the fitting 1 enters a positive-locking coupling or locking with the disk 6.

[0024] Fitting 1 is further equipped with a locking device 50 for establishing a temporary positive-locking connection or locking of the coupling section 40 with the vehicle structure 2, wherein the locking device 50, and thus the fitting 1, has a locked and unlocked state. The locking device 50, with its essential components, is also shown in the partial sectional views according to... Fig. 8-10 recognizable.

[0025] Part of the locking device 50 is the plunger 14, which in the exemplary embodiment is arranged linearly movable on the base body 10, i.e., guided and supported. The plunger is manually moved back and forth by a user using the handle 11, and in the exemplary embodiment according to the figures, it moves from an unlocked position downwards into a locked position. The plunger 14 is, for example, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrate, using the basic body 10 from a in Fig. 6 shown extended or upper position in a Fig. 7 shown in the retracted or lower position is arranged to be axially or linearly movable in order to move the locking device 50 and thus the fitting 1 from an unlocked position as described above, see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 or Fig. 6, into a locked position, see Fig. 4, Fig. 7 or Fig. 10, in which the fitting is fixed to the disk 6 and thus to the vehicle structure 2. The lower section of the plunger 14 can be inserted into a recess 41 of the disk 4 to lock the fitting. Preferably, the plunger 14 and the recess 41 are at least partially cylindrical and thus congruent. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates the locked position in which the lower part of the plunger 14 is arranged within the recess 41. In this position, the plunger is in its lower position, and the entire fitting 1 cannot be moved laterally in a linear fashion relative to the disk 6 in such a way as to detach the fitting 1 from the vehicle structure 2, because the lower section of the plunger 14 prevents this lateral movement. This has the effect that the lower coupling section 40 cannot be moved laterally, but also not vertically in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the plunger 14 by means of the projection 46. Thus, the fitting 1 is positively secured to the disk 6 or the vehicle structure 2 in two axes, one axis being essentially the same as the longitudinal axis of the plunger 14 and the other being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plunger 14.The longitudinal axis of the punch 14 simultaneously defines the direction of movement of the punch 14 relative to the base body 10 and the disk 6.

[0026] As the figures show, the punch 14 is coupled to the handle 11 in its upper, distal section, the handle 11 preferably being coupled to the punch 14 by means of at least one pin 13. The handle 11 is preferably designed such that it has a cylindrical lower section with a Fig. 8-10 has a visible cavity 15 in which the upper section of the punch 14 is arranged.

[0027] How Fig. As illustrated in Figures 8-10, the plunger 14 is pre-tensioned into its locking position, in which the fitting 1 is locked to the vehicle structure 2, by means of at least one spring 28, in particular a coil spring 28. The spring 28 is arranged in a cavity 29 formed in the base body 10 and rests with its upper section against an inner surface of the base body 2. With its lower section, the spring 28 rests against a projection 31 formed on the plunger 14, such that the plunger 14 is pre-tensioned downwards by the spring 28 and thus into the locked position. Then, when the lower section of the plunger 14 aligns with the recess 41 of the disk 6, it is pressed into the recess 41 into the locked position, in which the fitting 1 cannot be detached from the vehicle structure 2 in the manner described, and thus the wheelchair is securely secured.The locked position can only be released if a user pulls and moves the plunger 14 upwards against the force of the spring 28 using the handle 11, so that the lower section of the plunger 14 is released from the recess 41 of the disk 6 and the fitting 1 can again be moved laterally from its locked position (for example . Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 10) into its unlocked position, see Fig. 9 or Fig. 5 or Fig. 1 or Fig. 2.

[0028] An indicator device 12 according to the invention is further formed on the fitting 1 and thus on the locking system 5 as a whole. In the preferred embodiment, the indicator device 12 has an indicator surface 22 arranged on the movable plunger 14 for visually indicating the state of the locking device 50 and thus of the fitting 1. The indicator device 12 is designed and configured such that the indicator surface 22 is visible to a user in the unlocked state of the locking device 50 and the fitting 1, as for example in the Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 9 shown, and in a locked state of the locking device 50 and the fitting 1 relative to the vehicle structure 2 is essentially invisible to a user, as for example in the Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 10 shown.

[0029] The indicator surface 22 is arranged on the outside of the stamp 14 and is visible in the unlocked state (of the locking device 50) ( Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 9) In the locked state (of the locking device 50), the indicator surface 22 is covered by an indicator section 26 of the base body and is therefore not visible from the outside ( Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 10) The indicator surface 22 is preferably designed as a substantially ring-shaped or cylindrical indicator ring surface 22'. As the Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figures 8-10, the indicator ring surface 22' is formed on the outer surface of the stamp 14, preferably in the area of ​​a small inward-facing step or recess 27, as shown in the Fig. Figures 8-10 show that, in this embodiment, the indicator surface 22 is arranged on the plunger 14, which is movable linearly relative to the base body 10 between a locking position and an unlocking position; preferably, the indicator section 26 of the base body at least partially encloses the outer surface of the plunger 14. The indicator section 26 of the base body 10 has a substantially rotationally symmetrical shape and tapers slightly from a central section of the base body 10 to its uppermost point.

[0030] The indicator section 26 is dimensioned such that in the fully locked position, compare for example Fig. 10, the indicator surface 22 of the indicator device 12 is not visible to a user because it is completely covered, whereas in the not fully locked position the indicator surface is visible to a user, compare for example Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 9. As mentioned, the indicator section 26 of the base body 10 is designed as an essentially ring-shaped projection. Due to the axial mobility of the plunger 14 relative to the base body 2 and thus the indicator section 26, the indicator surface 22 is invisible in the fully locked position and visible to a user in the not fully locked position. It is provided, in a manner not shown in detail, that the indicator surface 22 is highlighted and made even more visible by a colored coating, for example in a signal color red or orange, and / or marked by a projection and / or a recess.

[0031] The indicator device 12 according to the invention is therefore designed such that the indicator surface 22 is visible in the unlocked state of the locking device 50 and thus of the fitting 1. Reference symbol list 1 fitting; mono fitting 2 Vehicle structure 3 vehicles 4 belt winding device (retractor) 5 Security system 6 disks 7 strap 8 Exclusion 9 hooks 10 basic shapes 11 Handle 12 indicator devices 13 pen 14 plunger stamps 15 Cavity (handle) 22 indicator area 22' indicator ring area 26 Indicator section 27 Cutout (Stamp) 28 Spring; coil spring 29 Cavity 30 Connecting section 31 Stamp lead 32 tab 34 Exclusion 36 screw 38 Mother 39% lead of the disc 41 Recess 10 of the disk 40 Coupling section (of the base body) 42 Cavity 44 Wall section 46 lead 50 Locking device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 7,637,705

[0003]

Claims

[1] Fitting (1), in particular monofitting, for the detachable fixing of an object, in particular a wheelchair, or a person in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a basic body (10), a connecting section for connecting the fitting (1) to a securing system for securing the object or person, in particular a wheelchair to a vehicle structure (2), a coupling section (40) for detachable coupling of the fitting (1) to the vehicle structure (2), a locking device (50) for establishing a temporary positive-locking coupling of the coupling section (40) with the vehicle structure (2), which has a locked and unlocked state and at least one plunger (14) movably arranged on the base body (10), and an indicator device (12) which has an indicator surface (22) for visually indicating the state of the locking device (50), characterized by , that the indicator device (12) is designed and configured such that the indicator surface (22) is visible to a user in the unlocked state of the locking device (50) and the fitting (1) and is essentially invisible to a user in a locked state of the locking device (50) and the fitting (1) relative to the vehicle structure (2). [2] Fitting according to claim 1, characterized by , that the indicator surface (22) is arranged on the outside of the punch (14) and is visible in the unlocked state (of the locking device (50)) and is covered by an indicator section (26) of the base body (10) in the locked state (of the locking device (50)) and is therefore not visible from the outside. [3] Fitting according to claim 2, characterized by , that the indicator surface (22) is designed as an essentially ring-shaped or cylindrical indicator ring surface (24). [4] Fitting according to claim 3, characterized by , that the indicator ring area (24) is formed on the outer surface of the stamp (14). [5] Fitting according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the indicator surface (22) is arranged on the plunger (14) which is movable linearly relative to the base body (10) between a locking position and an unlocking position and the indicator section (26) of the base body at least partially encloses the outer surface of the plunger (14). [6] Fitting according to claim 5, characterized by , that the indicator section (26) of the base body (10) is formed in the manner of an essentially ring-shaped projection. [7] Fitting according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the indicator surface (22) is marked by a colored coating and / or a protrusion and / or a depression. [8] Fitting according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the punch (14) is coupled in its distal section to a handle (), wherein the handle is preferably coupled to the punch (14) by means of at least one pin (13). [9] Fitting according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the plunger (14) is pre-tensioned into its locking position, in which the fitting (1) is locked to the vehicle structure (2), by means of at least one spring (28), in particular a coil spring. [10] Fitting according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the coupling section (40) of the base body (10) has at least a laterally open cavity and a wall section bounding this cavity and a projection which, in the locking position of the fitting (1), can be positively locked to the vehicle structure (2), in particular a disk (6), and preferably has a substantially U-shape. [11] Fitting according to claim 10, characterized by , that the stamp (14) can be inserted into a recess (8) of the disk (6) to lock the fitting (1). [12] Fitting according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connecting section (30) has a tab (32) projecting obliquely from the base body (10), which preferably has a recess (34) for coupling with a locking system. [13] Securing system (5) for the detachable fixing of an object, in particular a wheelchair, or a person in a vehicle, with a fitting which can be detachably coupled to a vehicle structure, characterized by that the fitting is designed with the features according to at least one of the preceding claims 1-12. [14] Vehicle (3) for the transport of persons, with a securing system which includes a fitting for detachable coupling to a vehicle structure, characterized by that the fitting is designed with the features according to at least one of the preceding claims 1-12.

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