Catching-strap device and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a catching-strap device (30) for holding back a covering element in the interior of a motor vehicle when an airbag is triggered, wherein the catching-strap device (30) is provided for the purpose of connecting the covering element to a structural element of the motor vehicle, wherein the catching-strap device (30) comprises a strap (10) and two insert parts (22), which are arranged at the two opposite ends of the strap, wherein a respective end portion of the strap is folded over, at its opposite ends, in the direction of the middle of the strap in such a manner that an insert part (22) is accommodated between two layers (32, 34) of the strap, and wherein apertures (18) are provided in each of the two layers (32, 34) of the strap and in the insert part (22) and are located substantially congruently one above the other so that a respective connecting element can be guided through the two layers (32, 34) of the strap and the insert part (22) in order to connect the respective end of the catching-strap device (30) to the covering element and to the structural element.

Description

[0001] Safety strap device and its use

[0002] The present invention relates to a retaining strap device for retaining a trim element in the interior of a motor vehicle when an airbag is deployed, wherein the retaining strap device is provided for connecting the trim element to a structural element of the motor vehicle.

[0003] The invention further relates to the use of such a retaining strap device for retaining a trim element in the interior of a motor vehicle when an airbag is deployed.

[0004] Modern motor vehicles often incorporate extensive airbag systems to protect occupants from injury in the event of an accident. Individual airbags are positioned primarily in the head area of ​​the occupants and are each installed behind a trim element in the interior of the vehicle, for example, behind the headliner, a side panel, a door panel, an instrument panel, etc.

[0005] When the airbag is triggered and deployed, the affected trim element inevitably deforms and may even detach from its original position. One problem with this is the risk that the occupants could be affected or even injured by a deformed or detached trim element.

[0006] To solve this problem, the invention proposes a tether device of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the tether device comprises a band and two inserts which are arranged at the two opposite ends of the band, wherein in each case an end section of the band is folded over at its opposite ends in the direction of the center of the band such that an insert is received between two layers of the band, and wherein recesses are provided in each of the two layers of the band and in the insert, which recesses lie essentially congruently one above the other, so that in each case a connecting element can be passed through the two layers of the band and the insert in order to connect the respective end of the tether device to the cladding element or the structural element.

[0007] The safety strap device according to the invention can prevent impairments and injuries to the occupants caused by a deformed or detached trim element by selecting the length of the strap so that the trim element cannot reach the occupants. At the same time, the safety strap device requires little space in its initial state due to its design, allowing easy installation even with small gaps between the trim element and the structural element.

[0008] For the purposes of the present invention, "interior trim elements" are all types of trim elements that are oriented toward the interior, i.e., in particular, the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Typical examples of such trim elements are the headliner, side panels, pillar trims, door panels, armrests, instrument panels, and steering column trims.

[0009] For the purposes of the present invention, the "structural elements of a motor vehicle" are in particular the body parts and all elements that are load-bearing connected to the body and are thus suitable for securing trim elements by means of the safety strap device according to the invention. Because the safety strap device according to the invention is fastened to the trim element and to the structural element by means of separate connecting elements, it can be used very flexibly, i.e. in principle the same safety strap device (possibly with different lengths) can be used for different trim elements of a motor vehicle and for different motor vehicle models. Adaptation to the installation situation can be achieved, if necessary, by selecting the connecting element, whereby standardized connecting elements that are generally known in the automotive sector can often also be used.By combining different inserts and straps, the safety strap device according to the invention can also be assembled with little effort.

[0010] Particularly advantageously, the tether device according to the invention can be prefabricated and delivered with two connecting elements that pass through the recesses at both ends of the tether device. The connecting elements have a cross-section corresponding to the recesses. This simplifies and accelerates the installation of the tether device equipped with the connecting elements.

[0011] The connecting elements used for assembling the limiting strap device according to the invention are preferably designed to form a snap-in connection with the cladding element or the structural element. This snap-in connection cannot be released by tensile forces on the connecting element, so that the cladding element is securely fastened to the structural element.

[0012] The band of the tether device according to the invention can, in principle, be any flat, flexible structure that has the required tensile strength. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the band is formed from a textile material, in particular from a woven fabric, a warp-knitted fabric, a knitted fabric, a fiber scrim, or a combination thereof. The band can either be manufactured with the final dimensions from yarns or fibers, or can be manufactured from a textile material with larger dimensions. The use of a woven band, for example, is particularly advantageous.

[0013] The strap of the tether device according to the invention is preferably made of a synthetic fiber material. Such straps can absorb very high tensile forces. In particular, the strap can be made of polyester fibers or polyamide fibers.

[0014] The width, thickness, and material of the tape can be varied depending on the specific requirements, especially to ensure sufficient tensile strength. Furthermore, the tape should also exhibit as little elongation as possible.

[0015] The dimensions of the band can be selected depending on the specific installation situation, with the band width corresponding in particular to the dimensions of the connecting elements and the recesses required for them. Furthermore, the band width also depends on the required tensile strength. Typically, the band has a length of approximately 150 to approximately 350 mm, preferably approximately 200 to approximately 300 mm, and / or a width of approximately 15 to approximately 35 mm, preferably approximately 20 to approximately 30 mm. The length refers to the total length of the band before the end sections are folded over.

[0016] The folded end sections of the band preferably each have a length of approximately 25 to approximately 50 mm. In any case, the end sections should be sufficiently large with regard to the recesses provided therein. The end sections are preferably folded onto opposite sides of the band.

[0017] Advantageously, the layers of the strap formed when the end sections are folded are joined together by sewing, ultrasonic welding, gluing, or riveting. Particularly preferably, the layers are joined together by sewing, i.e., by a seam, especially in the case of a strap made of a textile material. The seam must be located in an area where no insert is arranged between the two layers, especially in the area of ​​the folded end sections oriented toward the center of the strap. The dimension of the inserts in the longitudinal direction of the tether device is therefore preferably smaller than the length of the folded end sections.

[0018] The seam can be made with a thread whose color differs from the color of the ribbon (e.g., a red seam on a black ribbon). This makes the presence of the seam and its correct placement easier to recognize.

[0019] The inserts of the tether device according to the invention are advantageously designed as flat parts, preferably made of a plastic or metallic material. Plastics are often preferred due to their lower cost and lighter weight. A variety of plastic materials can be used, such as polyamide or polyoxymethylene (POM). Such inserts can be manufactured, in particular, by injection molding or 3D printing. For metal inserts, steel, e.g., spring steel, can be used, in particular.

[0020] The inserts preferably have a thickness of approximately 0.7 to approximately 4 mm, more preferably approximately 1 to approximately 2 mm. The possibility of designing the inserts, and thus the tether device as a whole, with a very low thickness or height provides various advantages.

[0021] Firstly, the use of a flat insert generally enables a flat and compact design of the safety strap device according to the invention. The relatively small dimensions of the inserts compared to the length of the strap also contribute to this, so that the safety strap device is flexible over a large part of its length. As already mentioned above, this results in the safety strap device requiring little space in the space between the relevant trim element and the structural element of the motor vehicle. This is particularly true compared to known safety straps in which a fastening element is molded onto one or both ends of a fabric strap by overmolding the fabric strap with a plastic material. Such fastening elements are not only thicker, they are also more complex to manufacture.In addition, when overmolding the fabric tape, the compatibility between the plastic material of the fastening element and the fiber material of the fabric tape must be taken into account, whereas in the tether device according to the invention, the materials of the tape and the inserts can be selected completely independently of each other (even if material equality may be desirable for other reasons, e.g. with regard to recycling).

[0022] With the safety strap device according to the invention, a secure attachment of the strap ends to the trim element or structural element is achieved, in principle, independently of the inserts. However, the inserts offer the advantage that the connecting elements can be accommodated in the recesses of the inserts in a form-fitting manner and essentially without play before the safety strap device is installed in the vehicle. The connecting elements are also secured against twisting in the recesses of the inserts.

[0023] In the simplest case, the inserts can be essentially rectangular and completely accommodated between the two layers of the strip. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the inserts each have a central part that is accommodated between the two layers of the strip, as well as two side parts that adjoin the central part in the width direction of the strip and are angled relative to the central part in the same direction, preferably by approximately 20° to approximately 60°, more preferably by approximately 35° to approximately 45° (angle between the side part and the plane of the central part). By appropriately selecting the material and thickness of the inserts, the angled side parts have a certain flexibility, so that the inserts can be accommodated in an installation gap without play, compensating for dimensional tolerances. The width and angle of the side parts are thus selected depending on the installation gap.This prevents rattling noises caused by vibrations. This is another advantage over fasteners manufactured by overmolding the ends of the fabric tape.

[0024] The side parts of the inserts preferably each have a width of approximately 20% to approximately 40% of the width of the center part. The thickness of the side parts can be the same as or less than the thickness of the center part.

[0025] It is advantageous if the middle section of the insert, which is accommodated between the two layers of the strap, tapers longitudinally towards the center of the strap, with a seam connecting the two layers also being formed laterally from the tapered section of the middle section. This prevents displacement of the insert in the width direction of the strap, even if the connecting element has not yet been passed through the recesses. The asymmetrical design of the middle section with respect to the longitudinal direction of the strap is also advantageous in that it prevents the insert from being accidentally inserted with the wrong orientation during production of the tether (i.e., with the taper pointing towards the end of the strap).

[0026] An asymmetrical design of the center section can also prevent incorrect orientation of the safety strap when attaching it to a structural element of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, it is crucial that the center section, starting from the opening, extends further toward the center of the strap than toward the end of the strap (regardless of any tapering). In such an installation situation, the extended section of the center section is then "in the way" if an attempt is made to install the strap in the incorrect orientation. The recesses in the strap layers and in the insert can be essentially rectangular and preferably have a width of approximately 20% to approximately 50% of the strap width, more preferably approximately 30% to approximately 40%. In any case, the areas of the strap remaining adjacent to the recesses should be wide enough to ensure the required tensile strength.

[0027] As already mentioned, the shape of the recesses corresponds particularly to the cross-sectional shape of the connecting elements. The recesses can, for example, have recesses on opposite sides to allow the locking elements of the connecting elements to pass through them.

[0028] The recesses in the layers of the tape are preferably wider than the recesses in the insert, preferably by approximately 10% to approximately 35%. This prevents fibers of the tape from protruding into the recess of the insert in a tape made of a textile material and potentially interfering with the passage of the connecting element.

[0029] The present invention further relates to the use of a retaining strap device according to the invention for retaining a trim element in the interior of a motor vehicle when an airbag is deployed. One end of the retaining strap device is connected to the trim element by means of a connecting element, and the other end of the retaining strap device is connected to a structural element of the motor vehicle by means of a connecting element. The structural element is preferably a body part of the motor vehicle.

[0030] Particular advantages and preferred embodiments of the use according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the limiting strap device according to the invention. The trim element is, in particular, a headliner, a side panel, a pillar panel, a door panel, an armrest, an instrument panel, or a steering column panel of a motor vehicle.

[0031] These and other advantages of the invention are explained in more detail using the following embodiment with reference to the drawing.

[0032] They show in detail:

[0033] Figure 1: a band for a tether device according to the invention in the

[0034] top view;

[0035] Figure 2: an insert for a tether device according to the invention in plan view and in side view; and

[0036] Figure 3: a tether device according to the invention in plan view and in side view.

[0037] Figure 1 schematically shows a plan view of a band 10 for the production of a tether device according to the invention. The band 10 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central axis 12 and a longitudinal axis 14. The band 10 is preferably a fabric band 10 made of a synthetic fiber material, e.g., polyester fibers.

[0038] The fabric strap 10 has a recess 18 at each of its two end sections 16, as well as a further recess 18 offset in the direction of the central axis 12. All recesses 18 have the same shape, namely essentially a rectangular shape with recesses 20 on opposite sides of the recesses 18 along the longitudinal axis 14. The recesses 18 can advantageously be produced in the fabric strap 10 by laser processing. This achieves the most precise contour possible for the recesses 18 and fraying of the fabric strap 10 is largely avoided. Figure 2 schematically shows an insert 22 as a component of a tether device according to the invention. The insert 22 is produced as a flat part from a plastic material, e.g., polyamide. The insert 22 can, for example, have a thickness of approximately 1.3 mm.

[0039] The insert part 22 comprises a central part 24, the width of which is slightly smaller than the width of the fabric band 10 according to Figure 1. Towards one side, the central part 24 has a tapered section 26.

[0040] The insert part 22 further comprises two side parts 28 which adjoin the central part 24 in the width direction and are angled in the same direction relative to the central part 24, for example by approximately 40°.

[0041] In the central portion 24 of the insert 22, a recess 18 is formed, which has the same shape as the recesses 18 in the fabric band 10 according to Figure 1 and which has the same orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis 14. However, the recess 18 of the insert 22 is slightly smaller than the recesses 18 of the fabric band 10.

[0042] Figure 3 schematically shows an embodiment of a tether device 30 according to the invention in plan view and in side view, which is made from the fabric tape 10 according to Figure 1 and from two inserts 22 according to Figure 2.

[0043] The end sections 16 of the fabric tape 10 are each folded around the inserts 22 in the direction of the central axis 12 such that the tapered sections 26 of the inserts 22 are oriented toward the central axis 12, and the recesses 18 of the fabric tape 10 and the insert 22 are each congruently positioned one above the other. The layers 32 and 34 of the fabric tape 10 formed during folding are connected to one another by a seam 36 such that the insert 22 is securely held between the layers 32 and 34 and cannot be removed. In particular, the seam 36 also runs laterally from the tapered sections 26 of the inserts 22.

[0044] By means of the seam 36, a label 38 can also be attached to the tether device 30, which can contain various information about the tether device, such as a part number, installation instructions and the like.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the side parts 28 of the two inserts 22 point in different directions relative to the plane of the fabric band 10. Depending on the installation situation of the tether device 30, however, all side parts 28 can also point in the same direction. Likewise, the two end sections 16 of the fabric band 10 can be folded toward different sides, as shown in Figure 3, or toward the same side.

[0046] When using the safety strap device 30, two connecting elements (not shown) are generally first passed through the recesses 18, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the connecting elements corresponds to the shape of the recesses 18, so that the connecting elements are held in a form-fitting manner in the recesses 18 of the inserts 22. The safety strap device 30 prefabricated with the two connecting elements can then be easily installed in the motor vehicle by connecting one connecting element to the relevant trim element (e.g., a roof liner) and the other connecting element to a relevant body part (e.g., a roof pillar) in the intended manner. Corresponding connecting elements are known to those skilled in the art from the automotive sector.

[0047] Connecting the trim element to the body part via the inventive retaining strap device prevents the trim element from moving too far into the vehicle interior due to deformation or detachment when an airbag is deployed. This prevents impairments or injuries to the occupants caused by the deformed or detached trim element.

[0048] Reference symbol list

[0049] 10 (fabric) tape

[0050] 12 Central axis

[0051] 14 Longitudinal axis

[0052] 16 end sections

[0053] 18 recesses

[0054] 20 rebounds

[0055] 22 Insert

[0056] 24 Middle section

[0057] 26 tapered section

[0058] 28 side panels

[0059] 30 Safety strap device

[0060] 32 first layer

[0061] 34 second layer

[0062] 36 seam

[0063] 38 label

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Retaining strap device (30) for holding back a trim element in the interior of a motor vehicle when an airbag is deployed, wherein the retaining strap device (30) is provided for connecting the trim element to a structural element of the motor vehicle, wherein the retaining strap device (30) comprises a band (10) and two inserts (22) which are arranged at the two opposite ends of the band (10), wherein in each case an end section (16) of the band (10) is folded over at its opposite ends in the direction of the center (12) of the band (10) such that an insert (22) is received between two layers (32, 34) of the band (10), and wherein in each case in the two layers (32, 34) of the band (10) and in the insert (22) recesses (18) are provided which lie essentially congruently one above the other, so that in each case a connecting element can be passed through the two Layers (32, 34) of the band (10) and the insert (22) can be passed through,to connect the respective end of the safety strap device (30) to the cladding element or the structural element., 2. The tether device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the strap (10) is formed from a textile material, in particular from a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a knitted fabric, a fiber fabric, or a combination thereof.

3. Retaining strap device (30) according to claim 2, wherein the strap (10) is made of a synthetic fiber material, in particular of polyester fibers or polyamide fibers.

4. The tether device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap (10) has a length of approximately 150 to approximately 350 mm, preferably approximately 200 to approximately 300 mm, and / or wherein the strap (10) has a width of approximately 15 to approximately 35 mm, preferably approximately 20 to approximately 30 mm.

5. Retaining strap device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the folded end sections (16) of the strap (10) each have a length of approximately 25 to approximately 50 mm.

6. A tether device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end portions (16) are each folded over onto opposite sides of the strap (10).

7. Retaining strap device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the layers (32, 34) of the band (10) formed when the end sections (16) are folded over are connected to one another by sewing, ultrasonic welding, gluing or riveting, preferably by a seam (36), in particular in the regions of the folded end sections (16) oriented towards the center (12) of the band (10).

8. Retaining strap device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert parts (22) are designed as flat parts, preferably made of a plastic material, in particular of a polyamide or a polyoxymethylene, or of a metallic material, in particular of steel.

9. The tether device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inserts (22) have a thickness of approximately 0.7 to approximately 4 mm, preferably approximately 1 to approximately 2 mm.

10. Retaining strap device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert parts (22) each have a central part (24) which is received between the two layers (32, 34) of the band (10), and two side parts (28) which adjoin the central part (24) in the width direction of the band (10) and are angled in the same direction relative to the central part (24), preferably by approximately 20° to approximately 60°, more preferably by approximately 35° to approximately 45°.

11. The tether device (30) according to claim 10, wherein the side parts (28) each have a width of approximately 20% to approximately 40% of the width of the central part (24).

12. A tether device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central portion (24) of the insert (22) received between the two layers (32, 34) of the band (10) tapers in the longitudinal direction towards the center (12) of the band (10), and wherein a seam (36) connecting the two layers (32, 34) to one another is also formed laterally from the tapered portion (26) of the central portion (24).

13. Retaining strap device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses (18) in the layers of the strap (10) and in the inserts (22) are substantially rectangular, and preferably have a width of approximately 20% to approximately 50% of the width of the strap (10), more preferably approximately 30% to approximately 40%.

14. Retaining strap device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses (18) in the layers (32, 34) of the strap (10) are wider than the recesses (18) in the insert part (22), preferably by approximately 10% to approximately 35%.

15. Use of a retaining strap device according to one of the preceding claims for retaining a trim element in the interior of a motor vehicle when an airbag is triggered, wherein one end of the safety strap device is connected to the cladding element by means of a connecting element and the other end of the safety strap device is connected to a structural element of the motor vehicle by means of a connecting element.

16. Use according to claim 15, wherein the trim element is a headliner, a side trim, a pillar trim, a door trim, an armrest, an instrument panel or a steering column trim of a motor vehicle. * * *

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