Fastening device for safety belt components

Abstract

In particular, it provides a fastening device that can be more easily adapted to different requirements. [Solution] The present invention provides a fastening device for a safety belt component, comprising a gas generator (1) for generating pressurized gas, a piston (2) that can be driven by the pressurized gas, a tension cable (3) connected to the piston (2) and that can be connected to a safety belt component (4) to cause a fastening movement, a fastening tube (5) for receiving and guiding the piston (2), and a receptacle (6) that houses the gas generator (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening device for a safety belt component, the fastening device comprising: a gas generator for generating pressurized gas; a piston that can be driven by the pressurized gas; a tension cable that is connected to the piston and can be connected to the safety belt component to cause it to perform a fastening movement; a fastening tube for receiving and guiding the piston; and a receptacle that houses the gas generator.

[0002] Such a fastening device is known, for example, from German Patent No. 102020103157 (A1), in which both the receptacle for the gas generator and the cable deflector outside the area exposed to the pressurized gas are formed as a single part in the guide block. A fastening tube is arranged on the guide block. Upon triggering the fastening device, the pressurized gas generated by the gas generator enters the fastening tube, thereby driving a piston arranged in the fastening tube. The cable deflector integrally formed in the guide block is shaped on the side facing away from the fastening tube so that the tension cable can be guided linearly (offset parallel, if necessary) from the guide block in the direction of piston movement, or alternatively, can be deflected by more than 90°. With such a design of the guide block, changing the offset of the tension cable relative to the piston movement direction or changing the deflection angle requires a complete redesign of the deflector block.

[0003] Another fastening device is known from German Patent No. 102004023588(A1), in which a tension cable is attached to a safety belt component designed as a belt buckle by forming a loop. A spreader is provided to separate the two cable strands of the cable that form the loop. The spreader has a wedge that penetrates into a funnel-shaped entrance area of ​​a deflection block at the end of the fastening process, where damping occurs through plastic deformation of the wedge. The damping associated with the deformation of the diffusion element can reduce the forces acting on other components of the fastening device or their connections to the vehicle. The degree of kinetic energy absorption via the diffusion element can in this case only be adjusted via the properties of the diffusion element.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described with respect to the prior art, and in particular to provide a fastening device which can be more easily adapted to different requirements.

[0005] To this end, a fastening device is proposed, which has a frame, arranged on the opposite side of the fastening tube and through which the tensioning cable passes after leaving the space of the safety belt component on which pressurized gas can be applied. The frame can be made, for example, from sheet metal, which is formed in a shape, in particular with a U-shaped cross section. The frame serves, in particular, to accommodate additional components of the fastening device. In particular, components that serve to deflect or guide the cable outside the space exposed to pressurized gas are attached to the frame. Thus, the frame can be designed similarly for different applications of the fastening device, while the component for deflecting the tensioning cable can be adapted to different applications (e.g., 90° deflection or straight passage).

[0006] A receptacle for the gas generator is arranged so that pressurized gas generated by the gas generator enters the fastening tube and drives a piston therein. Preferably, the receptacle is arranged within the fastening tube.

[0007] Additionally, a cable guide can be provided where the tension cable exits the fastening tube, the cable guide being disposed within the fastening tube in a suitable sealing manner and preferably also providing a seal along the tension cable.

[0008] Preferably, the receptacle for the gas generator as well as the cable guide are arranged completely within the fastening tube.

[0009] It can be provided that, in order to fix the frame to the fastening tube, the frame can have an engagement section that is arranged in the fastening tube in the mounted state. In this case, it can be provided in particular that the engagement section interacts with the cable guide in the mounted state and additionally fixes it to the fastening tube. Thus, the cable guide and the engagement section of the frame can preferably be fixed simultaneously by pressing the fastening tube.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the receptacle for the gas generator and the cable guide are integrally formed, the receptacle and the cable guide being located completely within the fastening tube.

[0011] Preferably, the fastening tube has a section with a circular cross section, in which the piston is arranged and along which the piston is driven by pressure. The fastening tube also has a region whose cross section deviates from the circular cross section. This region preferably has an oval cross section. The receptacle and the cable guide are arranged in particular in the region of the fastening tube whose cross section deviates from the circular cross section. The receptacle for the gas generator is arranged and designed so that the pressurized gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced directly into the fastening tube and thus directly reach the piston. In particular, the pressurized gas is introduced into the region of the fastening tube whose cross-sectional design changes. Therefore, the pressurized gas is not guided into the space limited by the cable deflector and from there to the piston. This allows the pressurized gas to cool slightly before coming into direct contact with the tensile cable arranged in the fastening tube.

[0012] The solution to the object mentioned at the outset is provided in particular by a fastening device having the features of independent claim 1. Further solutions and advantageous developments of the fastening device are supported in the above description as well as in the following dependent claims, the individual features of the advantageous developments being capable of being combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner.

[0013] This object is achieved in particular by a fastening device having the characteristics mentioned at the outset, in which the tensioning cable extends through the frame on the side facing away from the fastening tube, and a deformation element is formed in an end region of the tensioning cable associated with the safety belt component, which enters the frame at the end of the fastening process and which is designed in such a way that the frame is deformed by the entry of the deformation element into the frame.

[0014] In other words, the basic idea of ​​the present invention provides a deformation element formed on the tensioning cable, which is accelerated by the safety belt component during the fastening process. At least a part of the deformation element penetrates into the frame at the end of the fastening process, and the frame is designed due to its geometry, material properties, configuration, etc., such that the frame is elastically and / or plastically, preferably at least plastically, deformed by the deformation element penetrating the frame. Due to the deformation of the frame, the kinetic energy of the safety belt component is absorbed at the end of the fastening process, thereby significantly reducing the forces acting on other components of the fastening device or on the attachment of the fastening device to the vehicle. As the kinetic energy is absorbed via the frame of the fastening device and therefore not (at least not solely) via the deformation element, there is a greater energy absorption or the technical possibilities for influencing energy absorption are increased.

[0015] The safety belt component accelerated by the fastening device may be, for example, a belt buckle or an end fitting for fastening the safety belt.

[0016] To allow the deformation element to penetrate the frame in a defined manner, it can be provided that the deformation element has a perimeter design that tapers along the tension cable toward the frame. For example, the deformation element can have a circular perimeter that tapers toward the frame. The deformation element can therefore have a minimum outer diameter at its end facing the frame. It can also be provided that the perimeter of the deformation element first widens toward the frame before tapering. The deformation element is therefore at least partially convex.

[0017] In principle, the deformation element can be formed integrally with the safety belt component or with a component of the safety belt component.

[0018] Preferably, however, the safety belt component is connected to the tensioning cable and the deformation element is attached as an independent component to the tensioning cable and / or to the safety belt component. Thus, the safety belt component can be connected to the tensioning cable in a known manner and the deformation element can be attached as an additional component to the tensioning cable.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the safety belt component is positively and / or non-positively connected to one end of the tensioning cable. In this case, the safety belt component is attached to only one strand of the tensioning cable. The tensioning cable is therefore not designed in a loop shape for attaching the safety belt component.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the deformation element is attached to the tensioning cable and / or to the safety belt component as an overmold. In this context, it is preferred that the deformation element completely surrounds the tensioning cable. In particular, the overmold exclusively surrounds the tensioning cable, or only one cable strand of the tensioning cable. The tensioning cable is therefore surrounded by the overmold in one section. In particular, in this case, it is possible to provide an overmold that is directly connected to the attachment of the safety belt component to the tensioning cable.

[0021] In this context, there is provided in particular a safety belt component which is attached to one end of a tensioning cable by means of an attachment section, and which attachment section is connected to the tensioning cable by plastic deformation, in which case an overmold can be connected directly to the attachment section of the safety belt component, the overmold additionally sealing the attachment section against the tensioning cable.

[0022] As an alternative to overmolding, it may be provided that the deformation element is pressed, screwed and / or otherwise fixed onto the tension cable and, if applicable, onto the attachment section of the safety belt component.

[0023] It can also be provided that the deformation element partially surrounds the attachment section of the safety belt component. The deformation element therefore forms a kind of grommet that also surrounds the attachment section of the safety belt component or the thimble on the cable. This makes the transition from the tensioning cable to the safety belt component stiffer, so that the safety belt component is less likely to bend towards the deformation element at the end of the fastening process. This can be provided in particular if the tensioning cable is guided approximately straight through the frame.

[0024] The deformation element is made in particular of plastic, aluminum or steel.

[0025] In order to facilitate elastic and / or plastic deformation of the frame upon entry of the deformation element, it is preferably provided that the frame is U-shaped in cross section. In this context, it is particularly provided that the frame is formed from sheet metal shaped to have a U-shaped cross-sectional design. In this case, it is particularly provided that the deformation element enters between the legs of the U-shaped cross-sectional design from the side opposite the bottom of the U-shaped cross-sectional design. Alternatively, it can be provided that the deformation element enters between the legs of the U-shaped cross-sectional design parallel to the bottom of the U-shaped cross-sectional design. This may depend, in particular, on whether the cable is deflected by 90° or whether the tension cable is guided linearly or linearly offset through the fastening device.

[0026] In one embodiment, it can be provided, for example, that the frame has an entry design for the deformation element, which can be formed by widening the frame in the direction of the deformation element. For example, the end of the frame, which is made of sheet metal and has a U-shaped cross section facing the deformation element, can be angled so that the deformation element, which is particularly conically tapered in the direction of the frame, is guided when entering the frame.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that an end cap is installed on the frame, in particular made of sheet metal. Such an end cap can be provided in particular attached parallel to the bottom of the U-shaped frame and in particular surrounding the sheet metal both inside and outside. Such an end cap also deforms when a deformation element enters the frame, so that there is another component that can adjust the degree of energy absorption. The end cap can in particular be made of plastic.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the fastening device comprises a sheath that surrounds the tensioning cable in the area arranged between the frame and the safety belt component. The sheath can thus support itself on one side of the frame and guide the tensioning cable to the safety belt component. In addition, the tensioning cable is thus protected from external influences. The sheath can also at least partially surround the safety belt component. The sheath can therefore also be used to align the safety belt component in its unused state. In particular, the sheath also surrounds the deformation element in the initial state. The sheath can in particular be designed to break during the fastening process, and in particular the deformation element ensures that the sheath breaks during the fastening movement, and for this purpose the outer periphery of the deformation element can be greater than the smallest inner periphery of the sheath in the area where the tensioning cable extends in the initial state.

[0029] To fasten the frame to the fastening tube, it can be provided that the frame, in particular made of sheet metal, has a locking section that is arranged in the fastening tube in the mounted state, and preferably that the locking section of the frame is fixed in the fastening tube by pressing the fastening tube. For this purpose, it can be provided that the locking section of the frame has a recess into which the material of the fastening tube is pressed during pressing. In this context, it can also be provided that further components of the fastening device are fixed in the fastening tube when the fastening tube is pressed. For example, a cable guide arranged in the fastening tube and / or a receptacle for a gas generator arranged in the fastening tube can be fixed by pressing the fastening tube.

[0030] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the deflection element is arranged in a frame, on which element the tension cable is placed during the fastening process, and the frame and the deformation element are designed in such a way that at the end of the unloading fastening process the deformation element penetrates into the frame at least up to the deflection element, and the deformation element is preferably pulled at least partially along the deflection element and into the frame at the end of the unloading fastening process.

[0031] The deflection element can be attached to the frame in particular by means of a bushing, and the tension cable rests directly on the deflection element. The deflection element is preferably an independent component, and is therefore independent of the cable guide through which the tension cable is guided from the fastening tube. The deflection element can therefore be adapted to the specific application of the fastening device without modifying other components of the fastening device.

[0032] To deflect the tension cable, the deflection element has a deflection surface, at least a section of which is of circular cross section and which abuts against the tension cable. The deflection element is in particular formed by a deflection surface which is circular in cross section over at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, particularly preferably at least 180° of its circumferential surface. The deflection element is in particular arranged so that the tension cable abuts against the deflection surface with its inner section in this area deformed by the deflection surface.

[0033] For storage in the frame, the deflection element has a specific circular receptacle in which the bushing is guided. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the circular receptacle is arranged eccentrically with respect to the circular deflection surface of the deflection element, thereby making it easier to adapt the deflection element to different applications (linear passage of tension cables or deflection of tension cables). Different deflection elements can be used depending on whether the tension cable is deflected by 90° or whether the tension cable is guided over the deflection element linearly or offset in the direction of piston movement. In particular, the receptacle is arranged eccentrically offset towards the circular deflection surface.

[0034] It is proposed that the frame and the deformation element are coordinated with one another in such a way that during an unloading fastening process in which the safety belt component is not involved / used, the safety belt component penetrates into the frame at least up to the deflection element and preferably is pulled at least partially into the frame along the deflection element. Interaction of the deformation element with the deflection element at the end of the fastening process dissipates the remaining kinetic energy and may also result in further deformation of the frame. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] The invention and the technical environment will now be described by way of example with reference to the figures. [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view through the fastening device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view through another embodiment of a fastening device having a straight cable passage. [Figure 7] 7A-7C show some designs of deformation elements of the embodiment of the fastening device according to FIG. 6; [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view through the fastening device according to FIGS. 1 to 3 along the tension cable between the frame of the fastening device and the safety belt component. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 shows several designs of deformation elements for embodiments of the fastening device according to FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0036] The clamping device shown in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a clamping tube 5 in which a piston rod 2 is arranged in a mounted state. The piston 2 is rigidly connected to a tensioning cable 3 which is inserted into the clamping tube 5 and is connected on the other side to a safety component 4 for clamping movement.

[0037] The fastening device also comprises a component in which a cable guide 12 and a receptacle 6 for the gas generator 1 are formed. In the installed state, this component is located in a section of the fastening tube 5 having an oval cross section.

[0038] The fastening device also comprises a frame 7 which is arranged with the engagement section in the fastening tube 5 in the installed state.

[0039] The deflection element 9 is mounted to the frame 7 by bushings 10 which, in the mounted state, pass through receptacles 9.2 of the deflection element 9 and are located on either side of the deflection element 9 in corresponding openings in the frame 7 which are U-shaped in cross section.

[0040] The fastening device also comprises an end cap 8 which is attached to the frame 7 from the opposite facing side of the fastening tube 5 .

[0041] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, the end cap 8 has several sections which are arranged within the frame 7 in the mounted state.

[0042] The end cap 8 is therefore arranged in the frame in the mounted state and has a guide section 8.1 which is valley-shaped and has a curvature along the direction of the tension cable.

[0043] The end cap 8 also has an inner sealing section 8.2, which is arranged inside the frame 7 in the mounted state and abuts against the frame 7. At the same time, an outer sealing section 8.3 abuts against the outer rim of the frame 7. By combining the inner sealing section 8.2 and the outer sealing section 8.3, the frame 7 is sealed on the side facing away from the fastening tube 5, so that pressurized gas leaking from the cable guide 12 cannot leak out the front side of the frame 7 but is deflected.

[0044] In addition, the sides of the valley-shaped guide section 8.1 are designed so that when the end cap 8 is inserted, they are pressed onto the tension cable 3 on both sides by the frame 7, thereby fixing the tension cable 3 against unintentional movement. The end cap 8 thus forms the fixing section 8.4. However, the force exerted by the fixing section 8.4 on the tension cable 3 is not so great as to hinder the fastening process.

[0045] As can be seen from Figure 5, the deflection element 9 has an outer surface, referred to as deflection surface 9.1, which has the circular shape of the cross section shown in Figure 3. The receptacle 9.2 for the bushing 10 is arranged eccentrically with respect to the deflection surface 9.1, in particular offset towards the deflection surface 9.1.

[0046] The fastening device also comprises a plug element 11 by means of which a cable can be connected to the gas generator 1. The outer contour of the plug element 11 is adapted to the outer contour of the deflection element 9.

[0047] In addition, the fastening device comprises a sheath 14 through which, in the initial position, the tensioning cable 3 extends from the frame 7 to the safety belt component 4. The safety belt component 4 has an attachment section 4.1 attached to the end of the tensioning cable 3 and fixed there by pressing. The attachment section 4.1 is followed by a deformation element 13 as an independently constructed element that tapers from the attachment section 4.1 towards the frame 7 (see in particular Figure 8). The deformation element 13 completely surrounds the tensioning cable 3 and is applied as an overmold. Figure 8 also shows that the frame 7, which is U-shaped in cross section, is angled outwards at its upper end so as to form an entry design for the deformation element 13.

[0048] To start the fastening process, the gas generator 1 is ignited, whereby pressurized gas enters the section of the fastening tube 5 having a circular cross section and drives the piston 2 there along the fastening tube 5. The driven piston 2 causes the safety belt component 4 to perform a fastening movement, and the tension cable 3 is deflected by the deflection element 9 and the guide section 8.1 of the end cap 8.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the tensioning cable 3 is deflected by approximately 90°, but the fastening device can also be adapted by exchanging some parts so that the tensioning cable 3 exits the frame 7 in a linear extension in the direction of movement of the piston 2.

[0050] In the embodiment of Figure 6, only the end cap 8 has been exchanged, and the guide section 8.1 is designed as an opening through which the tension cable 3 emerges. To achieve an optionally different deflection and / or alignment of the tension cable 3, the deflection element 9 can also be designed differently.

[0051] Figure 7 shows a different design of the deformation element 13 for the embodiment of the fastening device according to Figure 6. However, Figure 9 shows a different design of the deformation element 13 for the embodiment of the fastening device according to Figures 1 to 3 and 8. It can be seen that the deformation element 13 is tapered on the side facing the frame 7. In this regard, it can also be provided that the outer periphery is designed with a concave cross-section, so that it first widens towards the frame end and then tapers again. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the outer shape of the deformation element 13 has a step.

[0052] 1 to 3 and 8, during the fastening process, the deformation element 13, designed as an end fitting, and the safety belt component 4 are pulled through the casing 14, causing it to break. At the end of the fastening process, the deformation element 13 penetrates the frame 7, which is elastically and plastically deformed due to the conically expanding shape of the deformation element 13. The deformation of the frame 7 dissipates kinetic energy so that the forces acting on the remaining parts and on the fastening of the fastening device to the vehicle are reduced.

[0053] The proposed fastening device can therefore only be adapted to other applications by exchanging individual components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 gas generator 2 pistons 3 Tensile Cable 4 Safety Belt Components 4.1 Attachment Section 5 Fastening pipe 6 receptacles 7 frames 8 End Caps 8.1 Guide Section 8.2 Inner Sealing Section 8.3 Outer Sealing Section 8.4 Fixed Section 9 Deflection element 9.1 Deflection surface 9.2 Bushing Receptacle 10 Bushing 11 Plug Elements 12 Cable guide 13 Transformation Elements 14 Sheath

Claims

1. A fastening device for a safety belt component, - A gas generator (1) for generating pressurized gas, - A piston (2) that can be driven by the pressurized gas, - A tension cable (3) connected to the piston (2) and connected to the safety belt component (4) to perform a fastening movement, - A tensioner tube (5) for receiving and guiding the piston (2), - A receptacle (6) housing the gas generator (1), Equipped with, The tension cable (3) extends through the frame (7) on the side facing the opposite side of the tensioner tube (5), and the deformation element (13) is formed in the end region of the tension cable (3) associated with the safety belt component (4), the deformation element (13) enters the frame (7) at the end of the fastening process, and the frame (7) is designed so that it deforms as the deformation element (13) enters the frame (7). Fastening device.

2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the deformation element (13) has an outer circumference that is tapered in the direction of the frame (7) along the tension cable (3).

3. The fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the safety belt component (4) is connected to the tension cable (3), and the deformation element (13) is attached to the tension cable (3) and / or the safety belt component (4) as an independent component.

4. The fastening device according to claim 3, wherein the safety belt component (4) is connected to one end of the tension cable (3) by a morphological fit and / or pressure fit, particularly by plastic deformation of the safety belt component (4).

5. The fastening device according to claim 3, wherein the deformation element (13) is attached as an overmolding to the tension cable (3) and / or the safety belt component (4).

6. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the frame (7) has an entry design for the deformation element (13) that widens particularly toward the safety belt component (4).

7. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the frame (7) has a U-shape in cross-section.

8. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the end cap (8) is fitted onto the frame (7).

9. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device comprises a sheath (14), the sheath (14) surrounding the tension cable (3) in the region between the frame (7) and the safety belt component (4), and at least partially surrounding the safety belt component (4).

10. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the frame (7) has an engaging portion that is positioned inside the tensioner pipe (5) when installed, and the engaging portion of the frame (7) is fixed to the tensioner pipe (5) by pressing against the tensioner pipe (5).

11. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein a deflection element (9) is positioned within the frame (7), the tension cable (3) is placed on the deflection element during the fastening process, the frame (7) and the deformation element (13) are designed such that, at the end of the unloading fastening process, the deformation element (13) enters the frame (7) at least up to the deflection element (9), and the deformation element (13) is preferably pulled at least partially along the deflection element (9) and into the frame (7) at the end of the unloading fastening process.

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