Decoupling mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a decoupling mechanism (120) for two components (124, 126) releasably connected to each other. The decoupling mechanism (120) comprises at least - a decoupling module (128) with a locking element (130) which releasably connects the two components (124, 126) to each other and has a locking shank (132), characterized in that the decoupling module (128) comprises a locking housing (134) with a guide space (136) in which the locking element (130) is movably mounted and, in a connected state (200) of the two components (124, 126), is preloaded by means of an energy accumulator (138) in order to lock the two components (124, 126) together, wherein: in a housing bottom (140), the guide space (136) has an opening (144) for a shank end (142) of the locking element (130); in the connected state (200) of the two components, the shank end (142) protrudes at least partially from the locking housing (134) through said opening (144) so as to lock the two components (124, 126) together; and the locking housing (134) has, for a drive unit (148), a receiving space (146) which is coupled to the guide space (136), or the drive unit (148) is movingly coupled directly or indirectly to the locking element (130) in order to apply pressure to the locking element (130) when the drive unit (148) is triggered or actuated, such that the locking element (130) moves in an accelerated way into the guide space (136) and decouples the two components (124, 126) from each other.

Description

[0001] DECOUPLING MECHANISM

[0002] The invention relates to a decoupling mechanism for two detachably connected components and to a vehicle seat with such a decoupling mechanism.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] From DE 10 2009 033 721 B4 and DE 10 2011 014 869 A1 fastening devices for the releasable fastening of an element to a vehicle-fixed component are known.

[0005] Task

[0006] The invention is based on the object of improving a decoupling mechanism of the type mentioned at the outset, which decouples in particular also under load, and of providing a corresponding vehicle seat with such an improved decoupling mechanism.

[0007] Solution

[0008] The first-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a decoupling mechanism having the features of claim 1. The second-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle seat having the features of claim 10.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject of the dependent claims. The decoupling mechanism according to the invention for two detachably connected components, for example for decoupling a partial module from an overall module or a component from a vehicle-mounted component, comprises at least one decoupling module with a locking element that detachably connects the two components and has a locking shaft. The decoupling module can comprise a locking housing with an inner guide space, in which the locking element is movably mounted and, in a connected state of the two components, preloaded by means of a force accumulator for lockingly connecting the two components. The guide space has an opening in a housing base for a shaft end of the locking element.through which the shaft end, in the connected state of the two components, protrudes at least partially from the locking housing in order to lock the two components together, and wherein the locking housing for a drive unit, for example a thrust unit or a gas generation unit, has a receiving space which is coupled to the guide space, or the drive unit is directly or indirectly coupled in terms of movement to the locking element in order to apply a compressive force to the locking element upon triggering or igniting of the drive unit, in particular the thrust unit or the gas generation unit, so that the locking element moves at an accelerated rate into the guide space and decouples or separates the two components from each other.

[0010] For example, in a drive unit designed as a gas generation unit, the guide chamber can be fluidically coupled to the receiving chamber of the gas generation unit. This allows the locking element to be pressurized with gas, resulting in particularly rapid decoupling of the two components. The locking element (also called a thrust element) can, for example, be mounted in a sliding manner within the guide chamber. This allows the decoupling of the two components to be carried out quickly and safely.

[0011] The locking element can be designed, for example, as a locking bolt, a locking pin, a locking split pin, or a locking piston. Additionally, the locking element can be chamfered, for example, at the free shaft end. This allows for easy insertion of the locking element into its locking position on the components.

[0012] The locking element can, for example, comprise a collar, in particular an annular collar, an annular disc, or the like. The collar can, for example, have an outer circumference complementary to the inner circumference of the guide space. In particular, an outer collar representing the outer circumference, in particular its outer side, is provided with a sliding layer or formed from a lubricant, in particular a corresponding lubricious material.

[0013] The collar can, for example, have a larger diameter than the locking shaft. The collar can, in particular, be configured such that, upon ignition or triggering of the drive unit, in particular the thrust unit or the gas generation unit, it can be subjected to such a pressure that the locking element can be moved into the locking module at an accelerated rate. In this case, the shaft end is pulled out of its locking position in the two components, and the two components are decoupled, released, or separated from each other.

[0014] The energy storage device can be designed, for example, as a helical spring. The energy storage device has a predetermined contact force, which presses against the collar when the locking element is in a locked position (also called the rest position, initial position, or locked position) and holds the locking element in its locked position, in which the two components are connected to one another by means of the locking element. The energy storage device can, for example, be mounted or attached to the collar on one side and to a housing cover opposite the opening on the other.

[0015] The gas generation unit can be designed as a pyrotechnic gas generator, in particular a pyrotechnic propellant or pyrotechnic drive. The thrust unit can be designed as a tangentially connected lifting ring, a direct pressure connection, an axial release lever, a radially depressible wedge, or a tangentially connected movement thread.

[0016] The locking housing can comprise at least one connection interface on the outside of the housing base for the positive and / or non-positive connection of the decoupling module to one of the components.

[0017] A first connection point can be designed, for example, as a connection socket, in particular a plug socket or screw socket. A second connection point can be designed as a connection terminal, a connection clip, or a connection hook.

[0018] The object is also achieved according to the invention by a vehicle seat with the previously described decoupling mechanism for decoupling the two components that are releasably connected to one another, such as for decoupling a vehicle seat that is releasably fixed to a vehicle body.

[0019] In summary, and in other words, the invention provides a positive-lock coupling or decoupling via a bolt. The bolt can be pulled by actuation, so that this bolt can release a connection of a subsystem from the overall system (also called opening or unlocking). The actuation can be achieved via a drive unit, in particular a thrust unit or a gas generator (also called a pyroelement), which can be controlled very quickly and enables a high pressure buildup (tensile force) in a short time.

[0020] The invention enables rapid decoupling of subsystems, for example, in the event of an accident. Furthermore, the invention enables the rapid creation of at least one alternative kinematics of the seat structure and thus of the vehicle seat, allowing the occupant's position to be controlled. The decoupling mechanism can, in particular, be modular in design and adapted for various applications.

[0021] Figures and embodiments of the invention

[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to advantageous embodiments illustrated in the figures. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. They show:

[0023] Fig. 1 : a schematic representation of a vehicle seat with a longitudinal adjustment device according to the prior art,

[0024] Fig. 2: a sectional view of a decoupling mechanism according to the invention according to a first embodiment with a decoupling module in a locking position or starting position,

[0025] Fig. 3: a sectional view of the decoupling mechanism according to

[0026] Figure 2 with the decoupling module in a decoupled position, Fig. 4: a sectional view of the decoupling mechanism according to Figure 2 upon triggering or ignition of a gas generating unit,

[0027] Fig. 5: schematically a perspective view of the decoupling module,

[0028] Fig. 6: a schematic representation of a decoupling module of a second embodiment,

[0029] Fig. 7: a schematic representation of a decoupling module of a third embodiment,

[0030] Fig. 8: a schematic representation of a decoupling module of a fourth embodiment,

[0031] Fig. 9: a schematic representation of a decoupling module of a fifth embodiment and

[0032] Fig. 10: schematic representation of a decoupling module of a sixth embodiment.

[0033] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0034] A vehicle seat 100, schematically illustrated in Figure 1 according to the prior art, is described below using three spatial directions running perpendicular to one another. A longitudinal direction x, in a vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, runs largely horizontally and preferably parallel to a vehicle longitudinal direction that corresponds to the usual direction of travel of the vehicle. A transverse direction y, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x, is also oriented horizontally in the vehicle and runs parallel to a vehicle transverse direction. A vertical direction z runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicular to the transverse direction y. In a vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, the vertical direction z preferably runs parallel to a vehicle vertical axis.

[0035] The position and direction information used, such as front, rear, top, and bottom, refer to a viewing direction of an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 100 in a normal sitting position, with the vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, in a position of use suitable for passenger transport with the backrest 104 upright and oriented in the direction of travel as usual. However, the vehicle seat 100 can also be installed or moved in a different orientation, for example, transversely to the direction of travel. Unless otherwise described, the vehicle seat 100 is constructed mirror-symmetrically to a plane running perpendicular to the transverse direction y.

[0036] The backrest 104 can be pivotably mounted on a seat part 102 of the vehicle seat 100. For this purpose, the vehicle seat 100 can optionally comprise a fitting 106, in particular an adjustment fitting, rotary fitting, locking fitting, or wobble fitting.

[0037] The position and direction specifications used, such as radial, axial, and circumferential, refer to a rotational axis 108 of the fitting 106. Radial means perpendicular to the rotational axis 108. Axial means in the direction of or parallel to the rotational axis 108.

[0038] The vehicle seat 100 can optionally include a longitudinal adjustment device 110. The longitudinal adjustment device 110 comprises, for example, a rail arrangement 112 with a first rail element 114 and a second rail element 116. The first rail element 114 is adjustable in the longitudinal direction x relative to the second rail element 116. The first rail element 114 is fastened to the seat part 102. The second rail element 116 is fastened to a structural element of a vehicle, for example, a vehicle floor.

[0039] For clarity, the first rail element 114 is referred to as the upper rail 114 in the following description. This upper rail 114 (also called a guide rail or carriage) is assigned to the vehicle seat 100 and is configured to support this vehicle seat 100. The second rail element 116 is referred to below as the lower rail 116.

[0040] The lower rail 116 can be detachably connected to a support 122, in particular a longitudinal member or a body floor, of a vehicle, for example by means of a decoupling mechanism 120 described in detail below.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of the decoupling mechanism 120 according to the invention for two detachably connected components 124, 126, for example for decoupling a partial module from an overall module or a component from a vehicle-fixed component, such as for decoupling the lower rail 116 from the carrier 122 (shown in Figure 1).

[0042] The decoupling mechanism 120 comprises at least one decoupling module 128 with a locking element 130 that releasably connects the two components 124 and 126 and that has a locking shaft 132.

[0043] The decoupling module 128 can comprise a locking housing 134 with an internal guide space 136 for the locking element 130. The locking housing 134 can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. For example, the locking housing 134 can comprise a hollow cylindrical base body 135 having the internal guide space 136. An upper open end of the hollow cylindrical base body 135 can be covered or closed with a housing cover 137. The housing cover 137 can be firmly connected to the hollow cylindrical base body 135, for example, welded or glued.

[0044] The locking element 130 is movably mounted in the guide space 136. In a connected state 200 of the two components 124, 126 (also called the locked position or locked state or rest position, initial position), as shown in Figure 2, the locking element 130 is preloaded by means of an energy accumulator 138 for lockingly connecting the two components 124, 126. The energy accumulator 138 is designed, for example, as a helical spring.

[0045] The guide space 136 has, for example, an opening 144 in a housing base 140 for a shaft end 142 of the locking element 130, through which the shaft end 142 protrudes at least partially from the locking housing 134 in the connected state 200 of the two components 124, 126 and connects the two components 124, 126 in a locked manner. The locking element 130 is placed in a locking position 202, in which the locking element 130 is held by the force accumulator 138.

[0046] The locking housing 134 has a receiving space 146 for a drive unit 148, for example a gas generation unit 148.1. The drive unit 148 is described below using the example of the gas generation unit 148.1. Alternative drives are described in Figures 6 to 10. The receiving space 146 is fluidically coupled to the guide space 136 in order to guide gas 150 (shown in Figure 4) into the guide space 136 upon triggering or igniting of the gas generation unit 148.1, so that the locking element 130 moves at an accelerated rate into the guide space 136 and decouples or separates the two components 124, 126 from one another, as shown in Figure 3. The locking element 130 moves away from the components 124, 126 into the guide space 136 in the direction of the housing cover 137.

[0047] Additionally, the locking element 130 can be chamfered, for example, at the free shaft end 142. This allows for easy insertion of the locking element 130 in its locking position 202 into locking receptacles 139 in the components 124, 126.

[0048] Because the guide chamber 146 is fluidically coupled to the receiving chamber 146 of the gas generating unit 148.1, the locking element 130 can be pressurized with gas 150 and cause a particularly rapid decoupling of the two components 124, 126.

[0049] The locking element 130 (also called a thrust element) can, for example, be slidably mounted in the guide space 136. The locking element 130 can, for example, be designed as a locking bolt, a locking pin, a locking split pin, or a locking piston.

[0050] The locking element 130 can, for example, have a collar 152, in particular an annular collar, an annular disk, or the like. The collar 152 can, for example, have an outer circumference complementary to the inner circumference of the guide chamber 136. In particular, an outer edge of the collar 152 representing the outer circumference is provided with a lubricant or formed from a sliding material. The collar 152 can, for example, have a larger diameter than the locking shaft 132. The collar 152 can, in particular, be configured such that, upon ignition or triggering of the gas generating unit 148.1, it can be subjected to such a pressure by the gas 150 flowing into the guide chamber 136 that the locking element 130 can be moved into the locking module at an accelerated rate.

[0051] The energy accumulator 138 can be designed, for example, as a helical spring. The energy accumulator 138 has a predetermined contact force according to arrow 208, which, in the connected state 200 of the components 124, 126, presses against the collar 152 and holds the locking element 130 in its locking position 202, in which the two components 124, 126 are locked and connected to one another.

[0052] The energy accumulator 138 can, for example, be mounted or fastened on the one hand to the collar 152 and on the other hand to the housing cover 137 opposite the opening 144.

[0053] The gas generation unit 148.1 can be designed as a pyrotechnic gas generator, in particular a pyrotechnic propellant or pyrotechnic drive.

[0054] The locking housing 134 can comprise at least one connection interface 154 on the outside of the housing base 140 for the positive and / or non-positive connection of the decoupling module 128 to one of the components 124, 126. A first connection point 154.1 can be designed, for example, as a connection socket, in particular a plug socket or screw socket. A second connection point 154.2 can be designed as a connection clamp, a connection clip, or a connection hook.

[0055] Figure 3 shows the decoupling module 128 with the locking element 130 in the non-locking position 204. When the gas generation unit 148.1 is triggered or ignited, the locking element 130 is moved so far into the decoupling module 128, in particular from its locking position 202 (shown in Figure 2) in the two components 124, 126 into the non-locking position 204 (also called the decoupling position), in particular pulled, that the two components 124, 126 are decoupled from one another. Depending on the type of locking position 202, the locking element 130 can be moved or be moved out of only one of the two components 124, 126 or out of both components 124, 126 in the non-locking position 204.

[0056] The locking element 130 is moved into the guide space 136 according to arrow 210 with a force greater than the force of the energy accumulator 138 and against the force of the energy accumulator 138 until it strikes the housing cover 137.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the decoupling mechanism 120 according to Figure 2 upon triggering or igniting of the gas generating unit 148.1. The gas 150 is released from the gas generating unit 148.1 into the receiving chamber 146 and flows from this receiving chamber 146 into the guide chamber 136 until it engages the collar 152 of the locking element 130 according to arrow 212. As a result, the locking element 130 is pressed and moved toward the housing cover 137 according to arrow 214.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the decoupling module 128. The locking housing 134 can be formed in one piece and comprise the receiving space 146 for the gas generating unit 148.1 and the guide space 136 for the locking element 130, as shown in Figure 2.

[0059] The locking housing 134 is watering can-shaped. However, the locking housing 134 can also have any other suitable shape. In Figure 5, the first connection interface 154.1 is formed as a hollow cylindrical connecting body on the hollow cylindrical base body 135 for receiving and supporting the locking element 130.

[0060] The shaft end 142 protrudes from the opening 144 on the housing base 140.

[0061] In all described embodiments, the locking element 130 can be designed as a bolt, pin or cotter pin.

[0062] Figures 6 to 10 show various alternative embodiments for the drive unit 148, which in particular enable the rapid acceleration of the locking element 130 from the locking position 202 (shown in Figure 2) into the non-locking position 204 (shown in Figure 3) in an analogous manner, as previously described by way of example with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0063] For the following examples, the decoupling or release of the locking of the two components 124, 126 is carried out analogously by moving the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128, as previously described using the example of the gas generation unit 148.1.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a pressure connection 148.2 as an alternative drive. Instead of the previously described gas generation unit 148.1, the pressure connection 148.2, in particular a direct compressed air connection, can be provided, which, via the coupling of the receiving chamber 146 and the guide chamber 136, acts directly on the collar 152 upon triggering or activation in order to move the locking element 130 into the guide chamber 136.

[0065] Instead of the previously described gas generating unit 148.1, a direct pressure connection 148.2, in particular a compressed air connection, can be provided, which acts directly on the collar 152 via the coupling of the receiving space 146 and the guide space 136 upon triggering or activation in order to move the locking element 130 into the guide space 136.

[0066] Figure 7 shows, as an alternative drive, a lifting ring 148.3, in particular one connected tangentially, which directly moves, in particular pulls, the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128 in an accelerated manner when triggered or activated.

[0067] Figure 8 shows, as an alternative drive, a movement thread 148.4, in particular one connected tangentially, which directly moves, in particular pulls, the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128 in an accelerated manner upon triggering or activation.

[0068] Figure 9 shows, as an alternative drive, a wedge 148.5, in particular one which can be pushed radially, which engages the locking element 130, in particular directly on the collar 152, upon release or activation and in the process moves, in particular pulls, the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128 at an accelerated rate. Figure 10 shows, as an alternative drive, a release lever 148.6, in particular an axial one, which engages the locking element 130, in particular directly on the collar 152, upon release or activation and in the process moves, in particular pulls, the locking element 130 into the decoupling module 128 at an accelerated rate.

[0069] List of reference symbols

[0070] 100 vehicle seats

[0071] 102 Seat part

[0072] 104 Backrest

[0073] 106 Fittings

[0074] 108 axis of rotation

[0075] 110 Longitudinal adjustment device

[0076] 112 Rail arrangement

[0077] 114 First rail element (top rail)

[0078] 116 Second rail element (bottom rail)

[0079] 120 Decoupling mechanism

[0080] 122 carriers

[0081] 124 component

[0082] 126 component

[0083] 128 decoupling module

[0084] 130 locking element

[0085] 132 locking shaft

[0086] 134 locking housing

[0087] 135 hollow cylindrical base body

[0088] 136 Command Room

[0089] 137 Housing cover

[0090] 138 energy storage

[0091] 139 locking holder

[0092] 140 Case back

[0093] 142 shaft end

[0094] 144 Opening

[0095] 146 Recording Room

[0096] 148 Drive unit 148.1 Gas generation unit

[0097] 148.2 Pressure connection

[0098] 148.3 Lifting ring

[0099] 148.4 Motion thread

[0100] 148.5 wedge

[0101] 148.6 Release lever

[0102] 150 gas

[0103] 152 collars

[0104] 154 Connection interface

[0105] 154.1 first connection interface

[0106] 154.2 second connection interface

[0107] 200 connected state

[0108] 202 locking position

[0109] 204 non-locking position

[0110] 208 Arrow

[0111] 210 Arrow

[0112] 212 Arrow

[0113] 214 Arrow x Longitudinal direction y Transverse direction

[0114] Z vertical direction

Claims

Claims 1 . Decoupling mechanism (120) for two detachably connected components (124, 126), comprising at least - a decoupling module (128) with a locking element (130) which detachably connects the two components (124, 126) to one another and has a locking shaft (132), characterized in that the decoupling module (128) comprises a locking housing (134) with a guide space (136), in which the locking element (130) is mounted movably and, in a connected state (200) of the two components (124, 126), is prestressed by means of a force accumulator (138) for lockingly connecting the two components (124, 126), wherein the guide space (136) has an opening (144) in a housing base (140) for a shaft end (142) of the locking element (130), through which the shaft end (142) in the connected state (200) can be protruded at least partially from the locking housing (134) protrudes in order to lock the two components (124, 126) together, and wherein the locking housing (134) has a receiving space (146) for a drive unit (148),which is coupled to the guide space (136), or the drive unit (148) is directly or indirectly coupled in terms of movement to the locking element (130) in order to apply a compressive force to the locking element (130) upon triggering or ignition of the drive unit (148), so that the locking element (130) moves at an accelerated rate into the guide space (136) and decouples the two components (124, 126) from each other.

2. Decoupling mechanism (120) according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (130) is designed as a locking bolt, a locking pin, a locking split pin or a locking piston.

3. Decoupling mechanism (120) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (130) has a collar (152) having an outer circumference complementary to the inner circumference of the guide space (136).

4. The decoupling mechanism (120) of claim 3, wherein the collar (152) has a larger diameter than the locking shaft (132).

5. Decoupling mechanism (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force accumulator (138) is designed as a helical spring.

6. Decoupling mechanism (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force accumulator (138) is mounted or fastened on the one hand to the collar (152) and on the other hand to a housing cover (137) opposite the opening (144).

7. Decoupling mechanism (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (148) is designed as a gas generating unit (148.1).

8. Decoupling mechanism (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking housing (134) has at least one connection interface (154) on the outside of the housing base (140) for the positive and / or non-positive connection of the decoupling module (128) on one of the components (124, 126).

9. Decoupling mechanism (120) according to claim 8, wherein a first connection point (154.1) is designed as a connection socket and a second connection point (154.2) is designed as a connection clamp or a connection clip or a connection hook.

10. Vehicle seat (100) with a decoupling mechanism (120) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images