Tensioning device for a seatbelt component

Abstract

The invention relates to a tensioning device for a seatbelt component, comprising a gas generator (1) for generating a compressed gas; a piston (2) which can be driven by the compressed gas; a traction cable (3) which is connected to the piston (2) and can be connected to a seatbelt component to be subjected to a tensioning movement; a tensioning tube (4) for receiving and guiding the piston (2), said tensioning tube (4) having, between the gas generator (1) and the piston (2), a cutout (5) in the tensioning tube casing; and a cable guide (6) which projects into the tensioning tube (4) through the cutout (5) and by means of which the traction cable (3) is led out of the tensioning tube (4) through the cutout (5). The cable guide (6) is designed such that the traction cable (3) is deflected by 180° and thus exits the cable guide (6) parallel to the tensioning tube (4).

Description

[0001] Tensioning device for a seat belt component

[0002] The present invention relates to a tensioning device for a safety belt component, comprising a gas generator for generating a compressed gas, a piston which can be driven by the compressed gas, a pull cable which is connected to the piston and which can be connected to a safety belt component which is to be set in a tensioning movement, and a tensioning tube for receiving and guiding the piston.

[0003] Such a tensioning device is known, for example, from DE 10 2015 1 1 1 083 B4, in which the piston is guided in a tensioning tube. The tensioning tube is connected to a deflection block manufactured using a die-casting process, which forms a cable deflection for the traction cable, a receptacle for the gas generator, and a pressure chamber into which the compressed gas generated by the gas generator flows. The deflection block, connected to the front of the tensioning tube, requires a relatively expensive component that also requires a relatively large amount of space.

[0004] Therefore, WO 2021 / 160 569 A1 discloses a tensioning device in which the gas generator is arranged within the linear tensioning tube. A recess is formed in the casing of the tensioning tube, through which the traction cable is guided out of the tensioning tube. For guiding the traction cable out of the tensioning tube, a cable deflection device is disclosed, which is constructed in several parts. A component referred to as the guide part, with a receptacle for the gas generator, can be inserted into the tensioning tube, and a component referred to as the fixing part protrudes from the outside through the recess, so that the traction cable is guided through the recess by means of the fixing part, also referred to below as the cable guide.

[0005] According to WO 2021 / 160 569 A1, the cable guide, referred to as the fixing part, is formed as a single piece. To assemble the tensioning device, the end of the tension cable facing away from the seat belt component is first threaded through the single-piece cable guide, then inserted through the recess in the guide part and into the tensioner tube. The tension cable is then pulled over the end of the tensioner tube, with the piston and the fastening element then being applied to the tension cable, which is then pressed together with the tension cable. The end of the tension cable associated with the seat belt component is then pulled, so that the piston and the fastening element return to their initial state.Because the end of the seat belt component comes into contact with the cable guide threaded onto the tension cable during assembly, the length to which the tension cable can be pulled out of the tensioner tube for pressing on the fastener is limited. This also limits the tensioning travel.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a tensioning device and a method for producing a tensioning device with which an even more compact arrangement of the tensioning device in a motor vehicle is possible.

[0007] A possible solution to the problem is provided by the tensioning device and the method for producing a tensioning device having the features of the respective independent claim. Further solutions and advantageous developments are specified in the above and following descriptions as well as in the subclaims, with individual features of the advantageous developments being combinable with one another in a technically expedient manner.

[0008] The object is achieved in particular by a method for producing a tensioning device, comprising the following steps in the specified order: a) providing a tensioning tube which has a recess in its casing and is in particular straight, b) introducing a traction cable into the tensioning tube, the traction cable being guided through the recess, c) applying a first part of a cable guide to the traction cable outside the tensioning tube on a section of the traction cable protruding beyond the recess, d) introducing an extension of the first part through the recess, e) attaching a second part to the first part of the cable guide outside the tensioning tube on a section of the traction cable protruding beyond the recess, whereby a deflection of the traction cable is specified, in particular by more than 120°, preferably by 180°.

[0009] In other words: The method essentially provides that the traction cable is first inserted through the recess into the tensioner tube, wherein the piston or the element which transmits the force from the piston to the traction cable in the event of deployment is then initially fixed to the traction cable, wherein a first part of the cable guide is applied to a section of the traction cable outside the tensioner tube, which section is formed between the recess and the end of the traction cable assigned to the seat belt component. The first part is then inserted into the tensioner tube with an extension through the recess in the tensioner tube. A second part of the cable guide is then attached to the first part which already engages in the tensioner tube, wherein a corresponding design of the first part and the second part specifies a deflection of the traction cable.The first part and the second part are designed in particular so that the traction cable is deflected by 180°. The second part is arranged exclusively outside the tensioner tube.

[0010] In particular, it is also proposed that, prior to step b), a guide part is inserted into the tensioner tube from an end face, wherein preferably a gas generator is pre-assembled in the guide part and, in step d), the extension of the first part is brought into engagement with the guide part, for which purpose the guide part can have a recess corresponding to the extension of the first part.

[0011] The object is also achieved by a tensioning device for a safety belt component, with a gas generator for generating a compressed gas, a piston that can be driven by the compressed gas, a pull cable connected to the piston, which can be connected to a safety belt component that is to be set in a tensioning movement, a tensioning tube for receiving and guiding the piston, wherein the tensioning tube has a recess in its casing between the gas generator and the piston, and a cable guide that projects through the recess into the tensioning tube and with which the pull cable is guided out of the tensioning tube through the recess, wherein the cable guide is designed such that the pull cable is deflected by 180° and thus exits the cable guide parallel to the tensioning tube.

[0012] In other words: The device according to the invention provides that the cable guide, i.e. the component(s) of the tensioning device with which the traction cable is guided through the recess in the tensioning tube, is designed such that the traction cable is deflected by 180° and thus exits the cable guide parallel to the tensioning tube. The cable guide is therefore designed such that the traction cable, when exiting the cable guide, is approximately parallel to the section of the traction cable guided by the piston in the tensioning tube. The tensioning device itself is therefore compact and simple in design with few components, while at the same time the component to be set into a tensioning movement by the traction cable can be aligned parallel to and opposite to the direction of movement of the piston in the tensioning tube and can be accelerated by the tensioning device. While in the previously known prior art a cable deflection of approx.90° to the direction of movement of the piston and thus the seat belt component must be aligned at a 90° angle to the tensioner tube, a much more compact arrangement in the motor vehicle is now possible.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the cable guide, i.e. in particular the elements which are arranged at least partially outside the tensioner tube, consists of at least two, preferably of exactly two parts, wherein the two parts, in the assembled state, jointly surround the traction cable in its circumferential direction.

[0014] In this context, it can be provided that a first part of the cable guide has an extension that extends from an outer side of the tensioner tube through the recess, while the second part is arranged exclusively on an outer side of the tensioner tube. The extension thus forms an element formed in one piece with the first part, which, in the assembled state, is guided through the recess. An element referred to as a guide part can be arranged inside the tensioner tube, into which element the extension engages in the assembled state. The guide part has, in particular, a receptacle for a gas generator and can have corresponding shapes that enable the gas escaping from the gas generator to be guided to the piston in the tensioner tube in the event of triggering. The guide part can also be designed such that it guides the pull cable from its end facing the piston to the recess in the casing of the tensioner tube.

[0015] The first part of the cable guide is designed such that it can be placed on a section of the traction cable arranged outside the tensioning tube and, when attached, can be pushed through the recess with its extension. However, it is also possible for the first part to be pushed through the recess with the extension and for the traction cable to then be attached to the first part. The second part is then attached to the first part outside the tensioning tube. Provision can be made for the at least two parts, and in particular the first part and the second part, to be fixed to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For this purpose, the first part and the second part can have corresponding projections and recesses which enable the parts to be attached to one another without the need for tools. For example, one of the parts can have hooks or tabs formed as a single piece thereon.Have locking elements that are deflected when the two parts are brought together and, when assembled, engage behind sections of the other part.

[0016] For particularly simple assembly, it can be provided that the at least two parts abut one another, at least in sections, along a plane that runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tensioning tube, with the longitudinal axis of the tensioning tube lying in particular in the plane. This allows the two parts to be connected by simply plugging them together in a direction orthogonal to the plane.

[0017] The parts of the rope guide are also designed in such a way that the pull rope comes into contact with all parts of the rope guide when installed.

[0018] The invention relates to tensioning devices in which the tensioning tube has a recess in its casing between the gas generator and the piston, and in which the tensioning device comprises the cable guide, which extends through the recess into the tensioning tube at least partially and with which the traction cable is guided through the recess. Thus, the die-cast deflection block can be dispensed with. The recess is designed, in particular, as a type of hole in the casing of the tensioning tube and is thus completely enclosed by the casing of the tensioning tube.

[0019] It is particularly provided that the cable guide engages with its section (extension) engaging in the tensioning tube in the guide part, whereby on the one hand the guide part is fixed in its position in the tensioning tube and on the other hand a passage of the traction cable through the recess can be made possible without the traction cable coming into contact with an edge of the recess formed by the tensioning tube.

[0020] The gas generator is arranged, in particular, within the tensioner tube, and preferably, the guide part may have a receptacle, with the gas generator being arranged in the receptacle. In this context, it is particularly provided that the guide part is designed such that the compressed gas generated by the gas generator is guided along the pull cable within the tensioner tube to the piston, without the compressed gas being applied to the pull cable in the region of the guide part.

[0021] The recess for the traction cable and the cable guide are arranged in particular in a straight section of the tensioning tube, wherein it is provided in particular that the tensioning tube is designed to be straight over its entire extent.

[0022] To create a 180° deflection in which the traction cable has a U-shaped deflection, the cable guide consisting of several parts can have an area formed on the first part which is arranged on the inside of the U-shaped deflected traction cable, wherein the second part has an area which is arranged on an outside of the U-shaped deflected traction cable. The area formed accordingly on the first part prevents the traction cable from being deflected by more than 180°, while the area of ​​the second part prevents the traction cable from being deflected by less. This also makes it possible to attach the first part to the traction cable and / or to insert its extension through the recess into the tensioner tube without the traction cable having to be deflected by 180° beforehand. The deflection of the traction cable by 180° only occurs when the second part is attached to the first part. This simplifies assembly.A solution independent of the solution described above is also seen in the first part having a first region that allows a deflection of the traction cable of more than 90° and at least one second region that allows a deflection of the traction cable of less than 90°, wherein the second part has a region designed such that the degree of deflection of the traction cable is predetermined by the designed region of the second part. It is thus possible to use the first part as a common part for different tensioning devices that differ from one another in the degree of deflection of the traction cable by the cable guide.

[0023] For example, the first part has an area that prevents the traction cable from deflecting by more than 180°, i.e., where the traction cable rests when deflected by 180°. The second area of ​​the first part, in contrast, is arranged and designed such that the traction cable is offset parallel to the tensioner tube due to the cable deflection.

[0024] In addition, a further second region of the first part can be designed such that the traction cable rests against this further second region when a deflection between 60° and 120° occurs.

[0025] In contrast, the second parts differ significantly from each other. A predefined deflection is possible simply by designing the corresponding areas of the second part where the traction cable rests when the parts are assembled.

[0026] The invention and the technical environment are explained below using the figures as examples. They show schematically

[0027] Figure 1 : a perspective view of a tensioning device,

[0028] Figure 2: a sectional view through the tensioning device,

[0029] Figure 3: a plan view of the tensioning device, Figure 4: perspective views of a first part of the cable guide of the

[0030] Tensioning device according to Figures 1 to 3,

[0031] Figure 5 : Perspective views of a second part of the cable guide of the

[0032] Tensioning device according to Figures 1 to 3,

[0033] Figures 6-8 : alternative embodiments of the second part and

[0034] Figures 9-11: Sectional views of tensioning devices with second parts according to Figures 6 to 8.

[0035] The tensioning device shown in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a tensioning tube 4 and a pull cable 3 for a seat belt component. A recess 5 is formed in the tensioning tube 4, through which the pull cable 3 is guided by means of a cable guide 6. Within the tensioning tube 4, a piston 2 is arranged on the pull cable 3, wherein the piston 2 can be connected to the pull cable 3 by means of a fastening device (not shown). Also arranged within the tensioning tube 4 is a guide part 7, which forms a receptacle for a gas generator 1. In the assembled state, the gas generator 1 is thus also arranged in the tensioning tube 4.

[0036] The cable guide 6 is fixed by means of a clamp 8 surrounding the tensioner tube, for which purpose a bolt 9 is provided which passes through the cable guide 6 and the clamp 8.

[0037] The cable guide 6 consists of a first part 6.1 and a second part 6.2, which are shown in two perspective views in Figures 4 and 5, respectively. The first part 6.1 shown in Figure 4 has an extension 6.3, which can be inserted through the recess 5 in the tensioner tube 4 into a recess in the guide part 7 (not shown in the figures). The first part 6.1 has a curved first region 6.1a, which is designed such that the traction cable 3 can be deflected by up to 180° when it rests against the first region 6.1a. The first part 6.1 also has a second region 6.1b, against which the traction cable 3 can rest when it is to be guided out of the tensioner tube 4 with a parallel offset (see also Figure 9). In addition, the first part 6.1 comprises a third area 6.1c, against which the traction cable 3 can rest when it is at an angle of approx.120° to the section of the traction cable 3 arranged in the tensioner tube 4 is to be deflected by the cable guide 6 (see also Figure 1 1 ).

[0038] The second component 6.2, shown in Figure 5 and used in the device according to Figures 1 and 3, has hook elements 10 that can engage in corresponding recesses on the first part 6.1 in order to positively connect the first part 6.1 and the second part 6.2. Furthermore, the second part 6.2 has a region 6.2a that determines the deflection of the traction cable 3 in the assembled state shown in Figures 1 to 3. The region 6.2a is designed such that a traction cable resting on the surface of the region 6.2a is deflected by 180°, as can be seen particularly in Figure 2. When the first part 6.1 and the second part 6.2 are fastened to one another and mounted on the tensioning device, a plane on which the parts 6.1 and 6.2 abut one another extends, at least in sections, parallel to the plane in which the traction cable 3 is arranged.

[0039] To assemble the cable guide 6, the first part 6.1 can first be placed against the section of the traction cable 3 that extends from the guide part 7 through the recess 5, and then its extension 6.3 can be inserted through the recess 5 into the guide part 7. The second part 6.2 is only attached to the first part 6.1 once it has already been inserted through the recess 5. The deflection of the traction cable 3 is finally determined by the area 6.2a of the second part 6.2.

[0040] When triggered, the gas generator 1 generates a compressed gas, which is guided through the guide member 7 along the pull cable to the piston 2, whereby the compressed gas does not come into contact with the pull cable 3. The compressed gas drives the piston 2 (to the right in Figure 2). The tensioning device can thus retract a seat belt component (such as an end fitting or buckle) that can be connected to the pull cable.

[0041] It is further proposed that the first part 6.1 of the cable guide 6 be designed as a common part, which is used with different second parts 6.2. The first part 6.1, with its sections 6.1a, 6.1b, and 6.1c, is designed such that it can be used for different degrees of deflection of a traction cable 3, while the design of the second part 6.2 determines the specific deflection angle. This makes it very easy to adapt the tensioning device for different applications.

[0042] Thus, the second part 6.2 shown in Figure 6 has a region 6.2a which specifies that the traction cable 3 is guided through the recess 5 and out of the cable guide 6 with a parallel offset to its extension in the tensioning tube 4. A tensioning device with the second part 6.2 according to Figure 6 is shown in Figure 9. It can be seen that the traction cable 3 is guided through the cable guide 6 both at a second region 6.1b of the first part 6.1 and from the region 6.2a of the second part 6.2 and exits the cable guide 6 parallel to the tensioning tube 4.

[0043] The second part 6.2 shown in Figure 7 has a region 6.2a that specifies that the traction cable 3 exits the cable guide 6 with a deflection angle of approximately 120°. The tensioning device with the second part 6.2 according to Figure 7 is shown in Figure 10. It can be seen that the traction cable 3 rests on the one hand against the first region 6.1a of the first part 6.1 and on the other hand against the region 6.2a of the second part 6.2.

[0044] The area 6.2a of the second part 6.2 according to the embodiment of Figure 8, however, is designed such that the traction cable 3 is deflected at an angle of approximately 60°. A tensioning device correspondingly equipped with the second part 6.2 according to Figure 8 is shown in Figure 11. It can be seen that the traction cable 3 rests against the area 6.2a of the second part 6.2.

[0045] List of reference symbols

[0046] 1 gas generator

[0047] 2 pistons

[0048] 3 pull rope

[0049] 4 tensioner tube

[0050] 5 Recess

[0051] 6 Rope guide

[0052] 6.1 first part

[0053] 6.1 a first area

[0054] 6.1b second area

[0055] 6.1 c third area

[0056] 6.2 second part

[0057] 6.2a Area

[0058] 6.3 Extension

[0059] 7 Guide part

[0060] 8 clamps

[0061] 9 bolts

[0062] 10 hook element

Claims

Claims 1. Tensioning device for a safety belt component, with a gas generator (1) for generating a compressed gas, a piston (2) which can be driven by the compressed gas, a traction cable (3) which is connected to the piston (2) and which can be connected to a safety belt component which is to be set in a tensioning movement, a tensioning tube (4) for receiving and guiding the piston (2), the tensioning tube (4) having a recess (5) in its casing between the gas generator (1) and the piston (2), and a cable guide (6) which projects through the recess (5) into the tensioning tube (4) and by means of which the traction cable (3) is guided out of the tensioning tube (4) through the recess (5), characterized in that the cable guide (6) is designed such that the traction cable (3) is deflected by 180° and thus exits from the cable guide (6) parallel to the tensioning tube (4).

2. Tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein the cable guide (6) consists of at least two, preferably exactly two parts (6.1, 6.2).

3. Tensioning device according to claim 2, wherein the at least two parts abut one another at least in sections (6.1, 6.2) along a plane which runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tensioning tube (4), wherein the longitudinal axis of the tensioning tube (4) lies in particular in the plane.

4. Tensioning device according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the at least two parts (6.1, 6.2) are fixed to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

5. Tensioning device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first part (6.1) has an extension (6.3) which extends from an outer side of the tensioning tube (4) through the recess (5) and the second part (6.2) is arranged exclusively on an outer side of the tensioning tube (4).

6. Tensioning device according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first part (6.1) has a region (6.1a) which is arranged on the inside of the LJ-shaped deflected traction cable (3) and wherein the second part (6.2) has a region (6.2a) which is arranged on an outside of the U-shaped deflected traction cable (3).

7. Tensioning device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the first part (6.1) has a first region (6.1a) which allows a deflection of the traction cable (3) of more than 90°, and at least a second region (6.1b, 6.1c) which allows a deflection of the traction cable (3) of less than 90°.

8. Tensioning device according to claim 7, wherein the second part (6.2) has a region (6.2a) designed in such a way that the deflection of the traction cable (3) is predetermined by the shaped region (6.2a) of the second part (6.2).

9. A method for producing a tensioning device, comprising the following steps in the specified order: a) providing a tensioning tube (4) having a recess (5) in its casing and in particular being straight, b) introducing a traction cable (3) into the tensioning tube (4), the traction cable (4) being guided through the recess (5), c) applying a first part (6.1) of a cable guide (6) to the traction cable (3), d) introducing an extension (6.3) of the first part (6.1) through the recess (5), e) attaching a second part (6.2) to the first part (6.1) of the cable guide (6) outside the tensioning tube (4) on a section of the traction cable (3) projecting beyond the recess (5), whereby a deflection of the traction cable (3) is predetermined.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein prior to step d) a guide part (7) is inserted from an end face into the tensioner tube (4), wherein preferably a gas generator (1) is pre-assembled in the guide part (7), wherein in step d) the extension (6.3) is brought into engagement with the guide part (7).

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