Adapter for releasably fastening an object

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter (1) for releasably fastening an object, in particular a belt retractor (2), in an environment, in particular a vehicle, wherein the adapter (1) has a rotationally symmetrical fastening region (3) which, in an axial section, has side edges (4) which are at a distance (5) from one another that increases, at least in some regions, towards a free end (22) to which the object can be fastened. In order to allow particularly flexible fastening of the object, according to the invention the adapter (1) has a coupling region (6) which can be coupled to a device which is rigidly connected to the environment, wherein a mechanism is provided by means of which the fastening region (3) can be selectively brought into a first operating state or a second operating state, wherein the fastening region (3) can be moved relative to the device in the first operating state, and is rigidly connected to the device in the second operating state.

Description

[0001] Adapter for the detachable fastening of an object

[0002] The invention relates to an adapter for the detachable fastening of an object, in particular a belt retractor, in an environment, especially in a vehicle, wherein the adapter has a rotationally symmetrical fastening area which, in an axial section, has side edges which have a distance that increases at least partially towards a free end to which the object can be fastened.

[0003] It is known from the prior art to secure objects, for example those transported in a vehicle, by means of a belt retractor, so that, for example, the tipping over of bulky loads such as crates of drinks and the like can be easily avoided.

[0004] In this regard, it has proven disadvantageous that state-of-the-art seat belt retractors with adapters can only be attached to different positions in the vehicle with great effort.

[0005] This is where the invention comes in. The object of the invention is to provide an adapter of the type mentioned above, which enables a particularly simple and flexible attachment of an object such as a seatbelt retractor in an environment, for example a stationary installation or in a vehicle.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by an adapter of the type mentioned at the outset, which has a coupling area which can be coupled to a device rigidly connected to the environment, wherein a mechanism is provided by which the fastening area can be selectively brought into a first operating state or a second operating state, wherein the fastening area is movable relative to the device in the first operating state and is rigidly connected to the device in the second operating state.

[0007] Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that increased flexibility regarding the positions at which the object can be attached in its environment, particularly in a vehicle, results when the adapter is designed in this way. On the one hand, the adapter can be moved relative to the device to enable the object to be connected to the adapter in different positions. On the other hand, the ability to move the adapter relative to the device allows it to be brought into a working state in which, for example, the adapter is recessed into the device or its environment, particularly in the vehicle, so that it is not visible, and into a second working state in which the adapter protrudes from the device, allowing the object to be connected to the adapter.In this way, several corresponding adapters can be attached in different positions without negatively affecting the visual appearance.

[0008] A design of the mounting area with side edges diverging towards a free end in a cross-sectional section, or with side edges exhibiting a distance that increases at least partially towards the free end, can be achieved, for example, by designing the adapter with an undercut at the free end or a mushroom-shaped free end, thus enabling a simple, positive-locking connection between the object and the adapter. The rotationally symmetrical design of the mounting area allows the object to be attached to the adapter in such a way that, while it cannot be moved translationally relative to the adapter, it can be rotated around the axis of symmetry. This is particularly advantageous for seatbelt retractors, as the retractor can then easily align itself along a direction of pull to prevent the belt from tilting.

[0009] Preferably, the adapter and the device are designed such that an axis of symmetry of the mounting area, relative to which the mounting area is rotationally symmetric, is oriented approximately normal to a surface to which the device is attached, for example a side wall in a vehicle.

[0010] The mechanism can be designed in various ways to selectively bring the mounting area into either the first or the second operating state. In particular, the mechanism can be designed such that the mounting area is movable relative to the coupling area when the adapter is in the second operating state. The coupling area can then be rigidly connected to the device, for example with an airline track, whereby the mounting area can be moved relative to the coupling area to secure the object.

[0011] Preferably, the mechanism includes a rotary lock, in particular a bayonet lock. For example, the attachment area can then be unlocked or locked relative to the coupling area via the bayonet lock and moved relative to the coupling area in an unlocked state.

[0012] It can also be advantageous for the mechanism to have a spring mechanism. For example, a spring can be used to apply a force for a frictional connection of the adapter to the device, and a handle, for example, which can be manually operated, can be provided to release the frictional connection between the coupling area and the device caused by the spring.

[0013] It has proven advantageous for the mechanism to incorporate a locking clamping device. Such a mechanism is particularly well-known from ballpoint pens, used to achieve different operating states by applying pressure, as is common with push-button ballpoint pens. For example, a circumferential housing groove can be provided, which has different stable positions. As with a ballpoint pen, applying pressure moves a feed sleeve or similar component from one stable end position to the next. The stable end positions result in different axial positions of the push sleeve or the mounting area connected to the push sleeve. This ensures simple operation to move the adapter from the first operating state to the second.

[0014] It has proven advantageous for the mechanism to incorporate a ball lock bolt. A ball lock bolt typically consists of a bolt, a spring-loaded push button, and balls at the end. Pressing the button unlocks the bolt, while releasing the button locks the bolt and / or balls, thus ensuring an easily detachable connection. A simple way to attach the adapter to various locations, particularly within a vehicle, is achieved when the mechanism includes a clamp that allows the mounting area to be connected to the device using a force-fit and / or form-fit connection. The clamp can be secured, for example, by screws or by using a toggle lever or similar device to maintain a closed position.The clamp allows the adapter to be easily and releasably fixed, especially to eyelets already present in many vehicles, such as lashing eyes.

[0015] Preferably, an adapter according to the invention is used in conjunction with a device which can be connected to an environment, in particular a vehicle.

[0016] The device may be designed to have a pivotable eyelet, in particular a lashing eyelet, arranged in a recess, with the eyelet preferably pivoting out of the recess against a spring. Such eyelets or lashing eyes are standard equipment in many vehicles, allowing the object, such as a seatbelt retractor, to be attached in a particularly simple manner in many vehicles. The adapter can be connected to the eyelet, for example, via a clamp.

[0017] However, it can also be provided that the adapter can be moved relative to the eyelet into a first working state or a second working state, wherein in the first working state the adapter does not protrude beyond the eyelet, and wherein in the second working state the adapter protrudes beyond the eyelet, so that an object such as a seatbelt retractor can be attached to the adapter in the second working state. Such mobility between the adapter or attachment area and the eyelet can be achieved, for example, by a mechanism such as a rotary lock, a spring mechanism, a locking tensioning device, a ball lock pin, or a clamp.

[0018] It is advantageous if the adapter can be positioned in the middle of the eyelet when the eyelet is not swung out of the recess.

[0019] It has proven advantageous for the recess to have a cutout, particularly a partially circular cutout, in which the adapter is attached. The adapter can then be fixed in the cutout, for example, using a mechanism such as a bayonet fitting, a spring mechanism, a locking clamp, or a ball-bearing clamping bolt.

[0020] In this context, it is advantageous if the recess has dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of the coupling area. This allows for a simple connection between the coupling area of ​​the adapter and the recess in the recess. In this way, the device can be designed as a recess with an eyelet, the outer dimensions of which correspond to the outer dimensions of eyelets or lashing eyes used in conventional vehicles. This allows, for example, the replacement of standard eyelets with devices designed according to the invention, in order to easily connect the adapter, and thus, for example, a seatbelt retractor, to the vehicle.

[0021] It can also be provided that the device is designed as a rail with an undercut, in particular as an airline rail, wherein the adapter is movable in the longitudinal direction of the rail relative to the rail in the first operating state.

[0022] Such rails are used in many vehicles, for example in assembly buses, caravans and the like, so that on the one hand there are many simple ways to attach the adapter to different positions in the vehicle, and on the other hand there are additional possibilities for using the rail besides the adapter.

[0023] The adapter can be connected to the rail in a variety of ways.

[0024] It is advantageous if the coupling area is designed to correspond with the undercut of the rail, wherein a clamping device connected to the coupling area via a spring is provided, wherein the adapter can be attached to the rail in such a way that the coupling area is pressed against an inside of the rail by the spring in order to connect the coupling area to the rail in a force-fit manner and to establish the second operating state, wherein in this second operating state the clamping device can be manually actuated from outside the rail against a spring force and released from the rail in order to bring the adapter into the first operating state.

[0025] The coupling area can be inserted into the rail or into the area of ​​the undercut of the rail, particularly laterally or longitudinally, and is thus movable in the rail along the longitudinal direction of the rail by manual actuation of the clamping device and is fixed in the rail by force-locking action of the spring when the clamping device is released, resulting in a structurally very simple and at the same time robust way of fixing the adapter in the rail.

[0026] Preferably, the rail has a groove with a cross-section that varies along a longitudinal direction, in particular with openings arranged regularly along the longitudinal direction, wherein the coupling area is designed corresponding to an undercut of the rail, wherein a positive locking area connected to the coupling area via a spring is provided, which is designed corresponding to one or more sub-areas of the groove, in particular with openings, wherein the adapter can be attached to the rail such that the positive locking area is arranged in the sub-area to positively lock the adapter to the rail and establish the second operating state, wherein the positive locking area can be removed from the sub-area, in particular from one of the openings, against a force of the spring in order to release the positive lock and bring the adapter into the first operating state.in which the adapter can be moved relative to the rail, especially along the longitudinal direction.

[0027] For example, the positive locking area can be pressed into the rail or the wider area of ​​the groove's undercut to release the positive lock between the positive locking area and the opening, allowing the adapter to be moved relative to the rail. For actuation, the positive locking area can be connected to the mounting area, particularly a mushroom-shaped free end, so that the positive locking area can be manually pressed into the rail by manually actuating the free end. Releasing the free end causes the spring to push the positive locking area back towards the opening, thus re-establishing a positive lock between the adapter and the rail when the adapter is in a suitable position relative to the rail. This allows for particularly easy mounting of the adapter at different positions on the rail.

[0028] The adapter can also be designed such that it is only possible to move the adapter from the second operating state to the first operating state when no object is connected to the adapter. For example, in the case of an adapter where a positive locking area or a clamping device must be moved to release a force-fit or positive lock between the adapter and the device, it can be provided that the object can be connected to the adapter in such a way that such movement of the positive locking area or clamping device is not possible when the object is attached to the adapter.

[0029] It can also be provided that the rail has regularly arranged openings along a longitudinal direction, wherein the adapter has a mounting element which can be placed on the rail and a coupling element movable relative to the mounting element, wherein the coupling element can be inserted into the openings and fixed between the openings in the rail in order to detachably fix the adapter to the rail.

[0030] These types of rails are also known as airline rails and feature a recess on one front side with regularly spaced, larger openings along a longitudinal direction. The openings are typically circular and connected by narrower sections. The mounting element is therefore usually larger than the openings, while the coupling element is smaller than the openings but larger than the area between them, allowing the coupling element to be inserted into the openings and secured in the space between them. The coupling area typically has a corresponding undercut for this purpose.

[0031] It is advantageous if the coupling element is designed to correspond to the undercut of the rail. This allows the coupling element to be moved within the rail. Ideally, the coupling element should be movable relative to the mounting element against a spring, so that the rail can be clamped between the mounting element and the coupling element by the spring, thus fixing the adapter to the rail. To release the fixation, the mounting element can, for example, be manually pulled away from the coupling element, or the coupling element can be pushed away from the mounting element, allowing the adapter to move relative to the rail.

[0032] An adapter according to the invention can be used in conjunction with such a device for fastening a wide variety of objects. It is advantageous if an object that can be connected to the adapter is provided, which has a recess with a large recess area for receiving the free end of the adapter and a small recess area adjoining the large recess area, so that the free end can be inserted into the large recess area and then moved into the small recess area to fasten the object at its free end. In this way, a simple positive-locking connection between the object and the adapter at the free end or an undercut of the free end is achieved.

[0033] It is advantageous if the item is a seatbelt retractor.

[0034] The recess is preferably provided on the housing of the belt retractor and / or on a hook of the belt retractor connected to the housing via a belt. In this way, not only the belt retractor itself, but also a hook of the belt retractor attached to the belt can be connected to such an adapter, allowing the belt retractor to be attached to the vehicle on two sides via corresponding adapters.

[0035] Preferably, an adapter according to the invention is used in conjunction with an object which can be connected to the adapter in the area of ​​the fastening area.

[0036] Particularly easy connection between object and adapter is achieved if the object has a recess with a large recess area for receiving the free end of the adapter and a small recess area adjoining the large recess area, so that the free end can be inserted into the large recess area and then moved into the small recess area to attach the object at the free end.

[0037] Preferably, the object has an axle for a positive-locking connection with a belt retractor or ratchet. Ratchets, in particular, typically have axles relative to which a ratchet lever can pivot to tension a belt tensioned by the ratchet. If the object is connectable to the adapter and also has a corresponding axle, the adapter can be connected to any conventional ratchet in a particularly simple manner. This allows the adapter to be easily coupled to a wide variety of objects and simultaneously provides a simple way to attach ratchets using the adapter. The object thus forms a connection interface between the adapter and a ratchet or the like.

[0038] It may also be designed so that the item can be screwed onto a seatbelt retractor or ratchet. For this purpose, one or more holes may be arranged in a sheet metal element with the recess, allowing the sheet metal element to be easily connected to a wide variety of items such as seatbelt retractors or ratchets. An element with these one or more holes may also be movably connected to the item's recess, in particular by allowing it to pivot against a spring force. This enables a simple, movable connection between the adapter and the seatbelt retractor or ratchet.

[0039] In this context, it is particularly preferred if the object has a spring-loaded closure, wherein the adapter can only be released from the object by actuating the closure. The closure can, for example, comprise a metal element that holds the mounting area in the small recess by means of a spring force, so that the closure can only be released and the adapter removed from the recess by manual actuation against the spring force. Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments shown below. The drawings, to which reference is made, show:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a belt retractor with an adapter;

[0041] Figs. 1a and 1b Axial sections through an adapter;

[0042] Fig. 1c shows an exploded view of an adapter;

[0043] Fig. 2 shows an adapter in isometric view;

[0044] Fig. 3a to 3j further adapters;

[0045] Figs. 4 to 4b show further adapters with features;

[0046] Figs. 4c to 4f show another adapter;

[0047] Fig. 5 another adapter;

[0048] Fig. 6 shows the adapter of Fig. 5 with a device and a belt tensioner;

[0049] Fig. 7 another adapter;

[0050] Fig. 8 shows the adapter of Fig. 7 with a device and a belt tensioner;

[0051] Figs. 9 to 12 show further adapters with features;

[0052] Figs. 13a to 17e show further adapters.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a belt retractor 2 with an adapter 1. It can be seen that the belt retractor 2 has recesses 23 both in a region of a housing 21 and in a region of a hook 18, each recess 23 having a large recess area 24 and a small recess area 25, the large recess area 24 corresponding to a free end 22 of the adapter 1 and the small recess area 25 corresponding to an undercut of the adapter 1, so that the recess area can be connected to the free end 22 of the adapter 1 by inserting the free end 22 into the large recess area 24 and then moving it into the small recess area 25 to secure the object at the free end 22, both in the region of the housing 21 and in the region of the hook 18. The recess 23 is shown here in the region of the housing 21 in a The housing bracket 19 is provided to be pivotably connected to the housing 21.Hook 18 is connected to the belt retractor 2 via a strap, allowing the strap to be fixed in the vehicle on two sides by adapter 1 for securing objects such as beverage crates. As can be seen, adapter 1 is rotationally symmetrical about a rotation axis 20, so that the belt retractor 2 can rotate around this axis 20. The belt retractor 2 is thus translationally rigid and rotationally movable about the axis 20 when connected to adapter 1.

[0054] To form a corresponding undercut on the adapter 1, the adapter 1, which is essentially rotationally symmetrical, has side edges 4 in a mounting area 3 at the free end 22. As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, these side edges, in a cross-sectional view of a plane in which an axis of rotation 20 of the adapter 1 lies, have a distance 5 from the coupling area 6 to the free end 22 that increases at least partially in a certain area. The adapter 1 shown here can also be described as an adapter 1 with a free end 22 that is approximately mushroom-shaped.

[0055] Fig. 1c shows an exploded view of the adapter of Fig. 1b.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows the adapter 1 in detail, clearly showing the undercut and the mushroom-shaped end 22 at the free end 22. A mounting area 3 opposite the free end 22 is shown here as a cylinder and can, for example, also be designed as a thread to detachably mount the adapter 1 in a vehicle installation and to move it relative to the installation by rotating it via the thread.

[0057] Fig. 3 shows an adapter 1 according to the invention in conjunction with a device which is designed as an airline track 11.

[0058] As can be seen, the airline track 11 has a continuous groove 28 with an undercut along a longitudinal direction 12, which has larger openings 15 and connecting areas 27 between the openings 15, the connecting areas 27 being smaller than the openings 15. It is further evident that the track has an undercut in which the adapter 1 can be attached. The adapter 1 shown here has a coupling area 6 for this purpose, which corresponds to the undercut of the track and is arranged in the track. Furthermore, the adapter 1 has a mounting element 16 connected to the coupling area 6, wherein the coupling area 6 is formed with a coupling element 17 arranged in the groove 28 of the airline track 11, which is connected to the mounting element 16 by a spring 29, so that the mounting element 16 is pulled against the track, thereby creating a force-fit between the coupling element 17 and the track.The frictional connection between the mounting element 16 and the rail enables a releasable fixation of the adapter 1 to the airline rail 11. The rail is thus clamped between the mounting area and the coupling area 6 of this adapter 1 mechanism. To release the frictional connection, the mounting area can, for example, be manually pulled upwards and / or the free end 22 can be pressed downwards, whereby the free end 22 can be connected to the coupling area 6 located in the undercut of the rail, allowing the adapter 1 to be moved relative to the rail.

[0059] The coupling element 17 can also be designed such that it can be inserted into the openings 15, but not into the connection area 27 between the openings 15. The coupling element 17 can thus, for example, have a circular cross-section corresponding to one of the openings 15 in a top view, so that the adapter 1 can be easily detached from the rail by positioning the coupling area 6 in the area of ​​an opening 15 and then removing the coupling area 6 from the groove 28 through the opening 15.

[0060] Figures 3a to 3e show an adapter similar to that shown in Figure 3 in different views and a sectional view. As can be clearly seen, particularly in Figure 3b, the coupling element 17 is circular, so that it corresponds to openings in the rail and can be inserted into them to fix the adapter between the openings on the rail. Figure 3d shows a sectional view along line 11 Id - 11 Id in Figure 3c.

[0061] Figures 3f to 3j show another adapter, which is constructed similarly to the one in Figures 3a to 3e. Figure 3g shows a sectional view along line Illg - Illg in Figure 3f.

[0062] Fig. 4 shows another adapter 1 with a device again designed as an airline track 11. In contrast to the adapter 1 shown in Fig. 3, this adapter 1 does not have a contact area that rests on the track to clamp the track between the contact area and the coupling area 6. Instead, it has a positive-locking area 13 that is movable relative to the coupling area 6. This positive-locking area 13 is pressed by a spring 29 against an inner surface 14 of the groove 28 of the airline track 11 in the area of ​​an opening to create a positive lock. The positive-locking area 13 can be lifted against a force from the spring 29 or pressed into the groove by means of the mushroom-shaped free end 22 to release the positive lock, so that the adapter 1 can easily be brought into a first operating state in which the adapter 1 can be moved relative to the track, in particular in the longitudinal direction 12 of the track.To insert the adapter 1 into the airline track 11 and to remove the adapter 1 from the airline track 11, the adapter 1 can, for example, be pulled out of the airline track 11 at its end.

[0063] It may also be provided that the airline track 11 has a milled recess so that the connection area 27 between two openings 15 is milled away to allow easy assembly from above.

[0064] Fig. 4a shows a cross-sectional view through an adapter 1, which is constructed similarly to the one shown in Fig. 4, with a device again designed as an airline track 11, which can be attached or is attached in a vehicle, the adapter 1 being located in the area of ​​an opening 15. Here the mechanism is clearly visible, which has a coupling area 6 that is integrally connected to the free end 22 and corresponds to an undercut of the groove of the track, and a positive locking area 13 that is connected to the free end 22 or the mounting area 3 via a spring 29.

[0065] Figure 4a also shows that the positive locking area 13 corresponds to the section of the rail that has the opening 15. The positive locking area 13 is therefore larger than the connecting area 27 between the openings 15, so that, in the illustrated situation, movement in the longitudinal direction 12 is not possible due to the positive locking between the positive locking area 13 and the rail in the area of ​​the opening 15. The adapter 1 is therefore in its second operating state. To bring the adapter 1 into its first operating state, the positive locking area 13 can be pressed downwards against the spring 29 or lifted upwards, thus releasing the positive locking and allowing movement in the longitudinal direction 12.

[0066] Fig. 4b shows a section through a corresponding airline track 11 in the connection area 27 with an adapter 1 in the first operating state, where, unlike the state shown in Fig. 4a, the adapter is located between two openings 15. As can be seen, the positive locking area 13 is arranged above the track here, so that the positive locking area 13 does not block movement of the adapter 1 relative to the track in the longitudinal direction 12.

[0067] It can also be provided that the positive locking mechanism can only be released by lifting the positive locking area 13 upwards, so that an object arranged at the mounting area 3, such as a belt tensioner, prevents the positive locking area 13 from being released and thus precludes unintentional movement of the adapter 1 when an object is connected to the adapter 1 as intended. Accordingly, in the embodiment of an adapter 1 shown in Figures 4a and 4b, it is not possible to arrange an object with a corresponding wall thickness in the mounting area 3 between the positive locking element and the free end 22 when the adapter 1 is in the first operating state, which is shown in Figure 4b. In the second operating state, which is shown in Figure 4a, however, this is possible, so that the adapter 1 can only be moved relative to the rail when no object is connected to the adapter 1.

[0068] Figures 4c to 4f show the adapter 1 of Figure 4 in different views and a sectional view. As can be seen here, the positive locking area 13 is pressed downwards against a spring 29 to bring the adapter 1 into a movable state, while the spring 29 pushes the positive locking area 13 upwards to fix the positive locking area 13 of the adapter 1 in the area of ​​the opening on an inner surface 14 of the groove 28 on the airline track 11. Figure 4e shows a sectional view along line IVe-IVe in Figure 4d. Figure 4f shows an exploded view of this adapter.

[0069] Figures 5 and 6 show a further adapter 1, which is designed for detachable coupling to another rail system with a clamping device. Figure 5 shows the adapter 1 alone, while Figure 6 shows the adapter 1 in conjunction with a belt retractor 2 and on a rail.

[0070] Figures 7 and 8 show another adapter 1, which is designed for detachable coupling to another rail system with a clamping device. Figure 5 shows the adapter 1 alone, while Figure 6 shows the adapter 1 in conjunction with a belt retractor 2 and on a rail. In this adapter 1, the coupling area 6 has a mechanism similar to an Isofix adapter 1 for coupling to crossbars in the rail shown in Figure 8.

[0071] Fig. 9 shows a lashing eye with a corresponding adapter 1. As can be seen, the adapter 1 is positioned centrally in the lashing eye or in a recess 8 of the lashing eye. The lashing eye has an eyelet 9 that can pivot relative to the recess 8. In the first working state shown, the adapter 1 does not protrude beyond the eyelet 9, thus preventing objects from unintentionally getting caught on the adapter 1.

[0072] However, the adapter 1 can also be brought into a second working state (not shown) in which the adapter 1 projects beyond the eyelet 9, allowing an object such as a seatbelt retractor 2 to be attached to the adapter 1. A mechanism for moving the adapter 1 from the first working state (shown) to the second working state (not shown) can be designed in various ways. For example, the mechanism can be a threaded connection, allowing the adapter 1 to be screwed out of a thread in the recess 8. Alternatively, the mechanism can be a rotary lock, a spring mechanism, a locking clamp, or the like, in which a coupling section 6 fixed in the recess 8 is moved relative to the mushroom-shaped mounting area 3.

[0073] Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of an adapter 1 with a corresponding eyelet 9. As can be seen here, the recess 8 is designed with a cutout 10 for the adapter 1, and the adapter 1 has a push button at its free end 22. This push button acts on a spring mechanism that unlocks or locks balls to fix the adapter 1 in the recess 8 or to remove the adapter 1 from the recess 8. It is also possible for the adapter 1 to be fixed in different positions within the recess 8. In this way, for example, a recess 8 with an eyelet 9 used as standard in vehicles can be replaced by a recess 8 with an eyelet 9 as shown here, so that adapters 1 can easily be mounted on the corresponding eyelets 9 to, for example, fix a seatbelt retractor 2 in a vehicle.

[0074] Figures 11 and 12 again show corresponding eyelets 9, which are pivotably connected to recesses 8. Here, the adapter 1 is not fixed in the recess 8 itself, but is secured to the eyelet 9 by a clamp 7 in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner. The clamp 7 can, for example, be closed by a screw mechanism or by a toggle lever as shown in Figure 7, in order to allow easy fixing and releasing of the adapter 1.

[0075] Figures 13a to 13e show an adapter 1 in which a mechanism for coupling the adapter 1 to an object, such as an eyelet 9 in a vehicle, includes a clamping device. In this clamping device, a clamping lever 30 can be pulled against a clamping part 32 by means of a screw 31 against a spring 29, in order to clamp, for example, an eyelet 9 between the clamping lever 30 and the clamping part 32. Figure 13b shows a sectional view along line XI 11 b - XI 11 b in Figure 13a.

[0076] It is understood that, as an alternative to a screw 31, an eccentric clamp or similar may also be provided to pull the clamping lever 30 onto the clamping part 32 or to enable easy operation.

[0077] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 14a to 14e, the mechanism by which the mounting area 3 can be brought into different operating states has a screw 31 by which the mounting area 3 can be clamped to an eyelet 9 or the like. Here, too, a mounting area 3 with a mushroom-shaped end 22 is provided, to which an object such as a belt retractor 2 can be attached. Figure 14b shows a sectional view along line XIVb-XIVb in Figure 14a.

[0078] Figures 15a to 15e show an object that can be connected to an adapter 1 with a mushroom-shaped end 22. As shown, the object has a recess 23 with a large recess area 24 for receiving the free end 22 of the adapter 1 and a small recess area 25 adjoining the large recess area 24, so that the free end 22 can be inserted into the large recess area 24 and then moved into the small recess area 25 to secure the object at the free end 22. Figure 15b shows a sectional view along line XVb-XVb in Figure 15a. Figure 15e shows an exploded view of this adapter.

[0079] Furthermore, an axle 33 is provided, which can be connected, for example, to a conventional ratchet or a strap tensioner in order to connect the ratchet stably to the object and thus to the adapter 1. This axle 33 is preferably designed to be so robust that one or more other objects, such as a strap, a hook, or the like, can also be connected to the axle 33.

[0080] For example, a hook connected to a strap can be attached to axle 33 to connect another strap tensioner to adapter 1.

[0081] To prevent unintentional release of this object and thus of the ratchet or the belt tensioner, a spring-loaded closure with a locking lever 34 is provided, which in the position shown holds the adapter 1 (not shown) in the small recess area 25.

[0082] Figures 16a to 16e show another device for connecting an adapter 1, as shown, for example, in Figure 2, to a ratchet. This device again has a recess 23 with a large recess area 24 for receiving the free end 22 of the adapter 1 and a small recess area 25 adjoining the large recess area 24, so that the free end 22 can be inserted into the large recess area 24 and then moved into the small recess area 25 to secure the device to the free end 22. An adapter plate 35 is pivotably connected to the recess 23 via a joint. This adapter plate has several adjacent bores through which it can be connected to, for example, a ratchet. The ratchet can thus be connected to a device, such as an airline track 11 in a vehicle, via this device and the adapter 1.Figure 16b shows a sectional view along line XVIb-XVIb in Figure 16a. Figure 16e shows an exploded view of this adapter. The axis 33 shown in this embodiment can also be used to attach another object, such as a hook connected to a strap.

[0083] As can be clearly seen, a closure with a locking lever 34 pre-tensioned by a spring 29 is provided here as well, in order to prevent the adapter 1 from unintentionally coming loose from the recess 23.

[0084] Figures 17a to 17e show an adapter 1 designed for connection to a device formed by a rail, such as an airline track 11. For this purpose, the adapter 1 has a T-nut 36 in the coupling area 6, which is positively connected to the mounting area 3, also mushroom-shaped, by means of a screw 31. By loosening the mechanism formed here by the screw 31 between the coupling area 6 and the mounting area 3, the adapter 1 can be moved into the first operating state or, optionally, into the second operating state. This allows the adapter 1, or an object connected to the adapter 1, to be detached from the surroundings in which the rail is mounted, or the adapter 1 to be fixed accordingly. Figure 17b shows a sectional view along line XVIIb-XVIIb in Figure 17a. Figure 17e shows an exploded view of this adapter.

[0085] With an adapter 1 designed according to the invention and the corresponding device, an object such as in particular a belt retractor 2 can be easily attached to different positions on a motor vehicle.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Adapter (1) for the detachable fastening of an object, in particular a seatbelt retractor (2), in an environment, in particular a vehicle, wherein the adapter (1) has a rotationally symmetrical fastening area (3) which has side edges (4) in an axial section, which have a distance (5) that increases at least partially towards a free end (22) to which the object can be fastened, characterized in that the adapter (1) has a coupling area (6) which can be coupled to a device rigidly connected to the environment, wherein a mechanism is provided by which the fastening area (3) can be selectively brought into a first operating state or a second operating state, wherein the fastening area (3) is movable relative to the device in the first operating state and is rigidly connected to the device in the second operating state.

2. Adapter (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the mechanism has a rotary lock, in particular a bayonet lock.

3. Adapter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mechanism has a spring mechanism.

4. Adapter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mechanism has a locking clamping device.

5. Adapter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mechanism has a ball locking pin.

6. Adapter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mechanism has a clamp (7) by which the fastening area (3) can be coupled to the device by force and / or form locking.

7. Set comprising a device which is connectable to an environment, in particular a vehicle, and an adapter (1) connectable to the device, characterized in that the adapter (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Set according to claim 7, characterized in that the device has an eyelet (9) pivotably arranged in a recess (8), in particular a lashing eyelet, wherein the eyelet (9) is preferably pivotable out of the recess (8) against a spring (29).

9. Set according to claim 8, characterized in that the adapter (1) can be brought into a first working state and a second working state relative to the eyelet (9), wherein the adapter (1) does not project beyond the eyelet (9) in the first working state and wherein the adapter (1) projects beyond the eyelet (9) in the second working state, so that an object such as a belt winder (2) can be attached to the adapter (1) in the second working state.

10. Set according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the adapter (1 ) can be arranged centrally in the eyelet (9) when the eyelet (9) is not swung out of the recess (8).

11. Set according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the recess (8) has a recess (10), in particular a partially circular recess (10), in which the adapter (1) is attached.

12. Set according to claim 11, characterized in that the recess (10) has dimensions which correspond to the dimensions of the coupling area (6).

13. Set according to claim 7, characterized in that the device is designed as a rail with an undercut, in particular as an airline rail (11), wherein the adapter (1) is movable in the first operating state in the longitudinal direction (12) of the rail relative to the rail.

14. Set according to claim 13, characterized in that the coupling area (6) is designed to correspond with the undercut of the rail, wherein a clamping device connected to the coupling area (6) via a spring (29) is provided, wherein the adapter (1) can be attached to the rail in such a way that the coupling area (6) is pressed by the spring (29) against an inner side (14) of the rail in order to connect the coupling area (6) to the rail in a force-fit manner and to establish the second operating state, wherein in this second operating state the clamping device can be manually actuated from outside the rail against a spring force of the spring (29) and released from the rail in order to bring the adapter (1) into the first operating state.

15. Set according to claim 13, characterized in that the rail has a groove with a cross-section that varies along a longitudinal direction (12), in particular with openings (15) arranged regularly along the longitudinal direction (12), wherein the coupling area (6) is designed correspondingly to an undercut of the rail, wherein a positive locking area (13) connected to the coupling area (6) via a spring (29) is provided, which is designed correspondingly to one or more partial areas of the groove, in particular with openings (15), wherein the adapter (1) can be attached to the rail such that the positive locking area (13) is arranged in the partial area in order to positively lock the adapter (1) to the rail and to establish the second operating state, wherein the positive locking area (13) can be removed from the partial area, in particular from one of the openings (15), against a force of the spring (29).to release the positive locking and bring the adapter (1) into the first operating state in which the adapter (1) can be moved relative to the rail, in particular along the longitudinal direction (12).

16. Set according to claim 13, characterized in that the rail has regularly arranged openings (15) along a longitudinal direction (12), wherein the adapter (1) has a mounting element (16) which can be placed on the rail and a coupling element (17) movable relative to the mounting element (16), wherein the coupling element (17) can be inserted into the openings (15) and fixed between the openings (15) in the rail in order to detachably fix the adapter (1) to the rail.

17. Set according to claim 16, characterized in that the coupling element (17) is designed to correspond with the undercut of the rail.

18. Set according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the coupling element (17) is movable relative to the mounting element (16) against a spring (29), such that the rail can be clamped by the spring (29) between the mounting element (16) and the coupling element (17) in order to fix the adapter (1) to the rail.

19. Set according to one of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that an object connectable to the adapter (1) is provided, which has a recess (23) with a large recess area (24) for receiving the free end (22) of the adapter (1) and a small recess area (25) adjoining the large recess area (24), so that the free end (22) can be inserted into the large recess area (24) and then moved into the small recess area (25) for fastening the object to the free end (22).

20. Set according to claim 19, characterized in that the item is a belt winder (2).

21. Set according to claim 20, characterized in that the recess (23) is provided on a housing (21) of the belt winder (2) and / or on a hook (18) of the belt winder (2) connected to the housing (21) via a belt.

22. Set comprising an adapter (1) for the detachable fastening of an object in an environment and an object, characterized in that the adapter (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 6 and the object is connectable to the adapter (1).

23. Set according to claim 22, characterized in that the object has a recess (23) with a large recess area (24) for receiving the free end (22) of the adapter (1) and a small recess area (25) adjoining the large recess area (24), such that the free end (22) can be inserted into the large recess area (24) and then moved into the small recess area (25) to fasten the object at the free end (22).

24. Set according to claim 23, characterized in that the object has an axle (20) for positive locking connection with a belt retractor (2) or a ratchet.

25. Set according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the item can be screwed to a belt winder (2) or a ratchet.

26. Set according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the object has a closure pre-tensioned by means of a spring (29), wherein the adapter (1) can only be released from the object by actuating the closure.

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