DE102006006659B3 - Roll-over protection system for motor vehicle e.g. sports car, has rotary latches and mechanical coupling of retaining devices attached in guide section, and common actuator fastened at section and directly coupled to mechanical coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a roll-over bar (1) guidably accommodated in appropriate guide parts (7, 8) by frame side pieces (3, 4). The guide parts are formed with a free space below an upper guide section (5) of a fastener that is fixed at a vehicle. Rotary latches (13, 14) and a mechanical coupling of retaining devices (19, 20) are attached in the guide section. A common actuator (31) is fastened at the guide section and is directly coupled to the mechanical coupling of the retaining devices.

Description

The The invention relates to a rollover protection system for motor vehicles with an approximate Vehicle width roll bar, the by means of his two hanger legs in a vehicle-mounted bracket in corresponding guide parts led recorded is, and both hanger legs in each case a holding device, each consisting of a with the associated stirrup leg connected holding member and a thus releasably operatively connected, Body-mounted retaining latch is assigned, which mechanically coupled to each other and the roll bar in the normal state against the force of a prestressed spring accumulator in a lower, stored Resting position, and what a common, sensor-controlled activatable Actuator to release the operative connection with putting the roll bar in its protective position is assigned, and with a locking device consisting from a vehicle-mounted and one attached to the roll bar Locking element for locking the roll bar in its erected, protected Position.

Such rollover protection systems serve to protect the occupants in motor vehicles without protective Roof, typically in convertibles or sports cars, by at a rollover a survival space for the Harness occupants.

It is known to provide an over the entire vehicle width spanning, permanently installed roll bar ( EP 0 233 777 A2 ) or each vehicle seat, a height-permanently fixed roll bar ( DE 196 04 423 A1 ). In addition to these so-called rigid roll bars are also widely used constructive solutions for so-called active roll bar systems in the market, in which the roll bar is stored in the normal state, and in case of danger, so in an impending rollover, sensor-controlled by means of an energy storage is quickly placed in a protective locked position, to prevent the vehicle occupants from being crushed by the overturning vehicle.

These have so-called "active" rollover protection systems typically for each seat in a vehicle-mounted cassette housing with his hanger arms mostly linear guided U-shaped roll bar on, in the normal state against the biasing force of a drive compression spring is held by a holding device in a lower rest position, and in the rollover case sensor controlled under release the holding device, by the spring force in an upper, supporting position can be brought, wherein a then entering into operative engagement locking device an impressions of the roll bar in prevents the cassette.

Such a cassette construction of an active roll bar protection system shows, for example, the DE 100 40 642 C1 ,

In addition to the cassette constructions also active rollover protection systems according to a design principle with a rear wall assembly are known, as for example in the DE 103 44 446 B3 is described. Such a system has a mounted between the rear and luggage compartment frame construction, consisting once of a extending over the inner width of the vehicle, body-mounted profile cross member having guide means for the stirrup leg of two juxtaposed U-shaped roll bars and consisting of the other vertically downwardly extending profile-carrier elements with a bottom part for receiving the usual components of the extendable rollover protection system, such as the release magnet for the sensor-controlled release of the extension movement of the roll bar and the drive compression springs. It is also known to integrate two cassette systems, each with an active roll bar on a rear wall support ( DE 100 44 926 C1 ).

Either the cassette constructions as well as the cross member constructions are in various embodiments, adapted to the respective vehicle type, introduced in the market and in operation.

However, there are also rollover protection systems with an approximately the entire vehicle width spanning, actively deployable roll bar known. In this case, the ironing head as a continuous iron shell ( DE 195 40 819 A1 ), or as a cross yoke according to DE 197 12 955 A1 be formed, or may have in the area of the vehicle seats bow-head-like formations in a transverse yoke ( DE 100 44 930 C1 ).

From such a rollover protection system with a cart-wide roll bar goes the invention.

These rollover protection systems with a wagon-wide roll bar are particularly sensitive to tilting of the roll bar during its installation (drawer effect) because of the excessively wide distance between the bar arms. Therefore, the formation of the roll bar against the force of the deployment springs holding down holding device, in particular with regard to the triggering time, a special significance. Furthermore, there is generally a high cost pressure in the automotive supply industry, which is simple, low consuming Dige yet highly effective constructions requires. Finally, the attachment of the rollover protection system in the vehicle, which is typically located on the rear wall between the rear and the luggage compartment should not be a hindrance in normal operation, for example, do not prevent a through-loading possibility.

For training the holding device, various embodiments have become known.

So shows the cited above DE 197 12 955 A1 an embodiment in which each leg tube is assigned a separate holding device, each consisting of a pivotally mounted on the leg tube holding rocker and a vehicle-fixed actuator. This embodiment is relatively complex and requires a synchronous release of the two actuators, which is not necessarily guaranteed due to the existing tolerances when triggering the actuators.

It is also by the also cited above DE 195 40 819 A1 become known, each arm leg a releasable holding device, but only one of the two legs a to assign an actuator for the sensor-controlled release of the associated holding device. The two holding devices are mechanically coupled to each other via a linkage, such that after the direct release of a holding device by the actuator, the other then indirectly, because of positive control, is triggered by the extending roll bar.

This System has a, albeit small, time delay with respect to the triggering of the second bar arm on, so special measures, like the articulated connection of the transverse yoke to the stirrup legs, necessary to avoid tilting of the roll bar when setting up.

Of the Invention is based on the object, the above-mentioned rollover protection system in such a way that with simple means a synchronous release of the both each a hanger arm associated holding devices can be achieved, a cost-effective production of the rollover protection system possible is, as well as that its attachment in the vehicle further refinements on the vehicle, e.g. in terms of through-loading, not a hindrance is.

• – die Führungsteile in einem oberen Führungsabschnitt der fahrzeugfesten Halterung ausgebildet sind, mit einem Freiraum unterhalb dieses Abschnittes,
• – in diesem oberen Führungsabschnitt auch das fahrzeugfeste Verriegelungselement sowie die mechanische Kopplung bei der Haltevorrichtungen angebracht sind, und
• – der gemeinsame Aktuator ebenfalls an diesem oberen Führungsabschnitt befestigt sowie direkt an die mechanische Kopplung beider Haltevorrichtungen mechanisch angekoppelt ist.

The solution to this problem is achieved in a rollover protection system for motor vehicles with an approximately vehicle-wide roll bar, which is held by its two stirrup legs in a vehicle-mounted holder in corresponding guide parts, and two stirrup legs each have a holding device, each consisting of a connected to the associated stirrup leg holding member and associated therewith in detachable operative connection, body-retentive holding pawl is associated, which are mechanically coupled to each other and hold the roll bar in the normal state against the force of a prestressed spring accumulator in a lower, stored rest position, and which a common, sensor-controlled activatable actuator for releasing the operative connection below Setting up the roll bar is assigned to its protective position, and with a locking device consisting of a vehicle-mounted and one on the over Roll bar attached locking element for locking the roll bar in its established, protective position according to the invention in that

• The guide parts are formed in an upper guide section of the vehicle-fixed mount, with a free space below this section,
• - In this upper guide portion and the vehicle-fixed locking element and the mechanical coupling are mounted in the holding devices, and
• - The common actuator also attached to this upper guide portion and is mechanically coupled directly to the mechanical coupling of the two holding devices.

By the measures according to the invention, all typical components of the roll bar system compact in the upper guide section to install the vehicle-fixed bracket, as well as the common Actuator act directly on both fixtures mechanically to let is a rollover protection system can be produced with simple means, which practically without hindrances, e.g. in terms of a through-loading, in the vehicle can be installed and a synchronous release of the bar arms without further action for preventing the drawer effect.

The DE 103 18 594 A1 describes a rollover protection device with an approximately vehicle-wide U-shaped roll bar, whose legs are each guided in a guide cassette, wherein the guide cassettes are fixedly secured to the backrest structure of the vehicle body shell, such that a generous through-loading possibility is given in the backrest structure.

It Furthermore, a cross-brace is provided, which is parallel extends to the transverse yoke of the roll bar and on which the laterally opposite guide cassettes, connecting them, are attached.

At the cross strut vehicle centerline a retaining pawl is attached, which in Wirkverbin tion with a centrally located on the roll bar retaining member is. In order to synchronize the erection movement of the two bar arms, ie to avoid the drawer effect, a stationary on the cross brace is provided extending longitudinally mounted synchronization shaft, which has a pinion at both ends, which is in operative engagement with an attached to the respective stirrup leg rack , The synchronization shaft can be centrally driven by an enveloping coil spring or electric motor.

These known construction to avoid the drawer effect by only a single holding device with downstream mechanical synchronization the stirrup-leg lineup In a centrally attacking drive, complex, complex components are required like pinions and requires a relatively long setup time.

Also owns the known system no closed upper guide section in the vehicle-mounted bracket.

The Protection system according to the invention with two holding devices, each one, by the associated spring drive drivable bar legs are assigned, and over a relatively simple on the guide section attached coupling linkage synchronously triggered are, in contrast, is less expensive educated.

Such a dual-holding device in an actively synchronously deployable rollover protection system with an approximately cart-wide roll bar, wherein the two holding devices are synchronously triggered via a coupling shaft by a coupled central sensor-controlled release system is through the DE 102 29 635 C1 become known, however, the basic construction in the known case is different than in the case of the invention.

The feature of the direct coupling of an actuator to the connecting linkage between two holding devices is also per se by the DE 100 44 926 C1 has become known, however, there is another, not comparable rollover protection system with two adjacent cassette systems and not a vehicle-wide roll bar, which has different power conditions, especially because it has stronger Aufstellfedern in the leg tubes, which lead to stronger holding forces in the holders ,

The direct coupling of the actuator to the mechanical coupling between the holding devices, from which the invention proceeds, allows a Relatively simple yet safe construction of the mechanical coupling between the actuator and the holding devices.

These direct coupling can be carried out in such a way that the mechanical Coupling of both holding devices provided a connecting linkage is and on the connecting linkage a stop for provided the coupling of the actuator to the connecting rod is.

There in this version the direct coupling in the case of triggering the not inconsiderable holding forces must be solved simultaneously on both fixtures must be of the actuator accordingly high power to be applied. This is the cheapest to realize if the actuator is formed by a pyrotechnic trigger member.

This pyrotechnic trigger element can in many different ways with the connecting link in operative engagement to step. Thus, an effective operative intervention is possible if the pyrotechnic trigger member an ejectable Pen for has the operative engagement with the stop. Also constructions with a pin-pulling pyrotechnic trigger member are conceivable in which the pen does not push the stop away, but pulls.

Also tripping magnets as an actuator are conceivable if they are in terms of strength, e.g. by a triggering direction preloaded spring to be supported. According to one Embodiment of the invention, the system is then advantageously designed such that that the connecting linkage horizontally longitudinally displaceable in the upper guide section is held in bearings, and a spring stop for an im Having sense of a unlatching biased release spring, and the linkage further a holder for a rotatably hinged rocker with a retaining bolt, which in releasable Operative connection with a latch release system an electromagnetic actuator is attached. The preload force the trigger spring is less than that of the Aufstellfedern, since they only the friction coefficients must overcome in the two holding devices.

The direct coupling of the actuator with the holding devices is constructive particularly easy to solve, if at the ends of the connecting linkage one in each case in the same direction aligned holding pawl is attached, which has a mouth-shaped opening with a Has latch nose and an inlet inclined surface, and in each case the associated Tooth bar a holding pin for a holding, releasable Operative engagement with the pawl nose of the associated holding pawl attached is. It is advantageous in terms of overcoming the holding forces, when the latch nose opens an opening slope and the retaining pin is rotatably mounted.

The rollover protection system can also be designed so that instead of only one connecting rod for mechanical coupling of the two holding devices two connecting rods are provided, which at the free end with the scissors principle mechanically coupled to the common actuator.

Such an embodiment is eg quoted in the above DE 100 44 926 C1 described, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Appropriate Ausgestaltunen and developments of the invention are characterized in the claims and also result from the following description of the figures.

Based one shown in the patent drawings in various views and states advantageous embodiment the invention will be closer explained.

It demonstrate:

1 in an overall isometric view the rollover protection system according to the invention with an approximately vehicle-wide active roll bar, which is guided with its two legs in an upper guide section outside in the ground state and with a concentration of the component holding device and locking device in the upper guide section whose front wall is broken away,

2 an overall presentation accordingly 1 but in the form of a frontal view,

3 an "emaciated" isometric representation of the system 1 from a different perspective and without support elements for the stirrup legs in the ground state,

4 a representation accordingly 2 immediately after release of the fixture, viewed from the back of the system,

5 in a cutout view 4 a closer view of the upper guide section,

6 in a representation accordingly 5 the roll bar at the beginning of the erection movement, and

7 in a representation accordingly 5 the fully erected and locked roll bar.

The figures show a rollover protection system with an approximately vehicle-wide, U-shaped roll bar 1 , once a transverse yoke-like section 2 , in which seat-related two roll bar heads 2a . 2 B are formed, and on the other two bar arms 3 . 4 having. The roll bar can be integrally molded from a tube. But it can also be composed of the stirrup legs and the cross yoke as originally separate parts, for example by a weld or a screw.

The roll bar 1 is integrated in a vehicle-width, body-mounted rear wall assembly between the rear and luggage compartment, which has a vehicle-fixed screwed frame construction, with an upper guide portion 5 and vertically downwardly extending, U-shaped angled support members 6 , The upper guide section 5 with a cross member as a base part has two guide parts 7 . 8th in conjunction with a plastic bushing 9 . 10 for the outer guidance of the hanger arms. In the lower part of the stirrup leg is in each case a guide bush 11 . 12 firmly attached, which occurs in the erected state of the roll bar in leading operative contact with the associated Führugsteil.

On the bottom of the support elements is each a spring guide pin attached, which is the associated Drive coil spring receives (not shown).

For locking the roll bar in its upright, protective position ( 5 ) is once in a conventional manner for each bar leg a rotary pawl 13 respectively. 14 provided in the upper guide section 5 rotatably articulated and by means of two pawl springs 15 respectively. 16 is biased in the locking direction. On the other hand is a narrow rack 17 respectively. 18 provided on the associated stirrup leg 3 . 4 attached or integrally formed, wherein the associated guide part 7 . 8th a slot for sliding passage of the rack 17 respectively. 18 having.

Each hanger leg 3 . 4 is also a holding device 19 respectively. 20 assigned, each consisting of one on the associated rack 17 respectively. 18 directly attached holding member in the form of a retaining pin 21 respectively. 22 and a holding pawl 23 respectively. 24 that has a mouth-shaped opening 23a respectively. 24a with a hook-shaped latch nose 23b respectively. 24b for a releasable operative engagement with the associated retaining pin 21 respectively. 22 having ( 5 ). Both latches 23 respectively. 24 are with their clinker noses 23b . 24b aligned in the same direction and with their claw noses faces away via a linkage 25 that in body-stocked camps 26 is mounted horizontally displaceable on the upper guide portion, mechanically coupled to each other.

At the linkage 25 is a holder 27 for a seesaw 28 with retaining bolts 29 attached, which is hinged to the bracket rotatably. The retaining bolt 29 is in releasable operative connection with a latch release system 30 an electromagnetic actuator 31 , the so-called crash magnet, in turn, fixed to the upper guide section 5 is appropriate. Further, on the linkage 25 a preloaded release coil spring 32 , with one end on the right 26 and with its other end on a spring stop 33 supported on the rod, arranged. The bias of this release coil spring has an endeavor to the linkage 25 to move in the release direction, which is due to the operative connection between the retaining bolt 29 the seesaw 28 with the latch release system 30 of the actuator 31 is prevented.

Will now in the case of imminent rollover of the actuator 31 sensor-activated, gives the latch release system 30 the retaining bolt 29 the seesaw 28 free. The linkage 25 and the pawls attached thereto 23 . 24 fast afterwards by the bias of the release spring 32 to the left, with the latch noses 23b . 24b the retaining pins 21 . 22 on the toothed racks 17 . 18 release ( 4 . 5 ). The roll bar 1 can thus brought under the action of the drive coil springs, not shown in its raised support position ( 6 . 7 ) become. Because the two toothed racks 17 . 18 Extend with the stirrup legs, they come into operative engagement with the associated turning pawls 13 . 14 and lock the erected protective position of the roll bar (re-entry lock). The latch release system 30 of the actuator 31 remains open by an internal shape spring and also the retaining pawls 23 . 24 through the release spring 32 held in the open position.

When reversing the deployed roll bar to its basic position after manual unlocking of the turning pawls 13 . 14 hit the retaining pins 21 . 22 on the inclined surfaces 23c . 24c the retaining pawls ( 5 ) and slide down along them, shifting the linkage 25 to the right until the latch noses 23b . 24b again the retaining pins 21 . 22 include and the retaining bolt 29 the seesaw 28 engages in the latch release systems automatically releasing the internal form spring.

The System is then reversed and tense again.

In the rollover protection system shown in the figures, the actuator acts 31 directly, ie directly on the connecting rod 25 and gives both hanger legs 3 . 4 at the same time free. For this direct system would be without the supporting trigger coil spring 32 an actuator with relatively high energy necessary to both latches 23 . 24 to pivot against the holding force acting by the bias of the drive pressure springs on their latching noses safe. Then the actuator would have to 31 To ensure safe release, be a pyrotechnic triggering element, as for example by the DE 43 42 401 A1 has become known.

By the compact arrangement of the holding device and the pawls the locking device in the upper guide section results in a portal-like design of the protection system with a large clearance below the upper guide section.

1

Roll bar

2

Querjochartiger section

2a, b

Roll heads

3, 4

stirrup leg

5

upper guide section

6

support elements

7, 8th

guide parts

9 10

Plastic bushings

11 12

Lower guide bushings

13 14

rotary latches

15 16

pawl springs

17 18

toothed strips

19 20

holders

21 22

retaining pins

23 24

retaining latches

23a, 24a

mouth-shaped openings

23b, 24b

catch noses

23c, 24c

inclined surfaces

25

linkage

26

camp

27

bracket

28

seesaw

29

retaining bolt

30

Jack release system

31

actuator

32

Tripping coil spring

33

spring stop

Claims (13)

Rollover protection system for motor vehicles with an approximately vehicle-wide roll bar ( 1 ), which by means of its two legs ( 3 . 4 ) in a vehicle-mounted holder in corresponding guide parts ( 7 . 8th ) is guided guided, and two bracket legs each have a holding device ( 19 . 20 ), each consisting of a connected to the associated stirrup leg holding member ( 21 . 22 ) and a detachable operative connection therewith, body-mounted retainer ( 23 . 24 ), which are mechanically coupled together and the roll bar ( 1 ) in the normal state against the force of a preloaded spring memory in a lower, stored rest position, and which a common, sensor-controlled activatable actuator ( 31 ) is assigned to release the operative connection under installation of the roll bar in its protective position, and with a locking device consisting of a vehicle-mounted and a roll bar attached to the locking element ( 13 . 14 ; 17 . 18 ) for locking the strap in its erected, protective position, characterized in that - the guide parts ( 7 . 8th ) in an upper guide section ( 5 ) of the vehicle-fixed mount are formed, with a free space below this section ( 5 ), - in this upper guide section ( 5 ) also the vehicle-fixed locking element ( 13 . 14 ) as well as the mechanical coupling of both holding devices ( 19 . 20 ), and - the common actuator ( 31 ) also at this upper guide section ( 5 ) and directly to the mechanical coupling of both holding devices ( 19 . 20 ) is mechanically coupled. Rollover protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that for mechanical coupling of both holding devices, a connecting rod ( 25 ) is provided. Rollover protection system according to claim 2, characterized in that on the connecting rod ( 25 ) A stop for the coupling of the actuator is provided to the connecting rod. Rollover protection system according to one of the claims 1-3, by characterized in that the actuator by a pyrotechnic trigger member is formed. Rollover protection system according to claim 4, characterized in that the pyrotechnic trigger member an ejectable Pen for has the operative engagement with the stop. Rollover protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that for mechanical coupling both holding devices two connecting rods are provided, the at the free end according to the scissors principle with the common actuator mechanically coupled. Rollover protection system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the upper guide section ( 5 ) a rotary pawl ( 13 . 14 ) is articulated as a vehicle-fixed locking element, and on the stirrup legs ( 3 . 4 ) each a toothed strip ( 17 . 18 ) is mounted for locking with the associated rotary pawl in the erected state of the roll bar, wherein the associated guide part ( 7 . 8th ) of the respective stirrup leg a slot for the passage of the associated toothed strip ( 17 . 18 ) having. Rollover protection system according to claim 7, characterized in that the toothed strip ( 17 . 18 ) formed as a separate component and on the respective bracket leg ( 3 . 4 ) is firmly attached. Rollover protection system according to claim 7, characterized in that the toothed strip on respective hanger legs one piece is formed. Rollover protection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting rod ( 25 ) horizontally longitudinally displaceable in the upper guide section ( 5 ) in warehouses ( 26 ) is held, and a spring stop ( 33 ) for a detent-biased release spring ( 32 ), and at the connecting linkage ( 25 ) a bracket ( 27 ) for a rotatably hinged rocker ( 28 ) with a retaining bolt ( 29 ) releasably engaged with a pawl tripping system ( 30 ) of an electromagnetic actuator ( 31 ), is attached. Rollover protection system according to claim 7 or 8, 9 and claim 10, characterized in that at the ends of the connecting linkage ( 25 ) each a co-aligned holding pawl ( 23 . 24 ) which has a mouth opening ( 23a . 24a ) with a latch nose ( 23b . 24b ) and an inlet slanted surface ( 23c . 24c ), and in each case at the associated toothed strip ( 17 . 18 ) a retaining pin ( 21 . 22 ) for a holding, detachable operative engagement with the latch nose ( 23b . 24b ) of the associated holding pawl ( 23 . 24 ) is attached. Rollover protection system according to claim 11, characterized in that the latch nose ( 23b . 24b ) each having an opening bevel. Rollover protection system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the retaining pin ( 21 . 22 ) is rotatably mounted respectively.