EP0777984B1 - Safety belt buckle with a buckle tongue lock - Google Patents

Abstract

One end of the locking element (1) is pivot mounted on a support defining the guide duct (2) taking the tongue (11). The other end of the locking element has a first stop face (8) across the guide duct against which the tongue rests. A catch (4) rests against a second stop face of the locking element which has a third stop face (10) on the end of the locking element on which the first stop face is situated. The insertion motion of the tongue is transmitted to the third stop face by an operating lever (12) swivel mounted on the catch. The force of the ejector spring (3) is transmitted by a two-part lever (7) onto the catch. The ejector (14) exerts force onto the first lever arm while the second arm rests against the third stop face during the insertion movement of the tongue.

Description

The invention relates to a closure according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

In such a closure known from DE 27 19 325 C3 has the locking element at its end enclosing the pivot axis, a stop surface, over the one when inserting the tongue into the guide channel Locking element converting into its locking position closing movement is initiated. Furthermore, is between the locking element and the locking member a return spring is arranged, against the restoring force the actuation button Locking element transferred to the release position.

In the known closure, in addition to the ejector spring, the return spring is the second spring, which is arranged between the locking element and the locking member, intended. Furthermore, the locking element is in its locking position transferring closing movement in the locking element only a relative low torque initiated because the intended on the locking element Stop surface is provided at the end at which the pivot axis of the locking element.

The object of the invention is therefore to a closure of the type mentioned create, which has a simplified structure and in which the locking function improves is.

This object is achieved by the characterizing features of the claim 1 solved.

In the invention, the stop surface over which the insertion movement of the tongue in the locking element for moving the locking element in his Locking position is initiated, provided at the end, which is removed to Pivot axis of the locking element lies. This way you get a big one Lever arm with which the insertion movement of the tongue onto the locking element is transmitted. This supports the insertion movement of the tongue Transferring actuating lever on the displaceably mounted locking element, so that the insertion movement of the tongue for a synchronous movement of the locking element in its locking position and the locking element in its locking position is achieved. The spring force imparted by the ejector spring acts when moving supporting the locking element in the direction of its locking position.

From DE 44 01 291 C1, it is known that the force of the ejector spring via a to bring two-armed lever to the actuation button. However, this is missing taking advantage of the spring force of the ejector spring on the locking element when moving in its locked position.

Preferably, the actuating lever is designed as an angle lever, so that a effective transmission of the insertion movement of the tongue to the third stop surface reached on the locking element. It works when inserted Insert tongue or the ejector pushed back through the insert tongue in the guide channel on one lever arm and the second on the opposite angled lever arm on the third stop surface on the locking element. When pivoting the Actuating lever about the axis formed on the locking element becomes the locking element with its first stop surface towards the guide channel to the point pivoted towards the point of engagement after completion of the insertion movement comes to rest on the tongue on which the first stop surface of the locking element is in the locked position. Through the operating lever first phase of the pivoting movement of the locking element into the locking position causes. After completion of this first phase, the locking element comes on the locking element in the plane in which the second stop surface on the locking element lies. Due to the transfer to the locking element via the two-armed lever Due to the ejector spring, the locking element is moved into its locking position, until it rests on the second stop surface of the locking element, which the final locking position of the locking element is.

The locking element is in the area in which it with the locking element in the locking position rests, designed so that it with positive locking on the second stop surface of the locking element. Adapted to a straight line second stop surface of the locking element, the locking element in the area or areas with which it is on the locking element in the Locking position is present, also be formed with straight surfaces. Prefers the locking element has a square profile in this area.

The locking element on the carrier is preferably secured against rotation about its longitudinal axis guided. For this purpose, the locations of the locking element, which with sliding contact rest on the support, have a positive fit with the support. This area too or these areas of the locking element can have a square profile.

Fig. 1:

in perspektivischer Darstellung die verschiedenen Bestandteile eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels;

Fig. 2:

in Seitenansicht das erste Ausführungsbeispiel in Freigabestellung;

Fig. 3:

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel in Verriegelungsstellung;

Fig. 4:

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 5:

verschiedene Betriebsstellungen eines bei den Ausführungsbeispielen zur Anwendung kommenden Verriegelungselements;

Fig. 6:

das Verriegelungselement in Verriegelungsstellung; und

Fig. 7:

in perspektivischer Darstellung die verschiedenen Bestandteile eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispieles.

Based on the figures, the invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. It shows:

Fig. 1:

in perspective the various components of a first embodiment;

Fig. 2:

in side view the first embodiment in the release position;

Fig. 3:

the first embodiment in the locked position;

Fig. 4:

a second embodiment in side view;

Fig. 5:

different operating positions of a locking element used in the exemplary embodiments;

Fig. 6:

the locking element in the locking position; and

Fig. 7:

in perspective the various components of another embodiment.

The two embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 for a seat belt buckle have a tongue connected to a seat belt webbing 19 11. The tongue 11 is in a guide channel 2, which is in one of two boards 20 and 21 formed carrier is limited, insertable (Figures 3 and 4). To the Locking the inserted tongue 11 is a locking element 1, which between a release position (FIG. 2) and a locking position (FIGS. 3 and 4) is mobile. For this purpose, the locking element 1 is in at one end a pivot axis 17 mounted on the carrier 5. Serves to form the pivot axis 17 a bearing pin 23 fastened in bearing bores 24 of the carrier 5. The bearing pin 23 is inserted through openings 25 at one end of the locking element 1 (Fig. 1). As a result, the parallel to the insertion level of the guide channel 2 is Pivot axis 17 of the locking element 1 is formed. The one shown in FIG. 7 Embodiments are formed on the locking element projections 38, which in corresponding recesses 39 for forming the pivot axis 17 are mounted on the carrier 5 are.

At the other end of the locking element 1 is one transverse to the guide channel 2 extending first stop surface 8 is formed. Is against this stop surface 8 the tongue 11 in the locking position (Figures 3 and 4).

A second stop surface 9 is provided on the locking element. In the locked position (Figures 3 and 4) this second stop surface extends parallel to Direction of insertion or insertion level of the guide channel 2. Against the second stop surface 9 of the locking element 1 is a locking element in the locked position 4 on. This locking element 4 is parallel to the carrier 5 in an elongated hole guide 26 Insertion level of the guide channel 2 is slidably mounted to and fro.

The blocking element, which is in the form of a pin, has a central region 27 with a round profile, in particular with a circular cross section. On his two The ends of the locking element 4 each have a square profile 28 Square profile 28 is in the slot guide 26, which is on both sides in the carrier 5, in particular on the board 21, provided in side legs, a form-fitting system or slideway created. As a result, the locking element 4 is twisted about its longitudinal axis during the movement between the release position (FIG. 2) and its locked position (Figures 3 and 4) avoided. Furthermore, one level Boundary surface of the respective square profile 28, which is straight on the second or just formed second stop surface 9 of the locking element 1, a positive connection is achieved in the locking position (Fig. 5C).

The middle area 27 of the locking element 4 acts on a two-armed Carrier 5 supported lever 7 and a rod-shaped rigid motion transmission element 16 the force of an ejector spring 3.

The ejector spring 3 acts with its spring force in a known manner on an ejector 14, which is movable along the guide channel 2. The one shown in FIG. 4 Embodiment, the ejector spring 3 is supported at one end (in the figure the right end) directly on a lever arm of the two-armed lever 7. In the in the Figures 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment, the ejector spring 3 is supported a balancing mass 18, which between the ejector spring 3 and one Lever arm of the two-armed lever 7 is arranged. The balancing mass 18 serves in known way of shock protection of the closure in the event of excessive acceleration.

The two-armed lever 7 and the rigid motion transmission element 16th spring force applied to the locking element 4 acts in the direction of Locked position (Figures 3, 4 and 5C) of the locking element 4. In this position the locking element 4 at the left end of the slot guide 26.

The two-armed lever 7 is pivotally mounted on the support 5 about an axis 29. Bearing holes 30 on lateral legs of the board 21 form the bearing points of the lever axis 29.

Around the locking element 1 between its two positions, namely the release position and to move the locking position is an operating lever 12 provided which is pivotally mounted on the locking element 4. In a preferred manner the pivotable mounting of the actuating lever 12 on the round profile of the middle Area 27. The actuating lever 2 is preferably designed as an angle lever with the lever arms 13 and 15.

Around the locking element 1 from the release position shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A in the locking position shown in Figures 3 and 4 and Figure 5C bring, the insertion movement of the tongue 11 is used in the guide channel 2. When the tongue 11 is inserted into the guide channel, the ejector 14 moved against the force of the ejector spring 3 (from left to right in Figures 2 to 4). The direction of insertion is indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4 by an arrow 31. When the ejector 14 is moved in the direction of insertion, the ejector spring 3 compressed. Furthermore, the operating lever 12 becomes that shown in Figs. 2 and 5A Counterclockwise position around the longitudinal axis of the locking element 4 pivoted. This is done in that, for example, the ejector 14 during its movement engages in the guide channel 2 on the lever arm 13 and this accordingly pivots as shown in Fig. 5B. When swiveling the operating lever 12 counterclockwise this presses with its lever arm 15 on a third Stop surface 10 of the locking element 1. The third stop surface 10 lies as the first and second stop surfaces 8 and 9 on the opposite of the pivot axis 17 end of the locking element 1. Between the in the third stop surface 10 formed force introduction point, in which the insertion movement of the Insert tongue introduced into the locking element 1 via the actuating lever 12 is, and the pivot axis 17 of the locking element thus becomes a large lever arm educated.

Since the actuating lever 12 is pivotally supported on the locking element 4, this results a relative displacement of the locking element when the actuating lever 12 is pivoted 1 compared to the locking element 4. The locking element 4 is moved from a recess 32, in which it is in the release position (Figures 2 and 5A). Furthermore, the locking element 1 is counterclockwise around the Swivel axis 17 pivots so that the first stop surface 8 towards Guide channel 2 and moved to a locking opening 33 in the tongue 11. During this movement, a flat surface of the respective square profile 28 comes into the Level of the second stop surface 9 on the locking element 1. Through the square profile both the recess 2 in the locking element 1 and by the respective Square profile 28 at the two ends of the locking element 4 is a sudden transition reached between the recess 32 to the level of the second stop surface 9. This avoids a range of motion in which false locks may occur.

After this first phase of movement of the locking element 1, the lever arm comes 15 of the operating lever 12 out of engagement with the third stop surface 10. Da however, the force of the ejector spring 3 via the two-armed lever 7 and the movement transmission element 16 on the locking element 4 towards the locking position (Fig. 5C) acts, the locking element is brought into this final position (locking position). This locked position is shown in Fig. 5C and in Figures 3, 4 and 6. Thereby is a moving back of the locking element 1 in the direction of the release position prevented.

In the locking position achieved, the first stop surface 8 of the locking element lies 1 on a locking edge 34 of the tongue 11. The tongue 11 is thus locked in the lock.

In this locking position, the ejector spring 3 exerts on the locking element 1 on the first stop surface 9 a force F which is opposite to the direction of insertion 31 is directed. Since the pivot axis 17 relative to the direction of action of the ejector spring 3 is arranged offset (Fig. 6) acts on the locking element 1 a resulting Force component F2, which is a moment in the direction of the release position Locking element 1 generated. An opening of the locking element 1 is however by the abutting against the second stop surface 9 with its square profiles 28 Blocking element 4 prevented. As already explained, the Power of the ejector spring 3 is used to the extent that this over the two-armed Lever 7 and the movement transmission element 16 to the locking element 4 Action is brought so that it is held in its locked position. It will a closed friction chain supported on the carrier 5 is formed, which in two Directions, namely in the direction of insertion (arrow 31) and in the opposite direction the force F acting ejector spring ejector 14, the stop surfaces 8th and 9 containing part of the locking element 1, the locking element 4, the rigid Movement transmission element 16, the two-armed lever 7 and possibly the Leveling compound 8 (embodiment of Figures 1 to 3) contains. This closed Non-positive chain ensures secure positioning of the individual parts, in particular of the locking element 1 in the locking position.

Even in the event of a shock, in particular via the actuation button 6, it is closed Force chain, acting forces do not have a negative effect, since the Mass of the ejector 14 and the ejector spring 3 and in the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3, the additional balancing mass 18 over the two-armed 7 and the rigid movement transmission element 16 act on the locking element 4 and keep it in its locked position.

To the locking element 1 from the locking position to the release position to bring back, the actuation button 6 is moved in the direction of insertion (arrow 31). The actuation button 6 is pressed against a support, e.g. molded spring 35 shifted and moves the locking element 4 from the locking position in the figures 2 to 5 to the right. When moving the locking element 4 along the slot guide 26 the ejector spring 3 is compressed and exercised via the two-armed lever 7 via the ejector 14 to the locking element 1 on the first stop surface 8 an increased force resulting from an increased torque towards the release position generated on the locking element 1. As soon as the square profiles 28 of the locking element 4 are displaced into the recess 32, this is due to this torque Locking element pivoted towards the release position. It can help still act on the locking element 1 inclined ramp 36, which can come into engagement with the locking element 4, so that also by the displacement movement the locking element 4 from its locked position into the release position Imprinted movement on the locking element in the direction of its release position or is initiated. Furthermore, an additional spring can be provided, which adjoins the actuation button and on the locking element.

As soon as the locking element 1 with its locking part 37 completely out of the guide channel 2 is removed, the tongue 11 in a known manner by the action the ejector spring removed via the ejector 14. The components then take again the position shown in Figures 2 and 5A.

Claims (14)

1. Buckle for a seat belt (19) with a plug-in tongue (11) connected to the seat belt, a locking element (1) for locking the plug-in tongue (11) inserted in a guide channel (2) against the force of an ejector spring (3) in a locking position and, adjacent to the guide channel (2), a support (5), on which the locking element (1) is pivotally mounted round an axis (17) located at one end thereof and parallel to the insertion plane of the guide channel from a release position into a locking position, a first stop face (8) against which the plug-in tongue (11) rests in the locking position, provided at the other end of the locking element (1) and extending transversely to the guide channel (2), a blocking element (4) which can be slid to and fro in a plane parallel to the insertion plane of the guide channel (2) which blocking element (4), in the blocking position, rests against a second stop face (9) of the locking element (1) in a blocking position and can be guided into a release position from the blocked position against a spring force pressing the blocking element (4) into its blocking position, by an actuating button (6) mounted moveably on the support (5), a third stop face (10) provided on the locking element (1) and via which the insertion movement of the plug-in tongue (11) can be initiated for moving the locking element (1) into its locking position, and an ejector (14), which, in the release position of the locking element (1), removes the plug-in tongue (11) from the guide channel (2) due to the action of the ejector spring (3),
      characterised in that the third stop face (10) is located at the end of the locking element (1) on which the first stop face (8) is provided and the insertion movement of the plug-in tongue (11) can be transmitted to the third stop face (10) via an actuating lever (12) mounted pivotally on the blocking element (5) and in that the force of the ejector spring (3) can be transmitted to the blocking element (4) as spring force acting in the direction of its blocking position, via a two-armed lever (7).
2. Buckle according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating lever (12) is designed as angle lever on whose first lever arm (13) the ejector (14) acts and whose second lever arm (15) rests on the third stop face (10) during the insertion movement of the plug-in tongue (11).
3. Buckle according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that during movement into the release position, the movement of the actuating button (6) can be transmitted to the blocking element (5).
4. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the blocking element (4) is guided non-rotatably on the support (5).
5. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that during movement of the blocking element (4) into the release position via the two-armed lever (7), the tension of the ejector spring (3) is increased.
6. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that, between the blocking element (4) and the two-armed lever (7) there is provided a rigid movement transmitting element (16).
7. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the transition of the blocking element (4) between blocking position and release position is instantaneous.
8. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the force of the ejector spring (4) in the locking position exerts a moment on the locking element (1) into the release position.
9. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that between the ejector spring (3) and the two-armed lever (7) there is provided a compensating mass (18).
10. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the blocking element (4) in its blocking position rests with interlocking fit on the second stop face (9) on the locking element (1).
11. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the blocking element (4) is guided on the support (5) with interlocking fit.
12. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the region of the blocking element (4) at which the force of the ejector spring (3) is initiated, has a round profile.
13. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the region of the blocking element (4), on which the actuating lever (12) is supported, has a round profile.
14. Buckle according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the actuating button (6) is supported resiliently on the support (5).

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