Sensor for a vehicle safety device

The invention relates to a sensor (310), in particular for triggering a vehicle safety device (301), having a movable inertia body (350) which is movable relative to a carrier element (340) of the sensor (310), wherein the inertia body (350) is moved by inertia in relation to the carrier element (340) in the event of an abrupt change in speed or an inclination of the sensor (310) beyond a predetermined extent, and is brought from its inoperative position into its triggering position, through which a triggering position of the sensor (310) is brought about.According to the invention, it is provided that the sensor (310) is provided with a deactivation device (700) which is suitable, in its deactivating state, to force the inoperative position of the inertia body (350).

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to German Patent Application DE 10 2020 209 902.2 filed on Aug. 5, 2020. The foregoing application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The invention relates to a sensor for a vehicle safety device, in particular for a belt retractor for winding up and unwinding a seat belt. The invention also relates to vehicle safety devices, in particular in the form of belt retractors, which are provided with such a sensor.

European Patent EP 2 780 201 B1 discloses a belt retractor with a sensor which has the features according to the pre-characterizing clause of Patent claim1. The previously known sensor operates by inertia and is based on an inertia body in the form of a ball which, upon an abrupt change in the driving state, in particular abrupt braking, or an excessive inclination of the vehicle, is deflected from an inoperative position into a triggering position and thereby activates the sensor and blocks the belt retractor.

The invention is based on the object of improving a sensor of the described type even further.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a sensor having the features according to Patent claim1. Advantageous refinements of the sensor according to the invention are specified in dependent claims.

According thereto, it is provided according to the invention that the sensor is provided with a deactivation device which is suitable, in its deactivating state, to force the inoperative position of the inertia body.

A substantial advantage of the deactivation device provided according to the invention consists in that the latter makes it possible to prevent triggering of the sensor and thus triggering of a vehicle safety device connected to the sensor if this appears advantageous from an operational aspect. For example, if the sensor is integrated in a backrest of a vehicle seat, an undesirable triggering of the sensor may occur when the backrest is pivoted; such an undesirable triggering can be avoided if the sensor is deactivated during the pivoting. The sensor can also be advantageously deactivated if the vehicle seat is in a reclining position or in a particularly oblique position, in order to avoid an erroneous triggering being caused by the oblique position.

It is considered advantageous if the inertia body is composed at least in sections of a magnetizable material, and the deactivation device comprises a magnetic field generating device which, in the deactivating state of the deactivation device, generates a magnetic field which pulls the inertia body into its inoperative position and/or holds it there.

The magnetic field generating device preferably comprises a coil which, when current flows through it, generates the magnetic field, and/or an electromagnet.

In a preferred refinement of the sensor, it is provided that a lower rolling surface of a carrier element of the sensor, the rolling surface carrying the inertia body, is composed entirely, or at least in the region of the inoperative position of the inertia body, of a magnetizable material, and the magnetic field generating device of the deactivation device, in the deactivating state thereof, with its magnetic field magnetizes the magnetizable material of the carrier element and the magnetizable material of the inertia body and thereby, or at least also thereby, pulls the inertia body into its inoperative position and/or holds it there.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided in an advantageous manner that the deactivation device has a movable control element which is composed entirely, or at least in a front portion, of a material magnetizable by the magnetic field generating device, and projects with the front portion into or through an opening in the lower rolling surface of the carrier element.

The control element is preferably formed by a rod or a tube.

It is furthermore considered advantageous if triggering of a vehicle safety device is permitted in a simple manner even if the inertia body itself does not trigger, or possibly would not trigger, the sensor. In this regard, it is considered advantageous, according to a particularly preferred refinement, if the sensor is additionally provided with an activation device which is suitable, in the activated state, to force the triggering position of the inertia body by acting mechanically on the inertia body and moving the latter out of the inoperative position into the triggering position.

A substantial advantage of the last-mentioned particularly preferred refinement can be seen in the fact that the inertia body therein carries out a dual function since it can trigger itself directly by inertia and, furthermore, can also trigger indirectly, specifically as a reaction to an external mechanical action by the activation device. The cooperation of inertia body and activation device saves on parts and permits a simple, robust and reliable sensor operation with two possible triggerings, namely triggering by inertia and external triggering, for example if an electric triggering signal is present.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the activation device comprises a movable triggering element which, in a disconnected position, leaves the inertia body unaffected and, in a triggering position, moves the inertia body out of its inoperative position into the triggering position. The movable triggering element is preferably adjustable with an adjustment device and can be set by the latter into the disconnected position and the triggering position. During each adjustment movement, the adjustment device in each case preferably readjusts the position of the triggering element, i.e., starting from the triggering position, sets the disconnected position and, starting from the disconnected position, sets the triggering position.

The triggering element is preferably strand-shaped or tubular and is designed, for example, as a triggering rod. The movable triggering element of the activation device preferably forms the abovementioned movable control element of the deactivation device.

It is advantageous if the adjustment device has a slider which is axially displaceable and triggers a readjustment of the triggering element solely by means of axial displacement along a predetermined displacement axis, wherein the axial displacement movement of the slider always takes place in the same manner and in one and the same direction—unidirectionally, as it were, with respect to the adjustment operation.

With regard to low current consumption, it is considered advantageous if the activation device comprises a drive, in particular electromagnet, which, upon brief activation, in particular upon application of an electric control pulse, triggers an adjustment movement of the adjustment device and brings about a readjustment of the position of the triggering element. The adjustment device subsequently preferably in each case holds the set position of the triggering element by means of a form-fitting connection. In other words, it is advantageous if the drive, for example electromagnet, for readjusting the triggering element has to be only briefly activated, in particular energized, but not in the end positions or the disconnected position or the triggering position of the triggering element. In the end positions, the drive can be switched off since the position of the triggering element is held by a form-fitting connection.

The drive, in particular electromagnet, upon brief activation, in particular upon application of an electric control pulse, preferably generates a magnetic field, in particular a magnetic field pulse, by means of which the adjustment movement of the adjustment device is triggered and a readjustment of the position of the triggering element is brought about.

It is advantageous if the triggering element can be adjusted solely by an axial displacement movement of an intermediate element that is connected to the triggering element or is itself formed by the triggering element is carried out repeatedly in the same manner and in one and the same direction—unidirectionally, as it were, with respect to the triggering of the adjustment operation.

It is advantageous if the adjustment device has a slider which is axially displaceable and triggers a readjustment of the supporting point of the intermediate element solely by axial displacement along a predetermined displacement axis, namely starting from a first supporting point to the second supporting point and, vice versa, starting from the second supporting point to the first supporting point. The first supporting point is preferably formed by an axially fixed holding element and the second supporting point by the slider itself.

In a preferred refinement, the slider is composed entirely or at least partially (in particular in the case of a multi-part design of the slider) of a magnetizable material such that it is axially displaceable by means of an external magnetic field, for example of an electric coil, and can thereby readjust the supporting point of the intermediate element.

The end surface of the slider facing the intermediate element, the end surface of the intermediate element facing the slider and the end surface of the holding element facing the intermediate element are preferably in each case ramp-shaped at least in sections in order, during the displacement of the intermediate element in the axial direction, in each case to bring about rotation of the intermediate element and thus a change in the supporting point.

In many cases, in particular in the above-described advantageous refinements of the adjustment device, sufficient certainty that the triggering element will take up the respectively correct position will also be achieved without additional monitoring. With regard to increasing the certainty even further, an end position sensor can advantageously be present for monitoring the correct position of the triggering element.

A control device which is connected to the end position sensor will again preferably actuate the drive, in particular electromagnet, if a desired end position of the triggering element is not present or has not been achieved.

Also with regard to additional redundancy, it can advantageously be provided that there are two or more end position sensors. In the last-mentioned variant, the control device mentioned will preferably compare the sensor signals of the two end position sensors and, for example, generate a warning signal if the sensor signals diverge or indicate different end positions.

The activation device preferably comprises, as the triggering element, a triggering rod which is movable along its rod longitudinal direction and, upon activation of the activation device, is moved by an adjustment device in the direction of the inertia body and thrusts or pushes the latter into the triggering position. The rod longitudinal direction preferably corresponds to the direction of the axial displacement movement along which the intermediate element is repeatedly moved in the same manner and in one and the same direction—unidirectionally, as it were, with respect to the triggering of the adjustment operation.

In a preferred refinement, the inertia body is a ball which rests on, and can roll along, a depression or rolling surface of the carrier element.

In another preferred refinement, the inertia body is held by a pendulum joint enabling the inertia body to oscillate relative to the carrier element.

The adjustment device preferably comprises an intermediate element which is connected to the triggering element or is formed by the triggering element itself.

The intermediate element is rotatable about the displacement axis and is preferably displaceable axially along the displacement axis.

It is advantageous if the intermediate element during each transfer from the disconnected position into the triggering position is in each case rotated about a first angle of rotation about the displacement axis and, during the transfer from the triggering position into the disconnected position, is in each case rotated about a second angle of rotation about the displacement axis.

The adjustment device preferably has a rotationally fixed holding element that is fixed axially along the predetermined displacement axis and in comparison to which the intermediate element is displaceable axially along the predetermined displacement axis.

The intermediate element is preferably displaceable in such a manner that it can have a first or a second axial relative position relative to the holding element.

One of the axial relative positions preferably determines the triggering position and the other the disconnected position.

It is considered particularly advantageous if the holding element has at least two supporting portions which extend parallel to the displacement axis, at a distance from the displacement axis, in the direction of the intermediate element and between them form a receiving gap, the intermediate element has at least two engagement portions which extend parallel to the displacement axis, at a distance from the displacement axis, in the direction of the holding element and between them form a gap, and the intermediate element and the holding element are pushed deeper into each other in the first relative position than in the second relative position.

In other words, it is advantageous if, in the first relative position, the engagement portions of the intermediate element that are pushed into the receiving gap of the holding element and the supporting portions of the holding element that are pushed into the gap of the intermediate element form a type of tongue and groove connection or a form-fitting connection (at least in the direction of rotation of the intermediate element).

The engagement portions are preferably arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner.

The supporting portions are preferably arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner.

It is also of advantage if the intermediate element and the holding element are pushed into one another in the first relative position in such a manner that the at least two engagement portions are each plugged into an associated receiving gap in the holding element and axial side walls of the engagement portions are supported on axial side walls of the supporting portions, and a relative rotation between the intermediate element and the holding element is blocked by the axial side walls.

In the second relative position, end-side end surfaces of the engagement portions preferably rest in each case on an end-side end surface of one of the supporting portions.

The end-side end surfaces of the engagement portions and the end-side end surfaces of the supporting portions preferably intermesh in the second relative position, in particular they preferably form a form-fitting connection (at least in the direction of rotation of the intermediate element).

The end-side end surfaces of the supporting portions are inclined relative to the displacement axis preferably at an angle of between 10 and 80 degrees.

The end-side end surfaces of the engagement portions preferably each have two ramp surfaces which are offset axially with respect to each other and are arranged parallel to the inclined end surfaces of the supporting portions, and in each case one end-side stop surface that is located between the two ramp surfaces.

The end-side stop surfaces preferably in the second relative position block a relative rotation of the intermediate element.

The slider has a tooth structure, in particular a sawtooth structure, preferably on the end surface facing the intermediate element.

The intermediate element preferably has a corresponding tooth structure, in particular sawtooth structure, on the end surface facing the tooth structure of the slider.

The tooth structures are preferably composed in each case of “steep” surfaces and “flat” surfaces.

The steep surfaces preferably lie parallel to the displacement axis or are at at least one angle with respect thereto of less than 10°. The steep surfaces can thus also be referred to as axial surfaces.

The flat surfaces are preferably at an angle of between 30° and 60°, preferably of 45°, with respect to the displacement axis.

It can also be provided in an advantageous manner that the slider has, on the end surface facing the intermediate element, points which produce a rotational movement as soon as the slider adjusts the intermediate element beyond the holding element.

It is also of advantage if, in the activation position of the adjustment element, the slider—driven by the spring force of an unlocking spring—presses its tooth structure against that of the intermediate element and thereby raises the intermediate element relative to the holding element and rotates the intermediate element about the displacement axis by an adjustment angle of rotation defined by the tooth structures as soon as the intermediate element and the holding element are disengaged by the raising operation.

The first angle of rotation about which the intermediate element is rotated during each transfer from the disconnected position into the triggering position is preferably determined by the distance between the axial side walls (on which in each case the front, in the direction of rotation, axial side wall of the engagement portions can be supported) of adjacent supporting elements minus the distance between the end-side stop surface in the end-side end surfaces of the engagement portions and the axial side wall of the respective engagement portion, said axial side wall in each case being located in front of said end-side stop surface in the direction of rotation.

The second angle of rotation about which the intermediate element is rotated during each transfer from the triggering position into the disconnected position is preferably determined by the distance between the end-side stop surface in the end-side end surfaces of the engagement portions and the axial side wall of the respective engagement portion, said axial side wall in each case being located in front of said end-side stop surface in the direction of rotation.

The adjustment device preferably has an electromagnet which, in the switched-on state, pulls the adjustment element away from the holding element and thereby moves said adjustment element into the activation position, and, in the switched-off state, the spring force of one or more restoring springs (solenoid spring and/or locking spring) is able to move or to press the adjustment element and the intermediate element in the direction of the holding element.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the electromagnet, in the switched-on state, directly moves the slider. For this purpose, the slider is composed preferably entirely or at least in sections of iron or of another material which can be attracted by a magnetic field or is magnetizable.

The invention furthermore relates to a vehicle safety device, in particular in the form of a belt retractor, which is provided with a sensor as described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments;FIGS.1to14and16to20show exemplary embodiments of a sensor, andFIG.15shows a vehicle safety device with such a sensor. In the figures, the same reference signs are always used for identical or comparable components for the sake of clarity.

FIG.15shows an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle safety device301which is provided with a belt retractor305and a sensor310. The belt retractor305comprises a ratchet wheel315which is connected to a belt reel, not shown inFIG.1, of the belt retractor305for rotation therewith. The ratchet wheel315can be blocked by the sensor310such that rotation of the ratchet wheel315and thus rotation of the belt reel of the belt retractor305is prevented if the sensor310is triggered, for example in the event of an abrupt change in the vehicle speed.

FIG.15furthermore shows a frame320of the belt retractor305, the frame having a plate325with a through opening330. The plate325with the through opening330forms a carrier device335for the fastening of the sensor310.

The sensor310comprises a carrier element340which is provided with a lower rolling surface345. An inertia body350, which can be, for example, a ball, rests in a rollable manner on the lower rolling surface345. The inertia body350is composed preferably completely or at least in sections from a magnetizable material. A sensor member355which is mounted pivotably on the carrier element340by means of bolts360rests on the inertia body350.

The sensor member355is connected to a blocking portion365which, depending on the pivoting angle of the sensor member355, can engage in the ratchet wheel315and prevent a rotational movement of the ratchet wheel315. The pivoting angle of the sensor member355relative to the carrier element340depends on the respective position of the inertia body350, which can roll on the lower rolling surface345if the sensor310and the belt retractor305are abruptly moved.

The movement of the inertia body350and thus pivoting of the sensor member355can furthermore be influenced by an influencing device800. Exemplary embodiments for advantageous influencing devices800will be explained in more detail further below by way of example in conjunction withFIGS.1to14and16to20. The influencing devices800each have a deactivation device700which is suitable, in its deactivating state, to force the inoperative position of the inertia body350; in addition, there can also be an activation device600which is suitable, in the activated state, to force the triggering position of the inertia body350by acting mechanically on the inertia body350and moving the latter out of the inoperative position into the triggering position (as, for example, in the exemplary embodiments according toFIGS.16to19).

In order to fasten the sensor310to the carrier device335or in the through opening330of the plate325, the sensor310is provided with a housing part370which is inserted into the through opening330of the plate325in such a manner that the annular stop portion375rests on the side385of the plate325facing the carrier element340. After the sensor310is inserted into the through opening330, the sensor310and also the ratchet wheel315can be covered by means of a covering element390which is placed onto the plate325or onto the frame320of the belt retractor305.

FIG.20shows parts of an exemplary embodiment for an influencing device800which can be used in the sensor310according toFIG.15and has a deactivation device700.

The deactivation device700comprises a magnetic field generating device710which, in its deactivating state, generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field generating device710can comprise, for example, a coil through which an electric current flows to generate the magnetic field.

The magnetic field magnetizes magnetizable material720which is integrated in the lower rolling surface345of the carrier element340—preferably in the region of the inoperative position of the carrier element340. By means of the magnetization of the lower rolling surface345in the region of the inoperative position, the inertia body350, which is likewise composed at least in sections of a magnetizable material, is pulled into its inoperative position such that it cannot enter into engagement with the ratchet wheel315.

FIG.16shows parts of a first exemplary embodiment of an influencing device800which, in addition to the deactivation device700, has an activation device600and can likewise be used in the sensor310according toFIG.15.

A movable control element in the form of a triggering rod601, the rod end601aof which projects through, or at least into, an opening341in the lower rolling surface345of the carrier element340, is seen inFIG.16. The opening341is arranged in the region of the inoperative position of the inertia body350.

The triggering rod601has, in its front portion601b,magnetizable material720which is magnetizable by the magnetic field generating device710and can thus force the inoperative position of the inertia body350if the magnetic field generating device710generates a corresponding magnetic field.

The triggering rod601is attached with its rod end remote or facing away from the inertia body350to an intermediate element20or is integrally formed on the latter and thus forms a single component, for example, therewith.

The intermediate element20serves, in a disconnected position, to disconnect the triggering rod601from the inertia body350and to leave the inertia body350mechanically unaffected. In a triggering position or impact position, the triggering rod601will impact against the inertia body350—in a manner similar to a snooker cue—and will thereby move the said inertia body350along the displacement direction X, i.e. upwards inFIG.16, as a result of which the inertia body is moved out of its inoperative position; as a result, in turn, pivoting of the blocking portion365into the ratchet wheel315is triggered, and thus, in turn, rotation of the belt reel in the belt unwinding direction is prevented.

In order to adjust the intermediate element20from the disconnected position, shown inFIG.16, into the triggering position and vice versa, use is made of an adjustment device30. Of the adjustment device30, a rotationally fixed and axially fixed holding element40, a slider50which is displaceable along the displacement axis Vx, a restoring spring602, which acts on the slider50and pulls the latter downward along the displacement axis Vx counter to the displacement direction X, an unlocking spring603and an electric coil604are inFIG.16.

The restoring spring602keeps the slider50under tension and preferably acts against rattling of the slider50. The force of the adjustment unit30and that of the restoring spring602preferably exceed the force of the unlocking spring603.

In order to move the intermediate element20and thus the triggering rod601, use is made of the coil604which forms an electromagnet and can displace the magnetizable slider50along the displacement direction X in order to adjust the position of the intermediate element20and thus the position of the triggering rod601.

In order to detect the respective position of the triggering rod601, use is made of an end position sensor200which operates, for example, capacitively or inductively and can preferably detect a detectable element605, for example in the form of a metal or magnetic plate that is arranged between the triggering rod601and the intermediate element20.

FIG.17shows the sequence of movement of the individual parts during the readjustment of the end position of the triggering rod601. The top illustration shows the activation device600when the triggering rod is extended, i.e. in the triggering position.

The middle illustration shows the displacement of the slider50along the displacement direction X by means of the magnetic field of the coil604. It can be seen that rotation of the intermediate element20occurs, and therefore the ramp surfaces20aof the intermediate element20are offset in relation to the opposite ramp surfaces50aof the slider50and the opposite ramp surfaces40aof the holding element40such that the last-mentioned ramp surfaces40aof the holding element now in each case lie opposite a gap20bin the intermediate element20. This subsequently permits displacement of the intermediate element20counter to the displacement direction X and displacement of the triggering rod601into the disconnected position (see bottom illustration inFIG.17).

During the next current pulse by means of the coil604, the slider50is in turn displaced along the displacement direction X, as a result of which rotation of the intermediate element20in turn occurs; during this rotation, the ramp surfaces20aof the intermediate element20are now rotated again onto ramp surfaces40aof the holding element40, and therefore the ramp surfaces20aof the intermediate element20can be supported again on the ramp surfaces40aof the holding element40and the triggering rod601remains in the triggering position (see again the top illustration inFIG.17).

FIG.18shows, as a second exemplary embodiment of an activation device600, a variant embodiment of the first exemplary embodiment, in which points50bare arranged on the slider50and points20care arranged on the intermediate element20. The points20cand50bserve to produce a rotational movement as soon as the slider50adjusts the intermediate element20beyond the holding element40. As soon as the intermediate element20is no longer adjusted via the holding element40, further rotation takes place because of the contour or end surface configuration (ramp surfaces) of the intermediate element20and of the holding element40.

FIG.19shows parts of a third exemplary embodiment of an activation device600more specifically in detail. The triggering rod601which is attached with its rod end remote or facing away from the inertia body350to an intermediate element20is seen in the release position. The dashed-line triggering rod601′ shows said triggering rod once again, for better comprehension, likewise in the release position after said triggering rod has been rotated about the displacement axis Vx after repeated actuation of the blocking mechanism600.

In order to adjust the intermediate element20from the release position shown inFIG.19into the triggering position and vice versa, use is made of an adjustment device30. Of the adjustment device30, a rotationally fixed and axially fixed holding element40, a slider50which is displaceable along the displacement axis Vx, an unlocking spring60, which acts on the slider50and presses the latter to the left along the displacement axis Vx counter to the displacement direction X, a locking spring70and an adjustment element80are inFIG.19. The locking spring70presses the intermediate element20—along the displacement direction X—in the direction of the holding element40.

In order to move the adjustment element80and thus indirectly the triggering rod601, use is made of a drive or actuator which can be designed, for example, as an electromagnet120.

In order to form a deactivation device, not shown specifically, magnetizable material720can be provided in the region of the front portion601bof the triggering rod601, the magnetizable material being magnetizable by a magnetic field generating device, likewise not shown specifically for clarity reasons, in order to force the inoperative position of the inertia body350; reference should be made in this regard to the above explanations in conjunction withFIG.16. Alternatively or additionally, a magnetic field generating device or deactivation device can also be provided in the region of the lower rolling surface345, as has been explained in conjunction withFIG.20.

FIGS.1to14show the components of the third exemplary embodiment of an activation device600according toFIG.19more specifically in detail in various illustrations; for clarity reasons, because of its length, only sections of the rod-shaped triggering element601are illustrated inFIG.1.

FIG.1shows, in a three-dimensional illustration, the rotationally fixed and axially fixed holding element40, the slider50, which is displaceable along the displacement axis Vx, the unlocking spring60, which acts on the slider50and presses the latter upwards, in the illustration according toFIG.1, along the displacement axis Vx counter to the displacement direction X, the locking spring70and the adjustment element80. The locking spring70presses the intermediate element20downwards along the displacement axis Vx and along the displacement direction X and thus presses the intermediate element20in the direction of the holding element40.

The holding element40has a side wall encircling in a cup-shaped manner, not shown specifically inFIG.1for clarity reasons. The side wall encircling in a cup-shaped manner serves to determine the radial position of the intermediate element20relative to or within the holding element40.

FIG.1shows the impact position of the triggering rod601, i.e. the position in which the triggering rod impacts with its rod end601aagainst the inertia body350(seeFIGS.15and16), displaces the latter and thereby pivots the blocking portion365into the ratchet wheel315.

FIG.1also shows a gear element10which is, for example, a gearwheel with an external toothing. The gear element10interacts with the intermediate element20and is coupled to the intermediate element20in the impact position of the triggering rod601such that further rotation of the gear element10is prevented; in the disconnected position of the triggering rod (seeFIG.16), the gear element10is disconnected from the intermediate element20and can consequently rotate.

In the exemplary embodiment according toFIG.1, the adjustment device30therefore has a dual function: in the impact position, the inertia body350is moved by the triggering rod601and the ratchet wheel15according toFIG.15is blocked and at the same time the intermediate element20is coupled to the gear element10and rotationally blocked. In the disconnected position, the inertia body350remains unaffected and the intermediate element20and the gear element10are decoupled.

The gear element10can be used for controlling further components of the vehicle; however, the gear element10is not absolutely necessary, but merely one advantageous variant; the gear element10can also be dispensed with, and therefore an adjustment of the intermediate element20causes only a displacement of the triggering rod601.

FIG.2shows the components according toFIG.1in a different illustration, with the intermediate element20taking up its disconnected position. It can be seen that the intermediate element20is disconnected from the first gear element10in the axial direction.

Furthermore, the side wall49which encircles in a cup-shaped manner and closes or encases the holding element40on the edge side can be seen.

FIG.3shows the intermediate element20once again in the disconnected position shown inFIG.2, wherein the side wall49encircling in a cup-shaped manner has been omitted for better comprehension.FIG.11shows the same state, wherein—for better clarity—the springs60and70and the slider50have additionally also been omitted here.

FIGS.12and13show the intermediate element20and the holding element40in a three-dimensional illustration obliquely from the side.

It can be seen inFIGS.3,11and12that the intermediate element20has engagement portions21which, at a distance from the displacement axis Vx, extend parallel to the displacement axis Vx in the direction of the holding element40and in each case form a gap22between them.

In the disconnected position shown inFIGS.3and11, the end surfaces23of the engagement portions21rest on associated end surfaces43of supporting portions41of the holding element40.

The supporting portions41of the holding element40are likewise arranged spaced apart from the displacement axis Vx and extend parallel to the displacement axis Vx in the direction of the intermediate element20. The supporting elements41each form a receiving gap42between them.

The size of the receiving gaps42between the supporting portions41is in each case dimensioned in such a manner that the engagement portions21of the intermediate element20can enter the receiving gaps42such that the intermediate element20can extend along the displacement direction X, i.e. downwards inFIG.3, into the holding element40and can form a form-fitting connection in the manner of a tongue and groove connection therewith. The intermediate element20is lowered here relative to the first gear element10such that it can enter into engagement therewith and can reach the triggering position, as is shown inFIG.1.

FIGS.3and11furthermore reveal that the design of the end surfaces23of the engagement portions21of the intermediate element is coordinated with the design of the end surfaces43of the supporting portions41of the holding element40in order to avoid slipping of the engagement portions21from the associated supporting portions41.

FIG.4shows the configuration of the end surfaces23of the engagement portions21more specifically in detail. It can be seen that the end surfaces23each have two ramp surfaces231and232which are offset radially with respect to each other and are arranged parallel to the inclined end surfaces43of the supporting portions41. The ramp surfaces231and232are separated from each other by an end-side stop surface233.

In the disconnected position shown inFIGS.3and11, the end-side stop surface233prevents rotation of the engagement portions21along the direction of rotation D because it rests on the edge of the supporting portion41located below it (cf.FIGS.3and11).

The front axial side wall of the engagement portions21, as seen along the direction of rotation D, is denoted inFIG.4by the reference sign234; the rear axial side wall, seen along the direction of rotation D, bears the reference sign235.

The distance between the front axial side wall234, as seen along the direction of rotation D, and the end-side stop surface233is denoted by reference sign A inFIG.4. The distance A will be discussed in more detail further below in conjunction with the angles of rotation about which the intermediate element20is rotated during each transfer from a triggering position into the disconnected position, and vice versa.

FIG.5shows a first phase of the transfer of the intermediate element20from the disconnected position shown inFIGS.2,3and11into the triggering position of the intermediate element20that is shown inFIG.1.FIG.14shows the same state or the same first phase, wherein, for better clarity, the springs60and70and the slider50have additionally been omitted here. InFIG.14, the axial side walls44, on which the front axial side walls234of the engagement portions21, as seen in the direction of rotation D, are supported in the triggering position, are each denoted by reference signs. The distance between consecutive side walls44, as seen in the direction of rotation, is marked by reference sign B.

It can be seen that the intermediate element20is raised along the displacement axis Vx by the slider50, as a result of which the end surfaces23of the engagement portions21are disconnected from the assigned end surfaces43of the supporting portions41.

The intermediate element20can be raised as soon as the adjustment element80shown inFIG.1is raised counter to the displacement direction X, as a result of which the restoring force of the locking spring70is reduced and the unlocking spring60is set into the position of raising the slider50in the manner shown.

As soon as the intermediate element20is separated from the holding element40in the axial direction, it can be rotated along the direction of rotation D. The rotation of the intermediate element20is based on tooth structures in the intermediate element20and corresponding tooth structures in the slider50that are not illustrated specifically inFIG.5; the tooth structures will be explained in more detail further below in conjunction withFIGS.8and9.

FIG.6shows the intermediate element20after a certain rotation about the axis of rotation D. Furthermore,FIG.6shows the state in which the adjustment element80(seeFIG.1) has again taken up its starting position and therefore the locking spring70presses the intermediate element20onto the holding element40counter to the force of the unlocking spring60. By rotation of the intermediate element20relative to the holding element40, the ramp surface231lying at the rear, in the direction of rotation D, of the engagement portions21comes to rest on the end surface43of the respective supporting portion41such that the engagement portions21can slide on the oblique end surface43and the engagement portions21can slide into the respectively following receiving gap42.

FIG.7shows the triggering position of the intermediate element20, in which the engagement portions have been completely recessed in the respectively closest receiving gap42, as a result of which the intermediate element20has been recessed overall in the holding element40and thus enters into engagement with the first gear element10.

FIGS.8and9show a cross section through the intermediate element20and the slider50more specifically in detail.

It can be seen inFIG.8that the intermediate element20has, on the end surface side, in its central region or its radial inner region, a tooth structure25which interacts with a corresponding tooth structure51of the slider50. If the adjustment element80according toFIG.1is raised and the slider50is pressed upwards by the unlocking spring60, the tooth structures25and51cause the intermediate element20to rotate along the arrow direction D because ramp surfaces251of the tooth structure25of the intermediate element20slide on associated ramp surfaces511of the tooth structure51of the slider50. By means of the sliding, the intermediate element20is rotated along the direction of rotation D relative to the slider50.

FIG.9shows the end state of the rotation of the intermediate element20by means of the tooth structures25and51. It can be seen that the ramp surfaces251of the intermediate element20now rest completely on the associated ramp surfaces511of the slider50.

The rotation of the intermediate element20relative to the slider50at the same time causes the rotation of the intermediate element20relative to the supporting portions41of the holding element40, as has been shown, for example, for the transfer from the disconnected position into the triggering position inFIGS.3,5and6.

With reference again toFIGS.5and6, it can be seen there that—starting from the disconnected position—during the raising of the intermediate element20because of the end-side stop surfaces233lying on the associated supporting portion41, first of all no rotation is possible. Only after the end-side stop surfaces233are separated from the associated supporting portions41can the intermediate element20rotate, shown inFIGS.8and9, relative to the slider50and relative to the holding element40, as a result of which the ramp surfaces231can subsequently slide on the associated end surfaces43of the supporting portions41and the intermediate element20sinks in the holding element40, as is shown inFIG.7. The intermediate element20is further rotated here in relation to the non-rotatable slider50and passes again into the tooth structure position according toFIG.8.

If the intermediate element20is now raised again by means of the slider50from the position according to

FIG.7, the tooth structures25and51are at this time in the rotated position with respect to each other, as is shown inFIG.8, and therefore, during the raising again, the intermediate element20again rotates in the direction of rotation D. During the raising again of the intermediate element20from the position shown inFIG.7, consequently the rotated position of the engagement portions21relative to the supporting portions41according toFIGS.3and11is subsequently achieved.

In other words, during each brief raising of the adjustment element80and of the slider50, the intermediate element20rotates along the direction of rotation D, whether by the interaction of the tooth structures25with the tooth structures51or by the sliding of the end surfaces23of the intermediate element20on the end surfaces43of the holding element40, and thus subsequently a transfer is made from the disconnected position into the triggering position or vice versa.

With regard to the tooth structures251and511, it is considered advantageous if the latter are sawtooth structures which are assembled from steep and flat surfaces. The steep surfaces are preferably parallel to the displacement axis Vx. The flat surfaces are preferably at an angle of between 30° and 60°, preferably 45° with respect to the displacement axis Vx.

Again with reference toFIG.4and reference sign A, it should additionally be mentioned that, in the case of the exemplary embodiment according toFIGS.1to14, the first angle of rotation about which the intermediate element20is rotated during each transition from the disconnected position into the triggering position is determined by the distance B between consecutive axial side walls44of adjacent supporting elements41minus the distance A between the end-side stop surface233and the axial side wall234of the respective engagement portion21, said axial side wall in each case being located in front of said end-side stop surface in the direction of rotation D.

The second angle of rotation about which the intermediate element20is rotated during each transfer from the triggering position into the disconnected position is determined, in the case of the exemplary embodiment according toFIGS.1to14, by the distance A between the end-side stop surface233and the axial side wall234of the respective engagement portion21, said axial side wall in each case being located in front of said end-side stop surface in the direction of rotation D.

The intermediate element20and the holding element40are shown in a schematic two-dimensional or two-dimensionally unfolded illustration inFIG.10.

Furthermore,FIG.10shows the interaction of the adjustment element80with an electromagnet120which, in the switched-on state, pulls the adjustment element80away from the holding element40and thereby moves same into an activation position in which the adjustment device30, in particular the unlocking spring60thereof and the slider50thereof, can raise and rotate the intermediate element20, as a result of which said adjustment element transfers from the disconnected position into the triggering position or vice versa. In the switched-off state, a restoring spring121of the electromagnet120presses the adjustment element80along the displacement direction X again onto the locking spring70which, in turn, by means of its spring force moves the intermediate element20in the direction of the holding element40—counter to the spring force of the unlocking spring60.

For this purpose, the force sum of the spring force of the restoring spring121and of the spring force of the locking spring70is greater than the spring force of the unlocking spring60.

In other words, switching over from the disconnected position into the triggering position or vice versa takes place solely by means of a brief activation of the electromagnet120or a brief axial deflection of the adjustment element80in the displacement direction Vx.

An end position sensor200can be present for monitoring the correct position of the intermediate element20. If a desired end position of the intermediate element20is not reached, the electromagnet120can be actuated again.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described more specifically in detail by means of preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the examples disclosed and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

The various embodiments and aspects of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are to be understood not only in the order and context specifically described in this specification, but to include any order and any combination thereof. Whenever the context requires, all words used in the singular number shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa. Whenever the context requires, all options that are listed with the word “and” shall be deemed to include the word “or” and vice versa, and any combination thereof.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed a plurality of embodiments of the present invention. The applicant would like to emphasize that each feature of each embodiment may be combined with or added to any other of the embodiments in order to modify the respective embodiment and create additional embodiments. These additional embodiments form a part of the present disclosure and, therefore, the applicant may file further patent claims regarding these additional embodiments at a later stage of the prosecution.

Further, the applicant would like to emphasize that each feature of each of the following dependent claims may be combined with any of the present independent claims as well as with any other (one or more) of the present dependent claims (regardless of the present claim structure). Therefore, the applicant may direct further patent claims towards other claim combinations at a later stage of the prosecution.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

20aramp surface of the intermediate element

40aramp surface of the holding element

44axial side wall

50aramp surface of the slider

200end position sensor

233end-side stop surface

234front axial side wall

235rear axial side wall

301vehicle safety device

345lower rolling surface

375annular stop portion

710magnetic field generating device

A distance

B distance

D direction of rotation

Vx displacement axis

X displacement direction