Central strap lock for a safety belt.

The invention relates to a central lock for safety belts, in particular in aircraft and sports cars, to quickly and simultaneously releasably connecting several provided with connecting pieces, converging at a central point belts, a raised edge to the back hook of the connecting pieces, which thereby can freely adjust the respective webbing drawing up , and with control elements for applying, for securely retaining and for releasing the connecting pieces, and these controls with a manually operated rotary actuator, preferably a rotating disc, are operatively coupled, which is arranged above a center pin on which the motions are oriented in the closure , Central locking with similar characteristics are known from DE-AS 12 75 875 and DE-OS 30 47 664; they belong to the type of so-called. bell locks, of which different embodiments and from the GB-PS 758 185 and BE-PS 498 365 are to be taken. It is essential that the Gurtanschlußstücke can attack not only at a very specific point of the closure, as is the case for example with a closure according to DE-AS 10 02 632, but within a certain range on the closure, starting from its center , automatically into the actual drawing direction of the respective strap can adjust, so that an improved fit of the entire harness is achieved taking into account the specific body measurements of the person concerned.

The recent known central closures have to fulfill their intended purpose and in connection therewith to their proper handling three positions of their operating devices, namely, the switching positions "CREATE", "LOCKED" and "DROP". The most common way of operating, the handling of functions by turning on a turntable and a pressure being exerted on the closure in the body towards the person. One such closure shows the mentioned DE-AS 10 02 632, which is, however, a design with four spring-held by a guide cross anchor bolt and lock washer is. However, this closure also has a main pin which a base plate is vertically movable and acts on the guide cross and the retaining washer.

At the top of the main pin has a circular hub is attached, with which the various lock functions are handled. Also for central locking of the bell type, ie with all-round bead for stellungsbeliebigen Einpicken of hook-shaped connectors and one purpose reeling mounted closure member, a rotary actuator by means of a hub or a turnstile has already been proposed. Also an older proposal has a lock with relevant genus features the object, wherein the rotary actuator is equipped with a to-use finger pressure linearly movable device, preferably a button which brings about by at least one transfer member for temporarily releasing a lock of the holding of the connecting pieces components is provided. The finger button is contrary to its intended direction of pressure spring loaded and moves when returning to their initial position, the lock back into its locked position.

The known or already proposed central locking are relatively thick because of their design, ie they have a relatively large overall height; whereby the closures apply correspondingly to the body of the person and thus can be a hindrance not only, but also can interfere with adjacent objects easier, so that false actuations or injuries do not appear excluded. In addition, some known caps have the disadvantage of a variety of ingredients, which can not only increases the assembly costs, but also affect the functioning.

The invention has for its object to provide a central lock for safety belts with the generic features mentioned, the height of a part, and the number of components on the other hand as low as possible, without prejudice to safety of the closure will be affected, as such, and its manageability.

The inventive solution to this task is achieved, including advantageous embodiments and developments of the same from the content of the patent claims that this description prefixed.

The invention has the advantage that exists apart from a flat design and a few items for the main functions of the shutter corresponding space for additional components to achieve additional functions and increased user comfort, especially when applying the straps. It must be added that a displacement of the central pin or main pivot in the direction of the person's body can be avoided after such an exertion of force with the hand corresponds to the natural behavior slightly. To release the Gurtanschlußstücke rather a rotating movement is preferred die.eine axial movement of the main pin has in the direction away from the body to the sequence so that it remains unloaded.

For putting the harness, that is for plugging the Gurtanschlußstücke or Gurtlaschen in the central closure, may be associated with the formation of the invention richtun both a principle already proposed pushbutton and the known method of twisting Betätigungsvor-^q be used.

With the locks of the prior art has the disadvantage that a separate and specific triggering individual Gurtanschlußstücke is not possible because when setting the lock function "DROP" in the known locks always respectively all Gurtanschlußstücke be released from the lock or a two- hand operation, namely, is required the loosening of the lock and taking out the respective Gurtanschlußstücke.

It is therefore a further object of the invention to further improve the invention already redesigned locks such that a targeted triggering of individual Gurtanschlußstücke, preferably the two Schultergurtlaschen, with one-hand operation quickly is possible without breaking the lock connection with the other tabs.

This object makes the development of the known locks with the features of claims 1 - 15 utilized by a recessed grip is formed at the hub of expected for the single release fittings. After pressing the buckle latch canceling pushbutton the grip allows a targeted tilting the Auswerferringes with release of the concerned connectors. Thus, with the invention of particular advantage, in that a single-handed operation of the locks is possible here.

In the drawing, an embodiment of the invention is shown, which is described below. Show it:<ul><li>Fig. 1 is a view on a diametrical guided in the direction of the longitudinal center axis cross-section through a central closure,</li><li>Fig. 2 is a view to a cross section corresponding to FIG. 1, which is guided at right angles thereto,</li><li>_Fig. 3 is a plan view of the tab retaining ring,</li><li>4 is a view on a guided at right angles to the radial cross-section along the line IV -., IV in Figure 3.</li><li>Fig. 5 is a view on a diametrical guided in the direction of closure of the longitudinal center axis cross-section through the combined with the cams main journal,</li><li>Fig. 6 is a side view of the subject matter of FIG. 5 in the direction of arrow VI.</li><li>Fig. 7 is a plan view of a so-called bell lock in another embodiment,</li><li>Fig. 8 the bell castle in side view A of FIG. 7.</li></ul>

The central closure has roughly the shape of a flat, circular box with a top cover, which is designed as a hub 10 with radial vanes 11 to touch and to operate with one hand. In the center of the turntable 10 a pressure pin 12 is disposed as a button for pressing by a finger. The components 10, 11, 12 are the controls of the central closure. Due to corresponding actuation of these elements by the person wearing the harness with the closure, this "SAVED" takes the functional positions "CREATE", and "DROP" a.

The of approximately box-shaped closure bottom part is formed by a tab retaining ring 13 having a modified bell shape, hence the closure of the genus "bells palace" belongs. The tab retaining ring 13 results in detail in Figures 3 and 4. It is designed so that it forms mainly an annular open-topped trough 14 whose reinforced outer wall 15 (bead), the abutment for the drawing Gurtanschlußstücke not shown or tabs forms that engage with their hook-shaped in cross-section ends from above into the groove 14 and lie under train against the bead 15th In the radially outward direction joins the wall 15 to top a plate ring 16 which serves inter alia as a ramp for easier placing and inserting the tabs. The plate ring 16 has an opening 17 for attaching the closure to a captive non-releasable belt piece (not shown).

The inner wall of the trench 14 of the flap retaining ring 13 forms a sleeve 18 with up inside vorragendem edge 19. Its inner edge jumps, as is apparent from Figure 3, several times back and forth, so that four indentations 20 and two times two projections of pairs of different width arise, namely two narrow projections 21 and two wider protrusions 22. the wall of the sleeve 18 reaches the edge 19 only at two diametrically opposed locations 23 (FIG. 3); in the remaining regions of the circumference of the sleeve 18 forms the edge 19 a sort of free-floating ring (see. Fig. 4 right half). Among these areas, the wall of the sleeve 18 extends with two upper edges respectively as curve 24, wherein these curves are used as control elements for the generation of essentially functional positions of the closure.

The curves 24 assigned, which slide on these control elements are formed by cams 25, which are located on a combined component, which is shown in Figures 5 and 6. FIG. The combined component is hereinafter referred to as main journal 26th This is a multi-stepped bushing 27, the top piece, in particular as a cast part, merges into a disc-shaped flange 28, on whose lower surface, spaced apart from the socket 27, the two cams 25 are diametrically formed opposite to each other. The cams 25 are thus located in the area between the top and bottom of the main journal 26th

As is clear from Figure 1 in conjunction with Figure 5, the main journal 26 is connected by means of two screws 29 fixed to the hub 10th In this case, is located between hub 10 and flange 28 still a bearing ring 30 which is at the top of a retaining and release member for to be inserted in the lock and then to be solved Gurtlaschen (not shown) by means of screws 31 is fixed. This retaining and releasing member, referred to herein as ejector ring 32 has an outwardly open U-shaped profile, the clear width substantially corresponds to the height of the hook-shaped bracket ends, so that the tab ends can be found in the U-profile recording. Due to the screws 29, 31 the turntable 10, the main journal 26, the bearing ring 30 and the ejector ring 32 are connected together so that they are movable only jointly in the direction of the longitudinal center axis A of the closure. In the circumferential direction of the approximately box-shaped closure to hub 10 and main journals 26 on the one hand, regardless of race 30 and ejector ring 32 move on the other hand, that the former assembly can be rotated relative to the latter about the longitudinal center axis A.

The lower end of the sleeve 27 has a double gradation for receiving a correspondingly shaped spring bearing 33 for a tape-shaped helical compression spring 34, the turns of which extend in the annular space between the bush 27 and sleeve 18 (Fig. 2). The spring 34 is supported in accordance with Figures 1 and 2 below onto a corresponding annular flange of the spring bearing 33 and up against the edge 19 of the sleeve 18th For fastening of the spring bearing 33 on the bushing 27 of the main journal 26 (Figure 5.) Is a spring bearing screw 35, which from the bottom into a threaded bore 36 of the bushing 27 is screwed. Since the flange 28 of the main journal 26 superimposed over the edge 19 and the spring bearing screw 35 rests by spring bearing 33 and spring 34 from below against the edge 19, the cohesion of the parts of the closure is assured in this way. The proportions of the interior of the sleeve 18 and the bush 27 are 35 selected with spring bearing 33 and spring bearing screw that when in Figures 1 and 2, the functional position of the closure results in a substantially planar lower surface and the lower opening of the sleeve 18 is closed is.

As can be seen by consideration of Figures 2 and 5, the bushing 27 of the main journal 26 a diametrically extending slot 37, journalled in the symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis A two angular pivotal latch 38 on associated pins. 39 The inwardly facing legs 40 each pivot bolt 38 has a downwardly directed hook-shaped projection with which it engages over the top turn of a helical compression spring 41 which is seated in a center hole of the spring bearing screw 35 and acting in the direction of the longitudinal central axis A. This spring 41 strives to provide the inner leg 40 of the pivot bolt 38 to push it upwards, so that the hook bolts are caused to pivot with their other leg 42 outwardly. At the same time compresses the spring 41 to push pin 12 indirectly, namely via the legs 40 of the pivot bolt 38, upwards in its initial or rest position (Fig. 1 and 2). The investment for the leg 40 of the pressure pin 12 is provided below with an overhang 43rd For the longitudinally movable bearing and guiding of the press pin 12 in the main journal 26 of this has in the region of the flange 28 has a bore 44 which is traversed by the slot 37 (Fig. 5).

The outer legs 42 of the pivot bolt 38 are so long that they - as is clear from Figure 2 - in a relaxed position of the spring 41 and outwardly pivoted position of the bolt 38 from below with game accordingly rounded inner edges of the rim 19 of the sleeve 18 abut and thereby causing the main pin 26 and bushing 27 and flange 28 against the tab retaining ring 13 with sleeve 18 practically can not move in the direction of the longitudinal central axis upwards. Since the ejector ring 32 is connected to the main pin 26 in connection in the manner already described, this means that also the ejector ring 32 can not move when the hook bolts are pivoted 38 of Figure 2 to the outside and can be supported on the edge of the 19th This state represents the "LOCKED" position represents.

In the region of the edge 19, the bush 27 has the main journal 26 has an outer diameter which is smaller by a certain amount than the inside diameter of the edge 19. From there extends the cross-sectional contour (Fig. 5) of the sleeve 27 via a bevel 45 to the outside to to achieve the largest outer diameter of the bushing 27, where this is cylindrical over a short distance 46th Subsequently, the above-mentioned double graduation for receiving the spring bearing 33. follows The cylindrical part 46 corresponds with its external diameter the internal diameter of the rim 19, so that 27 opposite upon occurrence of the relevant portion of the bushing in the clearance of the edge 19 for a straight guide of the main journal 26 is the tab retaining ring 13 provided with sleeve 18, while the main pin 26 opposite the tab retaining ring 13 can be set at an angle, as long as even the slope 45 of the sleeve 27 in the region of the rim 19 is (tumble capability of the main journal 26).

In use, the components of the central closure described interact as follows: The shutter suspended by the opening 17 in the plate ring 16 captive on a belt in the middle of the body of the buckle to the person. Here, the plate ring 16 also serves to stabilize the position of the buckle, by its tilt capability is largely ruled out on the body or on the clothes due to the wide support. The closure is in the switch position "SAVED" according to the figures and 2, in which the components are firmly locked. The ejector ring 32 rests in the groove 14 of the tab retaining ring 13 and can it not remove upwards because the outward leg 42 of the pivot bolt 38 launched under the rim 19 so that the main pin 26 can not move upward. The outer edge 47 of the flange 28 keeps the ejector ring 32 from above firmly. Thus a so-called. A shock protection of the closure is ensured.

To create the straps which grasps with one hand each Gurtanschlußstücke, also called tabs, they at their hook-shaped front end on the ramp-plate ring 16 and pushes them towards the gap 48 between bead or outer wall 15 and the outer edge of the turntable 10th simultaneously, the person presses a finger der.anderen hand on the push pin 12 which moves in the lock inside. The inwardly directed legs by means of the projection 43 of the pivot bolt 38 pressed 40 against the pressure of spring 41 downwards, the latch 38 pivot about their pivot pins 39 inwardly, the outer legs 42 leave the edge 19 inwardly, and is characterized fastening seal repealed. When exerting an upward force on one point of the outer edge of the turntable 10 can by means of a pushed back in the gap 48 lug of a belt to raise locally the ejector ring 32 in the groove 14 by the main journal 26 of the attached to it parts against longitudinal central axis A at an angle setting, which is made possible also by the fact that the sleeve 27 due to its incline 45 has sufficient play in the clearance of the edge 19th The restoring force of the spring 34 must be overcome, that is, when the tab in question occurred entirely in the gap 48 and thus in the space enclosed by the U-profile of Auswerferringes 32 room, this likely including the parts associated again in the position shown in the figures 1 and 2 back, and the tab is hooked behind the bead 15. If in this way one after the individual tabs around inserted into the lock, the main journal 26 with flange 28, bearing ring 30, ejector ring 32 and hub 10 performs a wobbling motion. Once all straps connected in this manner with the central lock, the person is the pressure pin 12 free again, the spring 41 can relax and the hook bolts 38 move outwards, so that the outer leg 42 under the rim 19 occur (Fig. 2) ; the closure is again locked and secured.

To achieve the shift position "DROP", with all the tabs to leave the closure together so that the harness, the person releases abruptly, the hub 10 must be rotated by hand about the longitudinal central axis A, namely any right or the left. In this way, the lock is then first part of the pivot bolt 38 is canceled and the ejector ring 32 is lifted parallel to the base of the tab retaining ring 13 in the groove 14, can so that all lugs simultaneously exceed the upper edge of the edge bead 15 and leave the closure towards the outside. Specifically, this happens: The turntable 10 is rotated, for example, clockwise, the main pin fixedly connected thereto is taken 26, while the bearing ring 30 is not rotated with the ejector ring screwed to 32nd The pressure pin 12 and the hook bolts 38 remain unaffected as such, but rotate with together with the main pin 26 and its components. This left the upper edges of the outer latch leg 42 to edge 19 (see. FIG. 3), by entering at each end of the projections 21 of the rim 19 in the first lying-indentation 20 and no longer be covered by the rim 19. The closure of the lock is now canceled. The cam 25 run it on the associated curves 24 obliquely upward and upon further rotation of the turntable 10 of the main pin 26 is raised to the parts 28, 30, 32, 10 relative to the sleeve 18 in the direction of the axis A. Here, the spring bearing screw 35 is moved with the spring bearing 33 in the 18 enclosed by the sleeve shaft inward or upward, against the pressure of spring 34, which is supported from below against the edge of the 19th The stroke movement takes place until the spring has gone 34 to block. At the same time the ejector ring 32 has reached its highest position in the groove 14 of the tab retaining ring 13, which corresponds to the largest opening of the gap 48, and the Gurtlaschen can ausrauschen free. If the person then the turntable 10 releases, this fast under the action of the spring 34 back into their initial position, being rotated in the opposite direction. The shutter then resumes the position shown in FIG. 2

Regardless of the pressure pin 12 can also be achieved by means of the turntable 10 a switch position "CREATE", by the turntable is correspondingly far rotated in one direction or another.

For this purpose, the angle of rotation need only be so large that the leg 42 of the swivel bolts 38 leave the associated edge projections 21, whereby the main pin 26 and thus related ejector ring 32 are tumbling capable. These circumstances open up the rest of the way, on the swing bolt 38, the pressure pin and the spring to dispense 41, resulting in an embodiment which is constructed in accordance with simple and can be manufactured with less effort. then take the place of the swing bolt 38 in the drawing not projections shown or locking lugs that are diametrically outwardly formed oppositely to the socket 27 desHauptzapfens 26, namely practically at the exact spot where in Figure 2, the outer ends of the legs 42 of the swivel bolt 38 also occur on the respective contour of the slope 45 (dashed line) (in this case also, the slot 37 is omitted). The aforementioned locking lugs then act on all three major operational positions of the closure as the pivot bolt 38, however, cause the disadvantage that the accessibility and comfort associated with the pressure pin 12 is not available.

In connection with the function of the closure, it is important that the curves 24 (FIG. 4) is approximately V-shaped, that is forming in the middle below a flat tip. This ensures that the closure after the placement of the straps automatically into its switching position "SAVED" returns, for which the helical compression spring 34, the force required beistellt. The cam slide 25 from the curves 24 and turn at the same time the main journal 26 with the hub 10 opposite the tab retaining ring 13 until the cams 25 reached the deepest part of the curve 24, where they are staying. This can, as mentioned go in both directions of rotation vonstatten. Since the curves 24 rise immediately rising, following her deepest, between the outer edges of the legs 42 of the pivot bolt 38 and the outer edges of said locking lugs (not shown) on the one hand and the inner edges of the rim 19 other hand, must be provided a slight play, which the rise of the curves 24 considered during the route which the swing bolt 38 and the locking lugs have to travel below the rim 19 before they enter the adjacent recess 20, where they can ascend freely.

Nearly the whole is the angle of rotation between the switching position "SAVED" and the switch position "DROP" rd. 60 degrees, and then the largest stroke of the main journal 26 and thus also of the Auswerferringes 32 is reached. Since the lifting movement value in the final part has to be placed on to center the main journal 26 and its associated components carefully, the edge 19 forms in the largest possible areas of a guide for the cylindrical portion 46 of the bushing 27, and for this reason, the projection 22 is wider than the projection 21 on the edge 19. While the pivotal latch leg 42 as soon as possible to be freed from the edge 19, to which the projection 21 is correspondingly narrow, the pivot bolt 38 can engage over the projection 22 by means of small indentations 49, having been in this angular range towering above the plane of the rim 19th This allows the projection are carried out 22 broad, whereby an improved guidance of himself lifting main peg 26 results. The arrangement of the indentations 49 shall apply mutatis mutandis in the same way for the case of the execution of the closure with locking lugs on the main pin instead of hook bolts 38th

In the embodiment with locking lugs instead of hook bolts, without pressure pin operation when equipped, it is recommended that the curves 24 to be provided with a design that shows the person when the moment has been reached, in which the closure of the original switching position "SAVED" in the required switching position "CREATE" has arrived. For this purpose in the respective cam 24, for example, a lateral groove or a short piece with increased slope of the curve can be incorporated where the locking lugs have left the narrow projections 21 of the rim 19 and are entered into the respective recess or indentation 20th The person feels then in the hands of the shutter serving a small jerk or a certain aggravation of the rotational movement, which you will signal that the "APPLY" position is now reached. Since the closure of two approximately V-shaped curves 24 and thus four rising curve portions corresponding to be provided four grooves or reinforced slope pieces.

In a further embodiment according to the figures 7 and 8 a targeted release and release of the Schultergurtlaschen (not shown) is provided in a bell lock. To this end, a grip is provided on the turntable 10 of the lock via the provided for the separate triggering Schultergurtlaschen, wherein the function of the lock applies essentially the same procedure as in the previously explained in detail Castle.

The operation of the finger key 12 cancels the lock of the lock so that the ejector ring 32 is tilted. During the insertion of Gurtan circuit pieces hold down finger key 12 tilting the Auswerferringes 32 by the pressure of the corresponding in shape designed Gurtanschlußstücke is effected, the corresponding tilting movement of Auswerferringes 32 in the targeted release by raising the this Zweek about to be triggered Gurtanschlußstücken means is achieved on the 10 Drchscheibe trained grip 50th

Thus, once the user has lifted the latch of the lock by pressing the finger button 12, it can by means of the disposed of expected for triggering fittings grip 50 preferably with the thumb the Drchscheibe 10 and thus tilt the firmly connected to this ejector ring 32 so that the ejector ring 32 the upper bell edge orreicht and agrees with this in his height. Following this, the standing under the light of a belt tension retractor usually fittings may slide out of the ejector ring 32 and thus out of locking the lock, while the other Gurtanschlußstücke are still held by the tilted ejector ring 32nd

The features disclosed in the vorstchenden description, the patent claims, the abstract and the drawing of the subject matter of these documents can be mutually essential to the realization of the invention in its various embodiments both individually and in any combination.