Knee-retaining device for a vehicle

US6416079B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Joachim Lutz · Schechingen, DE
• Dirk Schultz · Schwäbisch Gmünd, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 2001
• Grant date: Jul 9, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/23169
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A knee restraint device for vehicles has a base, a knee protector component which is movable toward the knees of a vehicle occupant, and a drive structure for driving the knee protector component toward the knees of a vehicle occupant. The drive structure is arranged between the base and the knee protector component. Further, a limiting- and positioning structure is provided for limiting the travel of the knee protector component towards the knees of a vehicle occupant and for positioning the knee protector component relative to the knees of a vehicle occupant. The limiting-and positioning structure is fastened to the base and is constructed in one piece with the knee protector component. The limiting-and positioning structure is deformable on activation of the drive structure and has a predetermined rigidity, this rigidity-being sufficient so as to prevent any change in shape of the limiting-positioning structure under its weight.