CN113147653A

CN113147653A - Restraint system for motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN113147653A
Application number: CN202110077626.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 塞巴斯蒂安·斯塔夫; 托比亚斯·里奇; 布鲁诺·阿尔维斯
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2020-01-23
Filing date: 2021-01-20
Publication date: 2021-07-23
Also published as: DE102020101509A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a restraint system (5) for a motor vehicle (1), the motor vehicle (1) having a reclining seat (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle into a reclined position, and the reclining seat (10) having a head portion (11) as a support for the head, torso and legs of an occupant, a torso portion (12) and a leg portion (13). In order to provide a reliable safety system for a recumbent occupant of an autonomous vehicle, the restraint system according to the invention has a restraint element (20), which restraint element (20) is formed to cover the upper side of the occupant (50) in a recumbent position and extends continuously from above the torso portion (12) to above the leg portion (13), and can be connected to the recumbent seat (10) on both sides of the two portions (12, 13) in the transverse direction (Y) of the vehicle.

Description

Restraint system for motor vehicle

Technical Field

The invention relates to a motor vehicle restraint system having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Background

In the case of conventional motor vehicles, various active and passive safety systems ensure that the risk of injury to the driver and passengers is minimised. These systems comprise a safety belt, which may be provided with an active belt tensioner, and an airbag, which protects the occupant in the front and, if necessary, the occupant on the side. These security systems have proven to be substantially effective. However, new problems arise in terms of autonomous driving vehicles that are expected to be approved in the future. As the vehicle is (at least optionally) autonomously steered, any occupant can take over-travel in any desired manner (e.g., reading, using visual media, even resting or sleeping). Thus, advantageously, all seats in such an autonomously driven vehicle can be moved, in addition to being in an upright position, to a rest position or a reclined position in which an occupant can lie on the seat for sleep. While the above-described safety systems are effective with seats in the upright position, they are not effective or only effective to a limited extent with seats in the reclined position. This applies in particular to retractable safety belts which can be used in each case within a certain angular range with respect to their suspension point on the side of the vehicle. With such a harness it is not possible to achieve an effective restraining action in the case of upright and reclined seats.

Patent document US 2015/0217673a1 discloses a restraint system for a recliner arranged transversely in a vehicle. The restraint system has a cushion, a restraint belt portion extending in a lateral direction above the cushion, at least one pretensioning device interacting with one end of the restraint belt portion, and at least one activation sensor that generates a signal that actuates the pretensioning device to increase tension in the restraint belt portion when a vehicle deceleration threshold, a vehicle position change threshold, or a collision is exceeded. The restraining strip portion may be formed as a blanket. Alternatively, it may have an inflation bellows that inflates when the vehicle overturns.

Patent document US 5727814a discloses a restraining blanket for a motor vehicle, which is provided to a sleeping occupant. The restraining blanket has a blanket comprised of a woven material that is reinforced at top and bottom seams with primary structural elements anchored within the rear seam at the vehicle floor. The front seam is provided with a second structural element as a fastening means. Furthermore, a first safety belt is connected in a sliding manner to the first and second ends, a second safety belt is fixedly connected to the third end, and a third safety belt is provided with a fourth end fixedly connected to the lower seam. The seat belt buckles are each arranged at the end described, wherein two seat belt buckles are fastened to the main structural element in the rear seam, and two seat belt buckles are fastened independently of the rear seam.

From patent document CN 207190871U an inflatable mattress is known for installation in a vehicle, having a main body and a leg support body. An air bag is arranged on one side of the main body. In addition, the mattress has two pillows and two safety belts, which extend transversely to the reclining direction.

DE 102014213301a1 shows a restraining device whose purpose is to secure a person in a reclining or extremely inclined position on a seating or reclining surface in a motor vehicle by means of a flexible surface element which in the position of use covers at least a part of the body surface of the person and which can be detachably secured in a stable manner in the motor vehicle by means of a securing device. The restraining device is provided with means for reducing the space between the person and the surface element.

Patent document DE 102010003a1 discloses a restraining device for a person lying on a lounge chair, which lounge chair is arranged in a vehicle, which restraining device has a blanket that at least partially covers the reclining person, which blanket can be tensioned by a tensioning device and the reclining person fixed in his or her position in the event of a detected accident. In particular, the tensioning device may be provided with several strips which are distributed over the entire length of the blanket. The strap may be provided with a buckle connected with a strap latch attached to the vehicle component and provided with a strap tensioner.

An opaque energy absorbing pad for energy dissipation (SDPED) for use in autonomous road vehicles is described in patent document US 2018/0154860a 1. SDPED can form an integral part of the interior trim of a vehicle, for example on the roof and side walls. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a mattress that the occupant may recline, for example, when viewing a movie through the head mounted display. In order to protect the occupant in such a situation in the event of an accident, a deployable airbag may be arranged underneath the SDPED, which airbag is also provided for restricting the movement of the occupant within the vehicle.

Patent document CN 201380818Y relates to an inflatable sleeping bag for a motor vehicle seat. In addition to the actual sleeping bag, which is fixed to the backrest of the vehicle seat, an inflatable collar as well as a safety belt are provided. The sleeping bag may be inflated by a quick action pump. It has an arm harness and extends along a portion of the backrest.

Patent document CN 207772956U discloses a multifunctional pillow. The pillow has a plurality of vents and an airbag stored in the pillow and deployable through the air outlet. Furthermore, the vibration and heating elements can be integrated into the pillow, which can be powered by a USB connection.

In view of the highlighted prior art, there is still room for improvement in providing a reliable safety system for a reclining occupant of an autonomous vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

The object on which the invention is based is to provide a reliable safety system for a reclining occupant of an autonomously driven vehicle.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a restraint system having the features of claim 1, wherein the dependent claims relate to advantageous configurations of the invention.

It should be pointed out that the features and measures listed individually in the following description can be combined with one another in any desired, technically advantageous manner and highlight further configurations of the invention. The description particularly additionally describes and explains the invention in detail in connection with the drawings.

The present invention thus provides a restraint system for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may in particular be an autonomous motor vehicle, i.e. a motor vehicle which at least optionally forms a self-steering/driving without driver intervention. This is usually a passenger vehicle, i.e. a car.

The restraint system has a reclining seat that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction to a reclined position and has a head portion, a torso portion, and leg portions that support the occupant's head, torso, and legs. The reclined position refers to a position in which the reclining seat can be used as a sofa or bed, and thus the reclining seat has a carrying surface for an occupant, on which the occupant can lie. The bearing surface typically extends at an angle substantially less than at least 30 deg. relative to horizontal. "horizontal" refers to a plane spanned by a vehicle longitudinal axis (X-axis) and a vehicle transverse axis (Y-axis). The reclining seat in the reclined position has a head portion that serves as a support for the head of the occupant, a torso portion that serves as a support for the torso of the occupant, and leg portions that serve as supports for the legs of the occupant. The leg portion may have a calf portion and/or a thigh portion. The portions are sized and arranged so that they can act as a support for the body portion of the occupant. Where applicable, they may be delimited from each other with different degrees of clarity, and at least two portions may also form a transition from each other without a distinct boundary.

At least the head portion may be generally distinguished from the torso portion by, for example, a smaller width. Each section can be adjusted relative to the other sections, for example, to achieve an individually adjustable, comfortable recline position. The leg portion may be divided into a thigh portion as an occupant thigh support and a calf portion as an occupant calf support.

According to one embodiment, the reclined position assumes only the indicated reclined position. According to another embodiment, the reclining seat can also be moved to a seating position (or upright position) in which at least the torso portion and the head portion are aligned as compared to the reclining position. Further, in the seated position, the lower leg portion (if present) may be tilted downward relative to the upper leg portion or deployed to a greater extent than in the reclined position. In the seating position, the thigh section forms a seating surface for an occupant and the torso section forms a backrest. The reclining seat is extended in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle into a reclining position, wherein in particular a symmetry axis or a symmetry plane of the reclining seat can be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or enclose an angle of less than 30 ° with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In particular in the case of automobiles, such an arrangement results from the limited space available in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In the seating position, the reclining seat can rotate relative to its axis (about a vertical axis). For example, rotatability may be provided so that the occupant can selectively look in the direction of travel or in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

According to the invention, the restraint device has a restraint element which is formed for covering the upper side of the occupant in the reclined position and extends continuously from above the torso portion to above the leg portion, the restraint element being connectable with the reclined seat on both sides of the two portions in the transverse direction of the vehicle. That is, the restraining element is sized such that it covers the occupant in an upward direction if he or she is lying on the reclining seat. In this case it extends continuously from above the torso portion to above the leg portion. The restraining element can also be referred to as a blanket, at least in some embodiments. With the respective positioning, the restraint element is therefore arranged above the torso portion and above the leg portion (in the vertical direction or Z direction of the vehicle). As can be seen from the above, the restraining element may cover the torso portion and the leg portions, either completely or partially. Preferably, the restraining element is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to at least 70% or at least 80% of the torso and leg portions. The restraining element extends continuously from the torso portion to the leg portion, which includes the possibility of it having one or more recesses, for example to enable the occupant to guide the arms through the corresponding recesses to the outside. In this regard, "continuous" does not mean "seamless," but rather "joined together.

The restraining part may be attached to the reclining seat in two parts, namely in the torso part and the leg part, i.e. the restraining device has a connecting mechanism or connecting element that can produce a corresponding connection. These attachment mechanisms may be disposed on, for example, the reclining seat, the restraining element, or both. The corresponding connecting mechanism can also have, for example, a strap or the like, the connection of which to the reclining seat or the restraint element is not a fixed connection. In each section (torso section or leg section), the restraining element may be attached to the reclining seat on both sides in the lateral direction of the vehicle. That is, respective connections may be formed on both sides (also referred to as "left" and "right") in the lateral direction of the vehicle. It can thus be seen that the restraining element can be attached to the reclining seat at least four points (two points for the torso portion and two points for the leg portion). This provides a good fixing of the position of the restraining element, which itself partly covers the occupant, thus preventing him or her from being thrown out of the reclining seat during normal driving operation or even in the event of an accident. At the same time, since the restraining element partially covers the occupant, the restraining element still fulfills an additional function, and thus may be used as a blanket for protecting the occupant from cold or air flow. The restraining element may in particular have one or more layers of material and optionally a lining material, so that the insulating properties may be improved. Furthermore, for example, locally enhanced regions that improve the constraining function may be incorporated into the textile material. It is furthermore feasible that the restriction element may be at least partially heated and/or cooled. For example, electrical heating by means of a heating blanket is feasible. For cooling purposes, flexible hoses or channels may be incorporated into the restraining element through which cooled air or liquid coolant may pass. It is also contemplated to use the waste heat of the vehicle to utilize a flexible hose or channel for the purpose of warming the blanket.

According to one configuration, the restraining element is formed in the manner of a blanket, covering exclusively the upper side of the occupant. According to another arrangement, the restraining element is formed for circumferentially surrounding the occupant transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Thus, the occupant is closed not only on the upper side but also on the opposite side of the restraining element on the lower side and in the transverse direction of the vehicle. For example, the restraining element may surround the occupant in a tubular manner. May be a fixed circumferential closure, or may have a closure (e.g. a zip fastener) that the occupant can open to enter the restraining element and also to exit it.

In principle, it is sufficient to effectively protect the occupant in the case where the torso and legs (of his or her) are at least partially covered by the restraining element (but the feet may remain free, for example). Preferably, however, the restraining element has a foot portion which can be arranged at least partially in front of the feet of the occupant in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in order to exert a restraining force on the feet at the rear. Of course, the restraining force is generally not a force actively exerted by the foot portion, but a reaction force exerted when the occupant pushes forward with the foot to the foot portion, for example, in the case of a braking operation or a frontal collision. Due to the presence of the foot part, the occupant can be fastened to the reclining seat significantly better in the case of deceleration of the motor vehicle. For example, the foot portion may be combined with the tubular structure described above so that the restraining element as a whole has the form of a sleeping bag, but as described, the sleeping bag is not freely movable, but is fixed to the reclining seat.

Furthermore, the restraining element may preferably be connected to the front end of the reclining seat in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The front end is arranged closer to the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle than an opposite rear end of the reclining seat, where the head portion is arranged. In this regard, the front end may be referred to as the foot end. The connection at the front end is particularly advantageous when the restriction element does not close the front side in the manner of a sleeping bag. For example, if the restraining element is formed in the manner of a blanket, this connection may prevent too much distance from being created between the restraining element and the reclining seat in the foot end area through which the occupant's feet may slide.

Preferably, the restriction element has at least one inflatable air chamber. The air chamber may be inflated by various methods, discussed in more detail below, i.e., air or another gas may be introduced into the air chamber under pressure, causing the air chamber to be blown or inflated. The gas chamber has walls which as a whole at least hinder the outflow of gas, but not necessarily completely gas-impermeable. In general, such a gas cell may fulfill different functions. On the one hand, it can stabilize the position of the occupant on the reclining seat during normal driving operation or also in the event of an accident. On the other hand, it can form a cushion which can protect the occupant from hard collisions with different parts of the motor vehicle in the event of an accident.

According to one embodiment, the pressure controller is formed to selectively increase or decrease the internal pressure of the at least one gas chamber. The pressure controller typically has a compressor or pump for pressurizing air (or another gas) and providing the air to the air chamber. Therefore, the internal pressure of the air cell increases, and the air cell is inflated and becomes rigid. To reduce the internal pressure, the pump can be operated in reverse to actively deliver air out of the air chamber. Optionally, a valve may also be opened, for example, to allow air to escape from the plenum. There are many different possibilities in the operation of such a pressure controller. For example, if the occupant is lying on the reclining seat and the restraining element is secured to the reclining seat in the intended manner, the internal pressure in the respective air chambers may be increased to the predetermined value at once. Then, if the occupant wants to get out of the recumbent seat, the internal pressure can be reduced again. However, more complex control strategies are also conceivable, for example the pressure in one or more air chambers may be increased in dependence on the driving operation in order to anticipate stabilizing the occupant in a targeted manner.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one air chamber may be formed as an air-bag, which may be inflated by a gas generator in the event of an accident. In this case, the air chamber is not generally rendered impermeable to air, since in the case of an airbag the air chamber as a whole is inflated only during an accident and then deflated again. The gas generator can be formed in a familiar manner, for example, as a pyrotechnic gas generator or as a cold gas generator. It is also possible that several chambers are inflated by one and the same gas generator. Depending on the arrangement of the airbag, it may stabilize the occupant on the recumbent seat and prevent collisions with hard vehicle components.

In one aspect, the at least one air chamber may be provided to a side of the occupant in a lateral direction of the vehicle. That is, where the reclining seat and restraint element are intended to be used, the air chamber is disposed to the side of the occupant. It can satisfy various functions. On the one hand, it can stabilize the occupant in the lateral direction in normal driving operation and prevent his or her position from changing significantly, for example, while turning a corner. On the other hand, the air chamber can protect the occupant from, for example, an impact with a cross member of the vehicle body in the lateral direction in the event of a side collision. Alternatively or additionally, at least one air chamber may be disposed above the occupant. That is, in the case of intended use, the respective air chamber is disposed above the occupant, so as to be opposite the surface of the reclining seat. Therefore, during normal driving operation, the stabilization of the occupant position can be achieved as well. However, in some cases, such air chambers may also protect the occupant from impact with vehicle components in the event of an accident.

To improve the stability of the occupant, the restraint device may have a V-shaped restraint strap that may be attached to the recumbent seat at first and second shoulder attachment areas of the shoulder region of the occupant and a step attachment area between the legs of the occupant. In the case of intended use, the first portion of the restraining strip extends obliquely from the first shoulder connecting region (behind one shoulder of the occupant) onto the torso of the occupant, for example into the lumbar region where it connects to the second portion which extends from the second shoulder connecting region (behind the other shoulder). Where the two parts meet, a buckle may be provided which also creates a connection with the third part extending to the step connection area. The shoulder connecting regions are typically provided at the head-side ends of the torso portion, while the step connecting regions are provided at the leg portions. In general, a restraining strip may be referred to as a three-point strip. It should be noted that such a restraining strip only complements the function of the restraining element, since the fixation of the occupant's leg can only be performed by the restraining element, and not by the restraining strip. The restraining strip can be used in the seating position of a reclining seat, usually without a restraining element.

If the occupant is lying in a recumbent seat, his head cannot be protected by a conventional airbag, which is arranged, for example, on the steering wheel or the dashboard of the motor vehicle. The restraint system therefore advantageously has at least one head airbag which can be inflated in the event of an accident in order to protect the head of the occupant. In the inflated state, the head airbag may be disposed on a side of the head and/or above the head in the lateral direction of the vehicle. It may partially stabilize the head, in particular protect the head from direct impact with hard vehicle parts.

It is conceivable to incorporate the head airbag into the restraining element. For example, if the restraining element is formed in the manner of a sleeping bag, the airbag may be incorporated into the head portion or the cap portion of the sleeping bag. That is, in normal driving operation, the occupant may wear the head portion, for example, as a relatively loose cap. In the event of an accident, at least one air chamber in the head portion is suddenly inflated, thereby protecting the head. In this case, the air chamber or airbag may also extend to an area in front of the occupant's face, which is normally empty during normal driving operation. According to another advantageous configuration, at least one head airbag can be integrated into the head portion of the reclining seat. In normal driving operation, the head airbag is preferably hidden within the head portion so that it is not visible from the outside. In the event of an accident, the head airbag deploys and can protect different regions of the head. For example, it can be arranged to one side of the head in the transverse direction of the vehicle, wherein of course an arrangement with two head airbags on both sides can also be advantageous. The head airbag may additionally extend to an area above the head to protect the face of an occupant, for example.

Drawings

Further advantageous details and effects of the invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of various exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. In the figure:

figure 1 shows a top view of a portion of an autonomous motor vehicle with a first embodiment of a restraint system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the reclining seat from the restraint system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a restraint system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a restraint system according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of a restraint system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a restraint system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a top view of a restraint system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a restraint system according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a top view of a restraint system according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of a restraint system according to a ninth embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the head airbag with activation from the restraint system of FIG. 10.

Detailed Description

In the different figures, identical components are always provided with the same reference numerals and are therefore also described generally only once.

Fig. 1 shows a top view of a part of an autonomous motor vehicle 1, more precisely an automobile. Two reclining seats 10 are provided between the side walls 2 of the body of the schematically represented motor vehicle 1. In each case, these seats are oriented in the X-axis direction (the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle). Each reclining seat 10 has a head portion 11, a torso portion 12, and leg portions 13. The leg portion 13 is in turn divided into a thigh portion 14 and a calf portion 15, respectively. In particular, by adjusting the inclination of the torso portion 12 and calf portion 15 relative to the thigh portion 14, the reclining seat 10 can be moved from a seating position (as shown in the empty reclining seat 10 of fig. 1) to a reclining position (as shown in the occupied reclining seat 10 of fig. 1), and back again to the position shown separately in fig. 2. In the seating position, the torso portion 12 forms a backrest and the thigh portion 14 forms a seating surface. In the reclined position, the head portion 11 serves as a support for the head of the occupant 50, the torso portion 12 serves as a support for the torso, and the leg portions 13 serve as supports for the legs.

Fig. 1 shows an occupant 50 lying on a reclining seat 10, wherein the occupant is at rest or sleeping, for example, during autonomous driving operation of the motor vehicle 1. In order to prevent a large change in the position of the occupant 50 during normal driving operation, in particular in the event of an accident, the occupant is secured by a restraining element 20, which restraining element 20 is part of the restraint system 5. The restraining element 20 is formed in the present embodiment in the manner of a sleeping bag, so that the body of the occupant 50 is closed circumferentially (i.e. in the lateral direction of the vehicle and in the vertical direction of the vehicle) by the restraining element 20, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (i.e. the X-axis). The restraining element extends along the head portion 11, torso portion 12 and the entire leg portion 13. It has a cap portion 21, the cap portion 21 having a head opening 23, the head opening 23 allowing the occupant 50 to breathe and view the surrounding environment without obstruction. The restraining element 20 has a closed foot portion 22 at the front or foot end 16 of the reclining seat 10.

In general, the restraining element 20 may be formed of any desired textile material, which may in particular also be multilayered, and potentially lined. In order to prevent the restraining element 20 from tearing in the event of extreme loads, it may be provided, at least in some regions, with reinforcements (not shown here) which conventional sleeping bags do not have. The restraining element 20 is connected to the reclining seat 10 at the torso portion 12 and the leg portion 13 (more precisely, at the lower leg portion 15) in each case by two connecting elements 40. The two connecting elements 40 are in each case arranged on both sides of the reclining seat relative to the transverse direction of the vehicle (i.e. the Y-axis). For example, the connecting element 40, which is shown schematically here, can be formed as a safety belt, which can be connected to the winding-up mechanism in a manner not shown here. Optionally, a belt tensioner may also be provided. In a simple embodiment, each fastening element 40 may be formed as a strap of constant length that connects the reclining seat 10 with the restraining element 20.

The occupant 50 is accommodated in the restraint element 20 and is secured to the reclining seat 10 by its attachment to resist large changes in position. The occupant is naturally movable within the restraint member 20, and the linking member 40 allows the restraint member 20 to move to a limited extent relative to the reclining seat 10. However, situations are excluded in which the occupant 50 falls to the side from the vehicle seat or slides forward from the reclining seat 10 during, for example, a turn or in the case of an extreme braking operation. Among other things, the situation of sliding forward from the reclining seat 10 is prevented because the foot portions 22 exert restoring forces acting in the vehicle longitudinal direction on the feet of the occupant 50. Of course, the described restraining element 5 also prevents the occupant 50 from sliding within the motor vehicle 1 in the event of an accident involving a significant risk of injury.

In addition to the purely restraining function, the restraining element 20 also provides comfort to the occupant 50. In particular, it can protect the occupants from cold and air currents. Alternatively, it is conceivable to incorporate one or more heating elements (not shown here) into the restriction element 20, so that heating is possible. Thus, the occupant 50 does not have to raise the temperature of the entire interior of the motor vehicle 1, but can heat the surrounding restraint element 20 in a targeted manner, which would have a significant energy advantage in the case of motor vehicles which are operated in particular electrically. It is also conceivable to provide cooling and/or heating of the restriction element 20, for example by incorporating channels or hoses in the restriction element, through which channels or hoses cooling or heating of air or liquid coolant is carried out, wherein the coolant may transfer cold or heat. In this respect, the waste heat of the vehicle is also available.

Fig. 3 shows a restraint system 5 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the embodiment shown in fig. 1 in that the restraint element 20 has an arm opening 24 through which an occupant 50 can extend his arm.

Fig. 4 shows a restraint system 5 according to a third embodiment of the invention, which differs from the embodiment shown in fig. 1 in that the restraining element 20 has a plurality of first air chambers 25, which air chambers 25 are in each case arranged on the upper side of the occupant 50 and extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle. For example, the first air chamber 25 can be connected to a pump (not shown here) of a pressure controller, with which the air chamber can be filled with air. Air can be removed from the first air chamber 25 by reverse operation of the pump or by actuation of a valve so that the overall internal pressure of the air chamber can be selectively increased or decreased. The first air chambers 25 can, on the one hand, improve the stabilizing function of the restraining element 50 and, on the other hand, they can protect the occupant 50 from direct impact with hard vehicle parts in the event of an accident. Alternatively, the air chamber 25 may also be formed as an airbag, which may be briefly inflated by one or more gas generators in the event of an accident, in order to stabilize the occupant 50 and/or to protect him or her from a collision.

Fig. 5 shows a restraint system 5 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which restraint system 5 differs from the first embodiment in that two second air chambers 26 are provided in the cap portion 21 on both sides of the head opening 23, and two third air chambers 27 are provided on both sides of the legs of the occupant 50 at the level of the leg portions 13. Both the second 26 and third 27 air chambers may form an airbag which may be inflated by the inflator. In particular, the second air chamber 26 may be formed as a head airbag 31 that protects and at the same time stabilizes the head of the occupant 50. Alternatively, it is also possible to selectively fill the air chambers 26, 27 with air or to vent the air chambers 26, 27 by means of a pressure controller using at least one pump and potentially valves. Thus, for example, long-term stabilization of the position of the occupant 50 can be achieved. It is even possible to dynamically adjust the air quantity or pressure in one of the air chambers 26, 27 to the driving situation, for example when turning, to apply a further pressure to the air chamber 26, 27 which in this case is located on the outside of the turn.

It will be obvious that the features of the second, third and fourth embodiments shown separately herein may be combined in any desired manner.

Fig. 6 shows a restraint system 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which case the restraining element 20 is not formed in the manner of a sleeping bag, but in the manner of a blanket covering the upper side of the occupant 50. In this case, the restraining element 20 is also connected to the reclining seat 10, and in fact a plurality of connecting elements 41, schematically represented here, are connected to the reclining seat 10, the connecting elements 41 in each case making a linear connection with the torso portion 12, thigh portion 14 and calf portion 15 (in particular the foot ends 16 thereof). In this case, the connecting element 41 can effect a certain movement of the restriction element 20 relative to the reclining seat 10, wherein a fastening of the respective connection can be provided in case of an accident. The restraining element 20 shown here is also made of a textile material, which can be reinforced in areas to improve the restraining action compared to conventional blankets. In this example, the foot portion 22 is disposed forward of the foot of the occupant 50 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a restoring force acting rearward of the foot may be applied.

Fig. 7 shows a restraint system 5 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the fifth embodiment, but in which a first air chamber 25, which accordingly extends above the occupant 50, is incorporated in a restraining element 20, the restraining element 20 corresponding in structure and function to the air chamber in fig. 4.

Fig. 8 shows a restraint system 5 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, the restraint system 5 being similar to the fifth embodiment. Similarly to the fourth embodiment shown in fig. 5, air chambers 27 extending on both sides of the legs of the occupant 50 are incorporated in the restraining element 20.

Fig. 9 shows a restraint system 5 according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. In this case, the restraining element 20 in the form of a blanket is provided in a similar manner to the fifth embodiment shown in fig. 6. In the case of the present embodiment, its restraining and stabilizing action is supplemented by a V-shaped restraining strip 28, the V-shaped restraining strip 28 being connected to the torso portion 12 at two shoulder joint regions 29 and to the thigh portion 14 at a step joint region 30 between the legs of the occupant 50. The restraint strap 28 may also be used in the seating position of the reclining seat 10 to ensure the safety of the occupant 25.

Fig. 10 and 11 show a restraint system 5 according to a ninth embodiment of the invention, which is correspondingly similar to the fifth embodiment. In order to improve the protection of the head of the occupant 50, in this case two head airbags 31 are incorporated into the head portion 11 of the reclining seat 10. In normal driving operation of the motor vehicle 1, the head airbag 31 is stored in the head portion 11, as schematically shown in fig. 10. In the event of an accident, the head airbag 31 is inflated by the inflator and deployed as shown in fig. 11. The airbag stabilizes and protects the head of the occupant 50 from the side and above.

It is obvious that the features of the fifth to ninth embodiments, which are shown separately here, can also be combined with one another.

List of reference numerals

1 Motor vehicle

2 side wall

5 restraining system

10 reclining chair

11 head part

12 trunk part

13 leg part

14 thigh parts

15 lower leg part

16 foot end

20 restraining element

21 cap part

22 foot part

23 head opening

24 arm opening

25. 26, 27 air chamber

28 restraining band

29 shoulder connecting region

30-step connecting area

31 head airbag

40. 41 connecting element

50 passenger

X X axis

Y Y axis

Claims

1. A restraint system (5) for a motor vehicle (1), the motor vehicle (1) having a reclining seat (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle into a reclined position, and the reclining seat (10) having a head portion (11), a torso portion (12) and a leg portion (13) as support for the head, torso and legs of an occupant (50),

it is characterized by comprising:

a restraining element (20), the restraining element (20) being formed to cover an upper side of the occupant (50) in the reclined position and extending continuously from above the torso portion (12) to above the leg portion (13), and the restraining element (20) being connectable to the reclined seat (10) on both sides of both portions (12, 13) in a lateral direction (Y) of the vehicle.

2. The restraint system according to claim 1,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the restraining element (20) is formed for circumferentially surrounding the occupant (50) transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle.

3. The restraint system according to claim 1 or 2,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the restraining element (20) has a foot portion (22), the foot portion (22) being at least partially disposed on a front side of a foot of the occupant (50) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle to apply a restraining force to the foot on a rear side.

4. The restraint system according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the restraint element (20) is connectable to a front end (16) of the reclining seat (10) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle.

5. The restraint system according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the restraining element (20) has at least one inflatable air chamber (25, 26, 27).

6. The restraint system according to claim 5,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the pressure controller is formed for selectively increasing or decreasing the internal pressure of at least one of the air chambers (25, 26, 27) and/or at least one of the air chambers (25, 26, 27) forms an airbag which can be inflated by the gas generator in the event of an accident.

7. The restraint system according to claim 5 or 6,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

at least one of the air chambers (25, 26, 27) is arranged to the side of the occupant and/or above the occupant in the transverse direction (Y) of the vehicle.

8. The restraint system according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the restraint system has a V-shaped restraint strap (28), the V-shaped restraint strap (28) being connected to the recumbent seat (10) in a step connection region (30) between first and second shoulder connection regions (29) of a shoulder region of the occupant (50) and a leg of the occupant (50).

9. The restraint system according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the restraint system has at least one head airbag (31), the at least one head airbag (31) being inflatable in the event of an accident to protect the head of the occupant (50).

10. The restraint system according to claim 9, wherein,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the at least one head airbag (31) is integrated in the head portion (11) of the reclining seat (10).