DE102005041389A1 - Occupant restraint system for motor vehicle, has belt monitoring units to indicate or forecast impact of belt with collision, and control unit has decision-making units to control adjusting units depending upon signal from monitoring units - Google Patents

Abstract

The occupant restraint system has a collision recognizing unit to recognize a collision of a motor vehicle. A vehicle seat has adjusting units to adjust the seat surface with respect to the form, position and/or cushion hardness of the seat. Belt monitoring units indicate or forecast an impact of a safety belt with a collision. A control unit has decision-making units to control the adjusting units depending upon a signal from the monitoring units. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle seat for use with the occupant restraint system.

Description

The The present invention relates to an occupant restraint device and a vehicle Vehicle seat for use with an occupant restraint.

It is known that the effect of an occupant restraint device, such as, in particular, that of an airbag or a seatbelt, can depend significantly on the seat adjustment and posture of the occupant. Depending on the seating position, sitting posture and the action of a seat belt, the occupant experiences very different dynamics in the event of a sudden deceleration of the vehicle. In particular, if the occupant is secured by a belt, the deceleration force acting on the occupant's legs can cause undesirable "pulling" or "dipping" of the body under the belt across the seat cushion. This effect, also referred to as "submarining", can be counteracted by tensing or stiffening the front edge of the seat cushion, as is the case in the documents, among other things US 6,113,185 and WO 2004/103779 is disclosed. Without the restraining effect of a safety belt, this effect does not occur. An employment or stiffening of the seat cushion at its front edge is therefore dispensable in such cases. However, it even turns out that such an adjustment or stiffening of the seat edge can adversely affect the dynamics of the occupant, if this is not retained by a belt but only by a front airbag. In the absence of belt forces, the occupant moves significantly farther forward over the seat. In this case, the contact with the airbag cushion prevents further movement. In this case, if the seat cushion rises to the front or the hardness of the seat cushion increases towards the front edge, this can cause an acceleration of the occupant up with the undesirable consequence of a head impact in the upper window frame.

The The invention therefore has the object, in a first aspect, of an occupant restraint system to create, with the use situations to be considered among all the greatest possible security guaranteed is.

Under In another aspect, the invention has the object, a Vehicle seat with an integrated support function for such an occupant restraint system to accomplish.

Under the first aspect, the object of the invention is achieved by an occupant restraint device with the features specified in claim 1.

Under In another aspect, the object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle seat having the features specified in claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the present Invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

One Inventive vehicle seat can be further developed, even in the case of a sudden Lateral acceleration of the vehicle, for example in the case of a side impact, a support the effect of other retention agents afford to.

preferred embodiments The present invention will be described by way of example below. being attached to the attached Drawings reference is made. Show:

1 a block diagram of an occupant restraint device for a motor vehicle;

2 a flowchart of the operation of the occupant restraint according to 1 ;

3 a first vehicle seat in the use position;

4 the first vehicle seat according to 1 in a position with lowered front portion of the seat;

5 a second vehicle seat in the use position;

6 the second vehicle seat according to 5 with seat support lowered in the area of the middle;

7 a third vehicle seat in the use position;

8th the third vehicle seat according to 7 with seat backrest lowered at the rear;

9 the third vehicle seat according to 7 with front lowered seat support;

10 a fourth vehicle seat in the use position;

11 the fourth vehicle seat according to 10 with front raised seat carrier;

12 a fifth vehicle seat in the use position;

13 the fifth vehicle seat according to 12 with seat backrest lowered at the back;

14 the fifth vehicle seat according to 12 with front lowered seat support.

An occupant restraint device 1 for a motor vehicle comprises according to the in 1 given block diagram per se known airbag devices 2 , an impact detection device 3 and a controller 4 , At a vehicle seat are fitting means 5 provided for adjusting the seat. Further, on the vehicle seat is a safety belt with Gurtüberwachungseinrichtungen 6 arranged.

The impact detection device 3 serves to detect a collision of a vehicle with an obstacle. In particular, a known acceleration sensor arranged in the vehicle nose can be used for this purpose. Signals from the impact detection device 3 are also the controller 4 fed and processed there.

The belt monitoring devices 6 serve to display or predict (forecast) a load on the seatbelt in the event of a sudden vehicle deceleration. In the presence or imminence of such a belt engagement give the belt monitoring devices 6 a signal to the controllers 4 from. This signal shows the control device in the simultaneous presence of the signals from the impact detection device 3 the existing or imminent impact of the seatbelt on the dynamics of an occupant. In the simplest case, it can be obtained from the locking of a belt buckle assigned to the vehicle seat. The simple approach is based on the assumption that when the buckle is engaged, the belt is almost certainly correctly attached to an occupant and accordingly will affect its dynamics in the event of a sudden deceleration of the vehicle. Alternatively, the actual belt tension may be determined by a tensile force sensor or the like. The control device 4 generates output signals to the airbag devices 2 and the fitting means 5 be supplied to the vehicle seat. The adjustment means 5 on the vehicle seat allow in a conventional manner the partial stiffening and / or raising the seat. The adjustment means 5 allow in the simplest case, at least, to raise or lower the front edge of the seat.

The processing of the signals in the control device 4 will be referred to below with reference to 2 described. The control device 4 then mainly comprises a decision maker. This is the arrival of a signal from the impact detection device 3 Check if there is or is expected to be an impact of the seat belt on the dynamics of the occupant. This is the presence of a signal from the belt monitoring devices 6 checked. Optionally, the decision device will start from a belted occupant and a signal of the first kind to the fitting means 5 submit. By definition, the adjustment means 5 in response to the signal of the first kind, lifting or stiffening the leading edge of the seat. In this way, a "pulling" or "dipping" of the occupant under the seat belt is counteracted due to the deceleration forces acting on the legs.

If, on the other hand, the decision device has an impact signal from the impact detection device 3 receives, but within a short predetermined period no signal from the Gurtüberwachungseinrichtungen 6 arrives, a signal of the second kind to the fitting means 5 submit. These react to the signal of the second kind by lowering or relieving the front edge of the seat. An undesirable upward acceleration of the occupant on a forwardly rising seat with the result of a head impact is thereby countered. In both cases, the control device 4 a trigger signal to the airbag devices 2 submit. In response to this signal, the airbag devices 2 in a known manner expel an air bag in the space in front of the occupant.

alternative The detection of an impact can also be done directly by accelerometer take place at the vehicle seat. In particular, in the simplest case a slidably held on the seat base specimen for Detecting a collision be provided. Such a mechanical Detection of an impact may u.U. be preferable if electric Installations on the seat are undesirable, especially if the seat is easily removable from the vehicle should be.

According to 3 includes a first vehicle seat 7 for use in a previously described occupant restraint, a seat base 8th with funds 9 for height-adjustable and longitudinally displaceable connection to a vehicle body. At the seat base 2 pivotally connected are a padded backrest 10 and a seat carrier 11 , in particular a seat pan with an applied padding 12 , Squab support 11 and upholstery 12 form the seat 13 , The pivotable connection of the backrest 10 and the adjusting means 9 at the seat base 8th allow it, the first vehicle seat 7 for an individually comfortable sitting posture. The pivoting Connection of the seat carrier 11 on the other hand serves in the illustrated first vehicle seat 7 exclusively influencing the dynamics of the occupant in the event of a collision of the vehicle with an obstacle. The first vehicle seat looks like this 7 the possibility in front of the seat carrier 11 before or during a collision of the vehicle with an obstacle on the front edge 14 if the occupant on the seat is not restrained by a safety belt. In addition, the first vehicle seat provides the possibility of the front edge of the seat carrier 11 if the occupant in the seat is or is likely to be held by a safety belt. The facilities provided for these two functions facilities at the first vehicle seat 7 will be described below with reference to the 3 and 4 described.

In the use position according to 3 is the swivel seat carrier 11 through a lock 15 opposite the seat base 8th established. The lock 15 this includes a sliding latch 16 and a pole 17 , The sliding bar 16 is approximately horizontal in the plane of the seat 13 in the longitudinal direction of the first vehicle seat 7 slidably arranged.

At the front end of the sliding latch 16 is an elongated slot 18 with in the direction of movement of the sliding latch 16 sections of different width created. The pole 17 is at the front at the bottom of the seat carrier 11 preferably rigidly attached.

That from the seat carrier 11 protruding outer end of the rod 17 preferably has a rectangular cross-section with a short constriction 19 transverse to the direction of movement of the sliding latch 16 on.

In the use position further protrudes the rod 17 with the outer end through the elongated slot 18 therethrough. The width of the oblong slot 18 is on the width of the rectangular cross section on the pole 17 and the depth of the constriction at this point matched in the way that the sliding latch 16 in the constriction 19 only intervenes when the rod 17 in a middle section of the elongated slot 18 passes through the sliding bolt 16 so in its middle position. Accordingly, a shift of the sliding bar causes 16 from this position forward or backward unlocking the lock 15 of the seat carrier 11 ,

In the event of a triggering of the pivotable seat support 11 to a pivotal movement, in which the leading edge 14 the seat 13 is lowered, the dynamic load of the seat by the occupant, the required force to move the seat carrier 5 completely apply. Consequently, it is sufficient, in this case, the lock 15 of the seat carrier 11 to the seat base 8th over the pole 17 and the sliding latch 16 repealed. The other situation described above, in the case of a belted occupant pivotal movement of the seat carrier 11 with a lifting of the seat 13 at the front edge 14 is desired, but can not be controlled by utilizing the dynamic seat load. To drive such a pivoting movement against the dynamic seat load, sees the first vehicle seat 7 a mechanical energy storage in the manner of a counter to the desired pivoting direction of the seat carrier 11 preloaded helical torsion spring 20 in the area of its pivot axis "A." One end of the helical torsion spring 20 is preferably supported directly on the seat support 11 from. The other end of the helical torsion spring 20 is supported in the position of use on one end of the sliding latch 16 from. Together with the above-described property of the sliding latch 16 , at any shift from the rest position, the lock 15 of the seat carrier 11 release, the desired multiple function.

According to 4 is when moving the sliding latch 15 forward next to releasing the latch 15 also the support of the helical torsion spring 20 canceled. The seat carrier 11 is pivoted alone under the dynamic seat load so that the leading edge 14 the seat 13 lowers.

When moving the sliding latch 16 to the rear, however, is the support of the helical torsion spring 20 remain. Thus, in this case, in the helical torsion spring 20 stored mechanical energy for moving the seat carrier 11 lifting the front edge 14 the seat 13 to disposal. With sufficiently high spring hardness and preload force, all expected load cases, including those with high dynamic seat load, can be controlled safely.

Moving the sliding latch 16 will be as described above in response to the detection of an impact signal by an impact detection device. In the simplest case, the vehicle seat is an electric actuator 21 provided in response to an incoming preferably electrical or optical signal, the sliding latch 16 operated in the desired manner. Because the sliding bolt 16 occasionally has to be moved in one direction or the other, sees the electric actuator 21 the processing of two distinguishable input signals.

A second vehicle seat 25 according to 6 sees an adaptation of the seat caused solely by the dynamic seat load occurring during an impact 13 in front. Same components as the first vehicle seat 7 are referred to below with the same reference numerals. A controlling effect on the seat adjustment is limited to the second vehicle seat 25 However, on the release of the lock 15 , On the left and right side of the seat base 8th is over two substantially horizontally extending lever 26 a short section of the seat carrier 11 held. The levers 26 grip on opposite rear joints 27 in a rear area of the seat base 8th at. The through the back joints 27 defined pivot axis "B" preferably runs transversely to the seat direction, preferably parallel to define the front joints 28 another pivot axis "C" at the connection of the rear portion of the seat pan to the front ends of the lever 26 , At the front end of the seat carrier 11 is a short prop 29 attached pivotally. The short prop 29 runs from the connection away obliquely down to the area of the vehicle floor. The lower end of the support 29 is in a short straight line 30 reversibly locked. This first lock 31 is by a first preferably electric actuator 32 solvable.

A second releasable lock 33 exists between the front joints 28 and the side cheeks of the seat base 8th , In response to a first type of signal from a controller, at the second vehicle seat 25 the first lock 31 canceled. Through the oblique in the straight line 30 induced forces due to the seat load becomes the lower end of the short prop 29 slide away to the rear and a downward movement of the front edge of the seat carrier 11 allow. In response to a second type of signal from a controller, at the second vehicle seat 25 the second lock 33 triggered. Under the load of the occupant becomes according to 6 the rear portion of the seat carrier 11 sink down.

In a third vehicle seat 40 according to the 7 and 8th is the seat carrier 11 in front and behind scenes 41 . 42 held. On sidewalls 43 of the seat carrier 11 protrude cones 44 in across the seating direction. The cones 44 engage in pairs opposite arcuate slots of the scenes 41 . 42 in the seat base 8th one. In each case a liftable lock 45 . 46 prevents the movement of the seat carrier 11 in the respective scenery 41 . 42 , In response to a first type of signal from the controller, the rear interlock indicates 46 the movement of the rear spigots 44 down in the backyard 42 free. In response to a second-type signal from the controller, the front interlock gives 45 the movement of the front pins 44 on the seat carrier 11 down in the front gate 41 free. Alternatively, regardless of the type of signal, both latches can be used 45 . 46 be released. The seat carrier 11 then moves depending on the dynamic seat load according to the 8th and 9 in one way or another.

A fourth vehicle seat 50 according to the 10 and 11 looks as a seat carrier 11 a swiveling frame 51 at the front part of the seat 13 in front. The sake of clarity is omitted on the cross struts 52 arranged the frame short partial seat shell, which receives the padding in the region of the seat front edge. Approximately in its middle is the frame 51 with its outer edges on parallel levers 53 hinged. The levers 53 extend obliquely forward to opposite hinge points 54 at the front end of the seat base 8th , Behind the approximately central connection to the levers 53 indicates the frame 51 two aligned, outwardly projecting in the horizontal direction pin 55 on. The cones 55 are slidable in two slightly slanted arc-shaped scenes 56 in the seat base 8th added. Not shown in the drawing is a liftable lock 57 which the cones 55 in the middle of the scenes 56 sets. The unlockable lock 57 reacts at the fourth vehicle seat 50 equally to signals of the first and second kind by releasing the determination. The frame 51 with the attached partial seating shell is due to the occurring different dynamic seat load with respect to the seat base 8th occasionally moved either forward or backward. If the occupant is held by a seatbelt, the dynamic seat load will act accordingly 11 a movement of the frame 51 forward by raising the front crossbar 52 of the frame 51 and thus the front edge of the seat 13 , On the other hand, if the occupant is not held by a seatbelt, forward weight shifting causes an immediate increase in load on the front crossbar 52 , This will be the frame 51 over the obliquely hinged lever 53 pushed back while lowering the front edge of the seat 13 ,

A fourth vehicle seat 60 according to the 12 to 14 sees a storage of the seat carrier 11 in an at least cylindrical, but preferably spherical or spherical trough 61 at the seat base 8th in front. The seat carrier 11 is designed as a seat pan and against even rotation in the tub 61 secured. In the simplest case, this backup is done by several longitudinally down to the seat support 11 fixed pins 62 in longitudinal slots 63 the tub 61 intervention. An unlockable latch not shown in detail prevents the movement of the seat carrier 11 , When the lock is unlocked, the seat support can 11 move forwards or backwards under the dynamic seat load. The dynamic seat load of a belted occupant is determined according to 13 the seat surface support 11 and push the seat pan forward, with the front edge of the seat 13 will lift up. An unbelted occupant will lean forward over the seat surface with little friction 13 slip and by pressing on the front edge of the seat pan this into the tub 61 push it in. The seat carrier 11 and the seat pan shift in accordance with 14 in addition to the rear.

Alternatively, at the third, fourth and fifth vehicle seat 40 . 50 . 60 the seat carrier 11 be moved by the release of a mechanical energy storage, an electric actuator or a pyrotechnic actuator.

The special storage of the seat carrier 11 in a spherical tub 61 allowed at the fifth vehicle seat 60 in addition, the pivoting of the seat 13 around a horizontal longitudinal axis. This additional degree of freedom allows the lateral displacement and tilt of the seat 13 For example, in a side impact or to improve comfort when cornering. Of course, the storage of the seat carrier in a cylindrical or spherical well with the first, second, third or fourth vehicle seat 7 . 25 . 40 . 50 according to the 3 to 11 be combined to meet, for example, special requirements for a side impact or comfort.

1

Occupant restraint

2

airbag facilities

 3

Impact detection devices

4

control devices

 5

matching means

6

Gurtüberwachungseinrichtungen

 7

Vehicle Seat, first

8th

seat base

 9

adjustment

10

backrest

 11

Squab support

14

leading edge

 12

upholstery

13

seat

 15

lock

16

slide bolt

18

slot

17

pole

 19

constriction

20

helical torsion

 21

actuator

25

Vehicle Seat, second

 26

Lever, horizontal

27

front joints

 28

rear joints

29

Support diagonally downwards

 30

straight guide

31

lock first

 32

Actuator first

33

lock second

 40

Vehicle Seat, third

41

scenes, ahead

42

scenes, behind

43

Sidewall

44

spigot

45

lock ahead

46

lock behind

50

Vehicle Seat, fourth

51

frame

52

crossbars

53

Lever, both

54

pivot points at the seat base

55

spigot

56

scenes

60

Vehicle Seat, fifth

61

tub

62

spigot

63

slots

Claims (20)

Occupant restraint device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle, comprising an impact detection device ( 3 ) for detecting an impact of the motor vehicle on an obstacle, an airbag device ( 2 ), a safety belt and a vehicle seat with adapter means ( 5 ) for adjusting the seat surface, further comprising belt monitoring devices ( 6 ) are provided for displaying or forecasting a load on the seatbelt in the event of an impact, and a control device ( 4 ) with decision-making devices for driving the adjustment means ( 5 ) in response to a signal from the belt monitoring devices ( 6 ). Occupant restraint device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting means ( 5 ) allow an adjustment of the seat surface of the vehicle seat in terms of their shape, position and / or cushion hardness. Occupant restraint device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt monitoring devices ( 6 ) catch the safety belt lock on the buckle. Occupant restraint device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt monitoring devices ( 6 ) detect the belt tension. Occupant restraint device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision devices are designed to adjust the adjustment means ( 5 ) in the display or prognosis of a load on the seat belt such that they lift a front portion of the seat. Occupant restraint device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision devices are designed to adjust the adjustment means ( 5 ) in the display or prediction of a load on the seat belt such that they lower a rear portion of the seat. Occupant restraint device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision facilities are designed, the adjustment means ( 5 ) in the display or prediction of a load on the seat belt such that they increase the pad hardness in a front portion of the seat. Occupant restraint device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision devices are designed to adjust the adjustment means ( 5 ) in the absence of the indication or prediction of a load on the seat belt such that they lower a front portion of the seat. Occupant restraint device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision devices are designed to adjust the adjustment means ( 5 ) in the absence of the indication or prediction of a load on the seat belt such that they lower the cushion hardness in a front portion of the seat. Vehicle seat ( 7 ; 25 ; 40 ; 50 ; 60 ) for use in an occupant restraint system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 with a seat support ( 11 ), which is pivotable in total or in sections by a number of horizontally extending pivot axes (A; B, C) from a central position at least in two directions, and locking means ( 15 . 16 . 17 ; 31 . 32 ; 45 . 46 ) for completely or partially suppressing the possible pivoting movements. Vehicle seat ( 25 ) according to claim 10, wherein the pivotable portion of the seat carrier ( 11 ) by removable hinged connections on the seat base ( 8th ) or the vehicle floor by two spaced in the seat longitudinal direction extending axes (B, C) is pivotally and releasably locked. Vehicle seat according to claim 11, wherein the pivotable portion of the seat carrier ( 11 ) by a number of longitudinal levers ( 26 ) at the seat base ( 8th ) is struck. Vehicle seat ( 25 ) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the pivotable portion of the seat carrier ( 11 ) with a support ( 29 ) is posted aufhebbar on the vehicle floor. Vehicle seat ( 40 ; 50 ) according to claim 10, wherein the pivotable portion of the seat carrier ( 11 ) with projections or pins ( 44 ; 55 ) movable in scenes ( 41 . 42 ; 56 ) is mounted on the seat base. Vehicle seat ( 50 ) according to claim 13, wherein the pivotable portion of the seat carrier ( 11 ) with substantially parallel levers ( 53 ) on the left and right side of the seat base ( 8th ) is struck. Vehicle seat according to claim 10, wherein the seat carrier ( 11 ) in a cylindrical or spherical well ( 61 ) is slidably received. Vehicle seat ( 60 ) according to claim 16, wherein the seat support ( 11 ) in a spherical bath ( 61 ) and secured against flat rotation. Vehicle seat ( 7 ) according to claim 10, wherein the pivotable portion of the seat carrier ( 11 ) with regard to an intended pivoting movement through a relieving energy store ( 20 ) is biased and the locking means ( 15 . 16 . 17 ) are operable in a first and a second type, wherein in the first type only one movement of the seat carrier ( 11 ) is unlocked and in the second kind a movement of the seat carrier ( 11 ) and the energy store ( 20 ) is relieved. Vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the energy store ( 20 ) comprises a spring means and in particular a mechanical spring or an air spring. Vehicle seat according to claim 19, wherein the energy store ( 20 ) by removing the mechanical connection of the spring means to the seat carrier ( 11 ) and / or the seat base ( 8th ) is relieved.