DE102008033714A1 - Seat arrangement for motor vehicle, has inflatable element that is formed and arranged such that inflatable element predominantly expands towards passenger, when inflatable element is inflated - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement (1) has a vehicle seat (3) comprising an inflatable element (4) that is inflatable for protecting a passenger (5) seated on the vehicle seat. The inflatable element is formed and arranged such that the inflatable element predominantly expands towards the passenger, when the inflatable element is inflated. An inflator inflates the inflatable element. The inflatable element largely extends between a side (312) of the vehicle seat and the passenger in an inflated condition. An independent claim is also included for a method for protecting a passenger.

Description

The The present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of protection a vehicle occupant.

It is known, in a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle, a side airbag to integrate, resulting in a collision of the vehicle in the room between the vehicle seat and the vehicle side structure unfolded.

The to be solved by the invention The problem is to realize a simple and feasible way efficient protection for to provide a vehicle occupant seated on a vehicle seat.

This Problem is solved by the vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1 and by the Method according to claim 20 solved. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

• – einem Fahrzeugsitz, der mindestens ein zum Schutz eines auf dem Fahrzeugsitz befindlichen Fahrzeuginsassen aufblasbares Element aufweist, wobei
• – das aufblasbare Element so ausgebildet und angeordnet ist, dass es sich überwiegend in Richtung auf den Fahrzeuginsassen ausdehnt, wenn es aufgeblasen wird.

Thereafter, a vehicle seat assembly is provided for a motor vehicle, with

• A vehicle seat having at least one element that is inflatable for protecting a vehicle occupant located on the vehicle seat, wherein
• - The inflatable element is designed and arranged so that it expands predominantly in the direction of the vehicle occupant when it is inflated.

The In particular, the inflatable element has a wrapping material that is inflatable Chamber limited. The wrapping material is z. B. from a conventional Airbag fabric formed, wherein two or more layers of the airbag material, especially about an edge seam, can be connected to each other. As wrapping material, however, there are others (eg elastic) materials in question.

Of Further, the chamber of the inflatable element also directly be limited by structures of the vehicle seat itself, so that the inflatable element has no separate wrapping material. To this Embodiment will be discussed in more detail below.

In In one variant, the inflatable element extends in the uninflated state Condition flat. Does the inflatable element a shell material on, which consists of one or more material layers, it is z. B. unfolded or only a few folds (eg., With only one fold) provided on or in the vehicle seat.

Of Further, the inflatable element is an example of the invention designed and arranged so that it is mostly when inflated between a side of the built-in vehicle seat that the Vehicle seat closer vehicle longitudinal side (the two, opposite each other Vehicle longitudinal sides the vehicle) and extends the vehicle occupant. D. H. the inflatable element does not extend like a conventional one Side gas bag predominantly between the vehicle seat and the vehicle longitudinal side, but in one Area, on the one hand by a plane in which facing the vehicle longitudinal side Side of the vehicle seat extends and on the other hand by the vehicle occupants is limited. The inflatable element thus protrudes in the inflated Condition barely or not at all in the space between the vehicle seat and the vehicle longitudinal side.

To the Inflation of the inflatable element means are provided in particular the inflatable element from the beginning of a collision of the motor vehicle inflation. The funds are by a control signal of a crash sensor the vehicle is activated; especially if this is a side collision of the vehicle detected. Thus, the inflatable element has the Function, the vehicle occupants in the event of actually occurring To protect collision.

The inflatable element is in another embodiment of the invention so formed and arranged that while it is (impulsive) Expands a force (or impulse) on the vehicle occupant exerts him from a vehicle side structure (vehicle long side) moved away. In particular, the vehicle occupant is inflated by the inflating inflatable element of a collision point of the vehicle, in particular from a portion of the vehicle seat nearest vehicle longitudinal side, which is affected by a collision of the vehicle, moves away. The inflation of the inflatable element is in particular so, that the force on the vehicle occupants is not so great that there is a risk of injury.

By moving the vehicle occupant away from the collision location a movement of the vehicle occupant due to its inertia the collision site counteracted. In addition, it is increasing the existing between the vehicle occupant and the collision point Way (absorption path), so that more energy one due to the collision in the vehicle interior intruding structure of the vehicle (in particular the vehicle's longitudinal side) is dissipated before the structure hits the vehicle occupant, than when using only one conventional side airbag.

In particular, the inflatable element thus exerts the force on the vehicle occupant who uses it moved away from the collision location, before it comes into direct contact with an intruding into the vehicle interior portion of the vehicle side structure. That is, moving the vehicle occupant away from the collision location is independent of the movement of the collision location toward the vehicle occupant, ie, the vehicle occupant is not moved onto the inflatable element due to an impact of the intruding vehicle side structure. Only in the further course of the collision, ie with advanced penetration of the vehicle side structure in the interior, it may lead to an indirect or immediate impact of the intruding structure with the vehicle occupant, wherein the strength of the impact is reduced by the extended absorption path.

The inflatable element is formed in a variant of the invention and arranged it predominantly acting on the rib area of the vehicle occupant. In another Embodiment, the force is mainly in the shoulder and / or the pelvis of the vehicle occupant transferred to this.

In another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle seat assembly Means for steaming an impact of the vehicle occupant and / or a vehicle structure on the inflatable element. The funds include in particular an absorbing element, the energy of the impacting structure or the impacting vehicle occupant dissipated. For example the means comprise a shock absorber structure, which is coupled to the inflatable element, or a discharge opening, from the gas from the inflatable element can flow to the outside.

The Outflow opening is For example, permanently in a shell material that has a chamber of surrounding inflatable element, present. In another embodiment is the outflow opening too Start of inflation of the inflatable element closed and will not start until a predefinable time after the start of inflation open or she will only be in the inflatable after a certain time Element formed. It can Of course also several outflow openings to be available.

In In a further development, the inflatable element is formed in a first phase of stretching the force on the vehicle occupants exercise, while the means of steaming an impact (of the vehicle occupant and / or an intruder Vehicle structure) during a subsequent, second phase of expanding the inflatable Elementes are activated.

In This training is thus first inflating the inflatable Element without the means for damping the impact are activated. this makes possible in particular a most efficient power transmission from the expanding inflatable element on the vehicle occupants and thus one possible effectively moving the vehicle occupant away. For example, show the means of steaming an impact in this variant of the invention, an outflow opening of the inflatable element, which only after a certain time after Beginning of the inflation of the inflatable element is released so that the inflatable element in the initial phase as possible expands rapidly and one as possible huge Impulse to the vehicle occupants.

The Outflow opening can z. B. be controlled passively, d. H. especially include a mechanism which uses the expansion of the gas bag to release the discharge opening.

This For example, it may be a tape attached to a wrapping material the inflatable element is fixed and that with a locking mechanism connected to the discharge opening is. The opening the outflow opening can also take place actively, in particular by a closure device, which responds to a control signal of crash electronics of the vehicle and the outflow opening in dependence from the control signal z. B. pyrotechnic or electromechanical releases.

It It should be noted that the inflatable element and / or the Although in particular means for inflating the inflatable element be activated at the beginning of the collision. However, it can also be provided be that inflating the inflatable element already before the beginning of the actual collision is initiated to the vehicle occupants preferably to move away from the collision point and one as far as possible huge Absorption path to create. The triggering of the inflatable element can thus already in response to a control signal of a pre-crash electronics of the vehicle.

In Another embodiment of the invention is the inflatable element reversibly inflatable, d. H. it can also for comfort purposes (eg. B. for change the shape of the seat). At the same time are the means for inflating the inflatable element designed so that they a repeated filling allow the inflatable element.

It is understood that the vehicle seat may also have a plurality of inflatable elements. In particular, several inflatable elements may each be designed in the form of a chamber of a multi-chamber element. The chambers are z. B. limited by a common shell material and z. B. delimited by seams, wherein it is not excluded that the chambers or some of the chambers are in fluid communication with each other.

The inflatable element or the plurality of inflatable elements is / are about that addition z. B. arranged on or in a side cheek of the vehicle seat, which faces the vehicle occupant located on the seat. The side wall delimits in particular a middle part of a seat surface and / or a backrest of the vehicle seat. It can also be provided that to each other opposite Side cheeks of the vehicle seat each arranged inflatable elements are.

In another embodiment of the invention are at least two inflatable Elements - related on the installed state of the vehicle seat - along the vehicle height direction one above the other and / or at least two inflatable elements transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction arranged side by side. Arranging several inflatable elements one above the other allows in particular, that a larger body portion of the vehicle occupant (along his body length) from the inflatable element is covered or over a larger body section a force can be transmitted to the vehicle occupants. Especially are the one above the other arranged inflatable elements so that they themselves in the inflated state, in each case substantially not between the vehicle seat and the vehicle side structure closest to the vehicle seat extend.

The transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction arranged inflatable elements are particularly formed and arranged that the forces in Direction of the vehicle occupant, respectively, when expanding the inflatable Elements arise, adding up, making one over a single inflatable Element increased Force (or pulse) acts on the vehicle occupant. Especially are the juxtaposed several inflatable elements designed and arranged so that they are inflated essentially not between the vehicle seat and the vehicle seat the nearest Vehicle side structure extend.

It It is understood that the plurality of inflatable elements, one above the other in the vehicle height direction or which are arranged next to one another in the vehicle transverse direction, either as separately manufactured elements, the z. B. with each other are connected, or formed as chambers of a multi-chamber element could be.

In Another variant of the invention is the inflatable element arranged in a padding of the vehicle seat. For example For example, the inflatable element comprises a wrapping material which is a chamber surrounding the inflatable element, wherein the wrapping material in the padding (eg in the form of a foam) is embedded. In another Variant is the inflatable element in the form of a stretchable cavity formed in the upholstery. The wrapping material, which is a chamber the inflatable element is thus surrounded by the padding formed himself, d. H. the padding limits the chamber of the inflatable Element. An additional shell material is not present. For example, the upholstery is in the environment the cavity is carried out substantially gas-tight, so that bubbles on the cavity as possible little gas over the upholstery flows out and efficient expansion of the cavity occurs.

are several inflatable elements present (eg in the form of several chambers an inflatable multi-chamber element), the individual inflatable Elements are not necessarily filled at the same time. It is also conceivable that the inflatable elements are successive or some of the inflatable ones Elements not filled at all become. How or which of the inflatable elements are filled, is determined in particular by an electronic control system of the vehicle, the nature and severity of the collision and / or characteristics (body size, body weight, etc.) of the vehicle occupant.

In another variant is the inflatable element between a Upholstery and a cover (eg fabric or leather) of the vehicle seat arranged. In addition, the inflatable element is on the padding and / or on the reference, d. H. via fasteners with connected to the reference. additionally or alternatively, the inflatable element may have a different structure be connected to the vehicle seat. Connecting the inflatable element with a structure of the vehicle seat has in particular the purpose forces in the event of an impact of the vehicle occupant on the inflatable Element arise, divert or the inflatable element when Impact of the vehicle occupant to keep in position.

In In another embodiment, the inflatable element is at one outside a vehicle seat cover arranged. This, for example, so that when inflated between the vehicle seat (eg. a side cheek of the vehicle seat) and the vehicle occupant extends. Especially it extends in the inflated state between the side of the Vehicle seat, that of the vehicle seat nearest vehicle side structure facing, and the vehicle occupant.

Of Further, the vehicle seat assembly may include attachment means via which the inflatable element so on a structure of the vehicle seat attached is that the direction of stretching of the inflatable Element is affected. For example, the fastening means comprise a ribbon that contains a section of a shell material of the inflatable Element connects to the vehicle seat, wherein the tape is the Hauptausdehnungsrichtung of the inflatable element controls. Of course, several such Provided bands be.

In a further variant, the vehicle seat assembly according to the invention a shell material on, which limits a chamber of the inflatable element, wherein a connecting element is provided, the two sections of a Inside of the wrapping material so interconnects that the direction of stretching the inflatable Element is affected. In particular, the connecting element formed in the form of a band ("tether"). It can also several such bands be arranged.

In A further embodiment of the invention comprises the vehicle seat assembly Furthermore, an airbag, which in the unfolded state mostly extends between a vehicle side structure and the vehicle seat. Ie. next to the inflatable element or the plurality of inflatable Elements that exert a force on the vehicle occupant when expanding exercise, is a conventional gas bag (especially a side gas bag) arranged, which serves, energy of an intruding vehicle structure (In particular, a structure of a vehicle longitudinal side) to dissipate. One such additional conventional gas bag is due to the protective effect of the inflatable Element, however, not mandatory.

When Means for inflating the inflatable element in particular a pyrotechnic gas generator used at the time of Collision of the vehicle ignited becomes. In another example, a pneumatic pressure source is used for Inflating the inflatable element, the z. B. with a conventional Gas generator be supplemented can.

Especially The pneumatic pressure source can inflate the inflatable Element used before or at the beginning of the actual collision be, d. H. in a first phase of inflation, during the conventional (eg pyrotechnic) gas generator only in a later second Phase ignited will help to inflate the inflatable element. The Means for inflating the inflatable element may, should additionally a conventional gas bag be present, at the same time also serve to inflate the conventional gas bag. It can, however also be provided that the inflatable element and the conventional Airbag each have their own means of inflation.

In Another variant of the invention is the inflatable element and the means for inflating the inflatable element (and optionally other elements such. B. holding elements) in the vehicle seat, in particular in the backrest of the Vehicle seat, integrated. In one embodiment, these components are realized as a separate module, during assembly of the vehicle seat or after assembly of the vehicle seat in this or this is arranged. In particular, the inflatable element can be designed in this way be that its effect is essentially independent of the type of vehicle so that the inflatable element (or a module that the inflatable Comprises element and means for inflating the inflatable element) for different Vehicle types is usable.

The Invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference closer to the figures explained. Show it:

1 a vehicle seat assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

2 a vehicle seat assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

3 a vehicle seat assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention;

4 a vehicle seat assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

5 a sectional view of a part of a vehicle seat according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

6 the vehicle seat 5 with an inflatable element in the inflated state;

7 a sectional view of a part of a vehicle seat of a vehicle seat assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

8th a sectional view of a part of a vehicle seat assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

9 a sectional view of a part of a vehicle seat assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;

10 a sectional view of a part of a Vehicle seat assembly according to a ninth embodiment of the invention;

11 a modification of the embodiment of 10 ;

12 a further modification of the embodiment of 10 ;

13 a perspective view of an embodiment of two inflatable elements; and

14 a perspective view of another embodiment of two inflatable elements.

1 shows a vehicle seat assembly 1 in a vehicle 2 is mounted. The vehicle seat arrangement 1 includes a vehicle seat 3 who is in the area of his backrest 31 arranged inflatable element 4 having.

The inflatable element 4 is inflated when a crash sensor of the vehicle collides with a side structure 21 (Vehicle long side) of the vehicle. The force acting on the side structure due to the collision is indicated by the arrow K. The inflatable element 4 is designed and arranged so that it activates impulsively predominantly in the direction of a vehicle occupant seated on the seat 5 expands and so when expanding a force F on the vehicle occupants 5 exercises.

The force F of the vehicle occupant through the expanding inflatable element 4 experiences, moves him from the page structure 21 and thus away from the collision location, whereby the absorption path available is energy of a vehicle-side structure 21 , which intrudes under the action of the collision force K in the vehicle interior to dissipate.

The inflatable element 4 Unlike the conventional side airbag, it is arranged on the vehicle seat such that, when inflated, it is largely located between one side 312 of the vehicle seat 3 that the the seat 3 adjacent vehicle longitudinal side 21 facing, and the vehicle occupant 5 extends. A conventional side airbag, however, extends in the inflated state in the space between the side 312 and the vehicle longitudinal side 21 ,

2 shows in a modification of the embodiment of 1 a vehicle seat assembly adjacent to the inflatable element 4 also a conventional side airbag 6 having. In this variant of the invention, the vehicle occupant by the expanding inflatable element 4 from the page structure 21 , which is affected by a collision, moved away. At the same time, the absorption of energy of a structure intruding due to the collision becomes inflated between the vehicle seat 3 and the vehicle longitudinal side 21 extending side gas bag 6 supported.

Another modification of the embodiment of 1 shows 3 , Here are two inflatable elements 4a . 4b arranged side by side transversely to the vehicle longitudinal axis, each having a force on the vehicle occupant 5 exercise when they expand. The force of the outer (ie closer to the vehicle's longitudinal side 21 ) arranged element 4b becomes predominantly indirect via the inner inflatable element 4a transferred to the vehicle occupants.

The pointing in the direction of the vehicle occupant forces add up by this arrangement of the two inflatable elements, so that a greater force on the vehicle occupants 5 acting as when using only a single inflatable element, whereby the vehicle occupant can be moved away from the collision point a greater distance.

The inflatable elements 4a . 4b are in particular arranged so that in the inflated state mostly between the page 312 the vehicle seat to the vehicle occupant 5 extend, ie they do not extend or only with a small proportion between the vehicle seat 3 (ie its page 312 ) and the vehicle longitudinal side 21 ,

4 shows a further modification of the embodiment of 1 which requires two inflatable elements 4a . 4b are arranged one above the other in the vehicle height direction. With this arrangement, it is possible to sen on a larger body portion of the Fahrzeuginsas 5 act. In particular, the upper inflatable element 4a arranged in the shoulder region of the vehicle occupant, while the lower inflatable element 4b from a rib area to a pelvic area of the vehicle occupant 5 extends.

Of course, the arrangements of the 2 to 4 also be combined with each other. It can z. B. several elements in vehicle height direction one above the other and also several elements in the vehicle transverse direction may be arranged side by side. In addition, in addition, a conventional side airbag, as in 2 be shown provided.

5 shows a horizontal section through a vehicle seat assembly according to the invention in Height of a backrest of the vehicle seat of the vehicle seat assembly. The backrest 31 has a side wall 311 on, which is a middle section 314 the backrest 31 limited. In the side wall 311 is a frame 313 arranged, which stabilizes the backrest.

The frame 313 is at least in sections of a padding 7 surrounding, which also forms a portion of the vehicle seat, which should be facing a vehicle occupant located on the seat (not shown). The upholstery 7 is of a reference 8th surrounded, which forms an outside of the vehicle seat. The upholstery 7 is z. B. formed by a foam-like material.

In the upholstery 7 is an inflatable element 4 arranged. The inflatable element comprises in a variant of the material of the padding 7 various wrapping material on which an inflatable chamber 41 limited. For example, the shell material consists of a textile fabric, such as a conventional airbag material.

In another variant, the inflatable element 4 no separate wrapping material, but the material of the padding 7 Immediately limits the inflatable chamber 41 , In this variant, the inflatable element is thus as a stretchable cavity in the padding 7 educated.

That in the upholstery 7 integrated inflatable element 4 is about means for inflating in the form of a gas generator 9 (eg a micro-gas generator) inflated. The gas generator 9 is in the backrest 31 the vehicle seat integrated and a holder 91 especially on the frame 313 can be fixed.

6 shows the inflatable element 4 in inflated or at least partially inflated state. The inflatable element 4 is arranged and arranged to extend substantially in the direction of a vehicle occupant (not shown) on the vehicle seat, and so on upholstery 7 exerts a force on the vehicle occupant who moves it away from a collision location. The material of the padding is designed correspondingly stretchable, so that the inflatable element in its interior can expand substantially unhindered in the direction of the vehicle occupant.

In another variant ( 7 ) is the upholstery 7 so that they by expanding the inflatable element 4 at least partially ruptures, and so the obstruction of the inflatable element and the power transmission to the vehicle occupant hindered as little as possible. According to 7 the upholstery is designed to fit together with the upholstery 8th in two parts 7a . 7b tears. The vehicle occupant facing part 7b is moved toward the vehicle occupant by the expanding inflatable member, so that a force from the expanding inflatable member over the portion 7b the upholstery 7 is transmitted to the vehicle occupants.

8th also shows a section through the backrest portion of a vehicle seat of a vehicle seat assembly according to the invention. In contrast to the variants of the 5 to 7 is the inflatable element 4 but between the padding 7 and the reference 8th arranged.

In particular, a wrapping material that extends the inflatable chamber extends 41 of the element 4 limited, between the padding 7 and the reference 8th (see excerpt 8A ). In another variant, the inflatable element 4 no shell material different from the cover or upholstery, but the inflatable element is formed directly by the cover and / or the padding of the vehicle seat, ie the chamber 41 the inflatable element is covered by the reference 8th and / or the upholstery 7 limited. For example, the chamber 41 separated in this variant by seams that define the reference to the padding.

Indicates the inflatable element as in 8th a separate wrapping material, this can on the cover 7 and / or the padding. This is shown in the sections B and C, after which the shell material 42 of the inflatable element 4 about attachment medium 45 (eg glue or a seam) on the cover 8th or on the padding 7 are fixed. The fasteners 45 in particular also serve the inflatable element 4 to hold in position upon impact of the vehicle occupant or a vehicle structure (eg, intruding into the vehicle interior) and / or to dissipate a force acting thereon on the inflatable element.

9 shows one between the padding 7 and the seat cover 8th arranged inflatable element 4 in at least partially inflated state. The seat cover 8th In this example, it is so extensible that it impedes the expansion of the inflatable element as little as possible. In another variant, the seat cover is torn by the expansion of the inflatable element, so that the inflatable element can expand unhindered. For this purpose, for example, weakenings (eg in the form of a perforation or a tear seam) may be present in the seat cover.

The vehicle seat assembly has in this Embodiment also fastening means in the form of a band 100 on, over which a section of the wrapping material 42 of the inflatable element with a part 200 the vehicle seat is connected. The ribbon 100 serves to influence the direction of expansion of the inflatable element, ie to help the inflatable element to expand predominantly toward the vehicle occupant. At the same time, the tape 100 be arranged and arranged so that it holds the inflatable element in the impact of the vehicle occupant and / or a vehicle structure in position.

10 concerns a further variant of the vehicle seat assembly according to the invention, again a sectional view through a backrest 31 the vehicle seat of the vehicle seat assembly is shown. The inflatable element 4 is in this variant from the outside to the backrest 31 (more precisely on the side wall 311 ) and z. B. with the reference 8th and / or the upholstery 7 the backrest 31 connected.

11 shows a development of the variant of 10 , wherein inside, ie in the chamber 41 , the inflatable element 4 a connecting element in the form of a tether 300 is arranged. The tether 300 connects portions of the inside of the wrapping material 42 each other so that the inflatable element 4 has a constriction in the inflated state. The tether 300 in particular serves to influence the direction of expansion of the inflatable element, in particular so that the inflatable element expands substantially in the direction of the vehicle occupant.

12 relates to a further modification of the variant of 10 which requires two inflatable elements 4a . 4b are provided, each as a chamber of a multi-chamber element 40 are formed. The multi-chamber element 40 has a shell material 402 on top of that, the two chambers 4a and 4b limited. The two chambers are separated by a separating element 403 separated from each other, wherein the separating element 300 the interior of the wrapping material 402 passes. In the example of 11 exists between the two inflatable elements 4a . 4b no connection. However, it may be provided that the separating element 403 has an opening so that an overflow of gas from one inflatable element into the other is possible.

13 is a perspective view of a multi-chamber element 40 in which inflatable elements 4a . 4b are formed in the form of chambers. The chambers are separated by a partition 403 separated from each other.

Another embodiment of two inflatable elements is in 13 shown. Thereafter, there are two separately manufactured inflatable elements 4a . 4b with their outer sides in sections to each other and are connected 400 (eg in the form of a seam) connected to each other.

1

Vehicle seat assembly

2

vehicle

3

vehicle seat

4, 4a, 4b

inflatable element

5

passenger

6

Side air bag

7

upholstery

7a, 7b

section

8th

reference

9

inflator

21

Vehicle longitudinal side

31

backrest

40

More chamber member

41

chamber

42

shell material

45

fastener

91

holder

100

tape

200

part

300

tape

311

side cheek

312

page

313

frame

314

midsection

400

connection

402

shell material

403

separating element

F

force on vehicle occupants

K

force on the vehicle side

Claims (20)

Vehicle seat arrangement for a motor vehicle, having - a vehicle seat ( 3 ), which at least one for protecting a vehicle occupant located on the vehicle seat ( 5 ) inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ), wherein - the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) is designed and arranged such that it predominantly points in the direction of the vehicle occupant ( 5 ) expands when inflated. Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by means ( 9 ) for inflating the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ), which are formed, the inflatable element from the beginning of a collision of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) inflate. Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inflatable re element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) in the inflated state mostly between one side ( 312 ) of the vehicle seat installed in the vehicle ( 3 ), the closer to the vehicle seat vehicle side ( 21 ) and the vehicle occupant ( 5 ). Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) is configured and arranged such that, as it expands, it exerts a force (F) on the vehicle occupants ( 5 ) from a vehicle side ( 21 ) of the vehicle moves away. Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ), the force (F) on the vehicle occupants ( 5 ) before it comes into contact with a section of the vehicle side structure intruding into the vehicle interior ( 21 ) comes. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by means for damping an impact of the vehicle occupants and / or a vehicle structure on the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ). Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 5 and 6, characterized in that - the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) is adapted to exert the force (F) on the vehicle occupant in a first phase of expansion; and - the means for damping an impact are formed only during a subsequent, second phase of the expansion of the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) to be activated. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two inflatable elements in the installed state of the vehicle seat ( 3 ) are arranged one above the other along the vehicle height direction and / or at least two inflatable elements are arranged side by side transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of inflatable elements ( 4a . 4b ), each in the form of a chamber of a multi-chamber element ( 40 ) are formed. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) on or in a section of a side wall ( 311 ) of the vehicle seat ( 3 ) arranged to the vehicle occupant ( 5 ) is facing. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) in a padding ( 7 ) of the vehicle seat ( 3 ) is arranged. Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) in the form of a stretchable cavity in the padding ( 7 ) is trained. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) between a padding ( 7 ) of the vehicle seat ( 3 ) and a reference ( 8th ) of the vehicle seat ( 3 ) and on the padding ( 7 ) and / or on the reference ( 8th ). Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) on an outer side of a cover ( 8th ) of the vehicle seat ( 3 ) is arranged. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by fastening means ( 100 ), over which the inflatable element is attached to a structure ( 200 ) of the vehicle seat ( 3 ) that the direction of expansion of the inflatable element is influenced. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - a wrapping material ( 42 ), which has a chamber ( 41 ) of the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) limited; and - at least one connecting element ( 300 ), two sections of an inner surface of the wrapping material ( 42 ) so that the direction of expansion of the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) being affected. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an airbag ( 6 ), which in the deployed state mostly between a vehicle longitudinal side ( 21 ) and the vehicle seat ( 3 ). Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) extends flat in the deflated state. Vehicle with a vehicle seat arrangement after one of the preceding claims. A method of protecting a vehicle occupant, comprising the steps of: - providing a vehicle seat ( 3 ), which is an inflatable element ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) having; - Arranging and inflating the inflatable ele mentes ( 4 . 4a . 4b ) such that it is predominantly in the direction of the vehicle occupant ( 5 ) expands.